Never Turn Away (Kellington Book Six) (19 page)

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. 

Joseph already recognized many of the men in the
room from the time they spent at Madame Thurmond’s brothel.  The madame was a
Kellington acquaintance and he had assisted her in maintaining law and order on
a few occasions.  He would not allow any of them to marry Evelyn.  At the same
time, he realized Hal had until recently been one of Madame Thurmond’s best
customers and he was an excellent husband.  But none of these men were Hal
Kellington.

And none of these men was going to lay a bloody finger
on Evelyn.

*                    *                    *

During Evelyn’s next rotation on the dance floor,
her senses were once again primed to locate Joseph.  He’d been prowling the
ballroom as she’d danced.  And he’d been the focus of just about every lady
he’d passed.  Who could blame them?  He was devastatingly handsome in his
evening clothes.  He needed no padding in his shoulders – or anywhere.  His
lean, muscled physique spoke for itself. 

She knew she didn’t have to worry about any of the
debutantes.  Knowing the prejudices of the
ton
as she did, the mamas
would be keeping a close eye on their daughters.  No, the debutantes would not
be rivals.  But the bored matrons and widows would.

Infidelity was commonplace in the
ton
.  And
when a lady wandered, it didn’t much matter where.  More than one household
servant had fathered children with his mistress.  As long as it was neither the
heir nor the spare, most people didn’t seem to care. 

Joseph exuded an element of danger.  He would never
harm a woman, obviously, but he was one of Bow Street’s finest, which meant he
could handle himself well in any altercation.  Many women would be all the more
attracted to him because of that.  While Evelyn certainly appreciated his
physical side – their night together and the interlude on his desk replayed
endlessly in her mind – these women were fools to think that was all he had to
offer.  While not formally educated, he was a more learned man than most men
she knew.  He was interesting.  He not only listened to her, but he respected
her opinion.  He was what every woman should be looking for in a husband.

Her thoughts were thusly occupied so she did not
notice the three gentlemen talking to Joseph until she was almost upon them. 
She was still dancing, so she was saved from having to stop and speak.  But she
groaned inwardly to learn her three country suitors were now in town.

She wasn’t quite sure what to make of it.  None had
mentioned an upcoming trip to London and it was quite a coincidence that they
would happen to attend the same ball as she.  It appeared the three of them
were rather serious about the chance to join with her fortune in holy
matrimony.

But at the moment, she had no desire to speak to any
of them.  She did not wish to be churlish, but Joseph had made no effort to
talk to her.  And certainly no effort to dance with her.  She wanted nothing
more than to go home, though she did not wish to interfere with Vanessa and
Melanie’s night of dancing. 

When the set ended, she took advantage of the crush
to deftly move to the corner of the ballroom, near where the chaperones sat.

She wanted to take off her pinching slippers, but
she settled for leaning against the wall and taking a well-deserved rest. 

But she didn’t get the chance.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

“If you move just a bit to the left, it will be
harder to be noticed by unwelcome suitors, yet you’ll still be seen by the
gossiping matrons.”

Evelyn turned to find a handsome man addressing
her.  Not just handsome.  Ruggedly handsome.  His black hair was a bit longer
than was fashionable and his dark brown eyes were almost black.  She could
picture him as the captain of a pirate ship.  But instead of a cutlass, he held
a glass of champagne.

“Colin Emerson.  Ridgeway, for my sins.”  He bowed
somewhat mockingly, but she had the distinct impression it was at his own
expense.

“Evelyn Williams,” she curtsied.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady.  You have
been the constant subject of conversation since the moment you stepped into the
ballroom.”

“Oh, dear.  Have I violated many rules of decorum?”

“I hope so, since it’s something I do quite often
myself.  But in your case, it was your circumstances that preceded you.  I
imagine an heiress can go few places without being mobbed.  Which is one of the
reasons I suggested you move a few steps out of sight.”

“While I thank you for the advice – I could
certainly use a respite – I have to wonder if you are one of the ones who might
be interested in an heiress.”  She knew her question was bordering on rude, but
she was tired of everything about the evening.

Something flashed behind his eyes and it appeared
like he was considering his response.  “In truth?  I am in need of a wife and a
fortune.  Or, more to the point, I am in need of a fortune and, therefore, am
seeking a wife.  I would be a fool to not seek you out, but I would be a
bounder to not be honest in doing so.”

“Sir, I must confess myself impressed by your
honesty and…”  Now she was the one searching for words.

“Appalled?”  The self-mocking look was back.

She laughed.  “Not appalled.  Just resigned.  I
never knew this would be such a bloodless exercise.”

“Ah, who said it needed to be bloodless?”

 *                    *                    *

“Who is Evelyn speaking to?” Vanessa asked Arthur.

“Lord Ridgeway.”

“He’s not on Lizzie’s list.”

“I should say not.  I believe the purpose of
Lizzie’s list was to give Evelyn dancing partners to make Joseph jealous and
certainly all the men on the list are reasonably attractive.  Yet no one on the
list has sufficient personality to be considered a true rival to Joseph.”

“And Ridgeway does have the right personality?”

“Good enough that I would rather you did not spend
much time with him.”

“Dearest, you cannot possibly think my head could be
turned by another man.  My heart is yours.”

“That is only fair, since my heart has been yours
ever since I saw you in the lake at Marcus’s estate.”

“At the time, I believe you were more interested in
my exposed legs than my heart.  What kind of man is Ridgeway?”

“I do not know him well, but we played each other on
occasion in the hells.”

“Was he good?”

“He won slightly more than he lost.  He was never
suspected of cheating and paid his debts straight away.  I know nothing bad of
him, but barely know him.  Hal might know more.”

“Where is Hal?  I haven’t seen him or Melanie in
quite some time.”

“I suspect he is tupping his wife with enthusiasm. 
Which is an excellent idea.”  He kissed his own wife on the lips.

She blushed.  “Arthur, it will hardly make me more
accepted in society if we behave scandalously in public.”

“Why should we care what society thinks?  And would
you be more willing to be scandalous in private?”  His crooked grin made an
appearance.

“I am always willing to behave scandalously with you
in private, as you well know.”  Her blush deepened.  “But it does not matter if
I care for society.  I must have a care for our babe.”

“Our what?”  Arthur said that part rather loudly.

“Shh!  I did not mean for that to slip out and I do
not know for certain if I am pregnant.  Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Because you should not be here.  You should be
lying in bed resting.”

“Nonsense.”

“I will not be denied in this matter.  Your health
is of the utmost importance.”

“And I am fine as I am.  Haven’t you been teasing
Ned and Marcus mercilessly about cosseting their pregnant wives?”

“I was an ass.”

“Might you write that down and sign it?  No one else
shall believe you said it.” 

“We should go home as soon as possible to celebrate
in the best possible way.  Making love is highly recommended during pregnancy.”

Vanessa was clearly tempted.  “We cannot leave
Joseph and Evelyn.”

“Of course we can.  Joseph will not let anything
happen to Evelyn.  She has eyes for no one but Joseph.  The two of them shall
be fine.  And Hal and Melanie will surely be back at some point.”

“It could be quite some time,” said Vanessa worriedly,
though clearly wanting to leave.

“Hal’s endurance in the bedchamber is surely
exaggerated.  At least, I hope it is.  We can tell Joseph we’re leaving and we
shall send the carriage back for them.  Come along, my love.  Do not deny me
this.”

Since Vanessa had no desire to linger and every
inclination to give in to her husband’s wishes, they set off in search of
Joseph.

*                    *                    *

Lord Ridgeway was a skilled dance partner and,
unlike the other gentlemen that evening, seemed more interested in asking about
her life than in telling her all about his qualifications as a potential
husband.  He also did not linger at the end of their dance.  He simply kissed
Evelyn’s hand, then said he hoped to talk to her again soon.

In the course of the evening, she danced with
Kensington, Smith and Dodson, but not Joseph.  She could not hide her
disappointment when he finally did approach her, only to inform her that
Vanessa had not been feeling well, so Arthur had thought it best to escort her
home.

“Might we go, as well?” she asked.

“Are you unwell?” His concern was evident.

“It has been a tiring evening.”  Though what she
really meant was that it had been tiresome.  If she had to feign interest in
yet another gentleman’s monologue about his estate or his club or his infernal
years at university, she would scream.

“Very well.  I shall get word to Hal and Melanie,
though I do not know where they are.”

“Yet, I believe we can guess what they are doing,”
she said, hoping to shake him with her boldness.  Instead, he looked away.

“I shall leave word with a footman if I cannot find
them.”

“And I shall wait for you in the foyer.  If I do not
move out of the ballroom, I fear I shall be asked to dance yet again.”

“Yes, you have been quite popular tonight.” 

He said it almost as an accusation, as if it had
been her fault.  She wanted to scream.  The only person she’d wanted to dance
with hadn’t asked her and he dared make a comment about her being popular?

“At least those gentlemen asked me to dance.  I
shall wait for you by the door, as soon as you are done with your mission.” 
She turned and left, unable to talk to him a minute longer without doing
something dreadfully embarrassing like begging him to dance with her.

With her back turned she could not see his
expression, which was almost comical in its confusion.

*                    *                    *

After checking the alcoves off the ballroom, Joseph
finally ran his quarry to ground as Hal and Melanie reappeared.  Hal had his
typical self-assured swagger and he was looking especially proud of himself. 
Melanie’s color was high and her hair slightly mussed.  Her dress, however,
looked as fresh as it had earlier that night.

Hal obviously knew how to accomplish his mission
with a minimum of wrinkles.

Melanie blushed even more she saw him.  “Hal and I
were just studying the artwork in the galleries.  It was quite impressive.”

Hal kissed his wife’s hand.  “My love, Joseph is
trained to know when someone is lying.”

“Yet I didn’t really need my years of Bow Street
training to deduce this one,” he said with a smile.  “Your husband is besotted
with you.  It is well and truly known.  But I have not come to embarrass
Melanie.  Lady Evelyn and I have decided to leave.  Arthur and Vanessa left
earlier this evening.”

“Then we shall go, as well,” said Hal.

“But my love, I promised my aunt and uncle and Mary
that we would visit with them,” said Mel.  “I do not wish to keep Evelyn and
Joseph.  Perhaps you could send the carriage back for us later, Joseph?”

“Of course.”

With that task accomplished, Joseph set out to find
Evelyn, only to be stopped by Lady Larsen.

“Inspector,” she said.  “Might I have a word?”

The evening was growing even more tiresome.  “How
may I be of assistance, Lady Larsen?”

“It is no secret that I wish for a union between
Lady Evelyn and Robert.  I truly think that would be in her best interests.”

“It would not be bad for your family, either.”

The countess looked at him for a moment, then
smiled.  “You do not mince words, Inspector.  Good.  I think all too often
people tell Evelyn what she wants to hear, rather than the truth.  The fortune
hunters who are swarming her now may include good men.  Undoubtedly, there are
some bad ones, as well.  Robert is far from perfect.  But he is growing into
the man he should be.  I believe he could attain his true potential with
Evelyn.  Further, I believe they would rub along well together.  The world is a
terrible place for a woman alone.  I am sure you have seen ample evidence of
that in your work.”

“As you say, my lady.”

“I wish the marriage clause to perdition because
Evelyn should be allowed to make her choice at her leisure.  But there are some
things that are beyond our control.  We would all be wise to remember that. 
Her well-being must be our number one concern.”

“That is true.”   He realized he was being warned
off, but at least she was doing it kindly.

But he didn’t need to be told to put Evelyn first. 
It was now a part of his soul.

*                    *                    *

Evelyn knew she was being childish, but she did not
care.  She had no idea how Joseph could be so distant after what they’d shared. 
If she’d seen him dancing with beautiful women, she would not have been able to
stand it.  Yet, he had been wholly unaffected by the sight of her being courted
by gentlemen of the
ton
.

She’d told him she’d wait in the foyer, but the
house was too warm, despite the December evening.  The scents of too much
perfume and too little bathing had made her head ache.  It would not hurt to
wait outside where the air was cooler and cleaner, despite the smell of coal
fires.

She stepped out into the brisk night air.  The two
footmen at the door were helping a matron who wanted them to search for a
broach she believed had fallen off in the front garden.  Evelyn passed by them,
then walked down the front drive to the street where it was quieter.  She
needed to think.  She needed to consider the possibilities around her.  With
the possible exception of Lord Ridgeway, she’d met no one that evening who was
a potential candidate for husband.  And, of course, Ridgeway had committed the
unpardonable sin of not being Joseph.

Deep in thought, she walked down the street, which
was growing darker the further away she was from the house.  She missed the
quiet nights of the country and it felt good to be on her own for a bit.  She
looked up to realize she was further from the house than she’d thought.  It was
almost completely dark and the sudden quiet in the middle of the city was
unnerving.

She had just turned to go back when she heard the
sound of a galloping horse.  She looked up in time to see a cloaked rider
coming toward her.  Not in the street, as one would expect, but on the
walkway.  He was swerving a bit from side to side, no doubt the result of too
much drink.  She tried to move, but her feet were frozen to the ground with
fright.  Just as she got her wits about her, strong arms and a muscled body
moved her out of the way of the rider, landing them both in a snow bank.

She knew at once whose muscled body it was.  Joseph
sat up, looking to where the horse and rider had once been, only to see them
long gone down the street. 

“I’d like to rip his bloody bollocks off!” said
Joseph, who turned back to her. 

His face was a fierce mixture of anger, fear and a
possessiveness that Evelyn felt to her bones.