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Searching for her.

Agnes, determined to steer clear of her mother, deftly changed direction, her graceful gown swishing softly as she did. Avoiding Mary Pilton at such gatherings had become a practiced art for her after that ball.

She knew that only by distancing herself from her mother’s watchful eye could she find a moment of respite and enjoy herself at the ball.

However, as she pivoted to escape her mother’s presence, fate had a different plan. In her haste, she collided with a tall, distinguished-looking gentleman who reached out just in time to steady her. Agnes found herself in the reassuring grip of a strong hand that prevented her from stumbling.

She looked up to see a towering man look down at her with concern in his eyes. “Are you okay, Miss?” he asked.

Agnes nodded, feeling embarrassed. “Yes, kind Sir.”

“I am Damien Haas, the Duke of Mitch.” He executed a small bow even as he held her up still.

She smiled softly and mentally cursed herself. She just had to embarrass herself in front of a duke. Her mother would never let her hear the end of it if she ever knew.

“My name is Agnes Pilton, Your Grace.”

He nodded with a smile, and as Agnes found herself still in his firm but gentle grasp, her heart raced with surprise, and her cheeks colored with a subtle red at what people would think if they saw her in another man’s arm. She looked up at him with gratitude and offered a polite curtsy as she pulled away from him.

Agnes smiled. “Thank you, Your Grace. I appreciate your quick reflexes.”

Damien’s eyes sparkled with a touch of amusement as he folded his hands behind his back, his demeanor exuding charm and confidence. He bowed slightly again, and Agnes wondered if such a polite man still existed.

“It is my pleasure, Miss Agnes. I couldn’t bear to see such grace stumble. The fault was entirely mine for being in your path.”

Agnes smiled, her earlier embarrassment giving way to a more relaxed composure in the Duke’s presence. She looked down at her feet. “You’re too kind, Your Grace.”

Damien’s smile widened, and he took a step closer. “Kindness is a virtue, Miss Agnes. Now, may I have the pleasure of your company for a dance?”

Agnes blinked in astonishment, taken aback by his request. Her previous encounter with Matthew had left her feeling unsettled, and now, this unexpected invitation from a stranger added to her confusion.

Agnes hesitated for just a moment, her thoughts briefly turning to the enigmatic behavior of the Duke of Huntington earlier in the evening. However, the Duke of Mitch seemed amiable and respectful, and she knew it was customary to accept dance invitations at a ball.

“Of course, Your Grace. I would be delighted.”

With her agreement, Damien extended his arm to escort her to the dance floor, and as they moved away from their chance encounter, the music played on, and they waltzed.

Agnes glided gracefully across the dance floor with the Duke of Mitch. Her steps were in rhythm to the elegant music, and she allowed herself to be carried away by the enchantment of the dance. Yet, her thoughts could not help but wander to the enigmatic Duke of Huntington, who had been both charming and distant earlier in the evening.

As she twirled with Damien, Agnes couldn’t suppress a fleeting wish that it was Matthew’s hand she held, that it was his eyes hers met. The memory of their earlier encounter, his sudden coldness, ignited a spark of anger within her. She resolved to seek him out later in the evening and demand an explanation for his perplexing behavior.

The dance came to an end, and as the music died down, Damien tried to engage her in conversation. He wore a pleasant smile, the desire to get to know her better evident in his eyes. Agnes, however, had other things in mind.

“Your Grace, I must apologize, but there is something I must attend to urgently. Thank you for the delightful dance.”

With that, Agnes curtsied gracefully to Damien and quickly made her exit from the dance floor, leaving him behind. Her steps were resolute as she moved through the crowded ballroom, her anger fueling her determination to confront the Duke of Huntington, who had left her with unanswered questions and a heart in turmoil.

She managed to locate Matthew amidst the bustling ballroom. As she approached him, he turned to look at her, and then it looked like he froze because he stood so still, even as he watched her stomp over to him, her anger evident.

And then… his eyes darkened.

When she got to him, she glared up at him. “We need to talk,” she snapped, and he raised a brow, a smirk forming on his lips.

She wished she could slap it off his handsome face.

“Oh?” was all he said, and she glared at him.

“Outside,” was all she answered before she turned on her heel and stomped out of the room.