“If we tell you what we know, we want an increase in the allowance you plan to give us,” the duke demanded.
Sam hated that this man and his wife cared so little about their children. He may have had an awful upbringing, but he knew he was loved. His siblings, Maggie, and Joseph made sure of that.
“Fine. You are never to set foot in London again.”
The duchess looked like she wanted to argue but Sam shook his head, “That is non-negotiable.”
The duke nodded. “He is departing on a ship from the London Docks tomorrow. He rented an inn close by.”
“Do you know what ship?” Sam asked.
The duke shook his head. “He didn’t say, and he seemed unwell. We didn’t ask any further questions.”
“Did you know that he was planning this?” Jack asked.
“I would not involve myself in something so disgusting as kidnapping.”
“Yet, you would help Dolan pay off the women he beats,” Devons said quietly.
The duke scowled at him. “You have no right to even speak to me.”
Sam stood and said, “He has every right. You and your wife are a disgrace. Not even your title can hide that. Leave today. I don’t want to ever see you again.”
Once outside of the townhouse, Sam said to Devons, “Will you find Miller and the constable and tell them to meet us at the docks?”
Devons nodded. “Be safe my friends.”
Sam and Jack nodded. They mounted their horses and Sam forced back the tears that were threatening to explode. How would he find her? He had no idea.
Jack nodded to him and said, “Let’s go find your wife and Abigail. Don’t lose hope.”
Chapter 34
Clara and Abigail made their way down the stairs. Dolan was sitting at one of the inn’s sofas while Taylor stood.
“There are my lovely ladies,” Dolan said, delighted to see them.
Clara shivered, still not understanding how Dolan could think he would get away with all of this.
“Come sit with me,” he said, pointing to his lap.
She nodded to Taylor and said, “May we have some privacy?”
Taylor shook his head. “My lord—”
Dolan cut him off. “Out Taylor. Allow me to spend time with these two ladies.”
Taylor scowled at Clara and Abigail before stomping out the front door. Dolan smiled. “Now, Clara, you come sit here,” he said pointing to his lap. “And, Abigail, you sit next to us.”
Abigail whimpered and Dolan laughed. “Abigail, you act like I am a monster. You know I treat you well as long as you listen.”
Clara willed Abigail to not fall apart. They needed each other. Abigail nodded and said, “Yes, my lord.”
Clara made her way over to Dolan and sat on his lap. Her stomach gurgled in repulsion. He grabbed her chin and said, “Just think we wouldn’t be going through with all of this had we wed as we were supposed to.”
Clara nodded, unable to speak without disgust. “You could have been the most respected lady within thetonbut instead now we will have to flee. That is okay, we will have each other and Abigail.”
Abigail recoiled and pushed herself into the corner of the sofa. He released Clara’s chin and said,
