He inclined his head. “I do believe that is what we decided.”
Eugenie interjected, her tone a little too eager. “It might be best if I partnered with Lady Elsbeth instead.”
Niles arched an eyebrow, sensing there was more to her suggestion than she let on. “And why would that be?”
With a tight, guarded smile, Eugenie said, “We could make it a competition. Women versus men. Wouldn’t that be grand?”
Lady Isabella didn’t quite look convinced. “I do think the men would have an unfair advantage.”
Before anyone else could comment, Lord Bedford chimed in. “I say we keep the partnerships as they are. I’m quite looking forward to shooting with Lady Eugenie.”
Eugenie opened her mouth, likely to argue, but let out a resigned sigh instead. “I suppose they can remain as they are.”
“Wonderful,” Lady Isabella stated. “But I do not want my daughter handling a rifle, not with the injury on her arm.”
Lord Bedford turned to Elsbeth with a reproachful look. “You should be more careful when riding.”
Elsbeth sat straighter in her chair, her tone defensive. “I am quite proficient at riding a horse. It was merely an unfortunate accident.”
“Like the time you stood on the back of a horse?” Lord Bedford teased.
Lady Isabella gasped, her hand flying to her chest. “You did what?”
Elsbeth shot her cousin an exasperated look. “It was hardly my fault,” she insisted. “Charles bet me a guinea that I couldn’t do it.”
“You could have broken your neck!” Lady Isabella exclaimed.
“But I didn’t,” Elsbeth replied, lifting her chin defiantly. “And besides, I was only ten at the time.”
Lady Isabella frowned. “That doesn’t make it any better.”
A rueful grin spread across Lord Bedford’s lips. “I tried to warn her, Aunt Isabella, but she wouldn’t listen.”
“You did no such thing,” Elsbeth huffed. “If anything, you were encouraging me the entire time.”
Lord Bedford feigned an innocent expression. “I do not recall that.”
Elsbeth rolled her eyes. “How convenient.”
The playful exchange dissipated into a brief but heavy silence around the table. Niles, sensing an opportunity to shift the focus of the conversation, decided to direct his attention to Mr. Stockton.
Clearing his throat, he met the man’s gaze. “I understand you own a fleet of merchant ships, Mr. Stockton.”
Mr. Stockton nodded. “That is correct.”
“Has the war affected your business dealings?” Niles inquired.
The man’s face grew solemn as he considered the question. “I’m afraid the war has forced me to adapt my methods significantly.”
“In what way?” Niles pressed.
Mr. Stockton opened his mouth to answer but hesitated, his gaze flicking towards his wife. Lady Isabella gave him a warning glance. He let out a soft sigh. “I suspect my wife would rather we refrain from discussing business tonight. Perhaps we could continue this conversation later, over a glass of port.”
“I would appreciate that.”
The footmen moved with practiced precision, stepping forward to clear away the soup bowls and replacing them with plates for the next course. As Niles reached for his glass, he noticed Elsbeth watching him from across the table. Their eyes met and he winked at her.
Her eyes widened slightly before she quickly averted her gaze, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. She picked up her fork and focused on the plate before her, refusing to look his way again.
