Page 3 of A Virgin for the Forbidden Duke

Their host, Lord Ashington, a prominent member of the ton, greeted them with practiced politeness that thinly veiled a snobbish look in his eyes. Matthew couldn’t help but feel a surge of annoyance, knowing that behind the facade of civility, the ton still looked down on his family.

It was moments like these that reminded him why he despised the high society he was now part of.

“Your Graces, Lady Letitia,” Lord Ashington began with a superficial smile. “What a pleasure it is to have you in our company tonight. I trust you’re prepared for an enchanting evening.”

Matthew’s lips curled into a tight smile. “Ah, enchanting, indeed,” he replied with a subtle hint of sarcasm. “Although, I must say, the air in the room is almost as stifling as the polite conversations.”

Letitia gave him a sideways glance, her eyes dancing with amusement, while their mother offered a strained smile in response to his remark. The tension in the room hung heavy as Lord Ashington attempted to steer the conversation.

“Your Grace, do allow me to commend your family’s exceptional taste in hosting such splendid gatherings,” Lord Ashington ventured, a veneer of charm masking his disdain.

Matthew couldn’t resist another quip. “Ah, you’re too kind, My Lord. Splendid gatherings are a rare commodity in the ton. Almost as rare as a genuine smile.” He offered a sardonic grin, which was met with a nudge from Letitia, who squeezed his arm gently.

Sensing that Lord Ashington might be relieved by their departure, Letitia smoothly took the lead and guided them further into the ballroom, leaving behind the snobbish facade that often accompanied high society events.

Matthew couldn’t help but savor the slight disruption he’d caused in the carefully constructed veneer of Lord Ashington’s politeness. As they moved further into the ballroom, they could feel the weight of the looks and hushed whispers surrounding them.

The ton was quick to pass judgment, especially when it came to a family with humble origins.

Matthew attempted to hide his annoyance with humor, leaning toward his mother and sister. “Well, it seems we’re off to an auspicious start, don’t you think? This is going better than expected.”

Letitia, ever the voice of reason, didn’t share his sentiments. She lowered her voice to chide him. “Matthew, please don’t react in a way that gives them further reason to badmouth us. We need to earn their respect.”

The siblings’ disagreement hung in the air as they bickered quietly. Matthew couldn’t help but feel the futility of it all. The ton, with its shallow values and insufferable snobbery, would never truly accept them. They had been born commoners, without titles, and it seemed that no matter what they did, they would always be regarded as outsiders.

Letitia, though, held onto a glimmer of hope. “Matthew, we are nobility now. Perhaps you should consider acting like it if you wish to be respected.”

Matthew’s lips curled into a sarcastic smile. “Respect in a society that thrives on gossip, shallow appearances, and unwarranted judgments? I’d rather pass, thank you.”

Before their bickering could escalate further, their mother intervened, her voice firm but still polite. “My dears, we should behave accordingly. We are in the company of our peers.”

She smiled pretentiously at the curious onlookers as if to convey that their family was perfectly at ease despite the attention. Matthew, however, simply shook his head, maintaining the scowl on his face. He had no desire to engage in idle chit-chat or to indulge in the ton’s shallow conversations.

In his mind, he already knew that this Society was not one that he could ever truly belong to, and he had no intention of pretending otherwise.

Matthew remained resolute, even as the chatter and whispers continued around them.

After a few moments, a familiar face appeared in the crowd. It was Stephen, his friend and confidante. Stephen was the only person who had stood by Matthew even when they had nothing, and that had earned him Matthew’s unconditional loyalty.

Matthew and Letitia greeted Stephen cordially, their mother also offering a polite smile, although Letitia was noticeably more reserved. The ton’s judgmental eyes were ever-present, and Letitia’s cautious demeanor was a reflection of the expectations placed on her as a noblewoman.

Matthew and Stephen exchanged greetings, their conversation light and tinged with subtle humor.

“Stephen, my good man,” Matthew began. “You’re as dashing as ever. How have you been surviving the endless parade of events and ladies this Season?”

Stephen chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Surviving might be an understatement, my friend. But, you know, one must endure these social obligations. It’s a small price to pay for the privileges we enjoy, wouldn’t you agree?”

Matthew’s tone took on a sardonic note. “Ah, privilege, the key to the heart of the ton, or so they say. But I’ve always been more interested in substance than shallow appearances.”

Stephen teased him with a knowing grin. “Matthew, you certainly looked angry enough before I came to greet you. I’d say this event isn’t your favorite, is it?”

Matthew sighed, his sardonic demeanor giving way to honesty. “It’s tiring, Stephen. These endless events, the insincerity, the snobbery. It’s all so… exasperating.”

Stephen regarded him more seriously. “Well, you know, my friend, we all have our ways of coping with these situations. How about we step outside for a moment and get some fresh air? A smoke might help calm those nerves of yours.”

Matthew considered the offer for a moment before nodding appreciatively. A temporary escape from the stuffy ballroom sounded like a welcome respite. “That sounds like a fine idea, Stephen. Lead the way.”

They made their way outside into the garden, where the cool night air offered a stark contrast to the stifling atmosphere inside. As they strolled among the neatly manicured shrubs and delicate flowerbeds, Stephen attempted to lighten the mood.

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