Page 56 of Falling for a Forsaken Marquess
“Then what are you waiting for?” Martin asked.
“What about the meeting?”
“I’ll make up an excuse if you have not returned on time. It is still hours away.”
William nodded, patting his friend’s shoulder. “Thank you, Marty. I think I should go down and have some tea with them. I doubt Phoebe is nearby to interrupt us.”
“Do not waste any more time,” Martin urged. “Where are your cane, gloves, and hat?”
William pointed at a chair before scooping them up and putting them on, nearly tripping in his haste to leave.
“Perhaps I shall see you later,” he said to his friend and exited the room, leaping over the stairs and startling the few members trickling into the club.
“I say!” one yelled, jumping out of the way.
“My apologies!” William cried, rushing out of the building and into the busy street.
He waited for a carriage to pass, lifting his hand in greeting as acquaintances looked his way. Finally, he reached the tea house and paused outside to right himself, adjusting his waistcoat and his handkerchief to wipe away some dust on his boots.
Entering the building, William looked around the area, smiling when his eyes fell on Agnes’ head. She was laughing at something her sister had said, her face alight with mirth and affection for the young woman. It didn’t take much observation to see that she loved her family, leading him to wonder what it would be like to be loved by a woman like her.
“May I help you, My Lord?” a woman asked as she appeared before him.
“I see some people I know,” he replied. “Would you bring me a pot of tea and charge their bill to mine? Have they ordered anything else?”
William used his head to point at Agnes’ table. They had not received their order yet but had been in the tea shop long enough to have placed one.
“They asked for raisin buns, butter biscuits, and a slice of honey cake, My Lord,” the woman replied.
“I would like a slice of honey cake as well,” William told her and approached the table. “Good day, Lady Trafalgar, Miss Humphries, and Miss Lavinia. What a surprise to see you here.”
The women looked up in astonishment, breaking into smiles once they realised it was him. Only Agnes’ smile seemed to dim.
“Lord Hampton!” Lady Trafalgar exclaimed. “It’s indeed a surprise to see you. My daughters and I were just discussing the lovely dinner party your mother hosted. We all agree that we have never been to anything finer.”
“I am glad to hear that,” said William. “I’ll be sure to let Mother know. I have come for a spot of tea and something sweet. Do you mind if I share a table with you? I would like some company.”
William kept his focus on the baroness, but he watched Agnes’ reaction from the corners of his eyes. She was surprised, but nothing indicated that she found the idea loathsome.
“Why, of course, My Lord,” the older woman assured. “A bit of male company is always welcome, especially from such a charming man as yourself.”
Instead of taking the chair beside Lady Trafalgar, William went around the table to Agnes and took the chair next to her, tucking it in a little closer.
“I hope you do not mind, but I have added your bill to mine,” he revealed. “I cannot let such beautiful ladies pay for their own meal.”
“That is kind of you, My Lord,” said Lady Trafalgar. “I see why Agnes speaks so highly of you.”
“She does?” he asked, looking at Agnes.
“Of course, My Lord,” Agnes replied, finally raising her green eyes to him. “I have only spoken the truth. You are a kind and honourable man— this is not a secret.”
“I am flattered. I find you a remarkable woman, Miss Humphries,” he told her and turned to the baroness. “My mother must have complimented you on raising such a fine daughter, My Lady. Mother never misses an opportunity to praise Miss Humphries.”
“It is good that the duchess sees what we see,” Lavinia commented. “Agnes is a special woman, and we all love her very much. It will be a sad day when she marries and leaves our home, but her husband will be a happy man to find such a perfect wife.”
“Livvy,” cried Agnes, distress filling her voice. “Lord Hampton does not need to hear all this. I am sure he is aware of my good traits. Have you practised your archery recently, My Lord? I noticed an archery society across the road.”
“That is the Bow and Quiver Society,” William informed her, still smiling at her embarrassment. “I’m a member and have just come from there.”
