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

could be of assistance.”
    “Elizabeth?  I do not have much of an acquaintance
with her, though I always enjoyed seeing her when she and her brothers visited
Jasmine Manor.  How could she help?”
    “She is an inveterate matchmaker.  If you do have to
marry quickly, she might know of someone suitable.”  And he could trust her to
find someone worthy of Lady Evelyn.  If such a man existed.
    “I feel better already,” said Lady Evelyn with a
dazzling smile. 
    Joseph became slightly light-headed at the sight of
it.  He cleared his throat.  “I shall send a dispatch to my expert in London,
if you would also write a note to Mr. Mayhew, informing him of our plans.  That
will give them more time to examine the codicil before we arrive in London.”
    “Thank you.”
    “It is my pleasure.  When shall I meet your
suitors?’
    “Mr. Kensington, the son of the local squire, is to
call on me at one of the clock to go on a ride.  I would appreciate it if you
would accompany us.”
    “And I am sure he would like no such thing.  I
accept.” 

 
    CHAPTER FOUR
     
     
     
     
     
     
    After sending out a dispatch to his expert – as well
as missives to Lynwood, Riverton and the Kellingtons – Joseph arrived back at
Lady Evelyn’s home shortly before one of the clock.  The squire’s rather portly
son had just arrived and was in the process of dismounting.  “Hold him still!”
he said crossly to the stable lad holding his horse’s reins. 
    From Stapleton’s view atop Rocinante, the lad wasn’t
at fault.  It was the awkward dismount that was making the horse sidle.  By
contrast, Rocinante held still as Joseph dismounted.  He patted the horse, then
thanked the lad who came to take his reins.
    “Who are you?” asked the squire’s son, whose clothes
looked expensive, but uncomfortably tight.
    “Joseph Stapleton,” he said with a slight nod.  He
offered no further explanation, leaving that to Lady Evelyn.
    The younger man looked Joseph up and down, having to
tilt his head back to get a good look at Joseph’s hat, since he was about six
or seven inches shorter.  “I haven’t seen you around Oxfordshire.”
    “I only just arrived.”
    It was obvious the young man was trying to guess if
Stapleton was gentleman or servant, and was frustrated by not being able to do
so.  “And you are here because?”
    “Because I was invited.”
    That answer did not please the squire’s son at all. 
Yet, he seemed stymied in what he should say next.  Evidently, he was someone
who liked to know where he stood.
    And Joseph’s uncharitable thought was that the young
man likely always stood about a head shorter than everyone else.
    Fortunately, Lady Evelyn chose that moment to join
them.  “Ah, Mr. Stapleton, thank you for coming.  Have you met Mr. Kensington?”
    “We were just becoming acquainted.”  He wondered why
she had not referred to him as Inspector, nor explained his presence.  Could it
be that she was ashamed of associating with someone who wasn’t a gentleman,
despite her pretty words earlier?  The notion was more unsettling than it
should be.
    “Stapleton, is it?” asked Kensington.  “Are you
related to the Portsmouth Stapletons?  They supply our livestock.”
    “No, I am not.”
    That abbreviated answer seemed to frustrate
Kensington even more.  Joseph knew he should more fully introduce himself, but
rather enjoyed the young man’s discomfiture.
    “Mr. Stapleton is a friend of the Duke of Lynwood’s,”
said Evelyn.  She was wearing a sapphire blue winter riding habit that hugged
her curves.  “I asked him to join us this afternoon.  He is only just arrived
from London and I thought he might like to see a bit of the county.  Mr.
Stapleton, this is Gerard Kensington, if he has not already made himself known
to you.”
    It looked like Evelyn knew very well that Kensington
had not done any such thing.  Another groom brought out Evelyn’s horse.  Kensington
moved to boost her into