Page 1 of A Virgin for the Forbidden Duke

CHAPTER1

“Miss Agnes, you simply must see these dresses!” Peggy exclaimed as she moved gracefully around the room, arranging the array of new gowns Agnes’s mother had bought for the Season.

The dresses lay like a rainbow of silks and lace, each one more exquisite than the last.

Agnes, seated before her vanity mirror, turned her head to regard Peggy with an unimpressed smile. The morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow in the room.

“Do tell, Peggy,” she replied, her voice carrying a hint of amusement, “what’s so remarkable about them, this time?”

Peggy’s excitement was palpable as she answered, her voice flowing like a bubbling brook, a constant stream of compliments and excitement.

“Oh, Miss Agnes, these dresses are positively exquisite! You’ll be the belle of the ball, I’m sure. And the blue one, well, it’s positively divine on you, don’t you think?”

The gowns were lovely, no doubt, with their delicate lace and rich fabrics, but Agnes couldn’t summon the same enthusiasm as Peggy.

Agnes regarded herself in the looking glass, her blue eyes meeting their own reflection. “Thank you, Peggy. They are beautiful, there’s no denying that. But these events, these dances and dinners, they never feel quite like me.”

Peggy’s chatter continued, undeterred by Agnes’s apparent indifference. “Oh, but, Miss Agnes, you mustn’t be too hard on yourself. You’re the daughter of the Viscount of Young, and it’s your duty to make a fine match this Season. It’s what your mother expects.”

Agnes sighed, a hint of frustration tugging at the corners of her thoughts. “I know, Peggy. Duty, duty, always duty. It’s a constant refrain in this house.”

Peggy finally stopped arranging the dresses and turned her attention fully to her mistress. “I understand, Miss Agnes, but sometimes we must do things we don’t necessarily like for the sake of our family. You’re a dutiful daughter, and your parents are only looking out for your best interests.”

“Oh, how I wish that was true,” Agnes quipped, her voice heavy with sarcasm. “Clearly, everything my mother does is solely for my benefit.” Her eyes met Peggy’s as they both burst out laughing like maniacs, reveling in the shared snarky humor. It was a rare moment of unbridled mirth, a temporary escape from the suffocating expectations of their world.

Peggy, trying hard to stifle her laughter, couldn’t help but glance around the room before hushing them. “Miss Agnes, you’re a lady, you mustn’t laugh like this. It isn’t proper.”

Agnes, still grinning, nodded exaggeratedly, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Of course, Peggy. Proper ladies never laugh, especially not like this. We mustn’t tarnish my ladylike reputation with our unladylike laughter.”

There was silence for a moment, and then their eyes met, and their stifled giggles erupted once more, undermining the decorum they were expected to maintain.

Peggy added, her eyes crinkling at the corners, “Indeed, Miss Agnes, we wouldn’t want to scandalize the whole of London Society with our unladylike giggles.”

But as their laughter subsided, Agnes couldn’t contain her frustration any longer. “But really, Peggy, I don’t want to attend all these endless events, with the endless dances, and the endless suitors. It’s all so… relentless. Sometimes I wish Rose were here instead of me, so Mother and Father could focus on her and her perfection, and I could be free from this constant parade of eligible bachelors.”

Peggy listened attentively, understanding the weight of Agnes’s words. “I know, Miss Agnes. It can be overwhelming, all the expectations and the constant scrutiny. But your family wants what’s best for you. They believe this Season will bring you a match that ensures your happiness and security.”

Agnes sighed, her frustration evident. “I understand, Peggy. I truly do. But what they don’t see is that it’s not what I want. I want to be free to choose my own path, to find someone who loves me for who I am, not just for the title or the family connections.”

Peggy nodded in sympathy, but before she could respond, the door opened, and Mary Pilton, the Viscountess of Young, suddenly appeared in the doorway. Her presence was like a sudden chill in the room, and her cold gaze was directed at Peggy. She spoke with a sharpness in her voice, “Leave us, Peggy. I need to have a word with my daughter.”

Peggy nodded and quickly left the room, leaving Agnes alone with her mother.

Agnes, who had been lounging casually, quickly fixed her posture and changed her expression to one of dutiful attention. As she shifted on her feet, she thought about how her mother was always preaching to her how a proper lady must stand.

She was so used to it that it came naturally to her now. Her face changed, her expression becoming a mask that could protect her from her mother’s nagging.

Ah, the joys of living up to Mother’s expectations.

Mary regarded her daughter with a stern expression. “Agnes, we have important matters to discuss regarding this Season and your future. I hope you are prepared to listen and understand the gravity of the situation.”

As her mother spoke, Agnes couldn’t help but think that she’d heard variations of these words countless times. They seemed to roll off her mother’s tongue with rehearsed ease. Her face remained a mask, concealing her inner turmoil as her thoughts echoed with sarcasm.

Mary moved closer, her tone measured and precise. “Tonight’s ball is a crucial event, Agnes. You must act like a proper lady, and everything must go well. It’s an opportunity to make a good impression, not just for you but for the entire family.”

Agnes knew her mother was hiding something, as was often the case. There was always some hidden intention behind her mother’s words. But years of living under Mary’s watchful eye had taught her to tread carefully. She decided not to press the matter further, maintaining her dutiful facade.

Mary’s gaze remained fixed on her daughter, her eyes sharp and calculating. “One more thing, Agnes. Your father will not be attending tonight’s ball. He’s not feeling well, and it’s best if he rests.”

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