With a knowing look, Eugenie replied, “You have spent the last two nights chasing after her. If that is not an obsession, what is?”
“Curiosity,” he said with a shrug.
“You are odd, Brother,” Eugenie said. “But promise me you will be careful.”
“I am always careful,” Niles replied, rising from his seat.
“Wait, don’t go,” Eugenie encouraged.
“Does that mean this interrogation is over?”
Eugenie looked up at him. “I am merely trying to understand. What is it about this highwaywoman that intrigues you?”
Niles ran a hand through his dark hair as he tried to think of an answer. “I suppose I see a kindred soul in this highwaywoman.”
“She is a thief.”
“I don’t think she is,” Niles said. “She told me that she is looking for something specific and hadn’t intended to rob me.”
Eugenie gave him an exasperated look. “And you believe her?”
“I do.”
“Where did my cynical brother go?”
Niles offered his hand to help his sister up. “I am still here, and I know what I am doing.”
Eugenie took it, standing gracefully. “It is madness, you know,” she said. “Aunt Margaret is worried about you.”
“Is that why she spoke to the constable?”
“It was,” Eugenie replied. “How did you know that?”
Niles started walking towards the door. “I met Constable West after he shot at the highwaywoman.”
“Oh, no,” Eugenie murmured.
“I suspect she was hit because she cried out in pain before retreating into the woodlands.”
Eugenie glanced over at him. “I am surprised you didn’t follow her.”
“I would have, but the woodlands can be treacherous, especially at night,” Niles replied. “It would have been foolish to do so.”
As they ascended the grand staircase together, Eugenie asked, “Do you think you will see her again?”
Niles thought for a moment, his gaze distant. “I hope so,” he murmured.
They came to a stop at his sister’s door and she gave him afaint smile. “Goodnight,” she said before slipping into her room and closing the door behind her.
He lingered there for a moment, her words echoing in his mind. Why was he so preoccupied with this highwaywoman? With a heavy sigh, he turned and made his way down the corridor to his own bedchamber.
The warm glow of candlelight greeted him as he stepped inside. His trusted valet was tidying up the room. At the sound of the door, Wiley glanced up, his expression easing with relief.
“You are back,” Wiley said. “I expected you much later.”
“I found her,” Niles muttered, shrugging out of his jacket and tossing it onto a nearby chair.
Wiley straightened, giving Niles his full attention. “And?”
