Page 63 of Falling for a Forsaken Marquess
Agnes frowned and looked at her sister before turning to him. “I do not know, My Lord. You must be busy entertaining your guests. I wouldn’t want you to waste your time with me.”
“It is no waste at all, Miss Humphries,” William insisted, determined to walk with her. “You are my guest as well, are you not? I have an equal responsibility to ensure you enjoy the ball.”
“I do not mind walking, Aggie,” Lavinia told her. “There is much I still want to see.”
Agnes bit her lower lip, evidently resistant to the idea. It seemed that her brief moment with Jacob had been so memorable that she didn’t want to spend her time with anyone. William clenched his jaw and fisted his hands, livid that his brother had brought about this widening space between him and Agnes. She was drawing away when he needed to get closer to her, but he wasn’t going to give up just yet.
“It is just a short walk, Miss Humphries,” he said. “You promised me a walk some days ago. Do not tell me you have gone back on your word.”
“No, My Lord,” she replied. “I do not intend to go back on my word, My Lord. It would be a pleasure to walk with you.”
William smiled his relief. “May I help you both up?”
“Ever the gentleman,” said Lavinia, holding out her hand, allowing him to lift her up.
Agnes, on the other hand, got to her feet alone. It disappointed him that she didn’t want his help, but there was still time to remedy that. William just had to choose his words carefully.
“Do not mind me if I fall behind,” said Lavinia.
“There is much you wish to see,” Agnes finished for her, smiling.
“Yes, this is a new place, after all. I didn’t get to see it all during the dinner party, but I intend to absorb it all tonight. You can take your time because I am in no hurry at all.”
William put Agnes’ hand on his arm without asking her and followed the winding path with the wildflowers on either side. Lavinia followed at a leisurely pace, often stopping to look at a flower or poke at an insect.
“How is your evening thus far, Miss Humphries?” he asked.
“It has been enjoyable, My Lord. I have no complaints.”
William had several complaints, but he wasn’t going to get into them now. It wasn’t the time.
“My mother will be happy to know that. She plans these balls with her guests in mind. Do you need something to drink?”
“No, thank you, My Lord,” she refused. “I had something a little earlier.”
“But that was before you danced,” William objected. “Surely you are thirsty?”
“Not yet. You may return to the ball and get something to drink if you are thirsty, My Lord.”
She was pushing him away again, but William was just as stubborn. He had one burning question he wished to ask, but he was too proud and a little afraid of what Agnes’ answer might be. Finding out what she thought about Jacob would have to wait for another day.
“I am not thirsty at all,” he told her. “I imagine we’ll be called into the banquet hall once the orchestra takes a little break. Mother spent an entire week planning the menu with the chefs. They have been hard at work since three this morning.”
Agnes frowned, looking at him. “Were you up at such an hour?”
“I’m afraid I was. I couldn’t sleep and took to wandering the house. I eventually fell asleep in the library. I have yet to show you that room, Miss Humphries. I am confident you will love it as much as I do.”
“I agree despite never seeing it, My Lord,” she said with a smile. “I know you are a well-read man, and I’m curious to know what books you have in your collection. I imagine you have all sorts.”
“You would be correct, Miss Humphries. A well-stocked library is one that does not discriminate. Every subject and genre known to man can be found in the room, even those in ancient languages.”
Agnes raised her eyebrows. “Can you read these languages?”
“No, but I like knowing we have special books in our possession. I think every man is guilty of wanting only the best in everything.”
That included women, but not every man was so lucky. William had once considered Charlotte the perfect woman, but her flaws had eventually been revealed. Everyone had their shortcomings, but that didn’t mean a person should ruin someone’s life.
“But thinking something as the best is subjective to each person, My Lord,” Agnes said. “What one man considers treasure, another will think it nothing but sawdust and hay. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
