Never Turn Away (Kellington Book Six) (7 page)

As much as Joseph did not like the match personally
– and it would do no good to dwell on that – it appeared that Smithton was an
appropriate suitor for Lady Evelyn, at least as judged on what he had seen
today.  The viscount inexplicably liked living in the middle of nowhere, which
meant Lady Evelyn could stay in the area.  Joseph knew of Smithton’s father, the
Earl of Coughley, by reputation.  He was, by all accounts, a perfectly
upstanding peer who took his duties in Lords seriously and had never run afoul
of the law.  Or, if he had, it had all been discreetly covered up.

If Lady Evelyn asked his opinion of Smithton, he
would have to be guardedly in favor of the match.  Though Smithton’s teeth were
a bit too white and he did seem rather too insistent on physical challenges and
significant evidence pointed to him being a boring conversationalist.  But other
than that, Joseph had no real objections.

Damn it all to hell.

He finally arrived at Jasmine Manor and gave
Rocinante to a groom.  He entered the foyer only to find the Keegans, Logan and
Oates lined up in front of the painting.  But it was not the servants who
caught his attention, but something else.

“I know this is going to sound odd,” said Joseph. 
“But have you changed that portrait?”

“What portrait?” asked Mr. Keegan.

“The one of the duke and duchess.”

“Of course, not,” said Mrs. Keegan.  “Whyever would
we?  It has always been there.  I suspect it always will be.  Did you have a
pleasant outing?”

Stapleton could not stop looking at the painting. 
“But I could have sworn….I thought….well, it seemed the duke and duchess were
seated much further away from each other on the blanket, just earlier today.”

“So they’re close together?” asked Mrs. Keegan with
a smile.

“It would appear so, but that is impossible.”

“Quite so,” said Mr. Keegan.  “Now, then, Inspector,
on behalf of the staff, I would like to apologize for what is about to
transpire.”

Joseph looked at him warily.  “Is something amiss?”

“I am afraid you shall have to remove yourself to
Lady Evelyn’s house for the duration of your stay.  But do not fear for your comfort. 
Her staff is excellent.  Your every need shall be met.”

Then he and the others smiled at him as if no
further explanation were necessary.

“Might I ask why I am to relocate to Lady Evelyn’s,
especially since it would be most improper for me to stay there when she has no
male relative or chaperone in residence?”

“We think it would be best,” said Mr. Keegan. 

That was followed by more smiling silence.

“Because?” prodded Joseph.

“Oh, very well,” said Mrs. Keegan.  “We are
concerned for Lady Evelyn’s safety.”

Every muscle in Joseph’s body was suddenly on edge. 
“Has there been a threat to her?”

“We believe her cousin is capable of anything in his
efforts to secure her land,” said Logan.  “Not to mention the mining company. 
They came around here a few weeks ago asking about Jasmine Manor, but his grace
would not even consider selling.  We thought it would be best if you were close
by her ladyship in case she needs you.”

“I can definitely imagine her needing you,” added
Oates helpfully.

“And why was I not informed of a possible threat earlier?”

There was a moment of silence as each of the
servants turned to Mr. Keegan, who appeared to be giving the matter some
thought.  “Because,” he said slowly.  “Not even Lady Evelyn is aware of the threat. 
Her servants have been protecting her.”

“I cannot see how that would protect her.  She is a
reasonable woman.  She should have enough information to make decisions about
her own safety.”

“Yes, and with you there to guide her, just think of
how much safer she shall be.  We have taken the liberty of sending your things
to Lady Evelyn’s house.  Now off you go, Joseph.”

Joseph had rarely been ordered out of a place with
such efficiency and kindness.  Truth be told, few had ever tried it.  But if
Evelyn was in danger, he had an obligation to keep her safe.

So with his thanks to the staff and another
suspicious glance at the portrait, he went outside to find Rocinante waiting
for him.  Apparently everyone wanted him gone.  He mounted up and set out for
Lady Evelyn’s.

CHAPTER SEVEN

“What do you mean Inspector Stapleton will be
staying here?” Evelyn asked her butler, Thompson.

“His things arrived earlier today,” he replied.

“But why?”  Evelyn was disconcerted in the extreme
to think of having the handsome Joseph Stapleton staying under her roof.  Just sitting
next to him in the sleigh, their legs pressed against each other, had been
disquieting enough.  It was a good thing Smithton never required much of a
response to his lectures on farming because she had been quite incapable of
forming a coherent thought.  All she’d been able to focus on was how exciting
it felt every time she bumped up against Joseph.

She was truly shameless.  Which didn’t seem to
bother her nearly as much as it should.

Before Evelyn could get answers to her questions,
Joseph arrived and she had to contend with the man himself.  And he looked
truly ill at ease.

“My lady, please forgive my intrusion but Mr. Keegan
told me my things had been sent here.  He was under the impression I would be
your guest.”

She had to clear her throat before finding her
voice.  “So I have just been informed.”

“If it is in any way inconvenient – and I find it
hard to believe it wouldn’t be – I can return to Jasmine Manor.”

“It is not inconvenient in the least.  But is
something awry at Jasmine Manor?  I cannot imagine the Keegans turning away a
guest of his grace’s without good reason.”

“I have not insulted them, if that is what you
think.”

“Pray forgive me, I did not mean that.  Thompson, do
be so good as to bring us tea in the sitting room.  I fear my wits need
refreshment.”

She began again when they were properly situated on
the chaise, though there was nothing proper about the nature of her thoughts. 
This was Joseph.  Here.  In her home.  And he would remain there overnight.

“You are perfectly welcome, Inspector.  Indeed, it
will be altogether more convenient to have you where I want you.  That is….” 
She blushed.  “There are a few things I want to do with you…I don’t mean…  Oh,
bother.”  Her face was flaming and Joseph’s sudden amusement did not help.

“My lady, I think what you are telling me…”  He
hesitated, perhaps as unsure as she on what to say next.

“Do go on, sir.  I am always most interested to
learn what my thoughts are.”

He grinned.  “Pardon my presumption, but I believe
you might think it would be more convenient to discuss your situation if I am available
any time you need me.”

She wasn’t sure that was what she meant at all,
because having immediate access to Joseph any time of day or night conjured up
thoughts she knew she was not supposed to have.  She was blushing again.  And
she hadn’t recovered from the other blushes.  She suspected her face was
beginning to resemble an apple.

“Thank you, Inspector, for your assistance in
sorting this out.  And you are, of course, most welcome to stay.”

Thompson entered and set the tea tray on the table.

Joseph continued.  “My only concern, my lady, is
that my presence in this house could be scandalous, given that you do not live
with a chaperone.  The last thing I want to do is create more problems for you,
especially since you are in search of a husband.”

To Evelyn’s surprise, Thompson spoke up.

“It will not be a problem, sir.  Lady Evelyn has
lived without a chaperone since the passing of the earl.  But it is well known
that my good wife and I keep a close eye on her ladyship.  We would not dream
of allowing her to come to harm.  In any way.  From anyone.”  Here the butler
straightened to his full height.  He was still a good three inches short of
Joseph, but the point was made.

Evelyn was surprised that Thompson was being so
welcoming in allowing Joseph to stay at all.  He and his wife had been with her
family since she was a young girl.  They were very protective of her.  Whether
the Inspector realized it or not, he’d just received a vote of confidence from
the two long-time servants.  Though she also suspected Thompson would not
hesitate to plant Joseph a facer if needed.

“Thank you, Thompson,” said Evelyn.  “That will be
all.”

With a bow to Evelyn, and a warning look to Joseph,
he departed.

“I am not sure your butler is at all pleased I am
staying here.”

“On the contrary, he would not have allowed you to
stay if he were truly against it.”

“Do you often allow your servants to dictate to
you?”

“Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have known me just about all
my life.  They have offered comfort and guidance through the years and I
respect them very much.”

Joseph took a sip of tea.  “You have an unusual
world view, my lady.  Few people in your class would ever think to take advice
from servants.”

“There are fools everywhere, Inspector.  Or have you
not noticed?”

“I would not be very good at my job if I had let
that observation slip my notice.”

“I imagine you are very good at your job.”

“What makes you think that?”

“For one thing, his grace sent you.  I do not think
he would have done that if he did not have complete confidence in you.  But I
think even if we had just met, I would be able to tell what kind of man you are
professionally and personally.  Better, I might add, than you were able to
judge me on first acquaintance.” 

Joseph tried to keep his lips in a straight line,
failing just the slightest in the attempt.  “In my limited defense, I would
like to point out that I never misjudged your character.  I believed you to be
a charming, witty, kind young woman who cared a great deal too much about the
well-being of sheep.”

“In truth, you believed I was a young man.”  She
laughed outright.

“I admit I did get the gender wrong at first.  Though
I must tell you that I am now very much aware that you are a woman.”

Just like that, the room seemed much smaller.  And
warmer.  The air seemed to have become thinner because Evelyn felt almost
light-headed.  She had no idea what to say.  She was unaware of anything but
Joseph’s dark brown eyes and how she could not look away from them.

The moment was finally broken by Thompson, who must
have entered the room again, though she certainly hadn’t noticed.  “My lady,
Cook wishes to speak to you about the menu.”

“Of course.  If you will excuse me, Inspector.”

To her surprise, her legs were able to carry her out
of the room.

*                    *                    *

Joseph took the opportunity to question her butler. 
“Thompson, what is this I hear about threats to Lady Evelyn’s safety?”

“Threats, Inspector?”

“Mr. Keegan said you and the staff had concerns you
were keeping from her.  Something to do with possible threats from the mining
concerns.”

“Ahh, threats,” said Thompson, who considered the
matter.  “There has been nothing overt, though I did not like the men from the
mining company.  Two of them met with Lady Evelyn for tea.  She listened
politely, refused all offers, then sent them on their way.”

“They did not persist in contacting her?”

“No, sir.  But I do not believe that was their
strategy.  While the gentlemen were speaking to Lady Evelyn in here, Mrs.
Thompson was having a different conversation with their servants in the kitchen
as Cook plied them with tea and scones.  According to them, the gentlemen were
expecting Lady Evelyn to say no.  They were only here to look at the land. 
They believed the earl would soon be the one who could sell it to them.”

“If Lady Evelyn did not marry.”

“I do not believe they knew about that part.  I
doubt the earl would have told them family matters, bastard that he is.”  Then
Thompson remembered himself.  “Excuse my frank speech, Inspector.  I was
carried away.”

“Do not worry.  I have not met the man, but when I
do I am quite certain I will have the overwhelming urge to plant him a facer.”

“I hope you follow that urge.”

“Do you believe she is in danger right now?  The
Keegans felt my presence here was necessary to protect her.”

“If that is what the Keegans think, I would not
gainsay them.”

“But is it true?”

“A woman alone needs protection, Inspector.  No
matter how much Lady Evelyn would beg to differ.”

The lady herself chose that moment to return.  “May
I show you to your bedchamber, Inspector?”

“Thank you, Lady Evelyn.  And thank you Thompson.” 
He was heartened to know that Evelyn’s staff was protective of her.  They’d
employed the same means to get information from the mining men as he often did
in London.  Servants usually proved to be an invaluable source of information.

It was an intimate experience to climb the stairs
beside Evelyn.  This was her home and he was being admitted to the family
quarters.  He was seeing a side of her most people didn’t.  The house was clean
and smelled of lemon and beeswax.  It was not overtly female, though there were
several plants scattered throughout the house.  Perhaps he should get one or
two for his own home.

“You’ll be staying in the starlight suite,” said
Evelyn, as she opened a set of double doors and entered the bedchamber. 

It was an elegant room, furnished with accents of dark
green.   There was a chaise lounge near the fireplace, as well as an overstuffed
chair.  His toiletries had already been laid out on a cherry wood dresser and his
clothes were hanging in the adjoining dressing room. 

“Why is it called the starlight suite?”

“My father loved to study the heavens.  The large
French doors open up onto a balcony that extends all the way along the house.” 
She opened the doors to show him.  Cold air greeted them both.  “Papa would
bring his telescope out here and we would make discoveries in the heavens.  We
even named a few stars.  Not officially, of course.  But I believe our names
were much better than the ones the astronomers chose.  I named one for Papa. 
And one for my first pony and one for my imaginary friend.  On summer nights, I
would sometimes sleep out here, lying on my back, watching the stars.”

It was a moment of beauty, to think of the young
girl and her father admiring the heavens.  He had no similar story in his
past.  Nothing to compare it to.  “Which rooms are along this balcony?” he
asked.

“The next set of French doors opens into my
bedchamber.”

Now he was assured of getting no sleep for the
duration of his stay.  Her room was next to his?   What the devil was Thompson
about, placing him in the bedchamber next to Evelyn’s?  If he’d been the
watchful butler, he would have put himself in the bloody dungeon. 

“Is something amiss, Inspector?”

Just the fact that temptation would be at hand the entire
night.  He tried to collect his wayward thoughts.   “I cannot like that your
bedchamber is so easily accessible.  For others.  I mean.  Intruders.  It would
be altogether too easy to scale that wall, hop onto the balcony and walk into
your room.”

“Why would anyone scale that wall?  The country
offers little in the way of crime, other than the odd chicken theft or
poaching.”

If it meant the chance to be with her, he would
scale that wall even if the staff was pouring hot tar from the roof.  But he
couldn’t very well tell her that. “Forgive me, my lady.  Old habits die hard
and I am used to London’s crime.  But I would advise you to cut the ivy from
the wall, which would make it immeasurably harder to climb.  In addition, I
would install locks on these doors.”

“But I shall have you in the next bedchamber.  Am I
not safe with you in residence?”

He met her gaze.  “No, my lady.  You are not.”

Her eyes widened.  He was on the verge of kissing
her, when he forced himself to turn away.  “I do not wish to keep you from your
activities.  And I should try to figure out where your most able staff unpacked
my things.  What time is dinner?”

“Six of the clock,” she said, sounding a bit
breathless.  “We eat early in the country and I do not dress for dinner.  If
both of those are agreeable to you.”

“Quite.”  He smiled, then bowed.

She took the hint and departed.

Lynwood would have his head
,
mused Joseph.  He would have his head and his bollocks, too, if he knew how
he’d been flirting with the woman he’d been charged with protecting.  When
she’d told him where her bedchamber lay, his first thought hadn’t been for her
safety.  It had been relief that he could visit her that night without being
seen by her staff.

Remove the ivy, indeed.  He’d scale that wall with
his fingernails if it meant having the chance to be with her at night.  Not
that he would get the chance.  It was obvious she was an innocent.  Her blushes
were only flaming his ardor.  Her innocent flirtation had him harder than
anything a seasoned courtesan could say.  Or do.