Page 76 of A Virgin for the Forbidden Duke

Agnes took a deep breath. “I want you to apologize, not just to me but to Matthew and his family. They deserve that much,” she said and then led her parents back to where Matthew stood.

Mary, her eyes misty, turned to Matthew with a sincerity that cut through the years of animosity. “Matthew, I am truly sorry for all the pain I’ve caused your family. I hope you find happiness. You’re a good man.”

Matthew, surprised by the unexpected apology, could only nod in acknowledgment.

Agnes’s parents, still processing the revelations, turned back to Agnes, humbled and contrite.

Benedict spoke, “Agnes, we’re sorry for the pain we’ve caused you. We never intended for this to happen.”

Agnes, her heart heavy yet relieved, nodded, recognizing the sincerity in their words. “I forgive you, Father, Mother. I know you didn’t want to hurt me.”

They were still talking when, suddenly, they felt it. The tense hush.

Agnes turned toward the entrance to spot Rose and her husband, Simon Hancock, walking in.

Agnes beamed at her sister while their entrance sent ripples of shock through the gathering, including Mary and Benedict.

Rose, visibly heavy with child, walked into the garden, where whispers and gasps followed in her wake. The air seemed to thicken with curiosity and judgment.

Rose’s arrival, contrary to the illness she was believed to be suffering, ignited a murmur of speculation. The whispers questioned the presence of a woman thought to be frail, standing beside a servant with an intimacy that definitely wasn’t normal.

As it got too obvious, Rose and Simon hesitated, frozen in the face of judgment, but before anything else could happen, Agnes watched as Nancy and Letitia approached them with warm smiles, dispelling the tension that hung in the air.

Nancy, a voice of reason, dismissed the hushed opinions and encouraged Rose to disregard the whispers.

Nancy beamed at the couple. “Rose, my dear, you look divine and radiant! You’re welcome.” When she noticed that Rose was still frozen, she grabbed her arm and successfully diverted her attention. “Don’t pay them any mind. People will talk, but what matters is your happiness.”

Letitia joined in, reinforcing the sentiment. “Life is too short to worry about the opinions of others. Embrace the joy you’ve found, that’s what my mama always tells me.”

A look of pure love passed between mother and daughter for a second.

With newfound confidence, Rose smiled at Matthew’s mother and thanked her for her support. Then, held by her husband, they walked up to Agnes to greet Benedict and Mary, who responded with a stiff acknowledgment.

Mary, unable to conceal her disapproval, turned to Agnes. “Agnes, why is Rose here?”

Agnes only shrugged. “I invited her. She’s family, Mother.”

Mary looked as pale as death itself. “Family that could ruin your newfound happiness! Do you know what people are saying about her right now? They won’t stop there. They’ll also talk about you, and you know that Society is harsh.”

“Why should we let Society dictate who we welcome into our lives? Rose is my sister, and I won’t turn my back on her just because of what others might say.”

As Mary opened her mouth to continue her protest, Agnes interrupted her. “Do you not miss your daughter at all? Do you not want to be a part of her child’s life?” she asked, and Mary gaped, unable to find a specific answer to her question.

Nancy quickly butted in before things escalated. “Life is too short to let others dictate your happiness, dear Mary. Embrace the love you have, and let the world talk. It’s time we cherish what we have, not conform to Society’s judgments.”

* * *

In the midst of the lively celebration, Letitia found herself at the refreshments table, determined to quench her thirst. She watched Agnes’s family and smiled. They were still stiff-backed, but they would slowly loosen up. She would see to it with her mother.

As she reached for a drink, Lord Egerton approached her with a sweeping bow. Letitia frowned, wondered what he was looking for, and responded with a wobbling curtsy, a gesture that even Ewan couldn’t help but notice and flinch at.

Well, good for him, Letitia thought, uninterested in formalities. She cut straight to the chase. “What do you want?” she asked and then took a sip of her wine.

Ewan looked taken aback by her directness. “Do you know who I am, Lady Letitia?”

Letitia stared at him in confusion for a while before she shrugged. “Lord Egerton. Yes, I recognize you.”

He frowned. “Yet, you talk to me in such a manner?”

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