K06 - Never Turn Away by Driscoll Maureen

Author:Driscoll, Maureen [Driscoll, Maureen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, historical
Amazon: B00GH6X6WK
Published: 2013-11-07T18:30:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The next day, the ride to the Earl of Larsen’s Upper Brook Street mansion was slow. And Evelyn could not stop fidgeting.

“Tell me more about your cousin,” said Joseph, from the seat opposite her.

“I am not close to Reginald or his brother Robert, though Pip – Reginald’s wife – makes every effort to make me feel at home when I visit.”

“Is Reginald the one who offered you his ‘services?’” asked Joseph.

“Yes,” she said grimly. “And Robert has proposed marriage.”

She wasn’t sure if she was imagining it, but it seemed that Joseph clenched his jaw. “Will you accept Robert’s proposal?”

“Heavens no. Even if I didn’t feel that cousins have no business marrying, he never expressed any type of interest in me until he learned the contents of my father’s original will. He and his brother were both surprised to discover the bulk of the money would stay with me. It left Reginald with the London house and the title, but little else, though I believe Pip enjoys being a countess.”

“Where does Robert get his money?”

“I believe their father left them each a small sum, though I would not think it was enough to support the lifestyle to which they are both accustomed. I am used to spending only what the estate earns, regardless of my inheritance. I have little sympathy for those who outspend their resources on items they do not need. Reginald likes to buy horses, Robert is a gamester and even Pip spends more in the shops than is necessary. It is, of course, none of my affair except I believe it is why the will was so mysteriously altered.”

“The world can be unkind to an unmarried lady without means. What will you do if you lose your fortune?”

“I would get by on the small stipend I would receive. But I worry about my servants and tenants. Do you think your solicitor has any word yet on the legality of the new clause?”

“We have an appointment to see him later today. I hope he has found something.” He smiled at her reassuringly. “We will find a solution to this. We must.”

Evelyn liked the use of the word “we.”

The carriage drew to a halt in front of an imposing mansion. A footman opened the door, then Joseph helped her out. She looked up at the limestone home and a shiver went through her.

“What is it?”

“I can never enter this home without thinking of my father’s death. I found him at his desk, already gone.”

Joseph took her hand. “You do not have to do this. You can return to Lynwood House while I talk to your cousin.”

She shook her head and squeezed his hand. “I am not a coward, sir. But I am dearly glad you are here with me.”

“There is no place I would rather be.”

She was about to respond when the door opened, revealing a dour butler. It was not the same one who’d served her father. Her cousin had turned him out almost immediately, but Evelyn had been able to secure him a good position in town, since he had not wished to leave London.

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