Placing the clippings back into the file, Niles asked, “Did you find anything else?”
Elsbeth shook her head, her shoulders sagging. “No. Just this. It doesn’t make sense.”
“Keep looking,” he urged. “I’ll return to stand watch.”
Elsbeth nodded, determination flickering in her eyes. “There has to be something else here. There has to be.”
Niles returned to his post outside the study. As he scanned the corridor, the steady sound of approaching footsteps drewhis attention. He straightened as Mr. Stockton appeared, his face betraying a hint of curiosity.
Clearing his throat loudly, Niles greeted him. “Good evening, Mr. Stockton.”
Mr. Stockton stopped in front of him. “Good evening, Lord Westcott. Dare I ask why you are loitering outside my study?”
Niles offered a casual smile, though his heart beat a little faster. He hoped Elsbeth had managed to restore everything to its rightful place. “Lady Elsbeth is collecting a book from your study. I thought it prudent to remain in the corridor, for propriety’s sake.”
“Ah,” Mr. Stockton replied.
Before either could say more, Elsbeth emerged from the study, holding a book in her hand. Her expression was serene, but Niles caught the subtle tension in her posture.
“I found the book I was searching for,” she announced, holding it up.
Mr. Stockton glanced at the book in her hand, his expression shifting to one of mild amusement. “Farming machinery? I didn’t realize that topic was of interest to you.”
Elsbeth didn’t appear fazed. “Yes, I find it utterly captivating,” she said with a practiced smile.
Mr. Stockton chuckled. “I must admit, I found that particular book rather dull, but to each their own.”
The distant chime of the dinner bell echoed through the manor, breaking the moment. Mr. Stockton glanced over his shoulder at the study door before pulling it shut. “It seems I won’t have time to work before supper,” he remarked, gesturing down the hall. “Shall we?”
They began walking towards the drawing room, the corridor quiet except for the sound of their footsteps. The silence stretched until Elsbeth broke it.
“It’s a fine evening, isn’t it?” she asked.
Niles bit back a groan. The weather? Of all topics? Still, he decided to play along. “Yes, it is a fine evening indeed.”
Mr. Stockton shifted his attention to Niles. “How long do you plan to stay in our village, Lord Westcott?”
“My sister was hoping for a fortnight,” Niles replied. “But, of course, it depends on whether my aunt grows tired of us.”
Mr. Stockton chuckled lightly. “I’m sure she’s enjoying the company. It’s not every day she has visitors from London.”
Niles nodded. “It has been a welcome reprieve, though my responsibilities at my estate call for my return soon.”
“I can only imagine the weight of those responsibilities, being a lord and all,” Mr. Stockton said with a hint of admiration.
They arrived in the entry hall, where the rest of the household was assembled. Lady Isabella watched their approach with a warm smile. “Dinner is ready to be served,” she announced.
Elsbeth held up the book. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll just place this in the drawing room.” Without waiting for a reply, she disappeared into the adjacent room.
When she returned, Niles offered his arm, and together they followed the others towards the dining room. As they walked, he leaned closer, lowering his voice. “Did you find anything else?”
Elsbeth let out a quiet puff of frustration. “No.”
“What were you hoping to find?” he pressed.
Her gaze flickered away. “I’m not sure,” she admitted. “But I was hoping for something that would prove my stepfather is not who he claims to be.”
“Perhaps he isn’t hiding anything,” Niles suggested.
