Page 32 of A Virgin for the Forbidden Duke

Letitia nodded with a playful glint in her eyes. “Indeed. He has this perpetual frown that could scare away even the most daring of ladies.”

Agnes couldn’t help but chuckle. “Well, it’s quite effective, I must admit. He gives off an air of mystery, but I suppose it can be intimidating.”

Letitia’s laughter bubbled forth. “Intimidating is an understatement. Sometimes, I think he practices that stoic expression in front of the mirror.”

Agnes grinned, feeling a newfound camaraderie with Letitia. “Perhaps he believes it’s the key to maintaining a certain level of decorum.”

“Or maybe he just enjoys making people wonder,” Letitia added, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

As they stood side by side, Agnes and Letitia’s conversation unfolded like a delightful dance, swirling through various topics with ease.

Letitia began with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, “You won’t believe the audacity of some suitors tonight. One of them compared his estate’s size to the entire county. I almost laughed in his face.”

Agnes couldn’t help but chuckle. “Oh, the grandiosity of some gentlemen is truly astounding. And what did you say in response?”

Letitia laughed, her eyes glinting with humor. “I told him that if his estate was as vast as his imagination, then we were in the presence of a true marvel. He didn’t quite know how to respond.”

Their laughter filled the air, mingling with the soft music playing in the background. As they continued chatting, Letitia shared more amusing tales of suitors attempting to impress her with outlandish claims and exaggerated stories.

Agnes found herself captivated by Letitia’s charm and wit. Yet, amidst the lighthearted banter, she couldn’t help but steal glances at Letitia’s brother. He stood at a distance, his stoic expression unchanged.

The question lingered in Agnes’s mind, echoing like a quiet refrain. Did he have feelings for her? The sweet encounters, the stolen kisses—they spoke of a connection beyond the ordinary. Yet, in public, he remained distant.

“Letitia,” Agnes finally ventured, unable to completely stifle her curiosity, “do you think your brother… I mean, does he often keep to himself like this?”

Letitia chuckled at Agnes’s question, her eyes still on her brother. “Matthew has always been a bit enigmatic. He shields himself from the expectations of Society,” she explained, her voice tinged with a mix of familiarity and amusement. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she pointed toward a couple engaged in a particularly animated conversation. “Look at them, Agnes,” she whispered with a sly grin. “It’s like a scene from a Shakespearean play, don’t you think?”

Agnes followed Letitia’s gaze and couldn’t help but chuckle at the couple’s theatrical gestures and exaggerated expressions. “Truly, a performance worth watching,” she replied, her laughter joining Letitia’s.

As they continued to observe the couple’s antics, Letitia added, “I wonder if they rehearsed this little drama before coming tonight. It’s quite the spectacle.”

Agnes, thoroughly amused, nodded in agreement. “Perhaps they are aspiring actors, testing their skills in the grand theater of high society. Or maybe they simply find joy in creating a spectacle.”

Their laughter echoed in the secluded corner.

Amidst their shared laughter, Stephen appeared behind them with a charming smile. “Ladies, may I join this delightful conversation?”

Agnes, appreciating the change in atmosphere, responded, “Of course, Mr. Miller. Your company is always welcome.”

As Stephen seamlessly joined their banter, Agnes couldn’t help but notice Letitia’s attempt at nonchalance. A subtle blush touched Letitia’s cheeks, and she looked away as if uninterested.

Stephen, ever perceptive, smoothly directed the conversation toward a more engaging topic. “Miss Agnes, have you explored the hidden corners of this grand estate? There are tales of secret passages and forgotten chambers. Perhaps a thrilling adventure awaits?”

Agnes, intrigued by the shift in discussion, replied with a playful smile, “Mr. Miller, you weave tales of intrigue worthy of a Gothic novel. I confess, I haven’t ventured into the secrets of the estate. Do share more of these mysterious stories.”

As Stephen narrated captivating stories about the estate’s hidden wonders, Agnes noticed Letitia’s subtle but undeniable interest. Despite her attempts to feign indifference, her occasional glances and subtle smiles betrayed a curiosity that mirrored Agnes’s amusement.

But as they talked, Agnes couldn’t shake the feeling of Matthew’s gaze upon her. Glancing discreetly in his direction, her heart skipped a beat as she found his eyes locked on hers. There was an intensity in that gaze, a silent communication that stirred a mix of anticipation and uncertainty within her.

Letitia, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, directed her next remark at Stephen, snapping Agnes out of her reverie. “Mr. Miller, have you been practicing your dance moves for the upcoming ball? I’ve heard the ladies have high expectations.”

Stephen, playing along, replied with a mock bow, “Indeed, Lady Letitia. One must always be prepared to dazzle the dance floor.”

Agnes laughed along with them. The lightness of their banter momentarily dispelled the shadow of Matthew’s gaze. However, when she looked away, another pair of eyes awaited her.

Her mother stood there, with the Earl of Egerton at her side. A beckoning gesture indicated Agnes should join them. A groan escaped Agnes as she excused herself from Letitia and Stephen, already fatigued by the prospect of engaging in the kind of conversation her mother preferred.

Agnes offered an apologetic smile to Letitia and Stephen, saying, “I hate to tear myself away from such delightful company, but duty calls. Please, do enjoy the evening without me.”

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