Page 65 of A Virgin for the Forbidden Duke

A renewed determination gleamed in Matthew’s eyes. “I need to find out. I can’t let Agnes believe she can’t confide in me.”

Letitia nodded, her support unwavering. “Then go, Matthew. Seek the truth and mend what’s broken. Agnes deserves that much.”

“But how would I do that, Sister? She made it quite clear she didn’t want anything to do with me anymore. And I’m sure you saw her during the last social gathering.” Matthew sighed frustratedly, running his fingers through his lustrous, slightly wet hair.

“So, the rumors are true? The Duke really does bless the mornings of every maid in this house?”

Matthew’s eyes snapped up at the voice that rang out, and a smile spread across his face when he saw Stephen enter the room.

Matthew rolled his eyes at the teasing remark. “Save your jests, Stephen. Letitia is just adding fuel to the gossip mill.”

Stephen grinned, unabashed. “Can’t blame a man for enjoying a morning ride, especially when it sparks a scandal. Keeps life interesting.”

As Stephen strolled into the room, Matthew couldn’t help but notice the subtle look he gave his sister.

Matthew had always known about the tension between his friend and Letitia. Their dynamic had always been a peculiar dance of banter and unspoken sentiments, and Matthew had long suspected that beneath the facade of rivalry, there lingered something more.

“Good morning, Letitia,” Stephen greeted, offering a polite nod.

Letitia replied with a nod of her own, sipping her tea with a feigned nonchalance that betrayed an underlying nervousness. Matthew observed the exchange with mild amusement, aware that the unspoken tension added an intriguing layer to their interactions.

“Stephen, have you come to partake in the morning gossip as well?” Matthew quipped, steering the conversation away from his own predicament.

Stephen chuckled, taking a seat. “One can never resist the allure of scandal, my friend. Besides, I heard there’s a particularly juicy one involving the Earl of Egerton.”

Letitia raised an eyebrow, feigning disinterest. “I’m sure the esteemed Earl is immune to baseless rumors.”

Matthew exchanged a knowing glance with Stephen. “Unfortunately, Letitia, even the mighty fall victim to the whispers of Society.”

Stephen leaned back, casting a sidelong glance at Letitia. “Speaking of whispers, it seems the manor isn’t the only place with hushed conversations. Any new developments on your end, Letitia?”

Letitia shot him a pointed look. “None of your concern, Stephen.”

Matthew couldn’t help but smile at the banter unfolding before him.

It was a comforting distraction, a lighthearted respite from the complexities that lingered in the recesses of his mind.

As the banter continued, Stephen turned to Matthew, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. “By the way, old friend, you mustn’t miss the ball I’m hosting at the end of the week. It promises to be a splendid affair.”

Matthew sighed inwardly, grateful that the upcoming event was hosted at Stephen’s estate. The informality of Stephen’s gatherings provided a welcome escape from the stifling constraints of proper etiquette. He could leave whenever he felt the need, avoiding the prolonged social engagements that tested his patience.

“Your timing is impeccable, Stephen,” Matthew remarked, running his fingers through his hair.

His mind, however, began to drift back to Agnes, the persistent tug of her memory refusing to be cast aside.

Stephen’s voice snapped him out of his reverie. “Matthew, why do you sit there, lost in thought? We have work to attend to, my friend.”

Immediately spurred into action, Matthew stood, determined to shake off the lingering thoughts of Agnes. As he headed to his room to freshen up, he couldn’t escape the conclusion that Agnes’s words that night were not a true reflection of her feelings.

The mystery of her sudden change in demeanor weighed heavily on his mind, leaving him torn between the desire to unravel the truth and the fear of what revelations might emerge.

* * *

“So, Matthew, how’s the estate treating you? Any unruly goats causing havoc in your village?” Lord Harrington inquired with a playful glint in his eyes.

Matthew chuckled. “No goats, my friend, but we had a mischievous horse attempting a daring escape. Quite the eventful day.”

Lord Harrington raised an eyebrow. “A horse on the run? Now that’s a tale worth sharing. Do tell.”

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