“I am sure that Anette understands the risks,” Roswell said.
“She is also stubborn, and won’t like being left in the dark,” Caleb insisted. “But we must do everything to keep her safe.”
Lord Oxley rose. “It is time for me to retire for the evening.” He walked over to the door and stopped. He turned back around and said, “I don’t know what it is that you are involved in, but it is nice not to have to bear this burden alone anymore.”
“We will keep you safe, as well,” Caleb remarked.
“I want to believe you, but I don’t know if that is possible,” Lord Oxley said before he departed from the study.
Caleb waited for a moment before asking, “Do you believe him?”
“I do,” Roswell replied. “But more importantly, do you?”
“Yes, but I’m hoping it is not just because he is my father and I want to believe him,” Caleb said. “We need to inform Kendrick at once.”
“Should we go tonight?”
Caleb looked out the darkened window. “It would be best if we waited until tomorrow,” he said. “Go get some sleep.”
Roswell didn’t need to be told twice. “Until tomorrow, then.”
The following morning, Anette made her way towards the dining room. She’d had a restless night of sleep as the image of her attacker kept coming to her mind. She had outwitted him by retrieving her pistol, but would he try again? And why had he attempted to abduct her in the first place?
She had so many questions, but no real answers.
As she stepped into the dining room, she saw her father sitting at the head of the table with the newssheets in his hand.
“Good morning, Father,” she greeted.
He placed the newssheets onto the table and rose. “Anette,” he said before he came to embrace her. “I am so relieved that you are unharmed.”
“I am well,” she rushed to assure him.
He leaned back to look at her, concern etched on his features. “I was so worried when I heard the news.”
Anette was touched by her father’s rare show of emotion. “No harm done.”
“How can you be so calm about this?” he asked as he dropped his arms.
Anette moved to sit down at the dining table. “I am not some simpering miss that becomes inconsolable when something bad happens.”
“Which I am most grateful for, but you were attacked last night.”
“I was and I was able to thwart the abduction by retrieving my pistol,” Anette said. “I am more than capable of protecting myself.”
“This time, but what about next time?” her father asked as he returned to his seat. “Now that your attacker knows you carry a pistol, he will be prepared.”
“I hope there won’t be a next time.”
“I hope so, too, which is why I want you to remain in the townhouse until we are sure this threat has passed,” her father said.
Anette frowned. “Caleb has requested the same thing, but I don’t want to be a prisoner in my own home.”
“Don’t be so dramatic,” her father responded. “Just think that this will give you time to write your book.”
He had a point, but she didn’t dare admit it. Being stuck in the townhouse would give her ample time to write but would she be able to focus on her book when her attacker was still out there?
Her father’s voice broke through her musings. “This isn’t for forever, dear,” he started, “it is only until I can assure that you are safe. I can’t risk losing you.”
