Time was a precious commodity, especially for Lord Paxton.
The viscount squeezed my arm. “And if it is you who is wrong? Think of all that could come of it. Your happiness, Annette’s, and the good you will do together. Is that not worth taking a chance on? At worst, you fail to win her heart, but I beg of you not to concede before you’ve begun.”
My happiness—that seemed out of reach. I had not planned to marry any time soon. My goals were too demanding, my ambitions a burden on my time. When would I have the freedom to seek a woman up to the task of taking this journey with me? One with the patience to bear the trials that would undoubtedly come and sacrifice, quite possibly, financial security to do so?
But with Lord Paxton’s offer, I would not need to step away from my goals to find a wife. I would not need to worry how my efforts might put a financial strain on my family’s life. Annette might be one of the most irksome women of my acquaintance, but I could not say I did not enjoy her company. She was beautiful, witty, and possessed a passion unlike any I’d seen, though she hid it well. Marriage to her surely could not be the most terrible thing.
I would have the capital to find Adda and seek justice.
That final realization pushed my reluctance deeper into the dark recesses of my mind. Adda was my priority, and the longer it took me to find her, the higher the odds I would never see her again. I could not live with the guilt of losing her, not after everything.
“I’ll do it.” The words tumbled out of me, and as a result, my heart pounded. Worry that I might regret this decision plagued me, but all I could think of was Adda. Was she alive? Had she somehow escaped Hollinsby? I needed answers. I needed to see her safe.
A wide grin spread over Lord Paxton’s face. “Capital! I knew I could rely upon you. I will speak to my solicitor about drawing up a contract.”
“Do not excite yourself. This may all be for naught. All I can promise is to try. I have no notion of how I might find success.”
“You shall, you shall.” His shoulders relaxed, and he closed his eyes with a deep sigh. “You must keep me informed of how things are going. I do enjoy our discussions, too. I’ve missed them. Visit me each morning, won’t you?”
“Yes…Theo.”
“And promise that you shan’t tell her about all this. Not a word until after you’ve wed. Do I have your vow in this?”
I hesitated momentarily. “You have my word. I shan’t tell her.”
“Good. Now, I think I should like to rest. I imagine you could use some before dinner as well.”
Rest was the last thing I would be able to do. My thoughts were a storm of chaos. I’d yet to ask Lord Paxton what he knew of Hollinsby and the possible sale of the estate Cratchit had mentioned. But such questions would have to wait. Lord Paxton’s eyes remained closed, and the man certainly looked as though he should rest.
Tomorrow morning, then.
I quietly slipped away and walked to the opposite wing of the house. Just as Apsley promised, my valise was waiting inside my room. Before my arrival, I had not known how long I would stay at Kenwick Castle. Truthfully, I’d hoped to be here not more than a few days, but now…
I scoffed, opening one of the trunks. It would take much longer to convince Annette to marry me.IfI convinced her at all. My confidence in the matter was not precisely high, but the consequences for failing were. I had to try. If for no other reason, I would do this for Adda.
Chapter five
Annette
WhileIwasneverone to arrive last in the drawing room before dinner, being the first was unusual. The vacant room, with its golden furniture and intricate molding, had been a place of comfort where my family gathered when not in London. I held fond memories of this space, the kind filled with exchanges of love and laughter.
Well, and some vexing interactions. I did have three brothers, after all, and at least two of them were prone to teasing me. Still, there was something calming about standing in a place where so much of the good in my life happened. Kenwick and its drawing room were home, and simply being here chipped away at the months’ worth of tension I had carried in Town.
I ran my gloved fingers along the raised back of a navy blue sofa nearest the window. Light poured between the curtains, the orange glow of sunset filling the room and glistening off everything it touched. It glinted off the frames holding paintings of gardens, and the Oriental vase perched on the walnut cabinet in the corner, one that had been knocked over years ago and glued back together, sparkled in a way that made the beautiful figures decorating it almost dance.
The clearing of a throat broke me from my reverie, and I turned sharply. Lieutenant Paget stood near the door, his lips slightly raised in a light smile. He bowed. “Miss Apsley, you look lovely this evening.”
It took great effort not to roll my eyes. Instead, I forced myself to curtsy. “How do you fare from your travels, Lieutenant? I do hope you enjoy your last evening with us.”
His lips ticked up farther. “I believe you mean my first evening.”
“They are one and the same, are they not?” I lifted my brows. Mother would expect me to be polite, and I would indulge her. But I would also not pretend I wished for this man’s presence in my home. Especially not in my drawing room, a sacred space where he would taint the memories I had here.
Lieutenant Paget clasped his hands behind his back. “I have considered your demand for my departure.”
“And?” It was too much to hope he would oblige me, but I foolishly did so.
“And, as I have come here with a purpose and not yet fulfilled it, I’m afraid I must disappoint you for the time being. I will stay.”
