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Peggy walked to Agnes with a fluffy robe and held it out for her as she stepped out of the bath, her body soft and clean. “Aye, and a fine gentleman he is. You’re a lucky lady, Miss Agnes.”

Agnes made a sound and let Peggy lead her to the antique dressing mirror. “Luck has nothing to do with it, Peggy. It’s love, and I’ve never been surer of anything in my life.”

Peggy chuckled, her hands deftly working on Agnes’s hair. “Well, we best make sure you look the part of a radiant bride, then, shall we?”

Agnes nodded, a playful glint in her eyes. “Of course, Peggy. It wouldn’t do for the groom to be the only one stealing hearts today.”

Their laughter echoed in the room as Peggy continued her work.

Peggy carefully attended to Agnes’s hair, weaving intricate patterns that complemented the grace of the occasion. As rouge touched Agnes’s cheeks and lips, a rosy blush emerged, mirroring the happiness that radiated from within.

“Speaking of hearts, Miss Agnes, I saw the Duke near the garden earlier. Seemed a bit restless, he did.”

Agnes felt a flutter of excitement. “Restless, you say? Perhaps he’s as eager as I am to start our life together.”

“No doubt, Miss. Now, let’s get you ready. The day awaits, and it won’t do to keep it waiting.”

As Peggy finished styling Agnes’s hair, their conversation continued to dance between the joy of the impending union and the shared anticipation of the beautiful day ahead. The room echoed with the sounds of laughter and affection, creating a harmonious prelude to the grand celebration of love that awaited Agnes and Matthew.

* * *

The Duchess of Huntington. It sounded so good. And that was who she was now. Agnes Fitzroy.

It was like a dream come true.

The official wedding ceremony had been concluded in the chapel some hours ago, and now they held a small but luxurious celebration in the garden of Matthew’s manor.

Their manor.

Agnes’s parents approached her, their faces beaming with pride and joy.

Agnes felt her spine stiffen. She had not had too much bad blood with her parents while preparing for her wedding, but she knew there were things that had to be said.

“We are so proud of you, dear Daughter. Happy married life,” Benedict said, smiling warmly. They extended warm congratulations, their eyes reflecting a mix of love and relief.

Agnes smiled and hugged her mother. However, she couldn’t suppress the tumult of emotions within her.

As her parents embraced her, she felt a surge of courage, a need to address the past and lay bare the wounds that had long festered.

She looked at them. “Mother, Father, we need to talk.”

Her parents exchanged puzzled glances but nodded, sensing the gravity in her voice. They moved to a quieter corner of the garden, away from the revelry.

Once she realized no one followed them, she spoke up, wasting no time. “I can’t pretend that everything is perfect now. I need you to understand the pain I’ve endured because of your actions and decisions.”

Mary furrowed her brows, her expression shifting from joy to concern. “What do you mean, Agnes?”

Agnes took a deep breath, collecting her thoughts before continuing, “Your disdain for Matthew, for his family, it was more than just common, harmless disapproval. Your words, Mother, they hurt. They hurt him, and they hurt me. I’ve suffered because of the divide you created between us. I’ve also suffered a lot when you unknowingly punished me for what Rose did. There was a time I wondered if you were actually my parents, because how can a parent treat their child like this?”

Benedict’s eyes widened, he looked genuinely taken aback. “Agnes, we only wanted what was best for you. We didn’t realize…”

She nodded when her father struggled to finish. “You didn’t realize the impact of your words. Matthew’s family, they’re good people. You treated them as if they were less just because of their status. Do you know how much they’ve suffered because of your prejudice?”

Mary, now understanding the weight of her daughter’s words, looked remorseful and ashamed. “Agnes, I didn’t mean to cause harm. I only wanted you to have a better life. I also never thought my words would mean so much. I just followed what the elites of Society thought. I was trying to keep my family safe.”

“But, Mother, a better life doesn’t come from hurting others. It comes from understanding, compassion, and love.”

Agnes’s words hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the pain that had transpired. Matthew, observing from a distance, overheard the conversation, and his eyes widened with surprise and curiosity.