“I am your sister,” she quipped. “It is my duty.”
The faint humor in her voice did little to ease the tension that consumed him. “I am unlikely to ever find what Mother and Father had,” he said. “And even if I did, am I worthy of such a love?”
“Of course you are. You are more than worthy. But you have to believe that, too.”
Her words struck something deep within him, and for a moment, he wanted to push back, to deny it all. But the sincerity in her voice left no room for argument. “I don’t know what I believe,” he admitted.
Eugenie’s eyes held compassion. “And herein lies the problem, Brother.” She picked up her book. “Now, go. I need to finish this chapter.”
Her words hung in the air as she returned to reading as though their conversation hadn’t just unraveled the tightly wound threads of resolve. He lingered for a moment longer, her words echoing in his mind before he finally turned and left the room.
A short time later, Niles was astride his horse, the brisk morning air biting against his face as he rode through the countryside. The fields were shrouded in a delicate haze, the faint white mist clinging to the ground. He urged his horse faster, seeking solace in the speed and the rhythmic pounding of hooves.
If only his father were still alive. This wasn’t the first time he had wished for it. He longed for the wisdom and guidance that had once been a constant in his life. His father would have known precisely what to say, and how to navigate this tumultuous path. But his father was gone, and the burden of making the right choices fell squarely on his shoulders.
He couldn’t afford a misstep. Not for Eugenie, whose future depended on him, and not for himself. Love was a distraction, an indulgence he couldn’t afford. Not when so much was at stake. And yet, the ache in his chest whenever he thought ofElsbeth refused to be ignored. She had changed something in him, unearthed a yearning for something more, something he couldn’t quite name.
Why had he let her into his life, into his thoughts, into his heart? He should have been stronger, more disciplined.
In the distance, movement caught his eyes. Two riders were approaching, their figures becoming clearer as he closed the distance. One of them was unmistakable—Elsbeth, her dark blue riding habit a striking contrast against the pale morning light. Her dark hair was neatly tucked beneath her riding hat, and she sat tall and poised on her horse.
The second rider was Lord Bedford. Niles’s jaw tightened. What was she doing with him? Despite the uneasy truce they had struck, Niles didn’t entirely trust the man, and he doubted he ever would.
Urging his horse forward, he quickly caught up to them. Elsbeth turned her head, her expression shifting from surprise to something warmer. “Niles,” she greeted, her voice holding a note of unexpected pleasure. “What are you doing up at this hour?”
“I am an early riser,” he replied, though his gaze flicked to Lord Bedford. “Bedford.”
“Westcott,” he replied with a tip of his head.
Niles fell into pace beside them. “And what brings you both out so early?”
Elsbeth glanced between the two men, her smile faltering just slightly. “Charles invited me for a morning ride.”
“Indeed,” Bedford added. “A breath of fresh air does wonders for the nerves.”
Niles’s eyes narrowed, but he masked his suspicion with a polite nod. “Fresh air is good for many things.” He looked to Elsbeth. “I trust you’re taking care to avoid any... accidents.”
Her smile faded. “Yes, of course.”
Bedford’s lips pressed into a thin, white line, his displeasurelaid bare. “You worry too much, Westcott. Elsbeth is perfectly safe with me.”
Niles didn’t reply immediately, his gaze lingering on Bedford. He was too calm. Too collected. “I’m sure she is,” he said finally, though his voice betrayed his lingering concern. “Perhaps I will join you both for the remainder of your ride. After all, the countryside is best enjoyed in good company.”
“If you insist,” Bedford said, his words curt.
Elsbeth glanced at Niles, a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes. Relief? Unease? Perhaps both. “It is a beautiful morning, is it not?”
Niles inclined his head. “It is,” he agreed before he shifted his gaze back to Bedford. “I received word you spoke with the constable. Was anything decided?”
“Not precisely,” Bedford admitted. “The constable was hesitant to label the incident as anything more than an unfortunate accident.”
“You didn’t tell me that,” Elsbeth said, her grip tightening on the reins.
Bedford turned towards her. “I didn’t want to upset you unnecessarily.”
Elsbeth’s back grew rigid. “I don’t need to be coddled, Cousin. I have the right to know what’s happening, especially when my life is involved.”
Bedford offered a stiff nod. “You’re right, of course. I should have told you.”
