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.
“Are you hurt?” he asked, running his hands over her.
“You saved me.”
“What the devil were you doing walking down the street by yourself at night? This isn’t Caversham. It’s London.”
Now he was showing concern for her? After hours of keeping his distance in the ballroom? She was pleased beyond belief that he was so worried about her, yet perversely tried to shake off his protective nature. “This is Mayfair, after all,” she sniffed.
“And if you knew some of those society bastards the way I do, you’d realize M
ayfair isn’t safe.”
“You didn’t seem to care about those society…bastards when they were dancing with me!”
“What the devil are you talking about?”
“Tonight! You idly strolled through the ballroom barely looking my way and certainly never even considering dancing with me. For all you cared, I was just some other nameless, faceless female you’d dallied with.”
For a moment he was silent. Then it all came out in a jumble. “My attention was on you the entire night, just as it has been ever since I met you.”
“Because Lynwood told you to look after me.” She knew she was being churlish, but she did not care.
“From the moment you rescued that ewe, this ceased being a favor for a friend and became an act of bloody torment. Do you think I liked seeing you dance with those toffs? Don’t you think I wanted to take you away from them, away from all of this? Then I couldn’t find you after you said you’d wait for me in the foyer. When I finally did catch sight of you again, what did I find? You wandering aimlessly off and almost being run down by some drunken villain on a horse. Good God, woman, you’re going to drive me insane.”
“For your information…”
“I’m not done yet! As for ‘dallying’ with you, I have never felt for anyone what I did with you. And I am cursed to be haunted by the feel of you, the taste of you for the rest of my life.” He pulled her to him for a kiss. And not just a kiss. A soul-searching, scorching, incendiary kiss. It was passionate and insistent. It said everything words were unable to convey.
And she loved it.
But just as she was losing herself to him, he withdrew and pulled her to her feet.
“Joseph Stapleton! How dare you kiss me senseless, then stop?” She became aware of him hailing the Lynwood carriage.
He ushered her inside, gave instructions to the coachman, then joined her.
“Are you taking me to Lynwood House?” she asked.
“No. I’m taking you home.”
Never Turn Away (Kellington Book Six) Page 17
