Never Turn Away (Kellington Book Six) (23 page)

“He’s a finer man than Reginald or Robert.  And as
for you…I’ll make your life a living hell for doing this.”

“You don’t scare me.  Now get out of that bed. 
You’re getting married.”

Pip pulled Evelyn by the arm and yanked her to her
feet.  The room began to swim and Evelyn’s stomach lurched, the residual
effects of the opium.  She must have looked as sick as she felt because Pip got
a horrified look on her face and pushed her away.

“Don’t you dare be sick on me!”

“Chamber pot.  I need a chamber pot,” said Evelyn as
she began to dry heave.

Pip picked up the chamber pot and tossed it to her. 
Evelyn caught it, bent over as if to be sick, then brought the pot up with all
her strength and hit Pip in the side of the head with it.  Unfortunately, Pip
turned just in time, so it was only a glancing blow.  Evelyn was still unsteady
on her feet, so it took little effort for Pip to knock her over with a slap to
the face.

Evelyn tripped Pip so she also fell, then rolled out
of the way so Pip hit the floor hard.  Pip caught Evelyn’s gown then straddled
her so she was able to put her hands around her neck.  She started squeezing
with surprising strength.   Evelyn began seeing black spots before her eyes.   But
she thought about Joseph and what she would give to be his wife.  She was able
to slam both of her elbows together, breaking Pip’s grip, then she aimed a fist
at Pip’s chin, catching her in the throat instead. 

Pip screamed in pain and Evelyn was able to get out
from under her.  She ran to the door, but Pip was able to grab the hem of her
gown.  Evelyn kicked her hand away, then opened the door, only to come face to
face with Joseph.

Joseph who was very, very angry.  He moved her to
the side, then advanced on Pip, who had gotten to her feet.  Her lip was
bleeding and her hair was in a very non-Pip-like state of disarray.

“Don’t you dare put your hands on me, you dirty
bastard!” screamed Pip, as she picked up the chamber pot, brandishing it as a
weapon.

“Don’t you dare strike him,” said Evelyn, as she
advanced on Pip, but stumbled. 

Joseph caught her neatly, but his eyes were still on
Pip.

“If you put one filthy hand on me I’ll have you
brought up on charges!”

Vanessa and Melanie – having covertly followed the
men to the house – brushed by Joseph, then stood in front of Pip.  “I am
arresting you on charges of kidnapping,” said Vanessa.

“Here’s another bastard….”

Then Pip went reeling backward from the force of
Melanie’s fist to her jaw.  She hit her head, then slid down the wall.

“Nicely done!” said Vanessa.  “I did not realize you
could throw a punch so well.”

“You must remember I am an American,” said Mel,
massaging the knuckles of her hand.

Hal appeared at her side, bringing her injured hand
to his lips, then gently kissing her knuckles.  “Is it in bad form that I would
like to whisk you back to our bed even more than usual after that?’

Mel blushed to her hairline, though she did not say
it was in bad form.

Arthur stood over Pip’s inert form, gently kicking
her foot with his boot until she came around.  “Madam, Bow Street has been
summoned.  You shall remain here until they take you off to gaol.”

Pip blinked twice.  “I am not going to gaol.  That
Colonial should be locked up for assaulting a countess.”

“But she was defending Lady Vanessa!” said Evelyn.  Suddenly,
she became aware of Joseph’s hands roaming all over her.

“Are you hurt?” he asked.

“I’m still feeling the effects of being drugged, but
am fine other than that.”

He turned to Pip and Evelyn could feel every muscle
in his body tense.  “You drugged her?”

“You have only her word that I did,” replied Pip,
who’d risen and was now demurely setting herself to rights.  “She and Robert
were about to marry downstairs.  She was feeling a little nervous about the
approaching wedding night, so she took something to soothe her.  I believe it
was some of Robert’s opium.  However, she must have taken too much because she
concocted the wildest tale about me.  I daresay she will sing a different tune
once she has come down from the effects of the drug.  Because, after all, a
person could get into a good deal of trouble by spreading such malicious lies.”

“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.