Page 64 of Falling for a Forsaken Marquess
“You once asked if I dabbled in philosophy, but I could ask you the same question.”
“Papa has a healthy interest in the subject, but I have never grown attached to it,” she admitted.
She paused and looked up, suddenly grabbing his arm and pointing at a tree. “Is she not magnificent?”
“Who?”
“The snow-white owl, My Lord!” she cried. “She shines brightly in the darkness. Can you not see her?”
All William could feel and see was Agnes’ hand on his clothed arm and the look of wonder on her face.
“She’s beautiful,” he said, meaning every word.
Agnes turned to him, coming to a standstill when she noticed he was looking intently at her.
“My Lord?” she said, her voice a tad breathless. “Is something the matter?”
“I do not know. Do you believe in second chances, Miss Humphries?”
“Of course,” she said, nodding. “We sometimes make mistakes, but everyone deserves a second chance to make things right again.”
William finally drew his gaze away. “That is good to know. It seems your owl has flown away.”
“Oh, that’s a pity,” she replied, her hand still on his arm.
Agnes didn’t seem to realise that she was touching him, and William didn’t want to tell her. He was quite content to stay like that for as long as possible.
“Where is my sister?” Agnes asked, looking behind her.
William shifted to look behind him, disturbing her light grip on him. Only then did Agnes realise she was holding him.
“Forgive me, My Lord,” she apologised, letting go as though he had burned her. “I did not mean to take any liberties.”
“Rest assured I do not see it that way, Miss Humphries. You are evidently comfortable in my presence, which I consider an indirect compliment. You may grasp my arm whenever you wish.”
William was pleased to see the blush that stole over Agnes’ cheeks. “But it is still improper of me to do so, My Lord. I think it is time that I return to my parents before they wonder where my sister and I have got to. If you would please excuse me?”
“Miss Humphries?” he called as she turned away.
Agnes paused, bringing her eyes to his. “Yes, My Lord?”
“I have enjoyed this little moment, just as I have enjoyed the others. I meant it when I said you’re a remarkable woman.”
Confusion and pleasure fought for control on her face. “Thank you, My Lord. You have certainly made my stay in Cheltenham memorable. Please excuse me.”
He nodded, watching her walk away until she reached her sister. Lavinia didn’t seem happy about returning to the ballroom by the look of resistance in her body language, but whatever Agnes said finally convinced her to leave.
The younger woman looked at him, raising her hand with a mischievous grin before linking her arm with her older sister and walking back to the house. William stayed some time outside as he went over his conversation with Agnes. It could have gone better, but things never seemed to go as planned around Agnes.
He had not understood that before, but now as he stared into the darkness, he received an answer he didn’t expect. William had genuine feelings for Agnes, and they were growing by the minute.
Chapter 18
At some point, Agnes would have to ask William if there was any future for them, but she first needed to work up the courage. It was no good going back and forth between wondering whether he was interested in her or Phoebe.
“If he hasn’t made up his mind yet, then I shall demand it of him,” she said to herself. “I deserve better.”
It would be a terrifying moment waiting for William’s response, but there could only be two answers. One would send her home disappointed, but that didn’t mean she would give up. Agnes may be twenty-three, but she had much to offer the right man.
