Page 72 of Falling for a Forsaken Marquess
The family soon split up as the baron and baroness moved to one side of the room where the duchess and duke were entertaining some friends, and Agnes and Lavinia followed him to a group of friends.
“I am glad to finally meet your family,” William commented once they had a little time to themselves to speak.
Lavinia’s attention had been taken by one of William’s cousins, Katherine, a girl around the same age as her.
“They were excited to meet you, My Lord,” said Agnes, still not quite meeting his eyes. “They have not stopped asking about your family since they arrived in Cheltenham. Now, they finally have the opportunity to meet you, your parents, and your brother.”
“Are they leaving soon?”
Agnes nodded. “In a few days. I shall miss them when they’re gone. My family always knows how to make me smile when I’m feeling discouraged.”
“Surely nothing can discourage you?” he asked. “You seem to be an optimistic woman.”
“Even the most optimistic person experiences discouragement, My Lord, but we do not readily show it to others. Have you considered what we spoke about the last time we met?”
William first assumed she meant her need to marry to help her sister, but Agnes didn’t like talking about herself. He quickly realised she was talking about finding a goal and improving his gloomy look on life.
“I must admit that I haven’t given it much thought,” he confessed. “What do you suggest I choose as my first goal?”
Agnes bit her lower lip, pulling it across her upper teeth. “Hmmm, helping others is always a noble choice,” she finally said.
“Is there no one in need of help? Perhaps you can ask the servants if anyone in particular is struggling. Money doesn’t necessarily need to be exchanged, just your time. Why not train others in the sport of your choice? Do you play any sport?”
“I enjoy archery, among other things,” William revealed. “I suppose I could help those struggling to master the sport.”
Agnes smiled, lightly tapping him on the arm. “There you go, My Lord! Now you have something meaningful to focus on. I enjoy archery as well, but it has been a while since I have held a longbow in my hands. My time is mostly consumed by embroidering and my family.”
William glanced at the spot Agnes had touched and was tempted to let his fingers glide over it. The encouragement in her voice and the familiar manner of briefly touching him were oddly affecting his person. His heart was beating a little faster than moments before, and a mild heat had crept into his face, engulfing even his ears.
“Perhaps I can help you return to it while you are in Cheltenham,” he offered, putting his arm behind his back as it slightly tingled.
Agnes had barely touched him, but his arm didn’t appear to understand that.
“You would spare me your time to help with my archery skills?” she asked, evidently surprised.
“I see no reason not to,” William replied, meaning everything he said. “Perhaps that can be my first goal.”
Agnes tilted her head slightly as she smiled and looked away, undoubtedly pleased with his suggestion.
“I think—” she began, abruptly breaking off as she looked towards the doorway. “The Philips have arrived.”
The deadness in Agnes’ voice answered the dismay William felt as he turned his gaze to the doorway and met Phoebe’s eyes. The woman immediately excused herself from her parents and made her way to them, her focus never leaving him.
“My Lord!” the Phoebe exclaimed, touching her hand to her chest. “How wonderful to see you again. And you, Agnes. How lovely to all be together again. I trust you are well, My Lord?”
“Yes, thank you,” William answered stiffly, moving a tiny step closer to Agnes.
“I simply love your home, My Lord,” Phoebe continued. “I would certainly love to live in a house like this. Of course, our home in Lydney is lovely, but this is something special.”
“I’ll be sure to tell my mother,” said William. “Or perhaps you can tell her yourself. My mother loves to receive compliments about her home.”
“I’ll be sure to do just that a little later,” Phoebe promised, drawing closer to William. “What do you love to receive, My Lord?”
This annoyed William, but he couldn’t tell Phoebe to stop coming closer. She was almost hanging on him, but Phoebe still managed to keep a suitable distance for their onlookers. Agnes had not said a word since Phoebe’s arrival, but he didn’t blame her because the newcomer had overtaken the entire conversation and had pushed her out.
“I do not know what I love to receive, Miss Philips,” he replied. “It changes daily. What about you, Miss Humphries?”
“Agnes is a simple woman, My Lord,” Phoebe quickly answered. “It is easy to tell what she loves. Nothing pleases her more than to serve her family. You should look further than that, Agnes dear.”
