Never Turn Away (Kellington Book Six)

by Driscoll, Maureen

  He led her up to the wood-paneled entryway, wanting nothing more than to take her in his arms. He settled for placing a hand on the small of her back as he pointed out the sconces he ordered from France.

  Evelyn looked around, smiling. “Your house makes an elegant first impression. Rather like its owner.”

  “Thank you, Evelyn, though I seem to remember making an ass of myself when we first met.”

  He showed her the dining room. “I often feel like a fool at this table when I seldom have enough guests to fill it. My sergeant and his wife used to dine with me often, but now that Mrs. Fisk is increasing, I fear I will not see them as often. And, of course, the Kellingtons have been frequent guests, though they too have more familial obligations.”

  Suddenly he remembered he had not pulled out the night before. Soon it might not just be the Kellingtons, Rivertons and Fisks with familial obligations.

  “Joseph, is anything wrong?”

  “Nothing, thank you.” Other than the thought of having a child with Evelyn made him weak in the knees. He led her into the modest sitting room.

  “This room is nicely situated,” said Evelyn. “The morning sun makes it a place where one could happily while away the hours.”

  “I do not spend much time here, in part because I am rarely home during the day. And in the evenings, I am in the library. May I show it to you?”

  “I have long looked forward to seeing it.”

  He escorted her upstairs to his favorite room in the house.

  “It is lovely,” she said, looking around at the hundreds of volumes. “It is an extensive collection.”

  “Not compared to yours.”

  “But my library was started generations ago. You have built yours from the first volume. I am very impressed, though I fear you do not possess enough novels.”

  “You can add as many as you’d like,” he said without thinking.

  “How, Joseph?” she asked softly. “What would give me the right to add books to your library?”

  He was well and truly caught, for he could think of only one reason why she would. So he said it. “If you were my wife.”

  Her eyes widened. “Are you asking me to be your wife?”

  “There is every reason in the world why I should not.”

  “There is only one reason why you should not. And that is if you do not love me.”

  “How can you even ask? I love you more than life itself. I love you so much that I am still asking you to marry me, though I know you will suffer because of it.”

  “Joseph,” she said, as she put her arms around his neck. “I have suffered enough waiting for you to ask me. I love you, as well. I love you so much that I will see you go into danger every day, not knowing if you will come back to me. Because I know that is who you are. I know how much your work means to you. And I want to wake up next to you in this lovely home every day.”

  He kissed her. Passionately, lovingly. After a moment, he pulled back the smallest distance.

  “What about your estate? The people there need you.”

  “We will find a way. At least if we marry before the deadline we know my tenants won’t be turned off the land.”

  “I hate to think of living off your money.”

  She grinned. “I will do my best to make you accustomed to it. And you can do your best to let me see the stars from London.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  It was nearly tea time when Joseph returned Evelyn to Lynwood House, dressed in a day gown that the ever resourceful Goldberg had managed to find which fit her surprisingly well. Joseph had been tempted to simply walk her to the door, then quickly depart. But he could not subject Evelyn to the embarrassment of facing the Kellingtons alone. He knew they would not be unkind, but they would have questions.

  He would supply the answers.

  They entered the house to find the entire family at tea. He and Evelyn were met with smug, inquisitive faces.

  “Rak,” said Jane with a grin. “Can you please take Violet to the nursery? I believe there are some topics the adults wish to discuss.”

  “I wish to discuss, too!” said Vi.

  “Yes, Poppet,” said her papa, “but I believe Merry Man and Titania miss you. Don’t you want to play with them?”

  “Can’t I play with them down here?”

  “Not right now, sweetling. But we’ll be up to play with you soon.”

  “All right,” said Vi, milking the situation for all it was worth. “As long as I can take another biscuit before I go.”

  Jane said “no,” while Ned said “yes.” The girl happily obeyed her father, then left with Rak.

  “I hope I did not worry you last night,” said Evelyn.

  “Not at all,” said Vanessa with a smile. “Joseph sent word with the coachman.”

  “Very well. I am glad that is settled,” said Joseph, as he bowed to Evelyn. “I shall see you later.”

  “Do not think you’re getting away that easily,” said Lizzie in full marchioness mode. “We knew where she was, but I imagine there is much more to the story.”

  “At least, there had better be,” muttered Ned.

  Joseph looked at the room filled with eager faces. “Evelyn has made me the happiest of men by agreeing to marry me.”

  The ladies fell upon Evelyn hugging her, while Marcus was the first to congratulate Joseph.

  Arthur turned to Hal. “Tell Rak to bring champagne.”

  “Why do I always have to tend to the drinks?” asked Hal.

  “Because you have the most experience with them,” said Mel, as she kissed her husband.

  Evelyn recounted Joseph’s proposal. The ladies thought he was exceedingly romantic, while the gentlemen made sport.

  “I would say that proposal was even worse than mine,” said Marcus.

  “That would be an impossible feat,” said his wife.

  “Where will you live?” asked Jane.

  “London,” said Evelyn.

  “With significant time spent in Caversham,” said Joseph. “I’m not sure how I will arrange matters with Bow Street, but Evelyn’s duties on her estate are too important to neglect. A good steward will help, but I also know how much it means to her to tend to things personally. Any number of sheep could go missing in her absence.”

  Evelyn laughed, then kissed him.

  “If I might make a suggestion,” said Vanessa. “We could always use you at the Home Office as a consultant, Joseph. You could more easily split your time between the two places.”

  “I think I would like that,” said Joseph.

  “That is all well and good,” said Lizzie. “But I’m much more concerned about the wedding and, unsurprisingly, have just the place for it – the chapel at Lynwood Manor. That is, if you are both planning to join us for Christmas. Rosalind will be most disappointed if you do not.”

  Hal added, “Keep in mind that if you disappoint Rosalind, Liam is likely to challenge you to a duel.”

  “While I would be honored to be married at Lynwood Manor,” said Evelyn, “that would necessitate us staying in Hertfordshire for three weeks for the reading of the banns. I would hate to impose on the duke and duchess that long.”

  “That will not be necessary,” said Marcus. “I took the liberty of securing a special license for you today. You may marry when you wish.”

  “How did you do that?” asked Joseph. “Isn’t the groom’s signature required?” Here he cast a wary glance at Lizzie.

  “I did not forge your signature, if that’s what you’re implying. Although do not think for a moment that I wouldn’t if necessary. There was no need. Marcus can be very persuasive. And before you try to insist on reimbursing us, it is a wedding gift. Hal, where is that champagne?”

  Once everyone had a glass, Marcus made the toast. “To Joseph and Evelyn -- a love that will last the ages.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  The next morning, Evelyn stood outside her cousin’s home, knowing the errand before her would be unpleasan
t. She’d violated the rules of proper society by not bringing her maid, but she would have been embarrassed to have anyone witness the scene she anticipated taking place. Besides, she would soon be ostracized by society. Her not bringing a maid would be the least of her sins.

  And she couldn’t have cared less about any of it. She and Joseph were to be married and that was what really mattered. She had never been this happy.

  She was shown into Pip’s sitting room and the countess greeted her warmly. “Evelyn, dear, how lovely to see you. I was hoping we could visit.”

  “It is always good to see you.” And that was only just the slightest untruth. Pip really could be charming. It was only because a visit to Pip usually also meant time spent with Reginald and Robert that made Evelyn want to avoid it.

  “We have not yet had the chance to discuss your plans for Christmas. Do say you’ll stay here with us. It shall make the occasion even more festive. I can even arrange for you to spend time alone with Robert. Your deadline is fast approaching, after all.”

  “That is one of the reasons I have come here today. I have decided to marry.”

  Pip seemed to stop breathing for the nonce. “Dare I hope you have chosen Robert as your groom?”

  “No, Pip. Joseph Stapleton has proposed and I have accepted him. We shall be married at Lynwood Manor before the end of the month.”

  Pip’s expression wholly changed. Gone was the polite countess. In her place was a lady who looked very displeased. “Surely you are making a jest at my expense. You cannot mean to marry so far beneath you. Think of the scandal.”

  “I can weather any storm with Joseph beside me.”

  “I am not just talking about the impact on you. It will be dreadful for all of us. We shall be humiliated in front of our neighbors. My children will be unable to make proper marriages because of the connection.”

  “I am sorry for any adverse affects to your children,” said Evelyn, for she certainly did not want to hurt anyone so innocent. “And I hope the embarrassment to you, Reginald and Robert will not last long. While I am certain I will never be welcomed back into society, surely they cannot be so short-sighted as to keep the Earl and Countess of Larsen at arm’s length. I am also confident that some other scandal shall replace this one before too long. The ton can find gossip anywhere.”

  “It has been my experience that the ton has a long memory. We shall forever be painted by the same brush.” Pip’s expression softened. “Evelyn, I know you think you care for this Bow Street Runner. It must have been terribly difficult for you living in the country with no diversions. I’m not saying you have to give up the man. I’m sure something can be worked out with Robert where you two will marry, while keeping your own interests on the side. It is done all the time. I’m not sure Robert even cares about an heir. You could even have this man’s child if you wanted, though I cannot imagine why you would.”

  Pure instinct had Evelyn placing her hand over her womb protectively. She longed to have Joseph’s babe, and she could not for an instant imagine raising his child with Robert as the father. Nor could she imagine any circumstances in which Joseph would allow her to do so.

  Pip did not miss the gesture. “I take it you and the Runner have become intimate?”

  “I do not wish to discuss this with you.”

  “I am sure you do not. Perhaps you are already with child. But Robert will not mind.”

  “I would. Joseph and I love each other and we will marry, regardless of the consequences to me. I am sorry for any awkwardness this causes you, but it will not stop me. Now if you will excuse me, I must return to the Kellingtons.”

  Pip once again became the elegant countess. “Pray forgive me, Evelyn. I did not mean to be so insensitive. It was just so unexpected and I had been longing for a match between you and Robert. Let us put this behind us and toast your good fortune with a celebratory glass of sherry. Can you please go ask Forsyte to bring us biscuits?”

  Evelyn did not particularly want to stay. But she did feel bad about the embarrassment she would cause her cousins, because it would be significant. So she did as she was bid, then accepted a glass of sherry from Pip.

  “To your marriage,” said Pip.

  “Thank you,” said Evelyn, as she took a sip. “How are Melissa and Cameron? I have not had much of a chance to see your children on this trip.”

  “I’m sure they’re fine,” said Pip. “We have excellent nurses who make it unnecessary for us to see them much at all.”

  Evelyn realized that would be another difference when she had children. She would never banish them to the nursery in the care of others. She would play with them every day. She and Joseph would spend time with them as a family. She knew he would be an excellent father.

  “Your thoughts seem to be quite far from here,” said Pip.

  “My apologies. When will you take your next trip to Paris?”

  “I’d hoped to go at Christmas, but Reginald would not hear of it. Paris is always most beautiful in spring and I….”

  Pip continued talking, but it was becoming increasingly difficult to understand what she was saying. Evelyn felt like she’d been awakened from a deep sleep, but that wasn’t possible. She hadn’t been sleeping. Just a moment ago, she’d been talking about the children, then before that she’d left to talk to Forsyte…

  “You drugged me.” She looked at her glass of sherry, then tried to focus her eyes on Pip, who was staring at her with hatred. Evelyn tried to stand, but fell back to the chaise.

  “Careful, Evelyn. You wouldn’t want to accidentally break your neck. At least not before the wedding.”

  Evelyn tried to move her limbs, but they were leaden. Her lids fell of their own accord.

  This was madness. She prayed Joseph would find her soon.

  * * *

  Joseph had gone to Bow Street to talk to his superiors about leaving his position. They had been dumbfounded that he would even consider it and tried to convince him to stay. He knew he would miss it. But if it meant putting Evelyn’s mind at ease, he would make the sacrifice.

  The short visit he thought he would make turned into a few hours as he was asked to give his opinion on pending cases. And it was difficult to tell Fisk he was leaving, though the sergeant was quite supportive.

  “I still can’t believe you’re gettin’ married,” said Fisk with a grin. “I mean it was obvious that you and her ladyship was in love. But we’ll miss you here. And me and Clara will, as well.”

  “Evelyn and I will see you and Clara as often as you’re able, considering you’re about to be quite busy with the babe. That won’t change.”

  “But she’s a lady.”

  “That will always be true. But she will also be my wife. The ton will cut her. I hope that is not true of my friends, as well.”

  “Of course not!” said Fisk. “The toffs have an odd notion of what’s right and proper. They’ll cut their friends for following their heart. But they’ll get just as drunk as the lowliest guttersnipe. And speaking of which, there’s some toff who’s been asking for you. The name’s Kensington. Looks like he got dressed in the dark on a wager.”

  Joseph groaned. “What did he do?”

  “Seems he didn’t know the whore he paid for was a lad. Things got violent when he found out.”

  “How badly did he hurt the prostitute?’

  “He swung at him, but it was the male whore who beat the toff, saying he wanted to get paid for services rendered.”

  “Where are they now?”

  “We let the whore go, on account of he was just tryin’ to get paid for work he already done. We put the toff in a private cell to sober him up. Do you want to see him?”

  “Not particularly. But I should talk to him, though part of me would dearly love to have him remain where he is. It’d serve him right for disobeying his mother’s orders.”

  Joseph found Kensington in an old supply closet. He’d made good use of the bucket they’d left him, for the room stank from his being sic
k. Joseph hoped the lad would learn his lesson about drink and prostitutes.

  But he rather doubted it.

  “Kensington, you do not look well.”

  The squire’s son tried to focus red eyes on his visitor, then put his head back down when it looked like the move was too painful. “Stapleton, get me out of this hellhole. Father would not tolerate such treatment of me.”

  “Somehow, I don’t think you’ll be telling your father about it. How much blue ruin did you drink?”

  “I lost track. Then a gang of thieves set upon me and robbed me.”

  “That is not the story I heard.”

  Kensington turned bleary eyes upon him again. “Whoever told you different is a bloody liar.”

  “No, he isn’t. He is also the man who put you in this closet by yourself, rather than in the main holding cell. Your night could have been much, much worse.”

  “Mama must be worried sick about me.”

  “Then I suggest you think about that before you get drunk and consort with whores again. Who will you summon to get you out of here?”

  “Well, I certainly cannot tell mother or father. I guess it’ll have to be the Countess of Larsen.”

  “The countess?” Joseph stilled. “Don’t you mean the earl?” He knew Kensington had called at the earl’s house after arriving in London. He’d assumed it had been to ask the earl for Evelyn’s hand.

  “Not him. Never spoken to him more than half a dozen times in my life. It’s the countess I always deal with.”

  “What do you mean, you ‘deal’ with her?”

  “Say, Stapleton, I don’t like your tone.” The rest of what he was about to say was lost in a gurgle, as Joseph put his hand around Kensington’s throat and pushed him against the wall.

  “What have you been doing with the Countess of Larsen?”

  “Can’t speak!” Kensington’s eyes were beginning to bulge, so Joseph released him. “Good God, man. All I did was scare Evelyn a bit. It was all in good fun.”

  “And how did you do that?’

  “The tree in Caversham for one thing. That was just luck on my part. I’d seen the woodsman try to fell it earlier in the week. It was only happenstance that I saw the three of you go into the forest. It didn’t take much to push it over, though it was harder than it looked.”