“Liam would be an ally for you,” said Mel. “If anyone can restore a person’s place in society it is he. Please say you’ll consider marrying Joseph.”
“I would marry him in a heartbeat, if he would but ask,” said Evelyn, who found the confession tumbling out of her. “But he does not love me. I cannot see him moving to the country and I’m not sure I could watch him go into danger every day.”
“That part can be difficult,” said Vanessa. “But perhaps there is a way for him to have a position that would involve fewer risks.”
“Perhaps,” said Evelyn. “But the point is moot because he has never even broached the subject of marriage with me.”
“Are you telling me Joseph has never kissed you?” asked Lizzie.
“Lizzie,” said Jane. “That is a very forward question.”
“It is,” agreed Lizzie. “So, has he?”
“Yes,” said Evelyn, unable to keep anything from her friends. “And…more.”
“More is a very good sign,” said Lizzie. “I am confident he would not have done such a thing if his intentions were not honorable.”
“I cannot imagine Joseph being anything but honorable,” added Mel.
“Then why won’t he tell me what his intentions are?” asked Evelyn. “He knows I must marry to save the tenants. The least he could do is tell me he’d be open to such a possibility.”
“Men can be most obtuse about such things,” said Jane. “I believe you must bring it up. And since he will be staying in the adjoining room, you shall have every opportunity to bring him up to snuff.”
“Indeed,” said Lizzie. “I shall return early tomorrow in hopes of hearing an announcement.”
Evelyn looked at the ladies around her. She could not remember a time when she’d been so welcomed into a group. They would not desert her, she was certain of it. Could it be possible that she might gain a husband and friends such as these? Suddenly, her life seemed so much fuller.
Half an hour later, the ladies walked Lizzie to the door, where her husband waited. “Where is Joseph?” Lizzie asked. “I wanted to say good-bye.”
Marcus looked a bit uncomfortable. “He has gone home. He needed to attend to some matters from work. He asked that I say good-bye to each of you.” He turned to Evelyn. “I believe he wished he could remain, but felt it was best if he did not.”
The ladies were silent. Evelyn felt like crying, but tried not to let it show. Lizzie hugged her.
“The battle has just begun,” she whispered. “And you shall be victorious.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Word had spread quickly that one of London’s most elusive heiresses was in town. Those mamas with sons in need of fortunes were especially anxious to reacquaint themselves with her. Or, in some cases, to meet her for the very first time. For the former Earl of Larsen had spent little time in London and since he’d had the bad manners to die shortly after her come-out, which allowed her to retire to the country for an extended mourning period, she’d made little impression on the ton.
But now she was back in London and, according to rumor, looking for a husband. There was even some talk of a deadline by which she had to wed. There would have been a veritable stampede of ladies to her door, had she not been staying at Lynwood House. It was not proper to call there since Lord Edward’s wife was in her confinement. It would have been altogether more convenient had Lady Evelyn stayed with her cousin the earl.
As for the mothers of debutantes and other girls who were less well dowered, Lady Evelyn’s reappearance was not greeted with nearly as much good cheer. It was thought she was ill-mannered, bordering on vulgar to appear at such an advanced age, desperate for a husband after ignoring her social obligations all these years. Her spinster state and rumored bluestocking tendencies would never outshine the mamas’ dear daughters, were it not for the money.
Of course, the ladies who were well and truly caught in the middle were those with both sons in need of fortunes and daughters in need of husbands. It could only be hoped, of course, that Lady Evelyn would wed a son, then dower her new sister-in-law. Or, at the very least, steer some of her rejected suitors to the girl. But if spending too much time with Lady Evelyn cast daughters in the shade, then it was best to retain some distance from the heiress, though not enough to allow a rival to sneak in and gain the advantage.
All in all, it was hoped the lady had a face like a horse. That was not the gentlemen’s wish, of course. Just the mamas’.
That hope was dispelled once Lady Evelyn was spotted in company with the Kellington wives. Or, as one unkind soul put it, the common Kellington wives, namely Vanessa and the American Melanie. Not that anyone would admit to disparaging them within hearing distance of any Kellingtons. And the ladies who most often made those unkind remarks were ones who’d been disappointed in their pursuit of Arthur and Hal.
But Lady Evelyn had gone on a shopping trip to Bond Street, accompanied by the two wives, as well as the Kellingtons’ Aunt Prudence and her longtime companion Mariah. It had long been rumored that Prudence and Mariah had an unnatural relationship, so for Lady Evelyn to willingly appear in their company was certainly a mark against her. No one understood why the Kellingtons not only tolerated the women but seemed to be genuinely fond of them. Lynwood in particular had made it known that anyone insulting a member of his family – which included the aunt and her companion, as well as the lowborn wives – would suffer the consequences. As no one was quite sure if that meant simply the cut direct or, more drastically, pistols at dawn, the ton dutifully showed respect in his presence.
Once Lady Evelyn had been spotted, she had been discussed and dissected in sitting rooms throughout Mayfair. Lady Gwendolyn Bossert, who hadn’t actually seen the lady in question, declared her vulgar and someone who would forever remain a spinster had it not been for her money. Of course, it was somewhat discreetly noted that Lady Gwendolyn was not exactly getting any younger and she too was in possession of a sizable dowry, though not as generous as Lady Evelyn’s.
A number of ladies had even descended upon the Countess of Larsen’s home that day, inquiring after her sister-in-law. It was thought to be curious, indeed, that Lady Evelyn was not staying there, since they were her closest relatives. The countess defended her ably, though a bit vaguely, commenting on how Evelyn had wanted to catch up with her friends the Kellingtons, though it was known the family had never spent much time at the estate in Oxfordshire. But it was not good form to press the countess too much, especially if one wanted her to put in a good word for an impoverished son.
It was through all of this maneuvering that several invitations were issued to Lady Evelyn, begging her attendance at any number of breakfasts and balls. Each hostess hoped she would be the one to reintroduce Lady Evelyn to the ton, for it would surely enhance the lucky matron’s reputation.
As it turned out, Lady Wallander was the first to reintroduce Lady Evelyn to the ton through a ball held not three nights after the heiress’s arrival in London. Not only would Lady Evelyn be attending, but Lord Arthur and Lord Henry would be there, as well. The bad news was they were also bringing their wives, but that could hardly be avoided. They also had the extremely irregular request to bring a guest, a Mr. Joseph Stapleton, who was, of all things, a Bow Street Inspector. Had this been a request from any other family, it would have been rejected. But no one other than a Kellington would have asked. It was, of course, quickly agreed to with the utmost grace.
There were a few ladies who were not mean-spirited and had been introduced to Lady Evelyn by Prudence and Mariah – who were very nice women, regardless of the aspersions cast upon them. Those ladies recognized in an instant that Lady Evelyn would draw the attention of every gentleman in the ballroom, for reasons that had nothing to do with her fortune. For she was stunningly beautiful and a lovely person.
The kind ladies could not wait for the show to begin, when the matchmaking mamas met their worst nightmare.
* * *
Evelyn was extre
mely nervous for the Wallanders’ ball. It was her first foray into society since her come-out and it would be the first time she’d seen Joseph since his abrupt departure from Lynwood House two days prior. It would be mortifying for him to witness her feeble attempts to attract a husband, yet Lizzie insisted that she go through the motions, even if she did not feel like marrying.
“I have prepared a list for you,” said Lizzie, “And I’ve given copies to Arthur and Hal. They will make sure you meet the right gentlemen.”
“But I feel like a fraud. My emotions are already engaged, much as I wish they weren’t.”
“It is good they are engaged, as I feel Joseph cares for you greatly, though Marcus was distressingly tight-lipped about what transpired when they played chess. But once Joseph watches you dance with these men, I suspect he will stop being so annoyingly noble. I understand he will meet you there.”
“What if he doesn’t come?” asked Evelyn, hating herself for sounding so pathetic.
“Trust me, he’ll be there. Now go enjoy yourself tonight while Jane and I discuss baby names and drive Ned and Marcus to distraction.”
So, Evelyn had left for the ball with Arthur, Vanessa, Hal and Melanie. They arrived to find the ballroom only half filled, yet Evelyn still felt self-conscious to be the focus of so much attention when they were announced.
She stayed close to the Kellingtons, who walked through the ballroom seemingly unaware of the stares of the other guests.
“How do you do this on a regular basis?” Evelyn asked Vanessa.
“It helps to be on Arthur’s arm. I would not mind never stepping into a ballroom ever again, but I do so because my actions reflect on the family and they are expected to attend these events. I understand how Joseph feels in that sense, though I do wish he’d stop being stubborn.”
“So do I,” said Evelyn. She could still feel the stares of those around them, as much as they tried to hide their perusal. She hoped they could return home at the earliest opportunity. “There is a gentleman headed this way.”
“He’s on Lizzie’s list,” said Arthur. “She had Marcus send word to all the men on the list that they might seek an introduction.”
“How did Marcus like his task?” asked Vanessa.
“Not well. But when did he ever refuse Lizzie anything?”
“Arthur, Lady Vanessa.” A tall, fair-haired man bowed before them, addressing the others, but smiling at Evelyn.
Arthur did the honors. “Lady Evelyn, may I present Garrett Stark, the Earl of Shively. Garrett, Lady Evelyn.”
“It is an honor to meet you, Lady Evelyn. I have long looked forward to this evening for I heard you would be here.”
“Thank you, my lord,” said Evelyn, barely suppressing an eye roll. The man, while polite, had likely never known of her existence until that very day.
“Would you do me the honor of granting me this dance?”
“It would be my pleasure,” said Evelyn as she put her hand on his arm.
She realized just how much her thoughts had centered on Joseph, for it was only when she was about to step out into the country dance that she realized she hadn’t danced in a ballroom of any size in several years. No doubt these guests would not be as unforgiving of any mistakes as her neighbors in Caversham. She hoped she did not embarrass the Kellingtons. But there was nothing to it but to step out and try to enjoy herself.
* * *
Joseph valued his friendship with Liam. But the next time he saw the duke, he would gladly plant the man a facer. Since setting out to help Lady Evelyn, his emotional well-being had been completely upended. Loneliness was easier to accept when there was no one in particular you wanted by your side. But now that he’d met Evelyn and, yes, fallen in love with her, he was miserable.
Watching her dance and, damn it, laugh with some Byron-like fop was doing nothing to improve his mood. It had been extremely difficult to leave Lynwood House two days earlier, but he’d known that if he didn’t, he would have gone to her that night. And they would not have stopped before her innocence was well and truly gone.
And now he was in a ballroom where he was not wanted, watching a woman who would be mobbed by men who would never appreciate her the way she deserved. He could already see how her partner was holding her hands just a bit longer than was strictly necessary or proper.
“Anything wrong, Joseph?” Hal looked at him with some amusement as he sipped champagne.
Perhaps, Joseph could hit Hal in Liam’s absence. They were then joined by Arthur.
“Who is Evelyn’s partner?” asked Joseph.
“The Earl of Shively,” said Arthur. “He could not wait to make her acquaintance.”
“I suppose he’s an impoverished bounder, willing to do anything to restore his family’s coffers.”
“Actually,” said Arthur, “his estates do quite well. Word has it his mama is pressuring him to marry. And judging from the feminine glares directed at Evelyn just now, I believe the ladies have scented a rival.”
Joseph narrowed his eyes at Shively.
“Have you discovered anything of note since we last saw you?” asked Hal.
“I’ve been looking into Evelyn’s three country suitors, who all followed her to town. Each called at her cousin’s house today. I left a man stationed nearby as I made inquiries of my own.”
“It is not surprising that her suitors would call on him,” said Hal. “He is the head of her family.”
“I was trying to discern whether there is collusion between any of them and the earl. I would like to know if any of them is pursuing her for less than honorable reasons. Who’s she dancing with now?”
Arthur and Hal turned to see Evelyn being led out into yet another dance by a man in his late-thirties, with dark hair.
“That’s Viscount Grassley,” said Arthur. “Before you ask, he’s a veteran of the Peninsular Wars and has a profitable shipping venture. His primary estate is in Cornwall.”
Joseph’s mood turned even darker. It must have been obvious, for Arthur added, “Are you sure nothing’s the matter, Joseph?”
“Quite.”
After a while, Arthur and Hal left to dance with their wives. Joseph continued to watch the so-called noblemen of the ton leer at Evelyn. He wanted to take her away from there with all due haste. He had heard more than one person mention her fortune as he’d slowly circled the room. He tried not to stare at her, but he knew where she was at every minute. It was as if she and he were connected in some way. He knew where his limbs were at all times. He knew where she was, as well.
The fools who were interested in her fortune had no idea of the real treasure they would be attaining in a marriage with her. He could not imagine the privilege of coming home to see her at the end of the day. Taking her to bed. Raising children together.
Bloody hell. Though he almost never drank while on duty, he took a glass of champagne from a passing footman.
“Stapleton, is it?”
Joseph turned to find Viscount Smithton standing before him. “My lord.”
“Quite a crush, is it not? Spending as much time as I do in Oxfordshire, I’d quite forgotten how painfully boring these things could be.”
“I did not realize you were coming to London.”
“Bit of a last minute thing, really. I wanted to buy some Christmas presents and Caversham’s tiny shop does not really compare with what London has to offer. She looks lovely tonight, does she not?”
Joseph did not pretend to misunderstand to whom he referred. “Very.”
“I imagine almost every man in the room will be after her – both those who truly want to marry her and those who primarily want her fortune.”
“And which would you be?” Joseph could not quite believe those words had slipped from his mouth, though, upon reflection, he had no desire to take them back.
Smithton looked at him appraisingly. “I certainly don’t have dishonorable intentions toward her, though I do not see how it is any of your concern.” He looked more
amused than offended.
“I’m just looking out for her on Lynwood’s behalf.”
“Don’t know why it’s any of his concern, either. Unless….do he and Evelyn know each other better than one might think?”
“No.” The very question made him want to punch Smithton in his perfect face. “His grace is simply a true nobleman, wanting to make sure his neighbor’s interests are protected.”
“Ah, the wedding deadline. Don’t suppose you ever found out if the December deadline is real? Might be worth staying around if it is. What the…look who it is.”
They were then joined by Professor Dodson, who was turned out in evening clothes that could rival Beau Brummel’s finest days, and the squire’s son, Mr. Kensington, who was dressed the way he must have imagined young men dressed at a London ball.
Which was not well.
“Surprised to see you here, Stapleton,” said Dodson. “I can’t imagine how you secured an invitation. They’re most exclusive at these things, though perhaps not as exclusive as they once were.” Here, he took a dramatic look at young Kensington’s clothes, an interesting mixing of colors and patterns.
“I’ve never seen so many beautiful ladies in my life,” said Kensington. “Do you know how a gentleman could meet opera dancers, Stapleton? My mama warned me against them, which made me all the more curious to make their acquaintance.”
Joseph could only imagine the trouble the young man could get himself into. “It can be an expensive proposition in more ways than one.”
The three Oxfordshire gentlemen watched the dancers, giving Joseph time to study each of them. It was interesting that they had all followed Evelyn to town, for he had no doubt they had done so deliberately. But there was no crime in that, after all. Each had expressed an interest in Evelyn that seemed genuine, though he still had his suspicions about the falling tree. And on the face of it, the matches had advantages. If she married one of these three men, her life could probably continue on much as it always had been. That would be preferable to marrying a gentleman more firmly entrenched in the ton. He might never want to leave London. Worse, he might be one of the libertines who frequented brothels or kept a mistress.
Never Turn Away (Kellington Book Six) Page 16