Page 17 of A Virgin for the Forbidden Duke

Entering the manor, the grandeur of the Huntington family’s life as nobility was immediately evident. The grand foyer was adorned with opulent chandeliers and an expansive marble staircase. Servants bustled about, tending to various tasks with a hushed sense of efficiency. Footmen in livery scurried to attend to their duties, and maids moved gracefully, ensuring the manor was immaculate.

Matthew ascended the grand staircase and proceeded down a corridor adorned with portraits of distinguished ancestors and fine tapestries. He made his way to the living room, where his mother awaited his return.

In the living room, the decor was elegant yet comfortable, featuring plush upholstered furniture, ornate rugs, and gilded mirrors. Nancy Fitzroy, the Dowager Duchess of Huntington, was seated in a cushioned armchair by the fireplace, a glass of sherry in her hand. She looked up with a warm, welcoming smile as Matthew entered. She stood up and walked over to give him a hug.

At the back of his mind, Matthew wondered how his mother was able to stand straight after all the wine. But he did not complain, he could not. This was the way she could cope, it seemed.

“Ah! Matthew, you’re home. I’ve been waiting for you.”

Matthew smiled and hugged her back. “Mother, it’s good to see you.”

She grinned and took his hand, pulling him to sit. “Come, sit with me, Son.”

Matthew joined his mother by the fireplace, where the glow of the crackling flames cast a warm, inviting ambiance.

Then she turned to him. “Tell me, how was your day, my dear?”

Matthew sighed. “It was… eventful, Mother. We had an incident in town.”

His mother frowned slightly at that. “Oh, I hope it wasn’t too distressing. These London streets can be quite unpredictable.”

Matthew nodded and looked at the fireplace “It was nothing of grave concern. Just an encounter that left me pondering certain matters.”

Their conversation continued, punctuated by the discreet movements of servants who saw to their needs, whether it was pouring a fresh glass of sherry or ensuring that a crackling fire kept the room cozy.

After talking for a while, Matthew knew his mother would not be able to take it anymore. She turned to him with wide, excited eyes.

Here it comes.

“So, Son, have you changed your mind?”

“What about?”

She scrunched up her nose, and, for a moment, he realized where they all got their good looks.

His mother was so adorable.

“The balls, Matthew. The new week is going to be filled with activities, and you need to be there. How will you find yourself a wife if you keep locking yourself up in your study?” she asked, and Michael sighed.

“Mother—”

“I am getting old, Son. Will you send me to the afterlife without letting me see my grandchildren?” she asked, trying her best to look pitiful, but it didn’t exactly work. Not when she had an expensive glass of wine in her hand.

“Why are you talking about the afterlife now, Mother? You still have a long time to go.”

He teased her back, and she scoffed at him, muttering under her breath about sons who would rather see their mothers die than give them cute grandkids.

Matthew laughed, and Nancy turned to him with a cute scowl. “That is not my point. My point is that I want grandkids. And how can I have them if you decide not to look at any of the fair ladies that attend these balls?”

“But I’m busy, Mother. I don’t have the time to attend these balls.”

“You have to make time! You are one of the richest dukes in town, and yet you’re without a wife.” She sniffed, and Matthew knew he could not win this conversation.

“Fine, I will attend these balls and get a wife. Are you happy now?”

Nancy gave her son a brilliant smile that made his heart hurt. He knew his mother was trying so hard to live even after the love of her life died.

It wasn’t easy at all. But his father was dead, which automatically made him the richest duke in town.

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