Page 11 of A Virgin for the Forbidden Duke

Agnes listened to the names with a growing sense of unease. The sudden influx of suitors was a direct result of her mother’s attempts to find her a suitable match. While the attention was flattering, she couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by the weight of their expectations.

“Is that all?” Agnes asked, trying to hide the anxiety in her voice.

Peggy hesitated for a moment before continuing, “Miss Agnes, I’m afraid it’s not all. Your mother asked me to ensure you’re dressed as well as possible. She wants you to be ready immediately for the suitor who’s waiting to call on you this afternoon.”

Agnes sighed, her earlier wish for respite now fading into the background. It seemed as though her mother was determined to leave her no moment of peace. She longed for the chance to be free from the constant scrutiny of the ton.

“Thank you, Peggy,” Agnes said, her voice tinged with resignation. “I appreciate your updates. I’ll prepare myself as best I can.”

Peggy continued, “Miss Agnes, your mother told me not to leave this room unless you’re fully dressed and prepared to receive the Earl of Egerton. She wants you to make a favorable impression.”

Agnes rolled her eyes and slowly slid off the bed. With a groan, she called Peggy over.

Her lady’s maid knew what needed to be done. Peggy began to dress her, starting with the constraining corset that would mold her figure to meet the stringent standards of the ton.

Agnes’s suitors were a flurry of activity, each trying to make their mark. They showered her with compliments and flowed with rehearsed charm. As they vied for her attention, Agnes couldn’t help but find her thoughts wandering back to the Duke of Huntington. His powerful presence, his audacity to kiss her so boldly, lingered in her mind.

Her suitors, in their tailored suits and impeccable manners, seemed to pale in comparison. Despite their best efforts to impress her, they all felt like mere silhouettes in the shadow of her memories.

Sir Edward, a dapper and well-dressed gentleman, approached Agnes with an air of confidence. His eyes lit up as he gazed at her, and he couldn’t seem to hide his admiration.

“Miss Agnes,” he began, his voice smooth as silk. “I must say, you look positively resplendent today. Your beauty is truly captivating, and I find myself utterly entranced by your grace.”

Agnes smiled politely, acknowledging his flattery with a nod of her head. “Thank you, Sir Edward. Your words are most kind.”

Sir Edward, undeterred, continued to lavish her with praise. “But truly, it’s not just your physical beauty that captivates me. It’s your wit and intelligence that set you apart. I find myself drawn to you, Miss Agnes.”

Agnes, maintaining her polite demeanor, replied, “You’re too generous with your compliments, Sir Edward. I appreciate your kind words.”

As Sir Edward spoke of her virtues and tried to engage her in conversation, Agnes couldn’t help but let her mind wander. His words fell on deaf ears, as her thoughts were consumed by memories of the passionate kiss she had shared with Matthew in the garden.

The suitor’s words, though undoubtedly charming, were mere background noise to her reverie.

Finally, Sir Edward excused himself, leaving Agnes to her contemplations. She was deep in her reverie when her mother approached, ready to offer her assessment of the young man.

“Agnes, I must say, Sir Edward is a fine prospect,” her mother began. “He comes from a respectable family, he is well-educated, and his estate is quite sizable. What did you think of him?”

Agnes, still entranced by the memory of her time with Matthew, replied with a polite but vague comment. “Sir Edward seems like a charming gentleman.”

Her mother leaned in, eager to discuss the matter further. “I believe he’s quite taken with you, Agnes. And he’s expressed an interest in pursuing a courtship.”

Agnes’s response was measured, neither accepting nor rejecting the idea. “I shall consider it, Mother.”

Mary’s eyes narrowed, a touch of disappointment in her gaze. She took a deep breath before launching into her well-rehearsed critique of Sir Edward.

“Agnes, I worry about his prospects. While he may be charming and well-mannered, he lacks the gravitas and financial security that someone like the Earl of Egerton offers. Think of the stability he could provide. It’s a significant advantage, my dear.”

Agnes looked like she was listening to her mother, her mind drifting away as Mary continued to point out the negatives. She couldn’t help but be consumed by memories of Matthew and the electric connection they had shared.

Her mother’s voice pulled her back to reality. “Agnes, this is important for your future, your place in Society. Ewan, on the other hand, has always been reliable and steadfast. Just think of what a wonderful match he would be.”

Agnes nodded, feigning agreement, though her heart longed for a connection that transcended the confines of societal expectations. She knew her mother had Ewan in mind as the ideal suitor, but her heart was torn between duty and the desire for genuine passion.

Genuine passion like the one she felt days ago. Matthew wanted her, and she loved that she was being desired by someone. That was why the man had not left her mind since that day.

Throughout the afternoon, Agnes was introduced to an array of suitors, each one vying for her attention. With polite smiles and graceful nods, she navigated the sea of compliments and rehearsed charm. They tried to win her over with flattery, but her heart remained detached, her mind preoccupied with the Duke of Huntington and the undeniable attraction that had sparked between them.

The suitors came and went, their voices blending into a blur of empty words. Agnes couldn’t help but compare each one to the daring Duke of Huntington, and none of them seemed to measure up. The genuine passion she had felt in Matthew’s presence was a stark contrast to the detached propriety of her suitors.

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