“I will, assuming she ever speaks to me again.”
He smirked. “She will. I have no doubt of that.”
How could the man be this confident? I was not sure why Lord Paxton believed so strongly that I could convince his daughter—that she would accept me as a suitor—but I wished I could be so optimistic.
“There is another matter I wish to speak to you about,” I said. “A few days ago, Ann—Miss Apsley—took me on a tour of The Towers. I noticed the east tower may have a view of Willowbrook, but your daughter mentioned it is always locked. I thought perhaps you might allow me to see if the upper room would provide an observation point, one that did not risk my trespassing onto Hollinsby’s land.”
The viscount frowned. “I’m afraid I will have to disappoint you. The tower may provide an opportune viewpoint. I cannot say, as I’ve not been up there in some time. But I do not have the key.”
“You do not?” I continued when he shook his head. “Might one of the servants remove the door? With your permission, of course. I’m certain the local blacksmith could construct a new lock. Replace the door.”
“Yes, he could, but the tower is not mine to offer.”
What did he mean by that?
Lord Paxton, having watched my expression twist with confusion, smiled. “The key is not missing. I’ve simply given use of the tower to someone indefinitely.”
“And this someone…would they allow me use of the window?”
“The odds are nearly zero.” He settled against his pillows with a sigh. “I am sorry, Edward. I cannot help you with this. It is far too delicate a matter.”
Delicate? I wanted to press for more information, but Lord Paxton closed his eyes, and I feared overtaxing him. I trusted the man, and if he said using the tower was impossible, I believed him. Disappointed, I stood and bid him good day. It seemed that, where his daughter and Hollinsby were concerned, I was still on my own.
Deciding to spend the afternoon scouting Willowbrook, I took the stairs down to the vestibule. I’d made it halfway to the bottom when a knock sounded at the door. The butler opened it and quickly stepped aside. A man with sandy blonde hair and travel-mussed clothing barrelled into the castle. His skin was lightly tanned, and something in his features was familiar.
He sucked in a breath, grinning as though pleased. His gaze wandered the room until it fell on me, and his brows puckered. “Who are you?”
I descended the remainder of the stairs, both curious of and irritated by his impertinence. “Lieutenant Edward Paget.”
His expression relaxed. “Ah. We’ve never met, but Father has spoken of your family often.”
“Father?”
He nodded and extended a hand to me. “Jack Apsley.”
No wonder he looked familiar. Jack Apsley shared similar facial features with his elder, twin brothers—a sharp jawline and strong Roman nose. His eyes were slightly hooded, much like Apsley’s, and a few light freckles dotted his cheeks. Save for his hair and eye color, he mirrored them completely, though he resembled his younger sister in that regard.
“Are you visiting?” he asked.
“Yes. Your father invited me when he left Town early. I arrived over a week ago.”
His expression sobered. “How is he? My father, I mean.”
“Better than when I arrived. I’m sure having you home will lift his spirits.”
Mr. Apsley scoffed and muttered under his breath. “I highly doubt that.”
It was not my place to question his response, but I would wager he did not get on well with the viscount. Why, I could only guess. Lord Paxton was a good man who cared deeply for his family. His desire to ensure Annette’s happiness before he departed this world was evidence of that, even if I was not so sure of his methods. I had seen the adoring way he interacted with his wife, and he often spoke of his other children with similar affection. Perhaps Mr. Apsley was merely tired from his travels. From what I understood, he had been on the continent for the last year. His return likely came at an urgent request due to his father’s declining health. Anyone’s mood would suffer under such circumstances.
“Jack!”
The familiar sound of Annette’s voice dusted the inside of my stomach with feathers. I turned just in time to see her rushing across the room. She threw herself at her brother, arms encircling his neck in an embrace I was jealous of. What must it be like to receive such a greeting from her? I was not likely to ever find out.
“It is so good to have you home,” she gushed, squeezing him so tightly he grunted.
Jack patted her back, his smile uncomfortable. “Good to see you, too.”
Annette released him, and before he could recover, she grabbed him by the hand and yanked him forward. “Come. Mother will wish to see you straight away.”
