“Regardless,” Eugenie continued, “after the kiss, Lord Bedford slipped out of the library, and I haven’t seen him since.”
Niles rubbed his temples, trying to rein in his growing irritation. “Do you realize what could have happened if anyone had caught you kissing?”
“It’s a good thing no one did, then,” Eugenie said matter-of-factly.
“Eugenie…” he began.
She cut him off with a knowing smile. “You can save the lecture, Brother. I know precisely what you’re going to say.”
“I doubt that,” he countered.
In a deep voice, mimicking him, Eugenie said, “You must protect your reputation at all costs.”
Dropping his hands to his sides, Niles scowled. “It makes it no less true. You don’t want to be forced into an unwanted marriage with a stranger.”
“You’re right,” she conceded.
“I know I’m right,” he replied firmly.
Eugenie leaned back against the seat, lifting a brow. “Can this lecture be over now? I promise I won’t ever kiss Lord Bedford—or any other stranger—again.”
The coach came to a halt in front of the manor, and Niles sighed. “Fine. But I’ll be partnering with Lord Bedford for the pheasant hunt.”
“You will do no such thing,” she said sharply. “If we switch partners, he’ll know I told you about the kiss.”
“So you want me to pretend I don’t know?”
“Yes.”
He stared at his sister, incredulous. “And why would I do that?”
“Because, Brother,” she said, her tone imploring, “I don’t want him to think I dwell on that kiss.”
“Do you?” he asked, arching a brow.
She let out a huff, but it lacked conviction. “Heavens, no! I hardly think about it.”
Niles wanted to press her further, but the coach door opened, and a footman extended his hand to assist them. Stepping out first, Niles reached back for Eugenie, helping her onto the gravel drive.
As they approached the manor, the main door opened, and Elsbeth stepped out with Lord Bedford by her side, a hunting rifle resting casually on his shoulder.
Elsbeth’s smile lit up her features, and Niles felt a strange lightness in his chest. “Lord Westcott. Lady Eugenie,” she greeted.
“Lady Eugenie,” Lord Bedford said with a bow.
Niles glanced at his sister, noting the slight flush on her cheeks. Interesting. Despite her protests, it was clear she wasn’t entirely immune to Lord Bedford’s charms.
“It was most generous of your stepfather to allow us to pheasant shoot on his property,” Niles said, turning his attention to Elsbeth.
Her smile grew tight. “It was, wasn’t it?”
“Shall we walk to the pond?” Niles suggested, eager to shift the mood.
Once they retrieved their rifles, the group set off down a narrow path leading to the woodlands. Silence settled over them until Eugenie, clearly uncomfortable, turned to Lord Bedford and asked, “Do you like the weather?”
Lord Bedford looked at her, perplexed. “I… suppose so.”
Eugenie glanced up at the sky, her voice overly bright. “It’s quite an unremarkable day, isn’t it?”
