Aunt Margaret adopted a feigned look of innocence. “Oh, dear. I’m afraid it’s too late for that. I’ve already confirmed our attendance. I didn’t think you’d object.”
He narrowed his eyes. “How convenient.”
Eugenie grinned. “Don’t sulk, Brother. You’ve been in a foul mood ever since Elsbeth’s illness was announced. Perhaps seeing her will lift your spirits.”
“I’m not sulking,” he snapped. “And my concern for Elsbeth is purely platonic.”
“Yes, of course,” Eugenie said, her tone dripping with mock sincerity. “We all believe you.”
Niles looked heavenward, since he was done with the conversation. His sister was seeing connections where there were none, or so he tried to convince himself. He couldn’t have feelings for Elsbeth. He wouldn’t.
But, blast it all, he did.
The coach came to a stop in front of Elsbeth’s manor, pulling him from his thoughts. He stepped out onto the gravel path, helping his aunt and sister descend, and led the way to the door. It swung open before they reached it, and the butler greeted them with a bow.
“Lady Elsbeth is resting in the drawing room and is expecting you,” the butler informed them. “Please, follow me, and I shall announce you.”
Niles nodded but felt Eugenie’s hand on his arm as they walked. “A word of caution,” she murmured. “Don’t go making Elsbeth paranoid about Lord Bedford. You’ve no proof of your suspicions.”
Just his gut, but he knew his sister would not appreciate that remark. “I understand,” he decided to reply.
Eugenie looked pleased with his response and strode confidently into the drawing room. Niles followed, his gaze immediately finding Elsbeth. She was seated on the settee, a blanket draped over her lap. Her cheeks had a healthy flush, and though she looked tired, she didn’t appear gravely ill. Relief coursed through him.
Aunt Margaret wasted no time in taking the seat beside Elsbeth, clasping her hand warmly. “My dear, we’ve been so worried about you.”
Elsbeth smiled faintly. “The doctor believes it was just a bout of food poisoning.”
Niles stepped closer, his brow furrowed. “And what do you believe?”
Elsbeth offered him a bemused look. “I see no reason to doubt the doctor’s conclusion. It explains my symptoms.”
“Did you experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea?” Niles asked bluntly.
A deep blush spread across her cheeks. “I’d rather not discuss that, my lord.”
Aunt Margaret gasped. “For heaven’s sake, Niles! One does not ask a lady about such things!”
“My apologies,” he said quickly, though his curiosity remained unabated. He needed to speak with Elsbeth privately, but how?
Eugenie chimed in, her tone light. “I had food poisoning once, and I haven’t been able to stomach baked apples since. Just the smell makes me queasy.”
“That sounds dreadful,” Elsbeth acknowledged.
Niles watched her carefully. She was putting on a brave face, but something about her demeanor left him unsettled. He resolved to find a moment alone with her to press further. Whatever was going on, he wasn’t about to let it go unanswered.
11
Elsbeth could tell that something was troubling Niles. The tightening of his jaw was a subtle but telltale sign. It was one of the many small habits she had begun to notice about him. And therein lay the problem. She shouldn’t be noticing anything about him. They were merely friends. Nothing more.
Yet, the gnawing need to address his unease refused to leave her alone. She needed to speak with him privately, but what excuse could she possibly offer that wouldn’t raise suspicion?
Eugenie’s animated discussion about a book she was reading provided an unexpected spark of inspiration. It wasn’t the most brilliant idea, but it would suffice.
Elsbeth tossed the blanket from her lap and rose. “Eugenie, I have a book that you might enjoy.”
Her friend’s eyes lit up with interest. “Which book?”
Drat. She hadn’t thought this through. She had no specific book in mind. But Eugenie was waiting expectantly, so she managed a weak smile. “It’s a surprise.”
