Page 73 of Devoted to the Duke (The St. Clairs 1)

He greeted her, shaking her hand warmly, and closing the door.

“This is an unexpected pleasure, Your Grace.”

“Events have changed my circumstances,” she revealed. “I will be moving to America.”

“America? Whatever for?”

“I’d like that to remain personal for now, Mr. Bellows.”

“Of course, Your Grace. What can I do for you?”

“Would you consider continuing our arrangement and publishing my work?”

He smiled nervously. “If His Grace approves, I don’t see why not.”

“His Grace has nothing to do with it. We are seeking an annulment.”

The man’s jaw dropped. Quickly, he closed it, obviously flustered.

“I have many more children’s stories in my head. I would prefer to publish them with you but I can always go elsewhere.”

“No, Your Grace, I’d be happy to publish them. As a matter of fact, I’ve been exploring the possibility of partnering with a publisher in America. If I’m able to work it out and you’re agreeable, your work could be released both here and there.”

Knowing she would be the sole source of income for her and Leah, she said, “The idea appeals to me greatly.”

“When do you leave?”

“Very soon.” Catherine rose and offered her hand. “You’ve been a good friend to me, Mr. Bellows. I will write to you from America and give you my new address. Most likely, Leah and I will settle in Boston or New York.”

“I would recommend Boston, Your Grace. It’s smaller than New York and it has a thriving community of artists and authors. My cousin moved there over a decade ago and seems quite happy.”

She smiled. “Then Boston it is. Good day.”

Catherine returned to the coach and had Strong take her to her bank. There, she withdrew everything in her account and closed it. Her reticule felt heavy with the bank notes she carried.

“Where next, Your Grace?”

“Don’t call me that anymore, Strong. Everton and I are getting an annulment.”

To his benefit, he merely nodded, taking the news in stride.

“Do you know anything about ships to America?”

Surprise filled his face. “I suppose. A few merchant ships leave from London. Those carrying passengers depart from Bristol or Liverpool, though.”

“Hmm. Liverpool is a good distance away. How far is it to Bristol?”

Strong thought a moment. “I’d say a good hundred miles.” He hesitated. “Are you planning to go to America, Lady Catherine?”

She nodded. “I think it’s for the best under the circumstances.”

“You’ll need someone to look after you,” he said, determination filling his lined face.

Catherine saw where this was leading. “No, Strong. You’re to stay here. I can’t have you going across an ocean with Leah and me.”

He gave her a dejected look. “Where else would I go, my lady? Despite you being gentry, you’re all the family I’ve got.”

She realized that was true. The former valet was the one link to her past.

---