Portrait of Jonathan Read Online Free PDF Page A

rumour and, quite honestly, would have remained so had I not made it my business to find out—discreetly—whether there was any truth in it,’ he smiled.
    â€˜And was there?’
    â€˜Oh yes. Of course, he held a very junior position and, from what I could gather, they treat him rather shamefully as regards payment of salary.’
    Lord Rowan laughed but without humour. ‘ I doubt my son’s services are worth very much, Eldon. No doubt they only allowed him to join them in the hopes that his relationship to me could prove useful to them. I’m glad you told us, my boy.’
    â€˜I did not do so before, sir,’ Jonathan replied quietly, ‘for I did not wish to cause you greater disappointment—and I would not have done so now but for the unexpected turn of events.’
    â€˜But what of Lavinia?’ Lord Melmoth prompted.
    â€˜I suppose legally I cannot force her away from her parents—but I rather think that if she has failed in her mission to Myron—and thank God she has,’ he added fervently, ‘then my son and his wife will have little further use of her. I shall count on that being so.’
    â€˜Will you have her here, then?’ Melmoth asked.
    There was a slight pause before Lord Rowan replied.
    â€˜I suppose I have little choice—she is my grand-daughter, but having recollections of her parentage, I doubt we shall have much in common,’ he sighed wearily, anticipating further trouble and heartache ahead of him, this time caused by his grand-daughter.
    Lord Melmoth and his son exchanged a glance and by mutual silent consent decided not to enlighten Lord Rowan as to Lavinia’s true disposition. It would be better for him to find out for himself.
    Whilst her husband and son were making their journey, Lady Evelina Melmoth was absorbed in her self-appointed task of caring for Lavinia. She had taken the girl to heart immediately and was determined to bring some pleasure and comfort to the child’s life. In this she was ably assisted by the kind-hearted Giles.
    Lady Melmoth allowed Lavinia to sleep late the morning after the night of her unfortunate adventure and so Lord Melmoth and Viscount Eldon had departed without seeing her again.
    â€˜Now, Giles,’ said his mother when they had breakfasted. ‘I would like you to help me. I propose sending a message to the Kelvins explaining that their daughter is a guest in our house and that we shall be pleased to have her stay with us for an indefinite time.’
    â€˜Shall you tell them anything about last night?’
    Lady Melmoth gave an uncharacteristic snort of disapproval.
    â€˜I most certainly shall not . I propose to ignore the whole affair. Let them find out how she came to be here for themselves.’
    Giles sighed. ‘Lord Myron will no doubt have acquainted them with the truth by now. Perhaps they’re worried by her disappearance.’
    â€˜I very much doubt that. However, I am not concerned with those wretched people only with their most unfortunate daughter. I shall take her a breakfast tray myself very soon. Then, when I can, I shall find her some pretty dresses—I might even call my dressmaker in. The poor child is so thin I doubt whether any of my gowns would fit her.’
    â€˜Do you know how old she is?’
    â€˜Ah, now let me see, she was born about the time her grandmother. Lady Rowan, died. That would be about eighteen years ago. Yes, she’ll be seventeen or eighteen.’
    â€˜Really—she only looks about fourteen.’
    â€˜The child has obviously been slow to mature because she has been given no encouragement or advice. To think what she must have suffered!’
    Mother and son lapsed into silence.
    â€˜Do you think she would go for a drive with me?’ Giles murmured.
    â€˜I shouldn’t rush her, Giles. Let us not forget what a terrifying experience she had last night. She may not want to see any man for some