“This plan of yours hinges on one very important aspect that cannot be ignored," I said. “That your daughter would accept my suit and subsequently agree to the marriage. I cannot believe she would do either of those things in such circumstances as her suitor being paid off.”
Nor could I imagine her taking well to either without it. Annette Apsley wanted nothing to do with me. Our exchange downstairs proved that.
“Codswallop.” Lord Paxton massaged his forehead. “Did I not tell you only moments ago that there is a spark between the two of you? A grand match if there ever was one. You are both passionate people, and I can think of no one more perfect for my Annette.”
Perfect? Laughable. “She will not appreciate being wooed by someone who has agreed to the pursuit for the sake of money. I don’t know her well, but that much I can have little doubt over.”
Lord Paxton waved away my concerns. “Of course, she wouldn’t appreciate it. What woman would? That is why she needn’t be apprised of the money.”
“Lie to her?”
“If you choose to see it that way. I have every faith that the two of you would be quite happy together. Think of this as extra motivation, not motivation itself. You’ve spent enough time together to feel comfortable in one another’s presence, and as I mentioned, you are much alike in your determination.” He paused. “And stubbornness. No, Annette need not know of the supplemental funds. The lack of information will do her no harm, and should you wish to reveal the information later, she will see that it was all done for a just cause. By then, you shall be too madly in love to care about the circumstances which propelled your relationship.”
I disagreed with him on a number of things. Agreatnumber of things, in fact. Annette and I had very little in common. We bickered and fought constantly. We disagreed on nearly everything. Weloathedone another. Well, she loathed me, anyway. Despite what I had said in that alley, I did not mean the sentiment. Regardless, how had the man come to the conclusion that I was best suited to marry his daughter?
And love? The very idea nearly unleashed my laughter. Annette could never love me, nor I her. The idea was preposterous. I did not think Lord Paxton was a man who would arrange his daughter’s marriage simply to further his political interests, but perhaps I had been wrong. Nothing else made sense.
Besides, no matter what the viscount claimed, Annette would be hurt to learn of her father’s attempts to marry her off by bribing her suitors. While I strove to get under her skin with my taunts and teasing, hurting her was another matter entirely. It was not my intention to cause that sort of distress to anyone, not even Annette Apsley.
I shook my head. “I cannot think this a good idea, my lord.”
“If youmy lordme again, I shall have you thrown out on your rear.” Lord Paxton clasped his hands together and rested them on his stomach. Whatever amusement remained in his expression vanished. “I understand your reluctance, Edward. Truly, I do. But I assure you, my stubbornness far exceeds either yours or Annette’s. I wish to see my daughter wed, and if you refuse me, I will find another who is willing. It pains me to even consider it. As I said, a more perfect match, I cannot imagine.”
Annette marry another? Something wriggled in my stomach. Why did that thought sit unwell with me? Likely because I knew it went against her every desire. Whether she called me a friend or not, I thought of her as one.
I ran a hand through my hair. “Your daughter is not interested in marriage. She has told me so herself a number of times.”
“I’m aware of Annette’s aversion to the institution, but for the right man, she will set aside her foolish ideas.”
“Would it be imprudent for me to voice my disagreement? Once Annette’s mind is made up, it is nearly impossible to change. I have experienced as much for myself while in Town.”
A wide grin pulled at Lord Paxton’s lips. “Has she given you leave to use her name?”
My stomach coiled. “No, she has not.”
“But you do so anyway?”
“I…I have on occasion in private, but only because it vexes her.”
The man chuckled. Why could he not be angry with me like most fathers would have for taking such liberties with their daughter? And for fun at her expense, no less. If anything, my confession seemed to fuel the viscount’s insistence that this scheme could work.
“I stand by all I have said. A fine match aside, I believe putting that money in your hands would do the world much good. Think of all that could be accomplished. Is that not reason enough to consider my offer?”
It was, and I was having a difficult time not allowing my mind to wander through the opportunities such a fortune would unlock for me. Not just for me, but for all the people who would be affected by change, both now and in the future.
“If the money can do so much, why not put it to use yourself? You have connections and wealth already. Would it not be more logical for you to pursue the things we have discussed—to fight for abolition?”
Lord Paxton’s lips pulled into a taut frown. “My time for propagating change is in the past. I wish to pass on my legacy, and as none of my sons has an interest in politics at present, I hoped you would take up my mantle on that front. I am not a young man any longer. There is only so much I can do from a sickbed. I need someone spry and passionate to speak for me. To act. The sort of change we wish to direct cannot be done by simply throwing money about. It will require physical, social, and mental work. I’m not up to the task as I once was, but you? You are more than ready and able.”
I wished to deny his claim. For months, I had looked up to Lord Paxton as an inspiration, as a man who would defy the illness that plagued him and fight for years to come. I had not allowed myself to consider that time might soon strip the world of his goodness and passion. Not until Annette told me of his worsening condition as we stood in that alley. Even now, as my gaze wandered over him, I wished my observations away.
But what excuse could I give for his pale skin and thinning face? Exhaustion seeped from his expression, almost palpable. His condition twinged my heart. My father was a good man. Our relationship, though, was not always amiable, especially with my frustrations over his lack of interest in my ambitions. Lord Paxton had supported me from the beginning. Encouraged me where my own father had not. He was more to me than simply an ally, and my soul ached at the thought of losing him.
Warmth spread over my arm, and I glanced down to see Lord Paxton’s ghostly white fingers on the fabric of my coat sleeve. I met his gaze and saw so much reflected in his blue eyes. Pain, sorrow, and worry—every emotion tugged at my conscience.
“Please, Edward,” he whispered. “I do not enjoy speaking so morosely, but my time on this earth is limited. I haven’t the strength to keep going for years, perhaps not even months. I wish to see my daughter settled so that my soul may rest easy. I fear the burdens I shall leave behind. Much as I love Russell, he is not ready to take on so much responsibility. Not mature enough for the title he will soon bear. Annette needs to marry now, or she may never do so. My heir will certainly not provide the encouragement she requires. I do not doubt she would manage the future on her own, but that is not the life I want for her. Happiness, such as I have been privileged to experience, is my greatest wish for my children.”
I swallowed, the weight of his pleading heavy on my chest. “She does not care for me. It matters not how noble the reasons are, how justified they may sound. She would never accept. I would fail, thus wasting everyone’s time in the process.”
