Elsbeth forced herself to nod, her throat tight. “I am,” she said quickly. Too quickly.
Her mother’s frown deepened. “Perhaps we should send for the doctor. You look pale.”
“There is no need,” Elsbeth replied, her voice firmer this time, though her hands trembled slightly. She clasped them tightly to keep them still.
Alfred interrupted. “Leave poor Elsbeth be, my love. I’m sure she would tell you if something were amiss. Wouldn’t you, Elsbeth?”
His gaze locked on hers. Elsbeth felt a chill run down her spine, but she forced herself to meet his stare, refusing to let him see her unease. “Yes, of course I would,” she lied, her voice steady despite the turmoil churning inside her.
Her mother looked between them. “Very well,” she said with a nod. “But do take care, Elsbeth. I shall see you at dinner.”
Elsbeth watched as her mother and Alfred walked away, their heads close as they murmured to one another. She felt Niles’s hand lightly brush her elbow, guiding her into the coach. Once inside, the door closed behind her, and the sound of the bustling street was muffled.
Niles’s steady voice broke through her turmoil. “I don’t believe for a moment that our explanation fooled Alfred.”
She turned to meet his gaze. “I agree.”
From across the coach, Charles groaned, rubbing his temples. “This entire ordeal is madness. We should forget the soiree and leave for my country estate at first light tomorrow.”
“That’s absurd—” Elsbeth began, but Niles interrupted her.
“I agree with your cousin,” he said firmly.
Her brows shot up in surprise. “You do?”
Niles shifted slightly in his seat, his eyes holding compassion. “I don’t believe it’s safe for you here, Elsbeth. Whatever ishappening, whatever Alfred is involved in, it’s dangerous. Bedford’s estate is the safer option. For now.”
Charles folded his arms, smirking faintly. “Well, there’s a first—Westcott agreeing with me.”
Niles ignored the jab, his voice hardening as he turned towards Charles. “But let me be perfectly clear: I will ensure justice is served if anything happens to Elsbeth under your watch. No matter the cost.”
Charles’s smirk vanished. “And what, exactly, do you think is going to happen to her?”
Niles leaned forward, his expression stern. “You’ve already shot at her once, and let’s not forget the possibility of poisoning her.”
Charles’s face twisted with indignation. “Good heavens, what are you even talking about?” he demanded.
Niles didn’t back down. “The lozenges. She became gravely ill after accepting one from you. Care to explain that?”
Charles scoffed, shaking his head. “You’re mistaken. I’ve been eating those lozenges for years, and I’ve never been sick from them.”
“Convenient,” Niles retorted. “But it doesn’t change the fact that Elsbeth grew violently sick.”
“I wouldn’t hurt Elsbeth,” Charles snapped, his face reddening. “She’s my cousin.”
Elsbeth raised her hand. “Enough, both of you. This bickering does nothing to address the real problem.”
The men fell silent, their gazes shifting towards her. Elsbeth squared her shoulders. “I will not run. Not yet. There are still too many unanswered questions. But if I do decide to leave, it will be because I choose to, not because I’m being forced.”
Charles sighed heavily and leaned back in his seat, clearly frustrated but unwilling to argue further. Niles, on the other hand, watched her closely, his expression softening just slightly.
“Very well,” Niles said at last. “But you must promise to exercise caution. No unnecessary risks. You have your reputation to think about.”
“I promise,” Elsbeth said, though her gaze drifted back towards the window. She wasn’t entirely sure she believed herself, but one thing was certain—whatever truths were lurking in the shadows, she was determined to uncover them.
Niles sat in the parlor of his aunt’s grand manor, a half-empty glass of brandy clutched in his hand. The flickering candlelight cast restless shadows that danced along the richly paneled walls, their movement as agitated as his thoughts. It was late—far later than he should be awake—but sleep eluded him. His mind was filled with one thought, one person: Elsbeth.
He leaned back in the plush armchair, the cool leather creaking under his weight. He had stayed at Elsbeth’s manor as long as he could, lingering far beyond what was polite. But he hadn’t cared. Every fiber of his being wanted to ensure her safety, and even now, the distance between them felt insurmountable.
