Niles glanced at her. “It’s not as enticing as you might imagine. A sibling can be your greatest ally or the bane of your existence.”
“You make it sound so appealing,” she joked, her smile returning.
He grew solemn, his curiosity piqued by her vulnerability. “May I ask how your father died?”
Elsbeth’s smile faded, replaced by a shadow of sadness. “He was trampled by horses,” she revealed. “He was drunk, as usual, and stumbled in front of a coach outside a gambling hall. The coroner believed he didn’t even look before crossing.”
“I’m so sorry,” Niles said, his voice tinged with genuine regret. He wished he could offer more comfort, but he was at a loss as to what to say.
Her jaw tightened. “It was his fault. He loved his vices more than he loved us.”
“You can’t know that for certain,” Niles attempted.
“I can,” she asserted. “He seemed to only care for himself.”
Before Niles could respond, Mr. White stepped forward, his voice brisk. “The beaters are in position again, my lord.”
Niles nodded, adjusting his grip on his rifle. “Give the command.”
As the beaters resumed their task, the woods filled with therustle of undergrowth and the rhythmic drumming of sticks. Niles raised his rifle, his focus trained on the sky. Just as he took aim, the sharp crack of a gunshot pierced the air, followed by the splintering of wood in a tree mere inches from Elsbeth’s head.
9
Someone had shot at her.
Elsbeth’s heart raced as she turned her wide eyes towards the tree where the bullet had struck, leaving a fresh gouge in its bark. The realization settled in—she could have died. The thought sent a chill coursing through her, and she felt the blood drain from her face.
Niles lowered his rifle and stepped closer, his gaze scanning her for injury. “Elsbeth, are you all right?” His voice was laced with worry.
She opened her mouth to answer but no sound came out. Instead, she found herself staring at him, unsure how to articulate the storm of emotions brewing within her. That bullet had missed her by mere inches.
Niles placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. “Elsbeth, talk to me,” he urged, his voice gentler now but no less urgent.
Finally, she managed to say, “That bullet… it was so close.” Her voice trembled, the words barely above a whisper.
Niles’s eyes darted to the tree. “I know,” he responded, his tone grim.
“Elsbeth!” Charles’s voice rang out, cutting through themoment. She turned to see her cousin hurrying towards her, his face etched with panic.
Niles dropped his hand from her shoulder but remained close. For reasons she couldn’t quite explain, his nearness made her feel steadier, safer.
Charles reached them, breathless. “Elsbeth, I’m so sorry,” he said, his words tumbling out in a rush. “I was focused on the pheasant… I didn’t see—please, say you’re all right.”
Niles’s sharp voice cut through Charles’s apology like a blade. “You almost shot her,” he growled. “Where did you even learn how to hunt?”
Charles winced, his remorse evident. “I know, and I’m terribly sorry. It was an accident, I swear. I didn’t think I was that close to Elsbeth, but I heard the sound of splintering wood.”
“Terribly sorry?” Niles repeated, his voice rising. “Do you think that makes it better? She could have been killed!”
Eugenie appeared beside Charles. “Perhaps we should all take a moment to breathe,” she suggested. “It was an unfortunate accident?—”
Niles whirled on his sister. “An accident?” he exclaimed. “Lady Elsbethalmost died! I don’t want to take a breath.”
Elsbeth finally found her voice. “It’s all right,” she said, though her hands still trembled. “I’m fine. Truly.”
Mr. White stepped forward and addressed Elsbeth. “Are you all right, my lady?”
“I am,” Elsbeth replied. “Thank you for your concern, but I do think I’ve had enough of pheasant shooting for one day.”
