My fingers drummed against my knee. It wasn’t my place to offer Lucas a job at Lord Paxton’s estate, though I did not doubt the viscount would be more than happy to take him on. He was too kind to turn the boy away, especially with his family in need. But it was not Lord Paxton asking this boy to take such a risk. Indeed, stealing from Hollinsby could cost him more than work. Asking this of him would, in a way, make him my responsibility. Or at least, his future should be.
“I have an estate in Dorset. It is in need of repair and could benefit from a lad willing to help me. It would require your family to move, but if I offered to help with that, provided you with one of the tenant houses, would you be interested?
Lucas’s eyes rounded, but he did not answer straight away, truly taking the time to consider my offer. He was incredibly pensive for one so young, a trait that would benefit him as he grew. “My mother is not in the best health, but I think…I think she could make the journey. Perhaps she would improve if we didn’t live here, surrounded by memories.”
“Perhaps. Sometimes grief is lessened with time and physical distance. We cannot know how and when another’s healing will occur.”
“Aye, it could work, or help at least.” He paused, meeting my gaze. “I don’t want to live on charity. I expect to work and make my wage honestly.”
I smiled. The boy had a great deal of pride, and while that could prove problematic, I admired his determination to preserve it. With a little guidance, Lucas would grow into a fine man—one who was hard-working, considerate, and loyal if not a bit stubborn.
“On my honor, you will work for any wage you receive. I must warn you, though, after so much time in the Navy, I will expect solid effort.”
Lucas nodded. “I will work hard for ye.”
I extended my hand to him. “Then we have an agreement. Work and a home at my estate in exchange for your assistance.”
Lucas reached for my hand, but I pulled it away before we could shake on the arrangement. “Assistance does not require you to put yourself in harm’s way. If you cannot get into the study without chancing Hollinsby’s ire, then I ask that you abandon the idea completely. You may still be my ears and bring me whatever information you can. I do not wish for you to get hurt and will not rescind our agreement should you not get the ledger. Is that understood?”
“Yes, sir. I will be very careful.”
I extended my hand again and, this time, allowed him to take it. A rare smile pulled at Lucas’s face. Whether successful or not, this would change the boy’s life, and even if he did not bring me the proof I needed, I could not regret this decision. At least he and his family would have a home and a steady income.
They would be free of some of their burdens.
IarrivedbackatKenwick with my spirits lifted. Between Annette accepting my courtship and Lucas agreeing to help with Hollinsby, things were finally looking much brighter. Now, if I could only speak with Lord Paxton and dismiss his offer officially, I could continue to move forward.
With determined steps, I climbed the main staircase to the first floor and turned toward the family wing. Just as I reached Lord Paxton’s room, the door swung open, and Lady Paxton exited. She started with a light gasp, but her expression gave way to a smile as she took me in.
“Forgive me,” I said. “I had not intended to startle you.”
“No apology necessary, Lieutenant. How are you this morning?” she asked.
“Well, I thank you. How does he fare today?” I nodded to Lord Paxton’s bedchamber.
“He is much improved. At least compared to yesterday. You may visit with him if you’d like.”
“I would. There is a matter I wish to discuss with him, but I promise not to impose on him for long. I imagine he still needs his rest.”
She nodded, her smile turning appreciative. “Yes, but please do not consider your visits an imposition. My husband genuinely looks forward to your discussions. In all honesty, his health is much improved since you’ve come to Kenwick. He will continue to have bad days; the doctor has warned us of this. But I am grateful for anything and anyone who can bring him joy during…this time.”
Her eyes grew watery, and her lashes batted as if to clear the moisture away. My chest tightened with emotion, for as difficult as it was for me to cope with Lord Paxton’s condition and the eventuality that loomed in the coming months, it must be a thousand times more difficult for his wife and children.
Lady Paxton’s gaze dropped to the floor, her fingers twisting together, movement likely unconsciously done while grief commanded her thoughts. I placed a gentle hand on her arm, drawing her attention back to me.
“Your family has become quite dear to me, my lady. I appreciate the way you’ve welcomed me. It means more than you can know. Whatever I can do to help, you need only name it. Not just your husband, but any of you. I am always at your disposal.”
She patted my hand, a motherly-like warmth shining in her eyes. “Thank you, Lieutenant. You’ve come to mean much to us as well. We are fortunate to have you in our circle. If you’ll excuse me, there are some things I must see to before supper.”
I nodded, lowering my hand. Lady Paxton swept past me, and once I could no longer hear her soft footsteps, I tapped lightly on the door. Not waiting for a response, I gently cracked it open and peered inside, knowing Lord Paxton was often too weak to voice his permission loudly enough to reach my ears. Even from across the room, I could see his smile when his gaze landed upon me.
“Come in,” he said, his voice raspy. “I’ve been expecting you.”
“Have you?” I shut the door and crossed the room, taking up my usual seat.
“My wife keeps me informed of your comings and goings…among other things.”
The knowing glint in his eyes unsettled me, but I shoved the discomfort away. This was not the first time we had discussed his daughter, nor was it to be the last. Courtships meant marriage contracts, and I was certain the viscount would have much to say about me taking care of his daughter once our engagement became official.
