After her brother departed, Anette rose and walked over to the window. It was closed so she opened it and stared up at the night sky. The stars looked magnificent as they twinkled in bunches.
It was a long moment later when Caleb returned. He stepped into the room, closing the door behind him.
Anette turned to face him. “Is Father all right?”
“He is,” Caleb replied. “His guest was gone when I arrived and he claims that he was just working on the accounts.”
“But that isn’t true. Why would Father lie to you?” Anette asked.
“I don’t know, but I intend to find out,” Caleb said as he placed his pistol down onto the bed. “I think it would be best if you didn’t tell Father that you overheard his conversation this evening.”
“Shouldn’t we try to help Father?”
Caleb nodded. “I am, but I do not want you involved in this.”
“It is too late,” Anette said. “I am already involved. The man threatened to kill me if Father didn’t produce the information.”
Caleb approached Anette and stopped in front of her. “You need not fear. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Anette believed her brother. He had always been her protector so she knew that he meant his words, but did he understand what he was up against? Her father was obviously involved in something that was far more dangerous than anything they had ever dealt with before.
“Should we contact the constable?” Anette asked.
“No,” Caleb rushed out. “I will deal with it.”
Anette pressed her lips together. Why was her brother so adamant that they didn’t call the constable? This was the second time. He was merely a viscount’s son. What could he do to stop a man from threatening Father?
Caleb placed a hand on her sleeve and started leading her towards the door. “It is late. You should go back to bed.”
“I can’t sleep, not now.”
He dropped his hand and opened the door. “There is nothing else that can be done tonight,” he said.
Anette met his gaze and asked the one question that kept plaguing her. “What is Father involved in?”
In a firm voice, her brother replied, “That is what I intend to find out.”
“I am scared,” Anette admitted.
“I will keep you safe…”
Anette shook her head. “No, you misunderstood me. I am not scared for myself but for Father. I am not sure what he is involved in, and I must assume that it is terrifying for him.”
Her brother’s face softened. “It will all work out. You will see.”
“I think it might be best if I start sleeping with a pistol under my pillow as well.”
“That might be for the best, at least for the time being.” Caleb walked over to his bed and retrieved the pistol. “Use this one.”
She accepted the pistol and asked, “What about you? Do you not require a pistol?”
Caleb smiled. “I will just use one of my other pistols.”
With a glance around the room, she asked, “How many pistols do you have in here?”
“Too many,” Caleb replied. “Would you care for me to escort you to your bedchamber?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. My bedchamber is just down the hall.” Anette turned to step into the darkened corridor and stopped. “Thank you, Brother.”
