Eugenie held up the ribbons. “These are not frivolous. They make excellent bookmarks.”
“Scraps of paper work just as well.”
“But these are far prettier,” she countered, a playful note in her voice.
Niles rose from his seat. “At least your logic is sound.”
Eugenie smirked. “Be careful, or I might buy a hat. Or two.”
“Please don’t,” Niles said. “I have had just about enough of this shop.”
“Then why did you come along?”
Niles cast a fleeting glance at Lady Elsbeth, who was trying on another hat. “Because Aunt Margaret wasn’t feeling well, and I did not want you to be left alone with her.”
“There is nothing wrong with Lady Elsbeth,” Eugenie said pointedly. “But I am beginning to suspect there is something wrong withyou.”
“I can’t fathom why our aunt is so friendly with Lady Elsbeth,” Niles stated.
Eugenie shook her head. “Lady Elsbeth is a delight, and I find it amusing how much she vexes you.”
“It is not amusing.”
“It is… just a little,” Eugenie said with a grin.
“Can we just please go home now?”
Before Eugenie could reply, Lady Elsbeth joined them. “Oh, Eugenie, those ribbons are quite lovely,” she praised.
“Thank you,” Eugenie replied. “Did you decide on a hat?”
Lady Elsbeth bobbed her head. “Yes, the straw hat with the poppy on it. They are boxing it up and will deliver it to the manor.”
“A fine choice,” Eugenie said approvingly.
Turning to address Niles, Lady Elsbeth asked, “And did anything catch your eye, my lord?”
“No,” he said.
His curt response didn’t deter Lady Elsbeth. Her lips twitched with barely concealed mirth. “What a shame. I spotted a hat with an ostrich feather that would suit you perfectly.”
Eugenie giggled. “Could you imagine my brother wearing such a hat?”
But Niles was not amused. “Can we go now?”
“Yes, I am ready to leave,” Lady Elsbeth replied.
“Thank you for stating the obvious,” Niles muttered.
Lady Elsbeth gave him an amused look. “You are welcome,” she said. “I am walking to the door now.”
Niles sighed and looked heavenward as Lady Elsbeth exaggerated every step, narrating her actions. Could that woman be any more vexing?
As she opened the door, Lady Elsbeth informed him, “I am now stepping outside onto the pavement.”
Eugenie leaned closer to her brother. “You did thank her for stating the obvious.”
Niles offered his arm. “The sooner this outing is over, the better.”
