Page 28
Story: An Improbable Scheme (Courting the Unconventional #1)
Niles was abruptly cut off by the sound of Charles’s booming, irate voice. “I thought I told you to stay away from Lord Westcott!”
Elsbeth spun around to face her cousin, who was storming towards them with a thunderous expression. His fists were clenched at his sides, and his jaw was set as though he were barely containing his anger.
“We were just taking a turn around the gardens,” she said.
“Is that what you were doing?” Charles’s tone dripped with disbelief. “Because from where I stood, you two looked entirely too familiar with one another.”
Elsbeth tilted her chin. “Well, you would be wrong.”
Charles came to an abrupt stop directly in front of Niles, his glare unwavering. He pointed a finger at him, his voice sharp. “You will stay away from Elsbeth.”
Niles stood his ground. “No,” he replied simply. “Lady Elsbeth and I are friends, and that is her decision to make, not yours.”
Friends .
The word echoed in Elsbeth’s mind. Friends. Why did that word sting so deeply? Why had she dared to hope that he might see her as more?
Charles stepped closer to Niles. “I should challenge you to a duel.”
Niles raised a brow, his voice steady and without a hint of hesitation. “Name the time and place.”
“Enough!” Elsbeth snapped. Both men turned to look at her, startled by her outburst.
“There will be no duel,” she continued, glaring at both of them. “You’re behaving like insolent children, and I refuse to be a part of this. Good day to both of you.”
Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and marched back towards the manor. She kept her head high, refusing to let either of them see the turmoil churning inside her.
Why had she hoped for something more? Why had she allowed herself to believe, even for a moment, that Niles might care for her as anything beyond a friend? She clenched her fists at her sides, willing herself not to cry.
As she neared the manor, Niles’s words lingered in her mind, replaying over and over like a cruel taunt.
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 his own 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 what she wants?”
“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 from whom ? 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 it happened. 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.
Her eyes met his. “Good, because I am very upset,” she said with an edge of defiance. Then, softer, she added, “I’m glad you’re here, Niles.”
A faint smile tugged at his lips as he leaned slightly closer. “We’ll figure this out,” he promised. “Together.”
Bedford stepped into the drawing room and cleared his throat. Loudly. “I think you’ve tended to Lady Elsbeth long enough, Lord Westcott.”
If Bedford thought he could intimidate Niles into leaving, he was gravely mistaken. Niles had no intention of leaving Elsbeth’s side until he was absolutely certain she was safe.
Before he could respond, Lady Isabella swept into the room. She rushed to Elsbeth’s side and knelt beside her on the settee. “Elsbeth!” she exclaimed. “I just heard about the terrible accident.”
Niles raised an eyebrow, his sharp gaze flicking to Bedford.
Accident?
Bedford caught his questioning look and gave a subtle shake of his head, silently urging Niles to hold his tongue. The implication was clear: he didn’t want Lady Isabella to know that someone had deliberately tried to harm Elsbeth.
Lady Isabella gently wiped the dust from her daughter’s cheek. “You poor thing. You should take a warm bath and rest immediately.”
“That would be nice,” Elsbeth murmured.
Now confident that Elsbeth was in capable hands, Niles rose to his feet and strode over to Bedford. He leaned closer, keeping his voice low. “Accident? ”
Bedford shrugged. “I didn’t think we should alarm my aunt unnecessarily.”
“And what happens when the constable arrives?”
“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” Bedford replied. “For now, we need to keep a close eye on Elsbeth.”
“ We ?”
Bedford gestured towards the entry hall. “Let’s talk privately.”
Niles reluctantly followed him, spinning on his heel once they were alone. He folded his arms and fixed Bedford with an expectant look. “Well?”
Bedford’s expression turned solemn. “I think I know who tried to kill Elsbeth.” He paused. “Alfred.”
Niles furrowed his brow. “Why do you suspect him?”
“I didn’t want to take Elsbeth to my estate just because of her obsession with Alfred’s secrets,” Bedford admitted. “I wanted to keep her away from him.”
“And why would Alfred want her dead?” Niles pressed.
“Because she’s asking too many questions,” Bedford replied. “Alfred has been investigating my uncle’s death.”
Niles’s gaze sharpened. “You mean the late Lord Bedford?”
Bedford nodded grimly. “Yes. I suspect my uncle was murdered.”
Niles exhaled slowly, the weight of the revelation settling over him. “Murdered by Alfred?”
“I don’t know,” Bedford admitted. “But I do know Alfred paid for the coroner’s silence. Why else would he do that?”
“None of this explains why I should trust you,” Niles said.
“Whether you trust me or not, we have the same goal—protecting Elsbeth.”
Before Niles could respond, Lady Isabella appeared in the doorway. “Lord Westcott, Elsbeth has asked to see you.”
Niles nodded and took a step towards the drawing room, only for Bedford to place a hand on his sleeve, halting him .
“Think about what I said,” Bedford urged.
“I will,” Niles replied before heading into the drawing room.
As he entered, his eyes immediately sought out Elsbeth. She was still seated on the settee, but her color had returned, easing some of his worry. He approached her, his voice gentle. “How are you faring?”
Rather than answer his question, she asked one of her own. “What is wrong?”
“Not now.”
Her eyes searched his for a moment longer before she gave a reluctant nod. “Very well. But you will tell me?”
“I will,” he promised as he moved to sit down next to her on the settee.
Elsbeth lowered her gaze to her lap. “My mother insists I should rest.”
“That’s a good idea. But have a maid or someone you trust stay with you.”
“Do you truly think that’s necessary?” she asked, bringing her gaze back up to meet his.
His attempt at a reassuring smile fell short, even to him. “Better safe than sorry. Until we know more.”
Lady Isabella approached and extended her hand to her daughter. “Come, my dear. Let’s get you comfortable.”
Elsbeth rose and Niles stood as well. “I’ll call on you later, assuming you have no objections,” he said.
“I’d like that,” Elsbeth replied.
As they exited the drawing room, Niles walked behind the two women, his focus fixed on Elsbeth’s every step. When they reached the base of the stairs, she paused and turned back to face him.
“Thank you, Lord Westcott,” she said. “For everything.”
He bowed. “Enjoy your rest, my lady.”
She gave him a weak smile, but the sadness in her eyes struck him like a blow. What he wouldn’t give to remain by her side, ensuring her safety, offering her the comfort she so clearly needed.
The soft shuffle of boots drew his attention, and he turned to find Bedford stepping closer. “I’ll send word when the constable arrives.”
“Thank you,” Niles replied.
He started to leave, but Bedford’s voice stopped him mid-step. “Alfred was supposedly in his study when the planter fell.”
Niles turned back, his expression hardening. “Supposedly?”
Bedford’s gaze flicked towards the direction of Alfred’s study. “That’s what he claims. He said he was reviewing shipping manifests.”
“That is rather convenient,” Niles remarked. “Was anyone with him to corroborate his story?”
“No,” Bedford admitted. “And that’s what troubles me.”
Niles was still unsure. “But why would he try to harm Elsbeth? What could he possibly gain?”
“I told you, Alfred’s been digging into my uncle’s death. If he thinks Elsbeth knows something or might uncover the truth, it could be reason enough.”
Niles clenched his jaw. The idea of someone so close to Elsbeth harboring such dark intentions was intolerable. “We need proof.”
“Agreed,” Bedford said. “But for now, we need to keep Elsbeth out of harm’s way.”
“That is something we both can agree on.”
The two men stood in tense silence for a moment, their shared goal uniting them despite the animosity that still simmered beneath the surface. There was much to unravel, and time was not on their side.
Could he even trust Bedford?
Table of Contents
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- Page 28 (Reading here)
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