Page 6 of A Virgin for the Forbidden Duke

She forced a polite smile and replied, “Thank you, My Lord. Many have mentioned the family resemblance,” she said in a dismissive voice, but, of course, the Earl didn’t seem to notice, just as he did not notice her disinterest in him all night.

Self-centered—

Ewan, with a thoughtful look, continued, “I was acquainted with Miss Rose during the previous Season, but, alas, I have not seen her since. I heard she fell ill.”

Agnes knew that at that point, she couldn’t possibly evade the conversation and sighed inwardly. “Yes, My Lord, Rose did fall ill. It has been a difficult time for our family, and we were all greatly saddened by the news.”

The lie was like lemon and fire in her throat. Her body was covered in goosebumps, but thankfully, the Earl did not notice anything, apart from himself and his own voice.

If she hated anything more than her life being controlled by her mother, it was the fact that she always had to lie about her sister.

The fact that she had to liveasher sister.

Ewan misunderstood her unease and the sudden paleness of her skin as sorrow about her sister’s health, and his expression was one of concern when he talked next. “I am truly sorry to hear about her health. She was a delightful lady when I last saw her. How is she faring now?”

Agnes took a deep breath, trying to keep her emotions in check, and replied, “Thank you for your kind words, My Lord. Unfortunately, Rose’s recovery has been slow, and she remains bedridden. We are doing everything we can to help her regain her health.”

Ewan nodded. “I will keep her in my prayers, Miss Agnes. She was a remarkable young woman, and it pains me to hear of her suffering.”

Agnes just wanted to get away from the insensitive man. “Your prayers are much appreciated, My Lord. We all hope for her swift recovery.”

She didn’t know how long she could go on with the lies. It all weighed her down so bad.

As the waltz continued, Ewan guided Agnes into a turn, a maneuver that was both fluid and elegant. His hand was on her back, and she twirled gracefully under his lead.

Ewan smiled softly. “Miss Agnes, I do hope your sister recovers soon. It is a grievous matter to see a young lady in the prime of her life bed-bound.”

Agnes’s composure wavered at Ewan’s words, though she concealed her true feelings behind a polite smile. She found his comment about her sister potentially becoming a spinster deeply infuriating, yet she couldn’t allow her anger to surface.

He was insensitive and dumb, she concluded.

With a gracious demeanor, Agnes replied, “Thank you, My Lord, for your well wishes.”

Ewan, perhaps unaware of the storm of emotions his words had stirred, continued, “It is true, Miss Agnes. She is indeed a remarkable young woman, and it would be a tragedy if her prospects were hindered by poor health. Spinsterhood is not what one wishes for a lady of her age.”

Agnes felt her heart race at his condescending remark, but she maintained her decorum. She wasn’t sure how well her mother would take it if she heard her daughter had whacked the Earl of Egerton in the back of his head with her fan. Even if the reason was that Agnes wouldn’t allow anyone to talk bad about her sister.

“I appreciate your concern, My Lord. We are doing everything in our power to aid in her recovery,” she repeated like a broken record and thought of how fun it would be to pull his golden hair.

Ewan, still oblivious to Agnes’s inner turmoil, nodded with a thoughtful expression. “That is good to hear. I shall keep her in my thoughts and prayers. It would be a shame for such a lovely family to face such misfortune.”

Agnes forced herself to offer a polite smile and kept her cool.

Ewan took a deep breath, his words measured. “I’ve heard that you admire the works of Wordsworth. Do you have a favorite poem of his?”

Agnes tried not to act shocked at the sudden change of subject. But even at that, her attention was clearly divided, forcing a response. “I likeDaffodils.”

Ewan, undeterred, tried to engage her further. “A beautiful choice, Miss Agnes. His verses about nature are indeed enchanting. Have you ever visited the Lake District?”

Agnes, growing weary of the conversation, offered a strained smile. “No, I haven’t.”

As, thankfully, the waltz came to an end, Agnes and Ewan found themselves facing each other. He bowed gracefully, his gaze lingering on her. “Thank you for the dance, Miss Agnes. I look forward to our next conversation.”

Surely not.

Agnes curtsied, maintaining her facade of politeness. “The pleasure is mine, My Lord. Until next time.”

Ewan escorted Agnes back to her mother, who now stood alone, gracefully smiling as she awaited her daughter’s return. Then, he excused himself with a courteous bow, saying, “I should go find my mother. It’s been a pleasure, Miss Agnes.”

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