Reliefwashedovermethe moment I was permitted into the viscount’s chambers. He sat up in bed, a book in hand, but his gaze on me as I entered the room. He smiled, and it eased some of the tension constricting my chest.
“Edward.” He set the book down on his lap. “I had not expected to see you again until tomorrow morning.”
I crossed the room hastily and took my seat. “I’ve just come from Willowbrook. Hollinsby is there, as is Adda. There’s at least one other, although I suspect there may be more.”
Lord Paxton’s smile faded. “Both fortunate and unfortunate news. I am glad, for your sake, that you’ve discovered Miss Adda’s location. I am merely disappointed that Hollinsby has chosen to disregard the law. A decorated captain such as he should be leading by example—upholding and enforcing the new legislation.” He shook his head. “It is impossible for us to propagate change when men like him are determined to oppose it, even without the public eye.”
“You would think after well over eighteen years of political arguments and motions, his moral compass might realign. How can anyone rightly believe that the entire act of slavery is not evil? I cannot understand it.”
The viscount chuckled. “Yes, and that is what makes you an abolitionist. I do not pretend to understand the opinion of the opposing side, Edward. But they are free to have their opinions, whether we agree with them or not.”
“Indeed, but their opinions cannot override the law. They are bound to it regardless.”
A touch of sadness filled Lord Paxton’s eyes. “True, but as of yet, we’ve not enough evidence to incriminate Hollinsby or anyone who has worked with him.”
“But he has Adda and others. I saw them with my own eyes! Surely that is enough to at least warrant investigation by the magistrate? Bring it to the Admiralty?"
“Perhaps it would be if you could prove Adda has only been in England for a few months—that she was recently taken from a slave ship off the African coast and not enslaved for some time in the colonies. I will remind you that slavery, while illegal on English soil, is often ignored. Too many have a loose interpretation of the law or prefer to turn a blind eye. We cannot have confidence in conviction by the courts without more evidence, especially given Hollinsby’s reputation. He is liked by many.”
“As are you. More so than him, I would wager. How could his word hold up against yours?”
“It may not, but there is a chance. Besides, depending on how long his case is dragged out by the system, I may not be here togivemy word.”
The remark sobered me. I did not wish to think on the viscount’s death, to speak of it as though it were an inevitability. I knew he would not recover—heknew it, as well—but it was not a topic I wished to linger on.
“Then what are we to do? If we do not stand against Hollinsby, who will?”
Lord Paxton sighed. “We continue to gather evidence. Now that we know he is keeping slaves at Willowbrook, we build a case against him. Witnesses, though it will be risky to obtain them. Willowbrook certainly cannot function without some servants. Find out who they are and discover if they can be trusted. If they are not loyal to Hollinsby, perhaps they can be persuaded to help us. Then there are those in town who might offer testimony.” He met my gaze. “This you must proceed in with great caution. Trust the wrong person, and Hollinsby will flee.”
I nodded. “We suspect he’s purchased Willowbrook under a false name. Can your man of business do any more digging into the matter? That is yet another charge against the captain we could exploit.”
“Agreed, and I have my solicitor already on the task. But again, we would need substantial proof of the deception. Hollinsby could claim to have let the house from his false name. We would need to tie the two of them together irrefutably. Regardless, thus far, my solicitor has been unable to produce anything. Whoever Hollinsby has working for him has covered his tracks well.”
I pursed my lips. It did not bode well if a man as wealthy as Lord Paxton was struggling to obtain evidence. What hope did I have of doing so on my own with my limited prize money funds? None. I was fortunate to have the viscount’s support. It was a reminder of why I had to take the man’s offer seriously. Marrying Annette was a sure path to the future I wished to pursue. If only she did not prove to be so distracting from my cause. The irony was obnoxious, to say the least.
“What should I do going forward?” I asked. “Continue to spy on the estate at a distance and begin questioning those in town?”
Lord Paxton’s brows furrowed in thought. “Leave the spying to me. I’ll have one of my footmen see to that. You cannot possibly achieve both while also courting my daughter.”
If you simply gave me the funds instead of requiring a marriage, I could do both.
It was a selfish thought, and I shoved it aside. Lord Paxton was generous for offering me anything, and he would not yield in his stipulations. With his health so poor, he wanted his daughter’s future secured. I could not blame him, although I still did not agree with his methods.
“Very well, I will go into town first thing tomorrow morning,” I said.
“Just be careful with whom you speak and how much information you offer. Do not show too keen an interest unless you trust the person.”
I nodded once and stood to dip a bow. “I shall be careful and will inform you the moment I have something substantial.”
“Good. And, Edward?”
I stopped, having turned to leave. “Yes?”
“Do not become neglectful in your other pursuits. I assume you have restored an amicable rapport with Annette?”
Had I? Today’s interactions had been a mixture of failure and success in that regard, but we had left each other’s company on good terms. That must account for something.
“I am not certain it is fully restored, but I have made progress. We spoke just before I came to see you.”
