Page 74 of Devoted to the Duke (The St. Clairs 1)

“Are you really interested in leaving England?”

He shrugged. “Not much here for me.”

“Then I would be happy to have you come along with us to Boston.” She thought a moment. “We can take a mail coach to Bristol. I’d rather leave from there than London.”

Strong grew pensive. “In case the duke tries to change your mind about the annulment?”

“Even if he attempted to—which I doubt after what’s passed between us—I can’t stay.”

“It’s because of your mother, isn’t it? And Lady Leah’s.”

Catherine sucked in a quick breath. “You... know?”

Strong nodded. “I was valet to the earl, my lady. With him every day.”

“Then you met my mother, I suppose?”

“I did. She was a lovely woman, my lady.”

“Would you tell me about her? Just a little?” she asked.

“She was very beautiful. You resemble her a great deal. You have her auburn hair and the same bright, blue eyes she possessed, though you’re a little taller than she was. She acted on the stage. Mostly in small roles. I was the one who brought her to the country and visited her every day, making sure she had what she needed as she increased. She was very grateful for my visits. Always had a kind smile and word for me. She liked to sing and she knitted you caps and sewed many outfits that you wore when you were a baby. I think you would have liked her very much.”

Catherine closed her eyes, imagining the woman. Though Mama would always be her true mother, it was nice to hear that the one who gave her life was kind.

She opened her eyes. There would be time for her to think more about this woman. Time to ask Strong more about what he could recall of her. For now, Catherine must focus on a quick departure.

“Thank you for sharing those memories with me, Strong. Now, we need to act quickly and leave London as soon as possible.”

His face darkened. “It’s the new Lord Statham, isn’t it? He’s threatened to expose you.” She saw understanding dawn on his face. “You’re trying to protect His Grace and the St. Clairs.”

Tears welled in her eyes. “Yes. Statham is blackmailing me. He’s asked me to arrange for him to marry Everton’s sister in two years. I can’t see her life ruined. And if I don’t comply, my cousin will tell thetonthat Leah and I are bastards, passed off to thetonas purebred Crawfords. That’s why I seek the annulment, Strong. The St. Clairs will be embarrassed for a short while but society is more forgiving of a wronged duke. By the time the scandal breaks, Leah and I will be far away.”

“I see.” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Several mail coaches run from London to Bristol each day. Once we reach Bristol, we can book passage on a packet ship.”

“What is that?” she asked, having no knowledge of ships that sailed on the seas.

“It carries mail, cargo, and passengers. Will you be able to afford a stateroom for yourself and your sister? Traveling in steerage wouldn’t be advisable for two ladies.”

“I have funds from my books that we can use for passage and to start our new lives.”

“Good. The staterooms are tiny but you’ll have a bed with linens and a washbasin.”

“Should we arrange for tickets today on one of tomorrow’s mail coaches?”

“I can take care of that.”

Catherine reached into her reticule and handed over some bank notes. “Is that enough for the three of us to have tickets?”

Strong laughed. “More than enough.” He grew serious. “What about Lady Leah?”

“She’s still at Everton’s. Statham told me I’d be the one to inform her she was moving back under his care for the next two years since he is her legal guardian. It’s another way he aims to control me. I’ve got to find a way to get her from Everton’s without him or Statham knowing.”

He thought a moment. “I made friends with one of the upstairs maids when I got to the duke’s townhouse. I knew a younger brother of hers years ago. I could get her to pack a valise for Lady Leah while she’s at dinner tonight and sneak it down to me.”

“That’s wonderful, Strong. I’ll write Leah and tell her I need to see her. That she’s to keep it a secret. Once I sign the annulment papers, we can pick her up and leave London.”

“My lady, I’ve got to return the duke’s carriage,” Strong pointed out.

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