Aunt Margaret looked thoroughly unimpressed. “A conversation with a thief? Truly riveting, I am sure.”
Niles picked up his fork and began to prod at the food placed before him. “It is more complicated than that. She told me she was searching for something specific.”
“And you believe her?” Aunt Margaret asked.
“Why wouldn’t I?” he countered. Why did he feel compelled to defend the highwaywoman?
His aunt leaned forward. “Perhaps because she is a thief who robs coaches at gunpoint? You should be more wary of charming stories spun by desperate people.”
Niles held her gaze. “I don’t think she is desperate. If anything, she is… determined.”
“Well, it is a good thing I spoke to Constable West about this nonsense. If he hadn’t intervened last night, I half-expectyou would have ended up at Gretna Green with this highwaywoman,” Aunt Margaret said.
Niles huffed. “I assure you, I have no intention of marrying a highwaywoman.”
“That is a relief,” Eugenie chimed in. “Though you must admit, it would make quite the story.”
“Enough,” Niles muttered, rubbing his temple. “Can we discuss something else, please?”
Aunt Margaret appeared ready to press the subject further when the butler entered the room. “Lady Elsbeth has come to call, my lady.”
A pleased smile replaced Aunt Margaret’s solemn expression. “Ah, that does save us a trip to her manor today. Please inform Lady Elsbeth that we will join her momentarily.”
Rising, Eugenie remarked, “I wonder what brings her here so early. Do you suppose something is wrong?”
“No doubt it is merely a social visit,” Aunt Margaret assured her. “Lady Elsbeth frequently joins me for walks in the gardens in the morning.”
Niles stood as well, his movements slow and deliberate to hide the conflicted emotions swirling within him. He told himself it was mere curiosity that made him eager to see Lady Elsbeth. Nothing more. But the woman occupied his thoughts far too often for his liking.
Eugenie gave him an expectant look as she tucked her book under her arm. “Are you coming?”
Feigning indifference, Niles placed his napkin down. “I suppose I shall. I wasn’t particularly hungry anyway.”
“That is convenient,” Eugenie teased. “I do hope Lady Elsbeth brought along a book to discuss.”
“Which book?” he asked, but he already suspected he knew the answer.
“Does it matter?” Eugenie asked with a smile.
Niles chuckled as they followed their aunt down the hall. “You are incorrigible.”
Eugenie laughed, just as he had intended. But Niles could no longer focus on her chatter. His thoughts returned to Lady Elsbeth. Last time they spoke, she had a vulnerability about her that captivated him.
As they entered the drawing room, Niles noticed Lady Elsbeth standing by the window, her back to them. The soft light streaming through the glass highlighted the pale pink gown she wore. It was an absurd dress with far too many frills and ridiculous puffy sleeves. Still, it did little to distract from her beauty.
She turned at the sound of their approach, and Niles knew that something was wrong. Her brow was furrowed, and the usual fire in her eyes was replaced with something more fragile—worry, perhaps, or unease.
Before he could stop himself, Niles asked, “What is wrong?”
Lady Elsbeth’s lips tightened, and she tilted her chin slightly, her voice clipped. “Why do you suppose something is wrong?”
Niles faltered. “You seem rather…” He searched for the right word, then settled on one. “Preoccupied.”
“I assure you, I am perfectly fine,” she said firmly, but the slight tremor in her voice betrayed her.
Aunt Margaret gestured towards the settee. “Come, my dear. Sit with us and tell us what troubles you.”
Lady Elsbeth hesitated, then moved stiffly towards the settee. Niles noticed the faint grimace that crossed her features as she lowered herself onto the cushion.
