“This has nothing to do with my love of books,” Eugenie said, leaning forward with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “It just begs the question, have you developed affection for Elsbeth?”
His huff of indignation was immediate. “Good heavens! How can you even suggest such a thing?”
“Because it’s glaringly obvious,” she said with a knowing smile.
He straightened in his seat, determined to put an end to her teasing. “For the record, I would not marry Lady Elsbeth if she were the last woman on earth. I am simply concerned for her wellbeing, nothing more.”
Eugenie raised an eyebrow. “So your interest is purelyinnocent?”
“Precisely,” he replied curtly. “Though I do find it odd that she fell ill so suddenly. She appeared perfectly well the last time I saw her.”
Eugenie placed her book aside, her eyes dancing with mock drama. “Do you suspect foul play, Brother? Was she poisoned?”
His expression grew somber. “That would explain it.”
Eugenie blinked, startled by his seriousness. “And who, pray tell, do you think poisoned her?”
“Lord Bedford,” he said without hesitation.
Her mouth fell open. “You cannot be serious! Why on earth would Lord Bedford poison his cousin?”
“It makes sense,” Niles insisted.
“No, it does not,” Eugenie argued. “Lord Bedford did not poison his cousin.”
Niles wasn’t quite convinced. “He did take a shot at her.”
“I’m not entirely sure that was Lord Bedford,” Eugenie argued. “He wasn’t aiming at Elsbeth.”
He arched his eyebrow. “Are you saying there was another shooter there, and he was aiming for Lady Elsbeth?”
Eugenie winced slightly. “I know that sounds ludicrous.”
“It does,” Niles replied.
“It is more plausible than Lord Bedford trying to kill Elsbeth,” Eugenie remarked.
Before they could debate further, Aunt Margaret entered the drawing room, a letter in her hand. “I’ve just received word from Lady Isabella. Elsbeth is feeling much improved. The doctor believes it was merely a bout of food poisoning.”
Niles frowned. Food poisoning? That didn’t sit well with him. Many poisons mimicked those symptoms, and the timing seemed too convenient. He stood abruptly, straightening his waistcoat. “We should call on Lady Elsbeth.”
Aunt Margaret studied him for a moment, then nodded. “Iagree. I’ll join you.” She turned to Eugenie. “Would you like to come as well?”
Eugenie hesitated before rising to her feet. “I suppose I should.”
Aunt Margaret smiled knowingly. “It’s a good thing I had the coach brought around. I suspected we’d all want to visit Elsbeth at once.”
As they prepared to leave, Niles couldn’t shake the sense of urgency gnawing at him. Something about Elsbeth’s sudden illness didn’t sit right. There were too many unanswered questions, and he was determined to find clarity.
Eugenie stepped beside him. “People fall ill all the time, Brother. I wouldn’t be so quick to assume the worst.”
He didn’t respond. Instead, he climbed into the awaiting coach, settling into the seat opposite his sister and Aunt Margaret. The coach jolted forward, and Niles turned his attention to the rain-streaked window. He had no interest in idle chatter, but Aunt Margaret didn’t share his sentiment.
“I received an invitation to Lady Isabella’s soiree,” she announced brightly. “I thought it would be nice for us to attend.”
“That sounds delightful,” Eugenie said, smoothing her pale pink gown.
Niles shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “I’ll pass,” he muttered. The idea of mingling at a soiree held little appeal.
