“She went back to Cambridge?” Catherine pondered, her mind formulating a plan.
“Yes,” Brooks confirmed, and Catherine suppressed a gasp of surprise. She’d forgotten he hadn’t left the room.
“Thank you,” she answered. “If we’re missing a piece of the puzzle, then maybe it’s there.”
“You’re not going to Cambridge,” Quin said in a tight voice.
Catherine focused her attention on him, arching a brow. “If unraveling the mystery means I can marry you without further scandal, I think that travel to Cambridge would be desirable.”
“Take Morgan and Joan,” the Duchess of Wesley interjected.
Quin shot his mother a glare.
“Don’t give me that look. She can’t very well go with you—or him.” She jabbed a thumb in Lord Bircham’s direction. “If she leaves with you, it will look like she’s running off to avoid him, and that will only feed the fire.”
Quin thought it over.
“As much as it goes against the grain, I do see your logic. And while I might balk at a lady taking on such an activity, I think you’ll agree with me when I say that Lady Catherine isn’t the sort to back down from anything,” Lord Bircham said in deference to Catherine.
“Is that a compliment?” Catherine asked.
“If you wish to take it as one, be my guest.”
Facing Catherine, Quin studied her for a moment. “I don’t like the plan, but if there’s anything to be found in Cambridge that will help unwind the problem, Morgan can find it. Joan’s presence will keep you respectable as you travel, and continuing with what seems like natural travel plans with friends will lend inauthenticity to the gossip, especially if Bircham and I remain in London.” He cast a confirming peek at Bircham, who showed his agreement.
“I’ll remain in London, and better yet, let us be seen at White’s together. I’ll congratulate you on your engagement.” Lord Bircham paused. “You are, in fact, promised to one another, correct?”
“Yes,” Quin answered directly.
“Then celebration is in order.”
The Duchess of Wesley agreed. “This just might work. And if it works well, we might not need to know all the reasons…”
“I want to know,” Catherine insisted. “Mrs. Burke has had a plan from the beginning. I’m sure of it. I don’t want that hanging over me as I move forward.”
“Agreed.” Quin addressed Lord Bircham: “I apologize for my earlier behavior. You’ve been of great assistance in this current situation. Thank you.”
Lord Bircham lifted a hand. “I can overlook it, given the information you had and your engagement to Lady Catherine.”
“Much obliged.” After the two men clasped hands, Quin returned his attention to Catherine. “Just when I have the full expectation of spending time with you, travel takes you away. I must say, I’ve never harbored ill feelings for my home—”
“Your home! That will be splendid!” the Duchess of Wesley interrupted, clapping her hands.
“Pardon?” Quin inquired.
“Lady Catherine will stay in your town house in Cambridge. It will lend truth to the story.”
Quin gave his approval. “I see. Brilliant. And if I cannot be there with you, it does soothe me slightly to know you’ll be in my house.”
“If you’ll excuse me, it seems as if there is a working plan, and I wish to clean up.” Lord Bircham grasped his cane. “You will, of course, know where to find me if you need further information or assistance.”
“Yes, thank you,” Catherine said.
Quin inclined his head with approval, and Lord Bircham bowed as he departed, giving a wary glance to Brooks, who watched him carefully then followed him.
Catherine turned to Quin. “Well, this is not how I was expecting today to proceed.”
Quin agreed heartily. “Nor I.”