Once I was sure I had gained possession of myself, I opened my eyes and fixed my gaze again on her face. “As you seem quite comfortable, I will not take much of your time. I wish to apologize for last evening. I confess my ignorance of your dislike of currants, although I should have known your brother would not have mentioned them in good faith. The two of you have an…interesting relationship.”
Annette barked out a laugh, one far too loud for a lady. It made her blue eyes sparkle. “Turbulent, more like. Our relationship is a never-ending battle of tricks. It has always been that way.”
“Well, I am sorry to have been a part of it. And for insisting you eat your trifle. I hope you will forgive my lapse in proper behavior.”
Her eyes narrowed, and slowly, she slid her feet onto the floor. “I should think you would have taken victory in my brother’s scheme. Celebrated being part of it.”
“At one time, I might have.”
She raised a skeptical brow. “And you no longer find teasing me entertaining? I find that hard to believe. Why would you care to change now?”
“Would you prefer that I tease you?”
“Of course not!” She reared back, but there was something in the way her cheeks tinted that made me think her words rang untrue. “I simply do not feel I can trust you. How do I know this is not part of some grand lark that you will unleash on me the moment I let my guard down?”
“I suppose your distrust is fair. How can I prove myself a changed man?”
The question took her by surprise, and her mouth hung open for a moment before she could formulate a response. “You will have to prove your loyalty. Or your disloyalty to my brother, at the very least.”
My lips lifted. “And how might I do that?”
“By helping me get revenge, naturally.”
A laugh escaped me. “Did you not already achieve that this morning with the catnip?” That trick had been amusing, even if I was once again a victim.
“Call it a preemptive strike if you prefer. Russell will not stop; therefore, neither shall I. Will you assist me?”
“That is a tall ask, Miss Apsley. I consider your brother a friend.”
She shrugged, but the look she wore said she expected my compliance anyway.
“Very well, I will agree to help, but with what you are asking, it is only fair that I’m allowed a second request.”
She stood and crossed the room to stand in front of me, studying my face as she did so. “What sort of request?”
“A private tour of the castle. From you. It is embarrassing to ask the servants where certain rooms are located.”
Annette glanced heavenward. “You did not think to simply ask one of the servants to give you a tour? Or my mother? Or Rus? You’ve been here for days.”
“I’ve been a bit preoccupied.”
Her annoyance faded, and this time when she studied me, it was less guarded. Less judgmental. “Your friend.”
I held her gaze. Perhaps I should have been more careful about what information I gave her. I did not wish to speak about Adda. Eventually, I would have to tell Annette everything if she were to become my wife, but I was not close enough to that end just yet. To do so would be to admit that my plans for the future did not mean a marriage built on deep affection, and what woman wished to be courted by a man with such plans?
Perhaps one with no intention to wed.
The thought struck me dumb. Would Annette agree to a marriage if she thought her husband would require little of her? It was difficult to say, given that I did not know her reasons for avoiding the institution. It occurred to me now that without that understanding, I had little hope in swaying her.
Still, the blurted question surprised even me. “Why do you not wish to marry?”
Annette’s eyes rounded at the change of topic. “I…that is hardly any of your concern.” She backed away from me several steps and averted her gaze. My question had clearly flustered her, which made me desire the answer all the more. She shifted on her feet. “I will agree to take you on a tour if you will agree to assist me with my retribution.”
Ah, so we would ignore the topic of marriage. For the time being.
“Done,” I said easily. “Shall we devise our strategy now, or have you already concocted something suitable?”
“The latter. I have several ideas, in fact. It is only a matter of settling on the best one.”
