“Go and change,” he said, his tone much softer. “It would not do for you to take ill. Besides, you and I have some things to discuss.”
I studied him for a moment before heaving a sigh and pushing myself to my feet. Before I could leave, the door swung open, and the doctor emerged, his expression unreadable.
“How is she?” Apsley and I both asked at the same time.
Apsley caught my eye, and his lips twitched.
“She is well, all things considered,” said the doctor. “Her ankle is quite swollen, though I do not think it is broken. It is best she stays off of it for a sennight, at least. She has contracted a light fever. As of now, it is not worrisome, but she will need to be watched through the night to make sure it does not progress. Beyond that, I suggest she get ample rest.”
“Thank you, doctor,” said Apsley.
The man nodded. “Of course, sir. I shall return in the morning to check on her, but do not hesitate to send for me should you find yourself in need.”
Apsley dipped his head with gratitude, and the doctor bowed before leaving the two of us alone in the corridor.
“There, you see?” said Apsley. “Annette needs to rest. Which gives you time to change and have a discussion with me.”
“Very well, then. I suppose I cannot do anything for her here. She made me promise not to leave. So, I hope this discussion does not conclude with you throwing me from Kenwick indefinitely. Your sister would be enraged.”
Apsley laughed as we made our way toward the stairs. “Is that how you mean to convince me to let you stay? Threaten me with my sister’s ire.”
“I would not wish to stoop to such a level, but if I must…” I shrugged. “A promise is a promise, and I’ve no intention of incurring her anger against me.”
We stopped at the head of the stairs. Apsley was grinning, and it relieved me to see that the camaraderie between us had returned.
“As it was you who found her, I could not banish you from Kenwick. I owe you my thanks.” He pointed at me, his brows drawn. “If you break her heart again, there shall be repercussions. But go change. I will meet you in the library. We can discuss this more once you are dry. I’ve had your things placed back in your chamber.”
I thanked him and returned to the room I had called mine for some weeks now. My travel valise was waiting for me, and I quickly changed into dry clothes before descending the stairs and making my way to the library. Apsley stood next to the glowing hearth, and I wondered if he felt as chilled as I did. He had been out searching for Annette for much longer.
“Ah, there you are,” he said as I approached. He handed me a glass of brandy, which I drank greedily from, allowing the liquid to burn my insides in the most welcome way.
“What did you wish to discuss?” When he shot me a pointed look, I added, “What specifically about your sister?”
“I told you before that I understood your intentions were good, but I cannot give you my blessing to marry her without knowing with surety that this is not about the money. Before we discovered Annette was missing, I had a conversation with my father. He was…repentant, I think, and assured me he only offered you funds because he believed you were already half in love with her.” He paused to take a drink. “Was he wrong?”
“He was not, although I cannot claim to have realized it at the time.”
One of Apsley’s auburn brows lifted. “And now?”
“Now…I love her completely. I cannot deny it.”
Apsley fought a grin. “Well, I could not have asked for a better response. I suspected you did, given your reaction to her departure from the room this morning, but it never hurts to be certain.”
“I never meant to hurt her, and I will strive to never do so again. I want her to be happy. If I can ensure that, then regardless of whatever else I fail to achieve, I will have accomplished something with my life.”
Apsley pursed his lips and tossed his head from side to side. “I imagine that my sister will expect you to accomplish more than that, but regardless, someone else’s happiness is never fully your responsibility. Treat her well. Cherish her. Love her. That is all I ask.”
I extended my hand to him. “You have my word.”
Apsley accepted the gesture, his wide grin still in place. We finished our drinks in lighter conversation, but even a strong drink could not deter my mind from wandering to Annette. She needed to rest, just as the doctor said, but I would likely go mad waiting for her to recover. There was so much I needed to tell her. So much I wanted to say.
A chuckle drew me from my thoughts.
“I’ve lost you,” said Apsley. “But, pray, spare me the confirmation that you are thinking about my sister. A man can only handle so many trials in the course of a day.” He patted my shoulder. “The next week shall be long, I imagine. Best find yourself something to do until she recovers.”
A task not easily done.
Forthreedays,Ilived in the drawing room, attempting to occupy my mind with more than Annette. It was, mostly, in vain, for my thoughts never drifted from her for long. Her fever had broken by the second morning, and Lady Paxton ensured me multiple times a day that her daughter was well, albeit exhausted. It would not be long before I could see her.
