Never Run From Love (Kellington Book Four) Read Online Free

than a few, but none that appealed particularly to her.
    “The Raleighs’ ball is tonight,” said Mary with a
morning person’s enthusiasm.  “What are you going to wear?”
    Mel had quite forgotten about the latest ball and
witlessly tried to think of an excuse to get out of it.
    “Do not even think of not going,” said her cousin
with a smile.  “It will be one of the biggest events of the little season and
simply everyone shall be there.  If you ever hope to find a husband, you must
attend these events, no matter how boring you find them.”
    “I don’t find them boring,” said Mel, who then had
to smile when she caught her cousin’s disbelieving look.  “All right, so I
would rather spend the evening with a good book or in conversation with you and
your parents.”
    “But what about dancing?  You must enjoy that.”
    “Considering the fact that I am often taller than my
partners, dancing is not quite as much fun for me as it is for you.”
    Mary laughed.  “Oh, dear, poor Mr. Findlay looked
particularly chagrinned when you rose from your chair to your full height once
he’d asked you to dance at the Meriwether ball.  But I choose to look at your
stature as majestic, rather than something to shrink from.”
    “I did not say I shrink from it,” said Mel with a
grin.  “Only that the gentlemen do, which brings up another point.  Why does no
one say anything at these events?”
    “There you are mistaken.  A great deal is said,”
said Mary.  “You just aren’t paying proper attention.  You are also overlooking
one of the most important parts of a ball – the marvelous gowns.  I am looking
forward to wearing the blue silk with pearls and you should consider wearing
the topaz because it brings out your beautiful eyes.”
    “I may not be feeling at all the thing tonight,”
said Mel, who dearly wished she could go back to bed and not have to think
about another ball.
    “You will be in perfect health,” said Mary as she
squeezed her cousin’s hand affectionately.  “I shall insist upon it.”
    As Mary left the room to plan her evening’s
wardrobe, Mel threw back the covers.  There was nothing for it, she supposed,
but to begin the day.
    *                    *                    *
    Ten of the clock came mercilessly early ,
thought Hal, as he dragged himself into Lynwood’s study for their family
meeting.  The unplanned stop at Dill’s had dragged on to almost dawn.  His
stomach was nauseated, his mouth was dry, he had a pounding headache and he was
still the tiniest bit drunk.  A quick stop in the kitchens – away from his family’s
scrutiny – had produced some dry toast, weak tea and the promise of the
Kellington family’s special “headache remedy.” 
    No one knew exactly where the recipe had come from,
but it was rumored to have been the original concoction of their longtime butler
Heskiss, who’d seen the previous duke through an allegedly wild youth before
settling down with his duchess.  While Hal couldn’t imagine his father as a
wild young man, he had even greater difficulty imagining Heskiss coming up with
a potion to combat the ill effects of drink.
    He wondered what other secret talents their butler
was concealing.
    Hal walked into the library to find everyone there
before him.  Lynwood was seated at his desk, which meant this meeting would be
a serious one.  Ned, Jane and Violet were back home in Marston Vale, but Arthur
and Vanessa were there, recently returned from a very brief wedding trip to
assume duties at the Home Office.  Lizzie and Riverton were also in attendance. 
Lizzie looked decidedly green and Hal grimly noted there might be a race for
the chamber pot between him and his sister.  Lizzie, however, had a perfectly
good excuse for her nausea.  She was expecting. 
    Riverton was hovering over his wife and, truth be
told, he didn’t look too well himself.  Lizzie said he was wearing himself out
looking