Page 65 of Falling for a Forsaken Marquess
However, if William saw a marriage between them, Agnes could return home with confidence and relief. She couldn’t stay in Cheltenham forever either way and expected William to make the short trip to see her in Lydney if he did decide to court her.
“Miss, you’re talking to yourself again,” Fanny commented at the doorway.
“I know myself better than anyone else, so it only seems right to talk to myself at times,” Agnes explained. “We’re never so confused that we cannot come to a conclusion.”
“Have you reached a conclusion about what has been bothering you, miss?” the maid asked. “You seemed out of sorts after the ball.”
Agnes couldn’t be blamed for that. William’s actions had left her scrambling to understand what he wanted, but now she would just ask him and put herself out of her misery.
“I have made a decision, but I need to work up enough courage to follow through with it.”
“My brothers drink ale to give them courage,” said Fanny. “Not that I expect a lady like you to copy them. Perhaps a little brandy would help you.”
“That might leave my brain befuddled,” Agnes said thoughtfully. “Champagne might work, but only if I drink enough of it. Maybe a little wine will help, although I do need to be in control of my thought processes, or I might say something I do not mean.”
“Whatever you’re thinking about seems serious, miss,” the maid remarked. “Would you like to go for a walk while Mrs Mellors is out? That seems to calm you down.”
“A walk actually sounds perfect, Fanny. Why didn’t I think about it?”
“Because you have a lot on your mind, miss,” the young woman replied. Fanny frowned as she heard the knocker bang against the door. “It seems someone is here. I wonder who that could be?”
“Best you go and see them. It could be a vendor.”
“Mrs Mellors doesn’t like them to come all hours of the day, but I suppose it’s still the morning,” Fanny said, walking away.
Fanny returned moments later and came close to Agnes before whispering, “A handsome man is at the door wishing to speak to you, miss. He says he is Lord Sculthorpe.”
“Jacob?” Agnes asked, surprised. “Why are you whispering?”
Fanny pressed her hand into her throat. “I do not know, miss. I think I’m a little in awe of him.”
“He is Lord Hampton’s younger brother,” Agnes informed her.
“Oh,” the maid replied, fanning her face. “No wonder he seemed so familiar. You have the best men following you about, miss. You’re so fortunate.”
Agnes laughed outright. “Following me about? The man is not interested in me, Fanny! He has set his sights on Miss Philips. Besides, he knows that I have been matched with his brother. Why would he think he stood a chance with me?”
“Oh, I didn’t know that,” the maid said. “He just seemed so anxious to see you that I assumed he was a potential suitor. Shall I show him in?”
“I do not know,” said Agnes, biting her fingernails. “I know who he is, but would it not be rude to receive a man into the home when Mrs Mellors is not about?”
“I could sit with you in the room while you spoke to him,” Fanny offered.
“No, I think I should speak to him at the door and explain that Mrs Mellors is not at home. He should come back later.”
Agnes rose to her feet, rather intrigued by what Jacob was doing at the house. She had last seen him a few days ago at the ball, and that went for William as well. She found the younger brother in the foyer with his hat and cane in hand, staring at the paintings on the walls.
“How are you, My Lord?” she greeted. “This is an unexpected surprise.”
“Good morning, Miss Humphries,” he said, moving closer to her. “I was in the area and recalled that Mrs Mellors lived at this address. I thought it only right that I come by and greet everyone.”
“I’m afraid Mrs Mellors is not at home,” Agnes told him. “You can leave a message for her if you prefer.”
“Oh, no, no,” Jacob refused. “That is not necessary. You are the person I wished to see.”
“Me?” she asked, pointing at her chest.
“Of course. I wanted to thank you for a lovely dance the other evening and hope to repeat that activity soon.”
