“She meant me no harm.”
The constable’s expression hardened. “Desperate people tend to do desperate things. It is best not to take chances.”
Niles tightened the hold on his reins, his knuckles whitening. “I do not believe this highwaywoman is desperate. There is something different about her.”
Constable West gave him a skeptical look. “Regardless, she needs to be brought to justice. What can you tell me about her?”
Niles hesitated. He had a choice to make. He could cooperate with the constable and likely ensure the woman’s capture, or withhold information and protect her. His instincts pulled him towards the latter. For reasons he couldn’t fully explain, he felt compelled to shield her.
“I’m afraid I didn’t get a good look at her,” Niles lied.
Constable West furrowed his brows. “But, my lord, from what I understand, this is the second time you have encountered her. I was informed she robbed your coach and stole your pocket watch.”
“She always wears a mask,” Niles said. “I couldn’t discern her features.”
“It almost seems as if you are protecting her,” Constable West said, his tone pointed.
“And why would I do that?” Niles countered, meeting the constable’s gaze evenly.
Constable West studied him for a long moment before tipping his head. “I don’t rightly know. But if you remember something that might aid the investigation, I trust you will contact me.”
Niles was done with this conversation. He wanted to return home and retreat to his own thoughts. “If that will be all,” he said.
“Goodnight, my lord,” Constable West responded, retreating into the shadows.
Niles urged his horse forward, his mind spinning. He hoped fervently that he had been wrong about the gunshot wounding the highwaywoman, but the thought lingered. The idea of her hurt and alone in the forest unsettled him in a way he didn’t expect. Why was he so preoccupied with this woman? She was merely a thief who had taken his father’s pocket watch. And yet, she was unlike anyone he had ever met, a mystery he couldn’t help but want to unravel.
When the familiar silhouette of his aunt’s manor came into view, he dismounted and handed his horse to the waiting groom. He entered the house quietly, noticing a soft light spilling out from the parlor. Finding himself curious, he changed course and stepped inside. Eugenie was there, her legs curled beneath her as she sat in a plush chair, engrossed in a book.
“Why are you still awake?” Niles asked.
Eugenie held up a finger, signaling for him to wait as she finished the page. After a long moment, she placed a ribbonbetween the pages and closed the book. “Sorry,” she said lightly. “I just had to read that last part.”
“I assume that’s why you’re still awake?” he teased, moving to sit across from her.
“That,” Eugenie replied with a grin, “and I was waiting for you to return from your… excursion.”
He arched a brow. “And why is that?”
Her smile dimmed. “Did you find the highwaywoman?”
“I did,” he admitted, leaning back in his chair.
Eugenie placed the book down onto the table. “Did you convince her to abandon her wayward ways?”
“I tried, but I was interrupted by the constable.”
“That might have been a good thing. You seem rather preoccupied with this highwaywoman.”
A wry smile played on his lips. “Why are you nosing into this?”
“Because I care,” she replied, her tone laced with genuine concern. “I just wish you had a healthier obsession.”
“Like reading?” he asked dryly.
Eugenie laughed. “Yes, like reading. We could read together and discuss books. Think about how much fun we could have.”
Niles shook his head. “That is not likely to happen. Besides, I am not obsessed with this highwaywoman. I simply want my pocket watch back.”
