Her heart fluttered, but not in the way she hoped. “I… I don’t know what to think,” she stammered.
Lady Isabella interjected. “Perhaps you two should take this discussion to the gardens. Alone.”
Niles stood, helping Elsbeth to her feet as well. “That’s a wonderful idea,” he agreed.
As they walked side by side through the corridor and onto the veranda, Elsbeth pulled her hands from his grasp, clasping them tightly in front of her. The silence between them was thick, laden with unspoken emotions.
“You’re awfully quiet,” Niles observed, glancing at her.
“Am I?” she replied. “Perhaps it has something to do with you blurting out an offer of marriage.”
Niles stopped walking, turning her gently to face him. “I meant every word, Elsbeth. I want to marry you. I want to protect you—from Alfred, from Charles, from anyone who dares threaten you.”
Her heart sank at his words. Not once had he mentioned love. “I appreciate your offer, truly, but it isn’t necessary,” she said, trying to mask her disappointment.
“But it is,” he pressed, his voice rising with intensity. “I can’t stand by and watch something happen to you.”
She shook her head. “Thank you for your concern, Niles, but I must decline.”
He stiffened, his expression one of disbelief. “You’re refusing me?”
“I am,” she said. “I want more than a marriage of convenience.”
Niles ran a hand through his hair, leaving it endearingly disheveled. “Is that what you think this is?”
“Isn’t it?”
Niles stepped closer, his voice low. “No, Elsbeth. You misunderstand me. If there’s one thing I fear more than anything, it’s losing you. I love?—”
Charles’s booming voice interrupted, shattering the moment. “I do hope I’m interrupting something,” he said, his tone dripping with mockery.
Niles immediately moved in front of Elsbeth, shielding her from her cousin. “What do you want, Bedford?”
Charles smirked. “Oh, nothing much. Just wondering why you two are out here in the gardens… alone.”
Elsbeth stepped out from behind Niles. “Mother gave us leave to talk.”
Charles clicked his tongue, his smirk deepening. “Interesting,” he muttered.
“There’s nothing interesting about it,” Niles shot back. “For your information, I was offering for Elsbeth.”
Charles raised a brow. “Were you, now?” he drawled. “Well, this ought to be good. Please, proceed. Do not let me stop you.”
Niles looked heavenward. “Do you mind giving us some privacy?”
“Oh, I do,” Charles replied. “Because I do not think that Elsbeth should marry you.”
“And why is that?” Niles asked, his jaw clenched.
Charles folded his arms. “You are not good enough for her,” he replied bluntly.
Niles tilted his head slightly, acknowledging the insult without flinching. “I do not dispute that,” he said calmly, “but I would be a good husband to her.”
Charles scoffed. “Is that all you think Elsbeth deserves? Just a ‘good’ husband? She deserves so much more.” He turned to Elsbeth. “Did he tell you, Cousin, that you are not the first woman he has offered for?”
Elsbeth briefly glanced at Niles before replying, “No, he did not.”
Charles continued. “Westcott pursued the diamond of the Season and failed to secure her hand in marriage.”
