Never Turn Away (Kellington Book Six) Read Online Free PDF Page A

a
family matter.  It would have made sense for Papa to use another solicitor.”
    “But would it have made sense for your father to
move up the date by only six months?  I can see, perhaps, his changing his mind
and wanting you to be married by the age of one and twenty.  But why move the
date only six months?”
    “My thoughts, exactly.  That is why I believe my
cousin is behind this.”
    “I know an expert on fraud in London who could study
the document to see if it is a forgery.  I cannot promise success, but I
believe it is worth a try.”
    “Thank you, sir.”
    “I shall set off for London straightaway.”
    “Actually, there is something else I would ask your
help with, though it is hard for me to seek assistance.”
    “But sometimes a person must.”
    “Do you, Inspector?”  She looked at him shrewdly,
her green eyes studying him.  “Do you ask for help?  Or do you prefer to rely
on yourself?”
    The question was unexpected and personal.  Joseph had
learned early on that he could depend on very few people.  And life as a Bow
Street Inspector had hardly given him more faith in the inherent trustworthiness
of people.  It was only in the past few months through his friendship with the
Kellingtons and Riverton that he was learning to trust others.  Though Lady
Evelyn’s life experience could not have been more different than his, it
appeared she shared his independent nature. 
    He smiled slightly.  “Thankfully, we are not
speaking of me.”  Her eyes laughed at his obvious evasion.  “How else may I be
of assistance?”
    “Knowing that I was to marry by June, I have
considered a few potential husbands, though  country life does not offer a
great deal of variety in potential spouses.”
    “Especially of your station.”
    Once again, her direct gaze settled upon him.  “But
that is the advantage of having little use for life in London.  I do not feel
compelled to marry someone of my ‘station,’ as you put it.  My father raised me
to respect all others, regardless of title or position in life.  If I found
myself in love, I would care little for status.”
    “An admirable sentiment but, from what I know of the ton , you would be cut most cruelly if you married beneath you.”
    “That might be a problem if I cared about what those
in London thought of me.  I do not.”
    “But what of your children?  Would you deprive them
of a life in the peerage and the incumbent advantages?”
    “If I am blessed with children, I would ensure they
had everything they needed.  And they would be loved.  It would be a greater
disservice to raise them with a peer I did not love, rather than someone of a
lesser station with whom I was happy.”
    Stapleton had no answer to that.  He had thought
little could surprise him.  But this woman was doing an admirable job of it.  “Do
you have any candidates in mind?”
    “Three local men have emerged as suitors.”
    “Do any of them appeal to you?” 
    “I am still in the process of thinking of them as
potential husbands.   I was hoping you could meet them and give me your opinion
as to their character.  I would imagine your profession has made you a rather
good judge of it.  And then I would like to accompany you to London.  If I do
have to marry before year’s end, perhaps I could better my matrimonial chances
at a ton ball.  Though I dread the very prospect.”
    Stapleton thought of the men she would meet there. 
The rakes.  The ones who lost fortunes at the gaming tables.  Those who spent
their time in opium dens and brothels.  He would wish them all to the devil
before they could come within a mile of Lady Evelyn.  Of course, he had to
admit that Arthur and Hal Kellington had fit that very description until they’d
met their respective wives and changed their ways.  It was possible there were
other men who could also reform.
    But not bloody likely.
    The risk was great and this trusting woman needed
help.  “Perhaps Lady Riverton