He met his sister’s gaze, frustration and regret warring within him. “So what do you suggest I do?”
Eugenie tilted her head. “Fix it, of course. Apologize. Explain yourself. And maybe this time, use that charm everyone seems to think you have.”
“All right. I’ll make it right.”
Eugenie’s lips curved into a small smile. “Good. Because Elsbeth deserves better than your clumsy attempts at kindness.”
As she turned to leave, he called after her. “And how exactly do I fix this?”
Eugenie glanced over her shoulder. “You’re a clever man, Brother. Figure it out.”
Left alone in the entry hall, Niles stared down at the pocket watch in his hand. He had made a mess of things, but one thing was certain—he wasn’t going to let it end this way. Not with Elsbeth.
Clenching his jaw, he made a decision. Turning towards the butler, who stood quietly near the wall, Niles commanded, “Bring the coach around. Immediately.”
“Yes, my lord,” the butler replied with a quick bow before hurrying off.
Niles barely had time to turn towards the stairs when a voice from the doorway of the drawing room stopped him in his tracks. “You’re doing the right thing.”
He turned sharply, startled to see his aunt standing there, a knowing expression on her face.
“How long have you been there?” he asked.
His aunt’s smile was faintly apologetic but didn’t waver. “Long enough to overhear a few things I probably shouldn’t have.” She took a step forward. “Do you truly believe Lord Bedford intends Elsbeth harm?”
“I do.”
Her smile faded entirely, replaced by a look of quiet resolve. “Then you must do whatever it takes to keep her safe.”
“My thoughts exactly,” Niles responded.
His aunt’s eyes dropped to the pocket watch in his hand, and she tilted her head in mild curiosity. “How exactly did Elsbeth come to find your pocket watch?”
The lie was on his lips before he could think better of it. “She didn’t say.”
The corners of her mouth twitched with amusement, making it clear she didn’t believe him for a second. “Well,” she said lightly, “it was very thoughtful of her to return it to you.”
“It was,” he replied.
His aunt stepped closer, studying him carefully. “You care for her, don’t you?”
“I don’t want to see her hurt. That’s all,” he said, the words feeling too shallow, too inadequate. Elsbeth meant something to him, but he didn’t quite know what that was at the moment.
His aunt gave him a look that seemed to see right through him. “Be honest with yourself, Niles. Before it’s too late.”
The weight of her words struck him harder than he cared to admit. Honesty—with himself, with Elsbeth—was a luxury he wasn’t sure he could afford. There were so many reasons to keep his distance, so many reasons to guard his heart. But none of them mattered when he thought of her walking away, hurt and vulnerable.
Before he could muster a reply, the butler returned. “The coach is out front, my lord.”
Niles didn’t need to be told twice. “I need to go.”
“Go, then,” his aunt encouraged. “And make things right.”
With quick strides, he made his way to the door, determination sharpening his every step. He walked outside and the crisp morning air bit at his skin. It was time to act. He would do whatever it took to keep Elsbeth safe.
14
Elsbeth sat in the coach as she wiped away the tear slipping down her cheek. Her chest felt tight with humiliation and frustration, the sting of Niles’s offer echoing in her mind. Employment. He had offered her employment. Did he truly think so little of her? Did he believe she had fallen so far? The mortification of it all weighed heavily on her heart.
