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Letitia explained, “Well, you see, dear brother, we were stuck in quite the tedious conversation when Miss Agnes came to our rescue. Ewan had us on the brink of despair with his lengthy anecdotes and continuous self-praise, which you know so well.”

Nancy chimed in with a smile, “Miss Agnes provided a welcome diversion, and her company was truly delightful.”

Letitia added, “She’s quite the charmer—a breath of fresh air, really. It’s not often one encounters such genuine grace and wit in the ton.”

But as they praised Agnes, Matthew’s response was notably subdued. His attention seemed to drift away, and Agnes couldn’t help but feel the weight of his indifference, a stark contrast to the connection she had hoped to rekindle.

His gaze wandered as he listened, and Agnes couldn’t help but feel the difference in his demeanor. It was as if he existed in a world apart, a world where her actions had little impact. Agnes had hoped for a connection, for their previous encounter in the garden to mean something to him, but she couldn’t escape the feeling that she had set her expectations too high.

The disappointment weighed on her as she observed his detachment. Her anticipation to meet him again had been filled with hope, but now it seemed as though the moment was slipping away, much like their stolen kiss in the moonlight. Agnes couldn’t help but feel a sense of regret.

Agnes forced herself to continue engaging in the conversation, doing her best to keep her disappointment at bay. She chatted with Nancy and Letitia, all the while aware of Matthew’s presence next to her, his detachment like a constant weight on her shoulders.

As the evening wore on, and the women became engrossed in a conversation with another guest they knew, Agnes was left alone with Matthew. She felt his gaze on her, a mixture of intrigue and something else she couldn’t quite place.

When he finally spoke, it caught her off guard. “I wanted to thank you for saving my family from Ewan’s endless monologues. You’ve certainly made their evening more enjoyable.”

Agnes, taken by surprise, managed a smile. “It was my pleasure, Your Grace. Your family is delightful company, and I couldn’t stand to see them suffer such a tedious conversation.”

Matthew’s gaze held hers for a moment, and for a fleeting second, Agnes felt a spark of the connection they had shared in the moonlit garden. It was as if the world around them disappeared, leaving only the two of them at that moment.

But just as quickly, the bubble of enchantment burst.

Matthew’s focus shifted, and Agnes felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Had she misread his intentions, or had he simply lost interest?

Before she could ponder this further, Matthew spoke, his voice carrying a mix of sincerity and regret, “Miss Agnes, I must apologize for the liberties I took during our first meeting. My actions were impulsive and unwarranted. I’m truly sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable.”

Agnes mustered her courage, and, determined to convey her true feelings, she looked into Matthew’s eyes. “Your attention was far from unwanted,” she told him with sincerity.

But Matthew’s response was firm and unwavering. “Regardless, I won’t bother you again, and I’d appreciate it if you extended me the same courtesy.”

Her heart sank further at his words. It was as if he was dismissing any possibility of a connection between them, shutting a door that had barely been opened. She watched as he turned to his mother and sister, announcing his desire to introduce them to someone, and they all began to make their way through the crowded ballroom.

Agnes stood there, her heart heavy with disappointment and frustration. She couldn’t help but wonder if their stolen kiss had meant nothing to him, if it was all just a moment of impulsive passion in his eyes.

She felt a sense of longing as they walked away, but the ache of unmet expectations lingered in her chest.

CHAPTER7

The music played, and the ballroom was filled with the joyful laughter of guests, but Agnes couldn’t help but feel bewildered by the Duke’s sudden change in behavior.

She stood there, watching him as he walked away, his family in tow. The warmth and charm he had displayed all those weeks ago had now given way to an inexplicable coldness, and she didn’t understand why.

As she watched him, a knot of confusion and disappointment formed within her. She remembered that ball. They had been conversing so easily, enjoying a dance and sharing lighthearted banter. But now, it was as if she had been replaced by a stranger. Agnes couldn’t fathom what had caused this abrupt transformation.

Did she do something?

No, she didn’t.

What, then?

Her initial feeling of sadness quickly morphed into fiery anger and frustration as she struggled to make sense of the situation. Why was Matthew acting so distant all of a sudden? What had she done to deserve such treatment?

Agnes scowled at his retreating figure, her frustration evident on her features. She longed to approach him and demand an explanation, but decorum and societal expectations prevented her from doing so. Instead, she remained in her place, left to grapple with her emotions, while the ball continued around her.

The room was filled with the sounds of cheerful conversation and elegant waltzes, but Agnes found herself lost in a turmoil of thoughts.

She moved to the refreshments table and started to fill a glass of punch when she looked up and saw her mother walking toward her, her eyes searching.