Friends. Always just friends.
Niles watched Elsbeth retreat, her figure rigid as she strode away, but not before he had caught the flicker of hurt in her eyes. The sight unsettled him deeply. What had he said to provoke such a reaction? Was it his reference to their relationship as mere friendship? It was, after all, the partial truth. He cared for her—more than he was willing to admit—but he also knew the reality of their situation. Her tarnished reputation would make any future together impossible. And beyond hisown feelings, he had to consider Eugenie and the future she deserved.
Lord Bedford’s sharp voice sliced through his thoughts. “I told you to stay away from my cousin.”
Niles turned, meeting Bedford’s piercing gaze. “Is that whatshewants?”
“No,” Bedford admitted, though reluctantly. “But it’s what she deserves. You’re going to leave eventually, Westcott. Why not do it now?”
“I will leave,” Niles replied, his words deliberate. “But not until I know Elsbeth is safe.”
“Safe?” Bedford scoffed, his arms folding across his chest. “Safe from what? Or should I say safe fromwhom? Me?”
Before Niles could respond, a loud, sharp crash echoed through the gardens. Both men spun towards the source of the noise, their gazes landing on Elsbeth, sprawled on the ground beside the shattered remains of a large stone planter.
Without hesitation, Niles sprinted towards her, his heart pounding in his chest. He crouched beside her, his eyes frantically scanning her for injuries. “Elsbeth!” he said, his voice edged with panic. “Are you hurt? What happened?”
Her face was pale, her breaths shallow as she pointed upward towards the balcony above them. “I heard a noise… I looked up and saw the planter falling. I couldn’t move in time.”
Niles’s gaze snapped to the remnants of the planter, its jagged edges scattered across the path. A chill swept over him. If it had hit her, she would have been dead.
Bedford arrived a moment later, his expression grim. “This wasn’t an accident,” he said, his voice tight. “That planter was far too heavy to have simply fallen on its own.”
Niles shot him an annoyed glance. “What an astute observation, Bedford. Truly, your talents are wasted.”
Elsbeth drew in a shaky breath. “Who would want to kill me?”
“That’s what we need to find out,” Niles said, his gaze flickering to Bedford. The man appeared genuinely concerned, but was it an act? Niles wasn’t prepared to rule anything out.
Bedford extended a hand to Elsbeth. “Let’s get you inside.”
After a moment’s hesitation, she accepted his help, though as soon as she was on her feet, she subtly shifted closer to Niles. Her movement was slight, but it spoke volumes. She was beginning to suspect the same thing he did.
As they entered the manor, the tension was palpable. Niles could feel Elsbeth’s fear radiating from her, and it unsettled him in a way he couldn’t quite articulate. He needed to protect her, to ensure that whoever was behind this would not succeed in harming her.
Bedford turned to a footman, his voice commanding. “Clean up the mess in the gardens and send for the constable. Immediately.”
The footman scurried away, and Niles guided Elsbeth towards the drawing room. Once inside, he helped her to the settee and sat beside her, his protective instinct taking over. “Would you like some tea?” he offered.
“I would,” she replied as she moved her trembling hand towards the teapot.
He brushed her hand away. “Allow me.”
“Dear heavens, I have never had a gentleman serve me tea before,” Elsbeth said lightly, but there was a terseness to her words.
“There is a first time for everything,” Niles responded as he poured a cup of tea. He extended her the cup and saucer.
Elsbeth took a sip before saying, “Someone tried to kill me.”
“I know,” Niles said, his jaw tightening.
She glanced towards the doorway, her voice barely above a whisper. “Do you think it was Charles?”
Niles shook his head. “He and I were arguing when ithappened. His concern seemed genuine. But that doesn’t mean he’s not involved.”
She placed the teacup back on the tray with a trembling hand. “The tea isn’t helping.”
“It’s all right to be upset,” he assured her.
