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Agnes watched as Matthew was pulled into the swirl of the ball by one of the lords engaging him in a conversation, his departure leaving her with a mix of longing and anticipation. The crowded ballroom seemed to close in on her, and she couldn’t shake the sense of yearning that now echoed in her heart.

Agnes sighed and started to look around. As she moved through the crowd, the vibrant melodies of the orchestra echoed in the air.

Lord Egerton, with a charming smile, remarked, “Miss Agnes, you look particularly radiant this evening. The vibrant color of your gown complements your beauty.”

Agnes acknowledged his compliment with a gracious smile. “Thank you, Lord Egerton. Your words are too kind. How have you been finding the recent social events?”

Ewan responded, “Oh, the usual whirlwind of all these gatherings. But I must say, it’s always a pleasure to attend events graced by your presence. It adds a touch of genuine warmth to the glittering facade of high society.”

Agnes, with practiced grace, replied, “You flatter me, My Lord. It’s merely the company of esteemed individuals like yourself that makes these gatherings bearable.”

As the small talk continued, Lord Egerton steered the conversation toward estate matters, discussing improvements and challenges faced by the local nobility. Agnes, while maintaining a polite facade, couldn’t help but feel a growing restlessness. Her eyes wandered across the room, searching for the familiar figure of Matthew.

When Ewan asked about her family’s estate, Agnes responded diplomatically, “The matters of the estate are often intricate, Lord Egerton. My family navigates them to the best of our abilities, with the guidance of experienced advisors, of course.”

Ewan nodded, showing genuine interest. “Ah, the responsibilities that come with noble birth. It’s admirable how you manage them with such grace. I imagine your family is quite proud of your contributions.”

Agnes’s mind, however, was preoccupied with thoughts of Matthew, and the desire to escape the conversation with Lord Egerton intensified.

She smiled politely. “Lord Egerton, please excuse my abrupt departure, but I’ve just remembered an urgent matter that requires my attention. I do hope we can continue our discussion another time.”

With that, Agnes made a hasty retreat, the pull toward the balcony, where Matthew stood, growing stronger with each step.

The night air was crisp, and the balcony offered a respite from the opulent chaos inside. Matthew stood there, his eyes reflecting the same intensity Agnes felt within. A silent understanding passed between them as the night unfolded.

They both stood staring at each other, speaking without opening their mouths. However, the enchantment was interrupted when another guest joined them on the balcony.

Matthew, ever mindful of societal expectations, excused himself abruptly, leaving Agnes alone with a lingering sense of sadness.

The balcony, once a haven of shared intimacy, became a silent witness to Agnes’s conflicting emotions.

The night continued within the ballroom, but Agnes couldn’t shake the tinge of melancholy that clung to her heart. The stolen moments with Matthew had ignited a spark, but the societal constraints threatened to extinguish the flame.

In the grand ballroom, the dance of glittering gowns and polished shoes continued, but for Agnes, the dance within her heart echoed the bittersweet melody of an unfulfilled connection.

CHAPTER10

Will I see him tonight? Will this night be as sweet and exciting as I hope it will be?

Agnes gazed out the window as the dimly lit carriage rolled down the hill, bumping against some stones on the way, jostling everyone.

The anticipation of the masquerade ball tonight filled her with a frustrating mixture of excitement and nervousness that seemed to threaten to overwhelm her senses.

The night was themed to be a masked ball, and everyone had to dress accordingly, mysteriously, and with masks.

Agnes couldn’t help but wonder if Matthew would grace the event with his presence. The memory of the previous ball still lingered in her mind, a night that fell short of expectations when Matthew was notably absent.

Disappointment had cast a shadow over Agnes as she sought an explanation from Letitia about the Duke’s absence. Letitia, with a sly smile, had informed Agnes of an urgent business that had demanded Matthew’s immediate attention, leaving her yearning for his company.

As the carriage continued its descent, Agnes’s thoughts meandered through the possibilities of the upcoming evening. She fervently hoped to encounter Matthew, to share a dance, and perhaps rekindle the connection they had momentarily lost.

The mere thought of him sent a warm rush through her body until her mother’s stern voice cut through her reverie. “Agnes, you seem lost in your daydreams again. I hope you remember the importance of tonight’s ball. It’s not just a frivolous event.”

Agnes snapped back to reality and stared at her mother for a second more before her words registered in her head.

Benedict chimed in with a gentle reminder, “Your mother is right, Agnes. These social gatherings have their place, and you must comport yourself accordingly.”

Pfft! As if.