Read Portrait of Jonathan for Free Online

Melmoth turned back from the doorway. ‘Why shouldn’t she enjoy herself, eh?’
    But mother and son exchanged a secret smile whilst Lord Melmoth disappeared up the wide stairs muttering to himself.
    â€˜But,’ Jonathan was saying softly, ‘we know just how she has been enjoying herself, don’t we, dearest Mama? And how is your little fledgling?’
    â€˜Jonathan, my dear,’ Lady Melmoth put her hand on her tall son’s arm, ‘you’d never believe the change in the girl—she is quite a young woman once divested of those childish clothes and adorned in something more befitting her age.’
    â€˜And just how old is she?’
    â€˜I haven’t asked her, but she must be seventeen or eighteen. Giles is quite captivated by her,’ Lady Melmoth laughed.
    â€˜Is he indeed?’ Jonathan said rather shortly and turned away abruptly. ‘ I too must change before dinner,’ and he left the room whilst his mother’s puzzled eyes followed him.
    What, she mused, was going on in the mind of her taciturn son?
    For a few moments before dinner the Eldon family found themselves together before Lavinia appeared.
    â€˜Now, Rupert, tell me of your visit to Lord Rowan.’
    â€˜Well, m’dear, Rowan was distressed at what we had to tell him—as I had imagined he would be…’
    â€˜But did he say he would help the child?’
    â€˜Well—yes,’ Lord Melmoth said slowly. ‘You don’t sound too sure. Surely he did not refuse—she is his grand-daughter?’
    â€˜He was not un willing, my dear Evelina, but somewhat doubtful of the success of such a move. Remember, my dear. Rowan hardly knows his grand-daughter. He has not seen her for a number of years and therefore has no notion of the girl’s adult character. He can only—unfortunately—compare her with her parents and in so doing is apprehensive. No doubt he fears she will bring similar trouble to him as her father before her did.’
    â€˜Ah, I understand,’ his good wife said gently. ‘But did you not tell him of the resemblance between Lavinia and her grandmother, Mélanie?’
    â€˜No, my love. I thought of it—but decided that it was best that Rowan should find the likeness himself—it will be a pleasant surprise for him after all his pessimistic thoughts. And besides, there were other reasons. For one, I thought he would not believe me, perhaps think that I was trying to sway his decision by playing on his love for his wife—and for another, we do not know the child’s character well enough. She appears harmless, but …’
    â€˜Papa, Lavinia wouldn’t hurt a fly, she’s a sweet girl and has been cruelly used,’ Giles burst out, his young face hot with indignation.
    His father turned his twinkling eyes on Giles.
    â€˜My, my, Lavinia has found herself a champion and no mistake. Calm down, my boy, I meant no insult to the child. I was merely trying to explain why I found our visit to Lord Rowan difficult.’
    â€˜I’m sorry, Papa, but she’s so—so lost and helpless. She does so need someone to take care of her.’
    The other three members of the family looked at Giles, no doubt all wondering whether his interest in the girl was becoming more than just the desire to help her.
    â€˜Well,’ said Jonathan, ‘she’ll soon have Lord Rowan. Despite his reluctance, he has said he will take her to live with him.’
    â€˜But he wants to leave it for a week or two,’ continued Lord Melmoth. ‘He would like her to stay here for the moment and then he will come up to London, meet her and take her back with him.’
    â€˜And what about her parents?’ Lady Melmoth reminded him.
    â€˜Ah, now they might present the greatest difficulty, of course. But Lord Rowan has said he will see Gervase. An unenviable task—it won’t be easy for him.’
    â€˜I wonder what