Page 66 of Falling for a Forsaken Marquess
The man did not need to come to the house just to say that, but it was sweet of him. Perhaps he was the romantic sort who went out of his way for women. Phoebe would do well to note that.
“Thank you, My Lord,” Agnes replied. “I enjoyed dancing with you as well. Perhaps there will be an occasion to do so again.”
“I hope so,” Jacob said earnestly. “I also came to ask if you would go on a promenade with me. It can be any day this week, but I hope it is sooner rather than later.”
Taken aback, Agnes wasn’t sure how to respond. It was odd that the brother of the man she was matched with was asking to walk with her, but perhaps this was normal. Jacob was William’s brother, and he might merely wish to know her better.
“I suppose I can take the time to walk with you, My Lord, but I cannot give a day yet. I need to speak to Mrs Mellors about it.”
Jacob’s smile was brilliant as he showed his teeth. “Thank you, Miss Humphries. I must be going now, but I look forward to receiving your message. Until then.”
Jacob bowed, and Agnes showed him to the door. She had not closed the door behind him for over three minutes when she heard another knock. This time, she was on her way to her bedroom, so she turned back and opened the door, giving a little gasp of surprise.
“Lord Hampton?”
The man stood outside with a large bouquet of flowers in his hand and a gaze that wouldn’t quite reach her eyes.
“These are for the house,” he said, thrusting them at her. “Just something small to brighten it up.”
Agnes had a feeling they were for her and warmed at the idea. William would not have been shy if he had truly brought them for the house.
“These are beautiful, My Lord,” she said, smelling them. “Mrs Mellors will love them. Is there something you needed?”
“May I come inside for a little while?” he asked, removing his hat. “I promise not to overstay my welcome.”
“Well, Mrs Mellors isn’t here, but I see no reason to leave you standing outside in the bitter cold. Please, come into the foyer.”
William nodded, blowing into his gloved hands before stepping inside. “Thank you, Miss Humphries. That is kind of you.”
“It’s the least I can do, My Lord. Jacob was also here just moments before you arrived.”
William’s body grew still as he clenched his hands. “My brother was here?”
Agnes couldn’t work out why he seemed so angry about it. “Yes, My Lord. He was in the area and thought to come in and greet everyone. Unfortunately, Mrs Mellors wasn’t here.”
“Was there anything else he wanted?” William asked, his voice tight with emotion.
“He asked me to go on a promenade with him, and I must say I was surprised. You must share a close bond as brothers for him to go out of his way to know me better.”
William snorted. “I suppose you can say that, Miss Humphries. Is it possible for us to go for a walk before you go with Jacob?”
That was an odd request. If Agnes didn’t know any better, she would say the brothers were competing with each other. Perhaps sibling rivalry was not just for children but adults as well.
“I’m sure I can select a day for us to go walking, My Lord,” she assured him.
Agnes looked behind him as Mrs Mellors walked through the front door, stopping when she saw them.
“Lord Hampton,” she said, continuing to walk in. “I wasn’t aware you were coming. Did you send a note that we possibly misplaced?”
“No, you have not misplaced it because I did not write one,” William explained. “I brought some flowers with me.”
Mrs Mellors glanced at the blooms. “They are beautiful, My Lord. You should not have gone to all this trouble.”
“It was no trouble at all, Miss Mellors. You have come to my home several times, so I only thought it fitting to come and see you.”
“Why don’t you come inside?” the woman suggested. “It’s warmer in the parlour.”
“Oh, no, no, I do not plan to stay long,” said William, scratching his head.
