Page 55 of Falling for a Forsaken Marquess
William didn’t add that Phoebe had been the one to interrupt them first, or Martin would likely blame him for not trying more. It wasn’t polite to ignore a woman, yet he had done that to Agnes from the very beginning. It seemed William didn’t have his priorities right.
“That is not good at all,” Martin said, scratching his chin. “Phoebe and Jacob sound troublesome. Have you not tried to put them together instead? They sound alike.”
“I do not know if that is possible,” William confessed. “Phoebe does not seem interested in Jacob, although they are quite friendly with each other.”
“Friendliness is a good start,” Martin insisted. “You simply need to work out a way to push them together so you can be with Agnes. She might think you are not interested in getting to know her if you let Jacob and Phoebe come between you. I would be careful about losing your chances with Agnes with those two in the picture.”
Martin made it seem as though William had feelings for Agnes, but that was far from the truth. He simply wished to know the woman better.
“Who said anything about a chance with Agnes?” he said.
Martin frowned. “You did. You want an opportunity to get to know her better. Is that not a chance? You would not be in such a foul mood if you were not irked about your brother coming between you and Agnes.”
Martin was right, but William didn’t want to accept that just yet. He was torn between admitting that Agnes intrigued him and denying he was interested in the woman. Being interested would lead to marriage; his mother would make sure of it.
Rubbing his head, William tried to make sense of his conflicting thoughts. He wouldn’t be annoyed with Jacob if he didn’t want to know Agnes better, but all this would have been resolved if marriage was not expected. That was truly the problem with his situation and even eclipsed his brother’s interference.
“You’re fighting yourself,” Martin remarked, his head tilted as he stared at William. “I can see it on your face. You don’t like that you’re interested in Agnes, but you cannot help it either. I say ignore all else and simply focus on knowing if Agnes is someone you can see marrying. You have to get married at some point, so why not give her a chance? She might be the perfect woman for you.”
“I know, I know, but old habits die hard,” William admitted.
“Self-preservation has been the foremost thing on my mind for the last four years. How do I ignore that in favour of finding out if I wish to marry Agnes? Part of me tells me that all women will disappoint me, and if I give a woman a foothold in my life, they will use it against me.
I understand that I shouldn’t treat every woman as though I expect her to be like Charlotte, but it’s easier said than done. I don’t want to go through another heartbreak. There, I said it.”
William turned away and brushed his fingers through his hair. He had finally admitted his fears, but he didn’t feel better for doing it. Martin’s hand appeared on his shoulder, squeezing it as though he wished to offer comfort.
“I know this, old friend,” the man said. “You’ve been living a colourless life due to your fears. Did you think I would not understand? I was there when you discovered what Charlotte and Jacob had done; I saw you fall apart and try to piece yourself together again.
I wanted to drag them both back and punish them for their betrayal, but that wouldn’t have lessened the pain. However, it’s time to break down your walls and allow yourself some happiness. Who is to say you will not experience that with Agnes? She has already chipped away at your resolve to remain indifferent towards women.”
Martin was right. William knew this, but it wasn’t easy to take his advice.
“I suppose I can try,” he finally said, his belly fluttering uncomfortably at the thought.
“I make no promises other than giving Agnes a chance to prove that she is not like Charlotte and is deserving to be my wife. Do not think this means I am ready to marry,” William warned. “I can only take one step at a time.”
Martin laughed. “Admitting that you like Agnes is a good start.”
“Who said anything about liking her?”
“Do you not? It certainly sounds like you do, old friend. You wouldn’t be so annoyed with your brother if you did not like Agnes.”
“Oh, very well!” William snapped. “I like the woman more than I ought to. Are you satisfied?”
“Very. Now, it’s simply a matter of trying harder to win her attention before Jacob makes his mark on her. People might start to assume they are together rather than you being the one she should be with.”
William nodded, returning to the window to close it. He paused as three familiar figures crossed the street and entered a tea shop.
“It’s her!” he cried, sounding more excited than he wished.
“Who? Agnes?” Martin asked, coming to stand beside him. “Where? I do not see her. I think you wish to see her so much that you’ve started to imagine her. Perhaps you are further along in your affections than you think.”
“Do not push the matter, Marty,” William warned. “I have admitted to liking the woman, but I am not further along in my affections.”
“Yet,” Martin added. “Are you certain you saw her? Where is she?”
“She has entered the tea shop with her mother and sister. This might be the perfect opportunity to speak with her again. I’m confident Jacob is nowhere around.”
