Page 23 of Falling for a Forsaken Marquess
She shrugged and touched the petals of a deep pink flower she did not recognise. “I used to think faeries lived inside the bulbs, and once they bloomed, the faeries would move on to the next bulb. The Irish are adamant that faeries exist, and if I were candid, I would say that I agree with them.
Contrary to most opinions, it is not a nonsensical belief. Many creatures that are yet to be discovered roam these lands. Perhaps they are not meant to be discovered, and only a blessed few are given the eyes to see them.”
“I hope you have had your fill of the garden, Miss Humphries,” Lord Hampton began. “I think it’s time we return to the others.”
A protest rose to Agnes’ lips, but she stamped it down. It wouldn’t do to go against the marquess’ wishes, especially when she had insulted him several times in just minutes. Once again, his arm was not offered, and she had to walk faster than usual to keep up with him.
Part of her wanted him to trip on a stone or root just to teach him a lesson on manners, but that was no way to think about a man who might become her husband. The chances were slim, but they were still there.
“Thank you for the walk, My Lord,” she said before they reached the parlour. “I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
The man cast her a dubious expression. “I am glad, Miss Humphries.”
They entered the parlour, and Lord Sculthorpe picked up their conversation from where they had left off. It was almost as though the time spent in the garden had never existed, disappointing Agnes. Something must have happened to turn the marquess into the man he was today because there wasn’t a child in existence who wished to grow up and become a grumpy person.
Life’s experiences had a way of hardening people, but each person was responsible for their reactions and behaviours. Agnes could have become a bitter woman after all the challenges she went through, but she chose to be happy and live her life as best she could.
Someone needed to tell the marquess that his misery was his own doing, and it was not too late to change. Perhaps she could do it, but she doubted she would have another opportunity to see him again.
Agnes eventually left the Sculthorpes’ home with a heavy heart and the knowledge that her first meeting with the marquess had been a disaster. Hot tears were stinging her eyes, but she couldn’t afford to weep with Mrs Mellors in the carriage.
Biting down on the inside of her cheeks, Agnes closed her eyes and thought about her sister. That was enough to keep her going and remain optimistic about seeing the marquess again. Failure was not an option.
Chapter 7
The one advantage of being in a best friend’s home was the ability to toss restricting etiquette rules out of the window and simply be oneself. One could speak as they wish, lounge in a chair with abandon, or even remove one’s shoes for complete comfort.
Of course, it would be a mad scramble to right oneself if a lady should suddenly call upon the house, but Martin rarely entertained the fairer sex in his townhouse unless it was an unexpected visit from his mother and sisters.
They were currently in London and would only return to Cheltenham once Mrs Follet had had her fill of all the attractions the Season had to offer. It was officially over, and some partakers had likely already left London for their country estates, but Martin’s mother had two daughters to marry off; thus, she believed staying longer could prove useful.
“Do not tell my sisters this, but I think I might miss them,” Martin confessed, twiddling his toes in front of the fireplace.
“Your secret is safe with me,” William said with a grin. “Should we stoke the fire a little more? It appears to be dying.”
The autumn cold was indeed sweeping across the land, and while it was nothing compared to their winters, the current day was cool enough to call for a warm fire. Both William and Martin had pulled their armchairs closer to the drawing room fireplace and were enjoying a cup of tea, a tray of refreshments in place of their usual breakfast meal, and a subdued fire.
“It will be a while before it goes out,” Martin assured. “The largest log should keep it going. We only need a little warmth to drive away the mild chill in the air.”
“I suppose you’re right. Do not take the last sugar biscuit,” William warned. “You have had plenty and have hardly given me the chance to eat my fill.”
“You are the one so absorbed in your thoughts that you even let your first cup of tea grow cold,” Martin remarked. “I have wondered when you would speak of the matter that has captured your attention, but you have said nothing of it yet despite being here for over an hour.”
“It has been that long already?” William asked, surprised. “Surely ten has not yet passed?”
“It passed several moments ago,” Martin told him. “’Tis not like you to lose track of time or to leave your house before the first meal of the day. I’m not complaining about the company, but merely concerned about your state of mind.”
William sighed, stretching to place his cup on its saucer. He had left the house early to avoid his mother and her newfound obsession with Miss Agnes Humphries and discuss his first encounter with the young woman. William was well aware he could not steer clear of his mother forever, so keeping away from her for most of the day would have to do.
“I met with the woman the matchmaker has chosen for me,” William began. “Her name is Miss Agnes Humphries, and she is the eldest daughter of Lord and Lady Trafalgar.”
“I do not think I have heard of them,” said Martin. “Where do they come from?”
“This county, but in a town called Lydney. It’s rather close to Cheltenham.”
“Did you know of the family before the introduction?” Martin asked.
“Not at all, but Mrs Mellors has assured that Miss Humphries and her family are respectable people with a good reputation.”
