Page 7 of A Virgin for the Forbidden Duke

Agnes bit her lip and watched him go, then she turned to her mother, on the verge of expressing her utter dislike for the man.

But before she could voice her feelings, Mary leaned in and whispered to her in a hushed yet stern tone, “Agnes, I must say, the Earl of Egerton is a proper young man of high standing. He would be a perfect match for you. You must never consider a man who has a lower title as a prospect. You should never marry below your station.”

Agnes felt something inside her snap at her mother’s words.

The expectations of Society, her mother’s firm beliefs, and the stifling nature of the harsh Society and its etiquettes had all become too much to bear. She could no longer contain the frustration and unhappiness that had been building inside her.

Did her mother have to take a swipe at Rose?

In an attempt to hide her turmoil, Agnes forced a strained smile. “Of course, Mother. Lord Egerton is a proper gentleman, and I appreciate your guidance.”

Her mother’s expression softened with approval, and she patted Agnes’s hand. “That’s my sensible girl. Always remember your place in Society.”

With her heart heavy, Agnes forced another smile and stood up. “I must take a breath of fresh air, Mother. I shall be in the garden for a while.”

And then, she turned and stalked out of the ballroom, finally allowing her anger to take over her senses.

Why was everything so… harsh? Why did she have to sit down, smile politely, and take everything they threw at her?

* * *

Stupid… snobbish.. rich bastards.

Matthew Fitzroy watched people move in and out of the ballroom, their clothes utterly extravagant. Their smiles fake and their laughter too soft to be real.

A deceitful lot. That was what they were. It was obvious in the way they looked at him. Mocking.

Matthew leaned against the cobbled wall near the garden, taking the last draw from his cigar before flicking the remnants into the night. If only his cigar was long enough to last the whole night, then he would not have to go back inside.

Well, he wasn’t that lucky.

He was about to return to the grand ballroom, where music and laughter filled the air. However, a sudden burst of movement caught his attention.

He froze.

A lady, her features delicate and her dress so soft and trimmed to perfection, stormed outside with an unexpected speed that Matthew frowned. The lady did not notice him. Unlike any other guest he had seen that evening with their fake smiles and luxurious lifestyle, she stomped her feet angrily, her muttered words barely audible.

Matthew found himself captivated by the display of such intense emotions from such a seemingly demure lady. She looked like she couldn’t hurt a fly.

Intrigued by her outburst, he remained hidden in the shadows for a moment, observing her as she vented her frustrations. She had a small and slightly curvy frame, raven-black hair cascading down her back, and piercing blue eyes that seemed to mirror the storm brewing within her.

She was by far one of the most attractive women he had ever seen, and Matthew’s body immediately recognized what was happening.

Lost in his thoughts as he watched her, Matthew didn’t intend to make his presence known. Yet, something compelled him to step out from the shadows and address the lady’s obvious distress.

With a frown, he asked, “Madam, are you quite all right?”

“Ach!” she yelped, jumping, and as she turned to face him, Matthew observed her expression transforming from anger to shock.

Matthew froze as he saw all of her. It seemed like she did, too.

Her blue eyes widened, and she seemed taken aback by his direct inquiry. Her voice trembled slightly as she asked, “Did you… did you hear me?”

She waved her hand around as if she couldn’t quite describe the tantrum she had thrown earlier.

Matthew almost smiled, and that in itself shocked him. He smirked instead. “I confess, Madam, I did witness your outburst.”

Her eyes widened with disbelief, and a rueful smile played on her lips as she muttered to herself, “Of course, it’s just my luck to be witnessed by someone when I have a moment of folly and vulnerability.”

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