“That is the spirit, Brother,” Eugenie said, slipping her hand through his arm.
Outside, Lady Elsbeth was speaking with her maid when she glanced over at him. “I am now talking to my maid,” she announced, her eyes twinkling with humor.
Before Niles could retort, a sudden noise drew his attention. He looked up to see a large barrel tumbling down the cobblestone street, picking up speed. It was headed straight for Lady Elsbeth.
Without hesitation, Niles lunged forward and grabbed LadyElsbeth, pulling her out of harm’s way just as the barrel hurtled past. He held her tightly, his heart pounding as he felt her trembling against him.
Eugenie’s voice broke the tension. “You can let go of Lady Elsbeth now, Brother.”
Niles knew that his sister was right, but a part of him was forced to acknowledge how Lady Elsbeth fit perfectly in his arms. Reluctantly, he released her and stepped back. “Are you all right?” he asked, the gentleness in his voice surprising even himself.
Lady Elsbeth wrapped her arms around herself. “Yes. Thanks to you.”
“It was nothing,” he said, brushing off her gratitude.
In a soft voice, she replied, “You saved my life.”
“As I said, it was nothing,” Niles stated.
A large, bald man in a brown apron rushed towards them, his face pale. “Is everyone all right?” he asked in between breaths.
“We are,” Niles responded tersely.
The man wrung his hands. “I don’t know what happened. I thought I had secured that barrel. I am so sorry.”
“Well, you clearly didn’t,” Niles said, his voice sharp. “Be more careful in the future.”
The man nodded hastily and scurried away.
Niles did the one thing he thought he would never do. He offered his arm to Lady Elsbeth. “May I escort you to the coach?”
Lady Elsbeth hesitated before placing her hand on his arm. Her uncharacteristic silence unnerved him. Offering his other arm to Eugenie, he led them both to the waiting coach, helping them inside before taking his seat next to his sister. As the coach rolled away, Niles couldn’t shake the protective surge he had felt for Lady Elsbeth.
Fortunately, his thoughts were interrupted by his sister’s concerned voice. “Elsbeth, are you all right?”
Lady Elsbeth winced, her voice trembling as she replied, “I don’t know. I’m sorry?—”
Eugenie spoke over her. “You have nothing to apologize for. You can feel however you need to feel in this moment. No explanations are required.”
Lady Elsbeth’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but she managed a faint smile. “Thank you,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Turning towards her brother, Eugenie said, “Niles, I don’t think I have ever seen you move that fast before… unless food was involved.”
Niles recognized his sister’s tactic immediately. Eugenie was trying to distract Lady Elsbeth and lighten the mood. He decided to play along. He chuckled softly. “I can be remarkably swift when the situation warrants it.”
“Well, I am impressed,” Eugenie said.
“I didn’t think it was so easy to impress you,” Niles quipped.
Lady Elsbeth met his gaze. “I am truly grateful for you saving my life, my lord.”
The sincerity in her eyes held Niles transfixed. “It was my pleasure, my lady. But please, you really must stop thanking me. It was nothing.”
“I don’t think I have ever been so frightened before…” Lady Elsbeth said, her words trailing off.
Eugenie leaned forward and reached for Lady Elsbeth’s hand. “What you experienced would frighten anyone. You are not alone in feeling that way.”
Lady Elsbeth gave a small, appreciative nod.
