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Agnes didn’t think his questions were very modest and something they should discuss before marriage, but nothing about her relationship with the Earl was sensible, so she wasn’t shocked or appalled.

“As many as you desire, My Lord.”

It’s not possible he would not notice the sarcasm in her voice. Agnes winced.

Ewan threw his head back and laughed.

Agnes only looked at him like he had lost his mind.

“You’re a delightful talker, Miss Agnes. I’ve always dreamed of a big family—let’s aim for seven children!”

Goodness save her.

As Ewan reveled in his vision of their future, Agnes, with a hidden ache in her heart, could only steal glances at Matthew from across the ballroom.

Her distant gaze concealed the longing she felt for the man she once shared stolen moments with, their connection now severed by the choices she made.

If only. If only the world is not so much against us.

* * *

On the other side of the ballroom, Matthew and his sister walked up to Prince Edward. He stood with his new wife, who greeted other guests.

They stopped in front of him, and Matthew bowed, while Letitia bobbed a deep curtsy.

“Your Highness, we are honored to witness this beautiful union.”

The blonde-haired prince with a too-pale skin smiled and patted Matthew on the arm. “Your kind words warm my heart. Now, tell me, Lady Letitia, Your Grace, have you enjoyed the evening’s festivities thus far?”

Matthew, diverting his gaze toward the dance floor, managed a stiff nod while Letitia spoke, “Indeed, Your Highness.”

“I am pleased to hear that.”

Matthew, though participating in the conversation, couldn’t help but let his gaze drift back to the dance floor, where Agnes moved gracefully in the arms of Ewan.

He stiffened, his blood boiling. He had not allowed himself to think about it all night. Not when he made eye contact with her and his heart ached badly. Not when he saw the loneliness in her eyes and his first instinct was to steal her away from the ball.

Pathetic.

The Prince, knowledgeable and charming, shared exciting tales about how he courted his wife when Letitia asked. However, no matter how engaging the conversation, Matthew’s gaze involuntarily drifted toward the dance floor, where Agnes glided in the arms of Ewan.

She was even smiling!

Goodness, he had been such a fool! Had everything been a joke to her? She was just having fun but never really wanted him?

So cruel.

A surge of frustration gripped Matthew. He couldn’t fathom how he had allowed himself to be blind to what Agnes had seen him to be.

Just a poor, useless man. As always.

As he observed her dancing with Ewan, a torrent of sadness and anger welled up within him. Letitia, attuned to her brother’s emotions, sensed his distress and quickly excused them from the Prince’s company. Matthew allowed himself to be dragged away.

Once away from the newlyweds, Letitia turned to Matthew with concern etched on her face. “Brother, what’s going on? You seem disturbed.”

He growled, “Nothing, Letty. It’s of no consequence.”

“Don’t lie to me. I see the anger in your eyes. What has transpired?”