She stepped inside, looking radiant in a pale pink gown that complemented her olive complexion, her hair arranged in an intricate chignon that framed her face perfectly. The early hour didn’t diminish her beauty but only seemed to enhance it.
Niles inclined his head in greeting. “Elsbeth.”
She dropped into a graceful curtsy. “Niles,” she replied, her tone more formal than usual.
“What brings you here so early?”
Her expression grew serious as she approached, her reticule dangling lightly from her wrist. “I came to visit Lady Margaret,” she said. “But I was hoping to speak to you as well.” Reaching into the small bag, she retrieved his pocket watch. “This is yours. I am sorry it has taken me so long to return it.”
Niles took the pocket watch, its familiar weight settling in his palm. He stared at it for a moment, then back at her. Without thinking, he said, “Keep it.” The words tumbled out before he could reconsider.
Elsbeth blinked, clearly startled. “Pardon?”
“I want you to have it,” he said, surprising even himself.
Her brows knitted in confusion. “But this watch… it means so much to you.”
“It does,” Niles admitted. His voice lowered as he added, “But so do you.”
Her eyes widened. “What are you saying?”
He hesitated, the vulnerability of his own words catching him off guard. “I’m saying I want you to have something to remember me by,” he said, extending the watch towards her. “Please, take it.”
She looked down at the watch, uncertainty flickering across her face. “Are you certain?”
“I am.”
Elsbeth tentatively reached out and accepted the watch, clutching it close to her chest. “I promise I will treasure this always.”
He smiled. “I’m glad. I’ve enjoyed our time together, more than I can say.”
A shadow passed over her features. “Charles wants me to leave with him to his estate after my mother’s soiree.”
Niles stiffened. “Absolutely not,” he said, his voice rising. “That man tried to shoot you and may have poisoned you.”
Elsbeth shook her head, a hint of exasperation in her voice. “The shooting was an accident, and I don’t believe he poisoned me. Charles is not a threat.”
“I disagree,” Niles said, his frustration bubbling to the surface. He raked a hand through his hair. “I can’t let you go with him. What if something happens to you?”
“What do you propose I do?”
Without thinking, his next words slipped out. “Come with me to my estate.”
She frowned. “What are you saying?”
“You’d be safe there,” he insisted, stepping closer. “I can take you far away from your stepfather, from this village.”
“And what of my mother?” she countered, crossing her arms.
“She could visit whenever she wishes,” Niles replied, though he could sense her hesitation. “It’s the best solution.”
Elsbeth’s frown deepened. “Do you not realize how improper that would be? My reputation is already in ruins. I cannot travel with you without scandal.”
“That’s why I would hire you as Eugenie’s companion,” he blurted.
Her face fell, and the hurt in her eyes was immediate. “You want to hire me?” she repeated, her voice soft and pained. “Do you think so little of me?”
Niles reached out instinctively, but she stepped out of his reach. “Elsbeth, I didn’t mean it like that?—”
