Pulling on his jacket with determined resolve, he stepped into the corridor. He rehearsed his thoughts as he walked, though it was less a polished speech and more a jumble of emotions clamoring to be voiced.
As he descended the grand staircase, he found his aunt waiting near the main door, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
“You’re going after her, aren’t you?” she asked, her tone filled with gentle encouragement.
“I am,” Niles admitted.
Her smile broadened, her eyes glistening with pride. “I knew it. I’ve seen how you look at her, how she looks at you. You and Elsbeth are a perfect match, even if you’re the last to see it.”
“I only hope she sees it too,” Niles said, pausing before her. “I’ve thought of a dozen ways to tell her, but what if it’s not enough?”
His aunt placed a comforting hand on his arm. “You are enough, Niles. Speak from the heart, and she will see that.”
“What if I can’t convince her to marry me?” Niles asked.
“Why would she turn you down?”
Niles adjusted the cuff of his sleeves as he replied, “Elsbeth can be rather stubborn at times. Besides, she has given me no indication that she favors me.”
Behind him, Eugenie’s teasing voice chimed in. “Brother, you must be blind if you think Elsbeth doesn’t already care for you.”
He turned, frowning at her smug expression. “Has she said something to you?”
“She didn’t have to,” Eugenie said, crossing her arms. “Theway she looks at you is all the confirmation anyone would need. It is rather sickening if you ask me.” She softened her words with a smile.
“Our family’s reputation may suffer if I marry Elsbeth,” Niles pointed out. “You must prepare yourself for that.”
Eugenie rolled her eyes. “You’re an earl. Marry her, and Society will welcome her back with open arms. Stop using reputation as an excuse.”
“It’s not that simple,” Niles countered.
“Love rarely is,” Eugenie replied. “But it’s worth the complications, don’t you think?”
Before he could respond, his aunt interjected. “Go, Niles. Don’t let fear hold you back.”
Taking a steadying breath, he nodded. “Wish me luck.”
“You won’t need it,” Eugenie said confidently. “Just don’t overthink it, and mess this up.”
Niles exited the manor and stepped into the awaiting coach. By the time the coach reached Elsbeth’s manor, he had abandoned any attempt to craft a perfect speech. Words could only go so far. It was his actions that would matter.
The coach came to a jerking stop and Niles stepped out. He headed up the stairs and knocked. The butler opened the door promptly, bowing slightly as he stepped aside. “Good morning, Lord Westcott. Please, come in.”
Niles stepped into the entry hall, his gaze scanning the familiar surroundings. He had barely taken two steps inside when Bedford’s unmistakably exasperated voice cut through the air.
“Good gads, Westcott, you’re here again? Don’t you have anywhere else you could be?” Bedford asked as he emerged from a side room.
Ignoring the jab, Niles replied evenly, “I’m here to see Elsbeth.”
Bedford was clearly unimpressed. “Of course you are. As if last night’s little escapade wasn’t enough.”
Niles stiffened slightly. “You knew about that?”
“Oh, who do you think followed her to make sure she didn’t land herself in trouble?”
“I’m impressed she didn’t spot you.”
Bedford smirked. “Was that a compliment, Westcott?”
