Read Online Never Turn Away (Kellington Book Six) by Maureen Driscoll - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Maureen Driscoll
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Keegan. “We are
concerned for Lady Evelyn’s safety.”
Every muscle in Joseph’s body was suddenly on edge.
“Has there been a threat to her?”
“We believe her cousin is capable of anything in his
efforts to secure her land,” said Logan. “Not to mention the mining company.
They came around here a few weeks ago asking about Jasmine Manor, but his grace
would not even consider selling. We thought it would be best if you were close
by her ladyship in case she needs you.”
“I can definitely imagine her needing you,” added
Oates helpfully.
“And why was I not informed of a possible threat earlier?”
There was a moment of silence as each of the
servants turned to Mr. Keegan, who appeared to be giving the matter some
thought. “Because,” he said slowly. “Not even Lady Evelyn is aware of the threat.
Her servants have been protecting her.”
“I cannot see how that would protect her. She is a
reasonable woman. She should have enough information to make decisions about
her own safety.”
“Yes, and with you there to guide her, just think of
how much safer she shall be. We have taken the liberty of sending your things
to Lady Evelyn’s house. Now off you go, Joseph.”
Joseph had rarely been ordered out of a place with
such efficiency and kindness. Truth be told, few had ever tried it. But if
Evelyn was in danger, he had an obligation to keep her safe.
So with his thanks to the staff and another
suspicious glance at the portrait, he went outside to find Rocinante waiting
for him. Apparently everyone wanted him gone. He mounted up and set out for
Lady Evelyn’s.
CHAPTER SEVEN
“What do you mean Inspector Stapleton will be
staying here?” Evelyn asked her butler, Thompson.
“His things arrived earlier today,” he replied.
“But why?” Evelyn was disconcerted in the extreme
to think of having the handsome Joseph Stapleton staying under her roof. Just sitting
next to him in the sleigh, their legs pressed against each other, had been
disquieting enough. It was a good thing Smithton never required much of a
response to his lectures on farming because she had been quite incapable of
forming a coherent thought. All she’d been able to focus on was how exciting
it felt every time she bumped up against Joseph.
She was truly shameless. Which didn’t seem to
bother her nearly as much as it should.
Before Evelyn could get answers to her questions,
Joseph arrived and she had to contend with the man himself. And he looked
truly ill at ease.
“My lady, please forgive my intrusion but Mr. Keegan
told me my things had been sent here. He was under the impression I would be
your guest.”
She had to clear her throat before finding her
voice. “So I have just been informed.”
“If it is in any way inconvenient – and I find it
hard to believe it wouldn’t be – I can return to Jasmine Manor.”
“It is not inconvenient in the least. But is
something awry at Jasmine Manor? I cannot imagine the Keegans turning away a
guest of his grace’s without good reason.”
“I have not insulted them, if that is what you
think.”
“Pray forgive me, I did not mean that. Thompson, do
be so good as to bring us tea in the sitting room. I fear my wits need
refreshment.”
She began again when they were properly situated on
the chaise, though there was nothing proper about the nature of her thoughts.
This was Joseph. Here. In her home. And he would remain there overnight.
“You are perfectly welcome, Inspector. Indeed, it
will be altogether more convenient to have you where I want you. That is….”
She blushed. “There are a few things I want to do with you…I don’t mean… Oh,
bother.” Her face was flaming and Joseph’s sudden amusement did not help.
“My lady, I think what you are telling me…” He
hesitated, perhaps as unsure as she on what to say next.
“Do go on, sir. I am always
concerned for Lady Evelyn’s safety.”
Every muscle in Joseph’s body was suddenly on edge.
“Has there been a threat to her?”
“We believe her cousin is capable of anything in his
efforts to secure her land,” said Logan. “Not to mention the mining company.
They came around here a few weeks ago asking about Jasmine Manor, but his grace
would not even consider selling. We thought it would be best if you were close
by her ladyship in case she needs you.”
“I can definitely imagine her needing you,” added
Oates helpfully.
“And why was I not informed of a possible threat earlier?”
There was a moment of silence as each of the
servants turned to Mr. Keegan, who appeared to be giving the matter some
thought. “Because,” he said slowly. “Not even Lady Evelyn is aware of the threat.
Her servants have been protecting her.”
“I cannot see how that would protect her. She is a
reasonable woman. She should have enough information to make decisions about
her own safety.”
“Yes, and with you there to guide her, just think of
how much safer she shall be. We have taken the liberty of sending your things
to Lady Evelyn’s house. Now off you go, Joseph.”
Joseph had rarely been ordered out of a place with
such efficiency and kindness. Truth be told, few had ever tried it. But if
Evelyn was in danger, he had an obligation to keep her safe.
So with his thanks to the staff and another
suspicious glance at the portrait, he went outside to find Rocinante waiting
for him. Apparently everyone wanted him gone. He mounted up and set out for
Lady Evelyn’s.
CHAPTER SEVEN
“What do you mean Inspector Stapleton will be
staying here?” Evelyn asked her butler, Thompson.
“His things arrived earlier today,” he replied.
“But why?” Evelyn was disconcerted in the extreme
to think of having the handsome Joseph Stapleton staying under her roof. Just sitting
next to him in the sleigh, their legs pressed against each other, had been
disquieting enough. It was a good thing Smithton never required much of a
response to his lectures on farming because she had been quite incapable of
forming a coherent thought. All she’d been able to focus on was how exciting
it felt every time she bumped up against Joseph.
She was truly shameless. Which didn’t seem to
bother her nearly as much as it should.
Before Evelyn could get answers to her questions,
Joseph arrived and she had to contend with the man himself. And he looked
truly ill at ease.
“My lady, please forgive my intrusion but Mr. Keegan
told me my things had been sent here. He was under the impression I would be
your guest.”
She had to clear her throat before finding her
voice. “So I have just been informed.”
“If it is in any way inconvenient – and I find it
hard to believe it wouldn’t be – I can return to Jasmine Manor.”
“It is not inconvenient in the least. But is
something awry at Jasmine Manor? I cannot imagine the Keegans turning away a
guest of his grace’s without good reason.”
“I have not insulted them, if that is what you
think.”
“Pray forgive me, I did not mean that. Thompson, do
be so good as to bring us tea in the sitting room. I fear my wits need
refreshment.”
She began again when they were properly situated on
the chaise, though there was nothing proper about the nature of her thoughts.
This was Joseph. Here. In her home. And he would remain there overnight.
“You are perfectly welcome, Inspector. Indeed, it
will be altogether more convenient to have you where I want you. That is….”
She blushed. “There are a few things I want to do with you…I don’t mean… Oh,
bother.” Her face was flaming and Joseph’s sudden amusement did not help.
“My lady, I think what you are telling me…” He
hesitated, perhaps as unsure as she on what to say next.
“Do go on, sir. I am always
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