“I did bag more pheasants last time we went,” Eugenie reminded him.
“That was pure luck,” Niles countered.
Eugenie leaned closer to Elsbeth, shielding her mouth with her hand as if sharing a secret. “I should warn you, Niles is a dreadfully sore loser. Truly unbearable.”
“Don’t listen to her,” Niles said, looking heavenward. “She is an insufferable gloater.”
Elsbeth found the whole conversation to be rather amusing. And, despite it all, the thought of spending time with Niles while they engaged in pheasant hunting seemed rather enjoyable.
Niles sat in the darkened coach as it rumbled along the short journey to Lady Elsbeth’s manor. She had invited them to dinner, hoping to navigate the difficult situation with her cousin. He couldn’t blame her. Being offered marriage by one’s own cousin was a predicament no one deserved.
The silence inside the coach was broken by Eugenie’s soft, worried voice. “I’m concerned about Aunt Margaret. She wasn’t feeling well enough to accompany us this evening.”
“I wouldn’t give it much heed,” Niles replied evenly, though he understood his sister’s anxiety.
“Perhaps we should fetch the doctor,” she suggested, her concern etched across her delicate features.
Niles shook his head. “Let’s not overreact, Eugenie.”
Her hands fidgeted with the ribbon on her gown. “I can’t help it,” she admitted. “It started this way with Mother and Father. They were unwell, and it only got worse and worse until...” Her voice faltered, trailing into silence. “Until they died.”
His heart clenched at the pain in her words. He reached out, covering her hands with his own. “It’s not the same, Eugenie,” he said gently. “Aunt Margaret isn’t going anywhere. She’ll live a long life.”
“That’s what was supposed to happen with Mother and Father,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “What if she doesn’t? What will we do then?”
Niles leaned closer. “No matter what happens, you’ll always have me.”
Her gaze met his, searching for reassurance. “And what happens when you marry?”
He gave her a pointed look. “That’s not likely to happen anytime soon.”
Eugenie’s lips quirked into a faint smile. “I think it’ll happen sooner than you think.”
Leaning back in his seat, Niles said firmly, “Regardless, you don’t need to worry about your future. I’ll always take care of you.”
“Thank you, Brother.”
The coach came to a halt in front of the Stockton estate. Niles stepped out without waiting for the footman, turning to offer his hand to Eugenie. She took it gracefully, stepping onto the gravel path with practiced ease.
As they approached the manor, the heavy door swung open, revealing the butler. The entry hall glowed warmly, and Elsbeth stood waiting just inside. Relief softened her features as her eyes landed on them.
“Thank you for coming,” she said, her voice carrying a hint of gratitude.
“There’s no place I’d rather be,” Niles responded sincerely.
Elsbeth’s lips twitched with amusement. “I can think of several places I’d rather be than having dinner with a cousin who’s proposed to me.”
He chuckled. “Fair point.”
Turning to Eugenie, Elsbeth added, “You look lovely this evening.”
Eugenie smoothed down her pale blue gown. “Thank you. I see you’ve changed your gown.”
Elsbeth’s hand instinctively went to her sleeve, where a bandage peeked out from beneath the fabric. “Yes. I told my mother about my fall from the horse. There was no need to keep it hidden anymore. And, quite frankly, that gown was awful.”
“How did she take the news?” Eugenie asked.
Elsbeth sighed, a trace of exasperation in her voice. “She’s forbidden me from riding for the foreseeable future. She thinks I take too many risks.”
