Read Online Heir to Greyladies by Anna Jacobs - Free Book Online Page B

bell and waited until his manservant arrived with his morning cup of tea. Pollins had been with him since he grew too old to be cared for by Nurse. He’d still needed help getting around in those days, so he’d been given his own servant. Pollins was still a big, strong fellow, but Joseph refused physical help, just let Pollins do the jobs any manservant would, keeping his clothes in order, tidying up the bedroom, bringing up his hot water.
    ‘Good morning, Pollins. It looks fine enough for a walk or a drive, so I think I’ll wear my country clothes today.’
    ‘Mrs Dalton is expecting guests for luncheon, Mr Joseph.’
    ‘She doesn’t usually expect me to attend her luncheon parties.’
    ‘She’s invited Mrs Jeffcott and her daughter. And … um … your mother asked me to make sure you wear your new navy-blue suit.’
    ‘She’s not—’ He broke off, staring in dismay at Pollins.
    ‘I think she’s found a young woman who might suit you.’
    Joseph groaned, remembering other luncheon parties where his brothers had been matched with young ladies. It had started as soon as each brother had finished studying or training, and found what his father called ‘a decent job’. Each brother had complained and resisted, but in the end they’d been pushed inexorably towards suitable matches.
    Only Selwyn, the eldest, had chosen his own bride, but of course, she’d come complete with money and connections in the county, so she’d been very acceptable. He was living in the next county now, in the house she’d inherited. He hadn’t needed to find a profession, with the prospect of inheriting Dalton House.
    Most of the matchmaking had taken place in London, though Joseph had heard all about it from his brothers’ complaints. It had continued unremittingly until his parents found young ladies for each of their sons.
    ‘Has she found me a matching cripple, perhaps?’ Joseph couldn’t help the edge to his voice.
    Pollins didn’t even try to answer that.
    ‘Sorry. I shouldn’t be sharp with you, Pollins. It’s not your fault. But I have no intention of marrying unless I feel some affection for the lady in question. And even then, what lady would want a man like me?’
    ‘One with a true heart, Mr Joseph. One who can look beyond the obvious. As I’ve told you before.’
    ‘I think I’m coming down with the influenza.’
    ‘You’re not usually a coward. What would it hurt to meet this one, lad? And any others she brings here? You might find one to your taste.’
    When Pollins called him lad, it reminded Joseph that hismanservant had been with him since he was a small child, and knew him better than anyone. It also meant Pollins was offering him advice, something he didn’t often presume to do.
    ‘I don’t want to be paraded for inspection.’ He heard how sulky his voice sounded, but couldn’t help it.
    ‘Neither do the young ladies, sir. Just meet them. You never know, you may even like one of them.’
    ‘Damn you, stop being so reasonable. Oh, very well. Get out the blue suit.’
    Pollins smiled, the special smile he only allowed himself when he’d won a point about something.
     
    Miss Christina Jeffcott and her mother were visiting some neighbours, who also attended the luncheon party.
    Joseph drew in a sharp breath when he entered the room and saw the dismay on Miss Jeffcott’s long, thin face at the sight of him. He’d have sold his soul not to wheel his chair across the room in front of strangers but there was no getting out of it.
    By the time he reached the guests, Miss Jeffcott’s dismay had turned to badly masked revulsion.
    He felt equally repelled by her. Sometimes ugliness came from the soul, rather than from the arrangement of a face. Miss Jeffcott had little good to say about anything. She prodded her food as if suspecting poison. She avoided looking directly at Joseph and answered his polite remarks in monosyllables.
    The guests weren’t encouraged to linger.
    ‘I don’t like that