Page 24 of Falling for a Forsaken Marquess
“That goes without saying,” said Martin. “A matchmaker would not be worth their salt if they did not do enough research into a girl’s family. I’m far more interested to know why Miss Humphries is such a good match for you.”
William shrugged. “I cannot tell you what I do not understand myself. The woman is nothing like what I expected. I find her too loud, talkative, and she says the oddest things.”
Her talk about bandits, pirates, privateers, and even faeries had left him confused and perhaps a tad intrigued by how her mind worked. The one comment that had somewhat insulted him was her reference to his age. William prided himself on being in the best shape possible and looking younger than his peers, but Agnes had turned that on its head.
“You are frowning an awful lot,” said Martin. “She cannot be that terrible.”
“She is worse,” William insisted. “I came away from our conversation drained and exhausted.”
Fortunately, his brother had done most of the entertaining and had not minded Agnes’ chatter. If anything, he had hardly taken his eyes off Miss Humphries except to get more tea or answer a question posed by their mother.
Despite being thankful to Jacob for engaging her in conversation and freeing him from the chore, William couldn’t help feeling slightly annoyed that his brother had captured the attention of yet another woman intended for him.
“I certainly hope you did not behave too harshly with her,” Martin said, taking a sliver of cold meat from the tray.
William’s cheeks coloured slightly. He had not been too obvious in his disdain for her disposition, but Agnes would have to be rather stupid not to understand that he wasn’t interested in her.
“Your silence speaks for itself,” Martin remarked, wiping his fingers on the tablecloth. “The poor girl. She is paying for Charlotte’s mistakes.”
“You were not there, so how can you possibly take her side in the matter?” William asked.
“I know you well enough to deduce what happened,” the man countered.
“Perhaps, but you cannot rightfully judge me until you meet the woman,” William insisted.
“Besides, I need her to decline the match and free me from my mother’s determination to marry me off to a lady of her choice. They may say Agnes is my match, but they couldn’t be further from the truth. I will admit that I could have behaved better as she was a visitor in my home as it’s terrible form to have a person leave your home with a bad taste of our company.”
“Do you believe she feels that way?” Martin enquired.
“She likely would have if not for Jacob.”
“Jacob?” Martin repeated, surprised. “What does he have to do with Miss Humphries?”
“He is the one who kept her engaged in conversation while I kept to myself,” William explained. “He seemed rather taken with her.”
Martin frowned.
“Jacob is as judgemental as you are when it comes to women. He does not go out of his way unless the woman is worth pursuing. If I am right, then I say you have done yourself a disservice. Miss Humphries must be a beautiful woman with a unique character— am I correct?”
“She is no more beautiful than the next girl,” William insisted. “And what you assume is a unique character is simply several flaws in one person.”
Martin chuckled. “Perhaps, but I still believe your past experiences have made you biased towards all women. What if this woman is indeed a perfect match for you? Would you drive her away and possibly ruin your chances of happiness?”
William groaned, shaking his head. “Please, not you as well. Do not speak as though there is still the chance to meet the right girl and marry her. I gave up such thoughts years ago and will not revisit them again.”
“I will not tell you what I think, but I will ask that you be kinder to Miss Humphries,” said Martin.
“She is not Charlotte. You may not wish to get married, but I say give Agnes a chance by finding out more about her. What are her likes and dislikes, opinions on matters, and character? You said yourself that you barely spent any time with her, so I cannot trust your opinion.”
William did not want to get to know Agnes or any other woman. It annoyed him that people kept pushing him towards matrimony, and now even his friend was asking him to give this strange woman a chance.
The peace William had received while being in his friend’s home seeped out of him until he could only feel his irritation and slight despair about his situation. He pulled his boots towards him and put them on before getting up and drawing on his gloves.
“I say!” Martin exclaimed, who had watched his actions with surprise. “What is this now? Are you simply leaving because I did not say what you wished to hear?”
“I need to clear my head,” William told him truthfully. “I respect your opinion, old friend, but it has left a bitter taste in my mouth. A good ride should help my racing thoughts and return my peace. Do not bother to get up— I shall show myself out.”
“William,” Martin said, calling out to him as William fetched his hat and cane. “You cannot allow the past to keep distressing you to this extent.”
