Page 14 of A Virgin for the Forbidden Duke

His fingers tightened around the glass, his knuckles turning white, as his mind wared with his heart. Matthew knew he had to regain his composure, for his mother, for his family’s honor, and for the title he had inherited.

With a sigh, he took another sip of whiskey, trying to drown the tumult of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. The weight of his responsibilities, his father’s legacy, and the complexities of his new title pressed heavily on his shoulders.

Stephen, who sat opposite him, couldn’t help but notice the distant look in his eyes as his fingers absently tapped on the rim of his whiskey glass. The sardonic grin that usually adorned Stephen’s face faded into a look of concern. He leaned forward slightly, clearing his throat and attempting to draw Matthew’s attention.

Stephens’ dark eyes showed genuine worry. “Matthew, old chap, you seem rather preoccupied tonight. Is something amiss?” His words carried the warmth of fresh booze.

Matthew’s gaze slowly shifted from the whiskey glass to meet Stephen’s eyes. His furrowed brow and the shadows in his dark eyes betrayed his inner turmoil. For a moment, he considered brushing off the question with a jest, but the weight of his thoughts overcame him.

He tried to muster a reassuring smile, but it faltered like a fragile facade. “It’s nothing, Stephen. Just the weight of responsibility. You know how it is.”

But Stephen wasn’t easily swayed. His humor gave way to a more serious tone. “No, Matthew, I happen to know you better than that. You’re not one to be so easily shaken by responsibility. What’s truly bothering you?”

With a heavy sigh, Matthew admitted, “I think I have made a mistake, Stephen. One I fear I can’t take back.” His voice carried a note of regret, and he swirled the whiskey in his glass absently, his gaze cast downward.

What was he thinking, kissing Agnes Pilton?

Matthew’s defenses crumbled under Stephen’s unwavering gaze. He sighed, setting the glass aside. The truth felt heavy on his lips. “It’s a woman, Stephen. Someone I shouldn’t be thinking about. I can’t seem to get her out of my mind.”

Stephen leaned back, his sharp eyes regarding Matthew thoughtfully. “A woman? Someone from the ton?”

Matthew shook his head. “No, she’s like us. A lady from a respectable family, but still…” He hesitated, unwilling to reveal too much yet desperate for his friend’s understanding.

Stephen’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “Ah, a forbidden attraction, isn’t it?”

Matthew ran a hand through his hair, his expression a mixture of frustration and longing. “Yes, and it’s maddening. I can’t afford to let my mind wander this way. The ton would feast on any hint of scandal, especially when it has to do with me or my family.”

Stephen’s voice was tinged with understanding. “Sometimes, my friend, the heart refuses to heed the rules of Society. We can’t always control who we’re drawn to.”

“I don’t know, Stephen,” Matthew began, his voice laced with vulnerability. “I kissed her, and it’s as if I’ve opened a Pandora’s box of emotions I can’t control. But I can’t pursue this further, not with who I am, not with what I represent.”

Stephen furrowed his brow, genuine curiosity in his eyes. “Why would it be such a problem, Matthew? You’re a duke now, one of the most esteemed bachelors in London. A kiss shouldn’t ruin your reputation.”

Matthew let out a sigh, trying to make Stephen understand the gravity of his situation. “It’s not just a kiss, Stephen. It’s the woman. She’s not one of us. She’s Miss Agnes Pilton. Her mother, Mary Pilton, was one of the most vocal members of the ton against my father becoming accepted by Society as a duke. She, of all people, shouldn’t be the one I’m drawn to.”

Stephen’s eyes widened in surprise, and he leaned back slightly, considering the revelation. After a moment of silence, he spoke with a voice filled with understanding and curiosity, “Agnes Pilton, you say? The Viscount of Young’s daughter? What brought this on, my friend?”

“I don’t know… and now I’m even more confused. I don’t know what to do,” Matthew whined bitterly.

Stephen, despite his understanding nature, couldn’t fully grasp the magnitude of the issue. “Words are just words, Matthew. People say all sorts of things. No one can deny the power you hold, now that you’ve inherited the title.”

Of course.

Matthew’s patience waned, and he snapped, his voice carrying a hint of anger, “You don’t understand, Stephen. These words have consequences. There are still many who speak behind my back, reminding me that I was born a commoner. My father’s rise was met with ridicule and disdain. I can’t allow any hint of scandal to confirm their prejudices.”

Stephen’s earlier carelessness now hung heavily in the air, and he realized the depth of the dilemma his friend was facing. He nodded solemnly, recognizing the challenges that came with Matthew’s newfound title and the shadows of his family’s past.

“You see, Stephen,” Matthew began, his voice taut with emotion. “I can handle the whispers and the judgment, but it’s not just about me. My father’s health significantly deteriorated after he became a duke. The opposition from the snobbish ton, the malicious rumors, it all took a toll on him. It’s not something I can easily forget.”

Stephen nodded, understanding the depth of the burden Matthew carried. The air hung heavy with the unspoken weight of expectations and the relentless scrutiny of Society.

With a furrowed brow, Stephen probed further. “I get that, Matthew. I understand the pressure you’re under, but why did you kiss Miss Agnes? If you’re resolved to avoid her, why did you act on your desire?”

Matthew’s gaze turned distant as he recalled the moment of passion that had drawn him to Agnes. His thoughts swirled, his emotions entangled.

His voice was strained as he responded, “I don’t know, Stephen. It was a moment of weakness, of desire. But I can’t pursue this further. I must never approach her again.”

Stephen’s expression softened, and he spoke with empathy, “Matthew, remember, the sins of her mother should not be visited upon her.”

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