Page 89 of Falling for a Forsaken Marquess
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.
“Well, if you will not stay, then perhaps you can come to dinner this week,” Mrs Mellors insisted. “I have wanted to return the favour for some time.”
That seemed to please William because he grinned. “That sounds lovely, Mrs Mellors. I would be honoured to have dinner with you and Miss Humphries. Please, send me a note with the day and time you plan to have it, and I shall be here. In fact, I shall clear my entire week in anticipation.”
Mrs Mellors clapped once. “That is settled. Would you walk Lord Hampton to the door, Agnes? I need to speak with the servants about lighting a fire in the drawing room.”
Agnes could have done that, but she understood the matchmaker wanted to give them a little time to themselves.
“Yes, of course,” Agnes agreed. “Let me show you out, My Lord.”
