“Countess, how good to see you again,” said the Earl of Ridgeway, as he bowed to her from the door. “Did I hear you allege that Lady Evelyn is an opium eater? I’m afraid you must be mistaken. Robert’s habits, of course, are rather well known. Did you know that when he takes opium he also talks quite a bit? He’ll tell anyone everything. You should hear the story he has just been telling me about a forced marriage you had planned. He also mentioned a squire’s son you, shall we say, gifted with favors. I wonder what the earl will say.”
“You can’t prove any of it.”
“Actually,” said Joseph, “I spoke to young Kensington. I suspect he would swear to anything to ensure his parents do not learn of his adventures last night. Are you ready for your trip to Bow Street? Perhaps you can share a cell.”
“Wait,” said Evelyn. “I do not think that will be necessary. No harm was truly done.”
“What are you talking about?” asked Joseph. “You could have been killed by the tree and the rider. She kidnapped you and was going to force you to marry your cousin.”
“Yes, but she also has two children, a negligent husband and an opium eater for a brother-in-law. My suggestion would be that you and I marry with the greatest haste and that I change my will forthwith, so there is no chance they’ll inherit should something happen to either of us. She would no longer be a threat to us.”
“Yet, I cannot think she is much of a mother,” said Ned. “Perhaps locking her up would protect her children.”
“I believe a talk with Reginald would take care of that. And once she signs a confession in front of us that we can hold in trust, she will always live in fear of prosecution should she step out of line again. How does that sound, Pip?”
Pip sniffed. “I would not wish to sign a confession. It’s so common.”
“It is that or gaol,” said Joseph.
Pip knew she was well and truly beaten.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
“Welcome home, my lord,” said Stemple, who had obviously waited up, though Colin had told him to go to sleep. Stemple had only been his valet for six months, but was the most loyal servant he’d ever had. Since Colin’s financial crisis had deepened, most of his family’s servants had left to find more lucrative positions. He couldn’t blame them. Not only was he hard pressed to pay them on time, but the abuse they’d taken from the old earl and countess over the years hadn’t exactly inspired their loyalty.
Colin could not blame them for that. His parents had been negligent in the best of times and abusive when they pleased.
When Colin’s previous valet had found a better position, he’d thought of saving the expense and simply tending to his own clothing. But on the second day he’d scorched his best neckcloth and realized the few clothes he had would not last long if left to his own devices. He’d gone on a search for a new valet, but word of his family’s precarious finances had spread and he could find no one with experience who would take the job.
So instead, he looked for a man with no experience as a valet, but one he knew could use the job. Victor Stemple had been one of the bravest soldiers Colin had ever known, though they had not served together. They’d only crossed paths in an army hospital after Waterloo when Colin was looking in on a friend. Stemple had been badly burned down the right side of his body, disfiguring that side of his face. But Colin had been impressed with the young man’s determination to recover from his injuries and go back home to the sweetheart who waited.
It was only earlier this year that Colin learned the sweetheart had turned away days after Stemple’s return. He had returned to his family’s store to work, but when customers stayed away due to his burns, he made up a story of a grand opportunity in the city so he would not ruin their livelihood. From then on, he’d taken odd jobs whenever he could, but the honest ones paid little and the dishonest ones carried great risk. It was only by chance that Colin had run into him at a military reunion. And he wasted no time in offering Stemple the position of valet.
Stemple had been torn. He tried to tell Colin that a gentleman’s gentleman who could not be seen in public without making women faint was not a good choice for a valet. Colin had responded that he didn’t give a damn, then cautioned the man that at present he had almost no wages to offer. Stemple had countered that he didn’t deserve much since he had no experience as a valet.
Finally, after each of them had made the case for why they were undeserving, a truce was met. Stemple would help Colin for the remainder of the season while he was in pursuit of a bride, then they would look at their deal when the quest was completed.
Stemple had learned quickly and was an excellent worker. He was also good company, which was important since the apartment was small, with just two cramped bedrooms off the sitting room. The one luxury was a subscription to a lending library, as both men liked to read. Indeed, there was a book in Stemple’s usual seat as Ridgeway entered.
“How was your evening, my lord?”
“I do wish you’d call me Colin or Ridgeway. Every time I hear ‘my lord’ I think of my father. Which is not the best recollection. The evening, I am afraid, was not productive.”
Stemple discerned his meaning right away. “Did another one get away?”
“I am afraid so. If I’d conducted myself in battle the way I do in courtship, I am quite sure I could have singlehandedly lost the war for England.”
“It sounded like this Lady Evelyn could have been the solution to your problems.”
“I agree. Not only did she have the purse that is so sorely needed, but the lady herself was everything a man could want in a wife. But I was beaten on the field by a much more worthy opponent.”
Stemple straightened. “There is no one more honorable.”
“Thank you for your unrelenting loyalty, Stemple. But the victor is a good man. He’s a Bow Street Inspector.”
“She threw you over for a regular bloke?”
“She didn’t technically throw me over, since she was never under me, much to my dismay. But Joseph Stapleton will make her a good husband and it is obvious it is a love match, regardless of how unlikely that might be, considering the ton doesn’t exactly encourage affection in its marriages. No, I must wish them well, though I am sorely disappointed.”
Colin lowered himself into the room’s other chair and gratefully accepted the glass of port that Stemple was wise enough to know he needed. “One for you, too, Stemple.”
“No, thank you, my….Ridgeway.”
“My…Ridgeway. Sounds like a melodrama, which it surely is. No, Stemple, I insist. Especially since my failure affects you, as well as my siblings.”
Stemple knew better than to argue further. He poured himself a small glass of port.
“Stop being miserly and pour yourself a real glass.”
The servant did, then sat in his chair. “If I might ask, how will this affect me?”
“This was my last hope to get the funds we need. Unfortunately, I have no more wages to give you. I cannot even afford the passage home. But I promise to do everything in my power to find you a new position. You have been a Godsend these many months and a good friend. I will be sorry to lose you.” Colin winced to see the stricken look on Stemple’s face.
“My lord…Ridgeway, might it be possible for me to accompany you without pay? I have saved enough of my wages to pay for passage and can work the estate in exchange for food and lodging. Please, sir. I have nowhere else to go.”
Colin found it hard to speak for a moment. Finally, he nodded. “I would be very glad to have you, although you will not use your wages to travel. I will find a way to pay for both of us.” He wasn’t quite sure how he’d manage since he’d already pawned everything of value. “I shall be quite grateful for your continued presence, though I cannot promise much in the way of luxuries. Truth be told I can’t promise any. But I confess the future will be easier with you by my side, and I hope the country will suit you.”
With that, the two men sipped their drinks in silence
– the one consumed with worry. The other with relief.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Joseph and Evelyn journeyed to Caversham to pick up the Lynwood coach, before continuing on to Hertfordshire and Lynwood Manor, where they would meet the Kellingtons. Evelyn had left her maid in Caversham so the servant could celebrate Christmas with her family. She and Joseph then continued on in the privacy of the luxurious coach.
After a long day of travel spent in each other’s arms, the coach turned into the drive and began the final quarter mile to the manor. They were greeted by Heskiss and all the members of the family save two: the duke and duchess.
“Welcome to the Manor,” said Ned, as he kissed Evelyn on the cheek, then shook Joseph’s hand. “As you can see, we’re in the midst of decorating for Christmas.”
The large entryway was half covered in greenery. Hal was occupied with his wife under the mistletoe and Violet was beside herself with the upcoming holiday.
“It’s almost Christmas! Can you believe it?”
“I am quite astonished myself,” said Evelyn. “You are doing a lovely job with the decorations.”
“Uncle Liam and Aunt Rosalind even have a Christmas tree! A tree in their house! Titania has already climbed it twice and got stuck once, but this time Papa did not climb it to get her down.”
“I would dearly hate for Ned to fall out of it,” said the rather disheveled Duchess of Lynwood as she hurried down the stairs to greet their guests. “I would also hate to have to find a new tree.”
Her duke followed along behind her with nary a hair out of place. Though his color was a bit heightened.
“Oh, Joseph, I’m so glad you came!” Rosalind exclaimed as she hugged him. “And you must be Lady Evelyn. We’re so happy you could join us for the holidays. Please excuse us for not greeting you earlier, but, uh…” Rosalind’s blush revealed what her words could not.
“We were otherwise occupied,” said Lynwood smoothly, as he bowed over Evelyn’s hand, then clasped Joseph’s shoulder. “And I understand I am to wish you happy.”
“I was rather afraid you might plant me a facer,” said Joseph. “I cannot imagine this was the end result you wished for when you sent me to Oxfordshire.”
“Is it not?” asked Liam. “One does hear a great many things while in London.”
“I am just delighted by the result,” said Rosalind. “And that you would honor us by getting married here has made the holiday even more joyous. Yes, Violet?”
The little girl was tugging on Rosalind’s skirts. “Will you ask Lady Evelyn?” she whispered, with a shy glance at their guests.
“Lady Evelyn…” began Rosalind.
“Please call me Evelyn.”
“Only if you call me Rosalind. Evelyn, I was wondering if you’d given much thought to who might be your flower girl. I can recommend a very good candidate who comes with excellent references. She has done the honors for three uncles, one aunt and even her own parents just this year alone.”
“I would be delighted to have Violet as my attendant.”
The little girl squealed with joy and ran off to tell her parents the excellent news.
Rosalind grinned. “Thank you. I believe she is almost as excited about the wedding as Lizzie. And Lizzie is always excited about weddings.”
“You must be tired after your long journey,” said Liam. “Heskiss will have tea waiting as soon as you are ready.”
“I believe that is my cue to show you to your rooms,” said Rosalind. “I am not quite used to being mistress of the manor, so please excuse any lapses on my part.”
Hal grinned. “From the time it took you to appear, it would appear you’re attending to at least some of your duties.”
“Hal!” said his wife, as she swatted him lightly.
Liam glared briefly at his youngest brother before turning once again to Evelyn. “You could not have chosen a better man. I am glad Joseph finally decided to join the rest of us in wedded bliss.”
“We must discuss plans for the wedding,” said Rosalind. “Unless Lizzie has it all arranged.”
“Almost,” said Lizzie, as she entered with Marcus. “Though, of course, you are mistress here, Rosalind. Pray feel free to countermand any of my suggestions.”
“At your own peril,” added Arthur. “Don’t you think the bride and groom should have a say, dear sister?”
“The bride,” said Lizzie. “Grooms are mostly useful for showing up at the wedding.”
“And the wedding night,” added Hal.
“From what I hear, you show up any night with a vowel in it,” said his sister.
“Marcus,” said the Duke of Lynwood. “Have I ever mentioned how relieved I am that it is now your burden to curb my sister’s rather inelegant musings rather than mine? Shall we all meet in the library for brandy while the ladies take their tea?”
Rosalind escorted Evelyn and Joseph to the gold suite with two adjoining bedchambers. “Pray forgive my presumption,” said Rosalind. “But I thought this arrangement would be most comfortable for you. The servants are preparing the water for your bath. I told them to use the large basin. It seats two and I quite tease Liam about it by calling it the ducal dunking tub, since it’s big enough to give him a well-deserved soaking.” Then she blushed again. “I should probably leave the two of you alone before I embarrass myself once again.”
An hour later, after Joseph and Evelyn had thoroughly enjoyed their bath, they arrived in the sitting room, to find the Kellingtons assembled for tea. Rosalind and Liam were late in joining them again. Joseph wondered if the duchess might soon produce an heir, if this was typical of their activities.
They discussed wedding plans, a conversation that carried over into dinner and afterward. The six couples, along with the late arrivals Aunt Prue and Miss Mariah, laughed their way through the evening until it was time to retire.
In the privacy of their bedchamber, Joseph and Evelyn undressed each other slowly, their last night together before becoming husband and wife – Lizzie had declared there was no sense in waiting another day and no one disagreed.
Joseph kissed his betrothed. “I still wonder how I was so fortunate as to win you to wife.”
“And I cannot believe you will be my husband. But this was well worth the wait.”
“Yes, my love. It certainly was.”
* * *
A gentle knock at the door awakened them the next morning.
“We’ve come to take Joseph away,” said Marcus. “On orders from my wife. She and the others are most anxious to attend to Evelyn.”
Joseph hardly wanted to leave the bed, but knew better than to argue with Lizzie or her representative. So he accepted Marcus’s invitation to banish himself from Evelyn’s side for the next few hours.
Evelyn was then treated to a morning of laughter and pampering as the ladies and Vi helped get her ready. She’d had no time to buy a wedding dress, so she wore a gown she’d brought from home. But lest it not be special enough, the other ladies loaned her their finery. Lizzie gave her earrings, Mel a silk handkerchief, Vanessa a pin for her hair, Jane a bracelet, Aunt Prue a fur cape and Rosalind gave her a bouquet of hothouse flowers, many of which had already been appropriated to adorn the chapel.
Finally, the ladies escorted her to the church, where Joseph, the men and the Lynwood servants awaited.
Evelyn could barely contain her excitement, though as she stood in the entryway, the loss of her father was once again fresh in her heart.
“Evelyn.”
She looked up to see Liam at her side.
“Our fathers were friends. I remember the earl fondly and know he would have been very proud of you today. I realize I am no substitute. But might I escort you down the aisle?”
Evelyn could not speak for the knot in her throat, so she nodded, then took the handsome duke’s arm for the walk down the aisle.
She passed her new friends on the way to join her husband. She smiled at Violet, who’d carefully strewn rose petals down the
path. Then she locked eyes with Joseph, so handsome, so loving, so strong. So hers.
And she knew she had everything she needed in life.
Though a baby might be nice.
At the wedding breakfast there were many toasts. Hal made a few ribald ones. Lizzie was teased about her despondency now that there were no more Kellington weddings.
“But Vi will marry soon enough…” she’d said.
“And that’s enough of that!” said Ned. “There will be no more mention of Vi marrying until she is at least five and twenty, and possibly thirty.”
Finally, Liam raised a glass of champagne. “In the thirteen years since our parents’ passing, my brothers and sister and I had a home filled with love and loss. We still miss mother and father.” He raised his glass to a portrait of the late duke and duchess. “We are grateful for those who helped us through the hard times.” Here he nodded at Aunt Prue and Mariah. “And we are blessed with new family among us. Both those of blood, like Violet…” The little girl grinned. “And those family members we have chosen. Mariah, Jane, Vanessa, Melanie, Marcus, Joseph and Evelyn. And, of course, my beloved Rosalind. To love and family.”
“To love and family,” echoed the others.
Seven couples kissed.
And Vi took the opportunity to sneak another slice of cake.
EPILOGUE #1
Caversham, January 1823
It had not quite been a month since their wedding, but Joseph and Evelyn had treasured every day. Upon leaving Lynwood Manor, they’d travelled back to Evelyn’s estate, hosting a celebration for the servants at her home and Jasmine Manor, all of whom were quite pleased with the marriage and took great pride in having helped it along.
Never Turn Away (Kellington Book Six) Page 21