Niles stared at her, his exasperation palpable. After a long pause, he relented. “Fine. But I’m coming with you.”
Elsbeth blinked, surprised by his quick concession. “I never asked you to.”
“True,” he said, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “But I think we both know it’s for the best. Someone needs to ensure you don’t get yourself into more trouble. And, more importantly, that you stay safe.”
His earnestness gave her pause. For a moment, she could only look at him, uncertain of how to respond. Finally, she nodded, her voice softer than before. “Thank you, Niles.”
“Just don’t make me regret it.”
She found herself staring into his eyes—deeper than she ought to—and noticed, for the first time, the faint brown flecks scattered within the green. It was a detail so minute, sopersonal, that it made her pulse quicken. She shouldn’t be this close to him. But she was. And to her dismay, she rather liked the nearness of him.
The sound of her own breath brought her back to reality. They were alone in the parlor, a situation that could lead to talk if anyone happened upon them. It may be the countryside where propriety was a touch more forgiving, but not so much as to excuse a moment like this.
“Shall we return to your sister and aunt?” she asked, her voice more steady than she felt.
For a fleeting moment, she thought she caught a flash of disappointment in his eyes. Or had she imagined it? “Of course. But shouldn’t we fetch the book you promised Eugenie first?”
Elsbeth winced. “I’ll admit, there is no book. I only said that to have an excuse to speak with you privately.”
The corners of his mouth lifted slightly. “Ah, I see. Well then, perhaps we can make good on that promise. Let’s find a book together that might pique my sister’s interest.”
“A reasonable suggestion.” She crossed to the door and opened it just enough to peek into the corridor, ensuring it was empty before stepping through.
Niles followed, his footsteps light on the carpet as they made their way towards the library.
“What kind of books does your sister enjoy?” Elsbeth asked, breaking the silence.
He chuckled. “I’m not sure there’s a book my sister doesn’t enjoy. Her tastes are varied, to say the least.”
“Noted. So, we’re looking for anything and everything?”
“Precisely.”
As they approached the library doors, Elsbeth couldn’t help but glance sideways at him. He seemed so at ease, so comfortable in her presence, and she realized with some surprise that she felt the same. She wasn’t quite sure what to make of that,but she knew it was a thought that was best left for another time.
She approached one of the towering bookshelves that lined the back wall of the library. Her eyes roamed over the spines, her fingers trailing along the textured leather bindings as she searched for a title. At last, she paused and tilted her head. “What aboutNathan der Weise?”
Niles stepped closer, far closer than she had expected. “I think it’s a perfect choice.”
“Good.”
Without thinking, they both reached for the book at the same time. Their fingers brushed—a fleeting, accidental touch, but it sent an unwelcome jolt up her arm.
Niles quickly withdrew his hand. “My apologies,” he murmured.
“No harm done.” She turned her attention to the book, attempting to ignore the way her skin still tingled where their hands had met. She grasped the book, pulling it carefully from its spot on the shelf.
Niles cleared his throat. “Allow me to escort you back to the drawing room?”
She glanced at his proffered arm and hesitated. Did she trust herself? Each time they touched, it felt as though something unspoken passed between them, something she couldn’t afford to examine too closely. And yet, propriety dictated her response.
She placed her hand lightly on his sleeve, determined to remain composed, and forced a polite smile to her lips. “Thank you,” she said.
As they walked back towards the drawing room, Niles asked, “Would you care to join me on a picnic this afternoon?”
“That sounds wonderful.”
He smiled. “I shall see to the arrangements then.”
