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“Indeed, it does,” he affirmed. “You have secured a partner for marriage. What remains now is the fulfillment of our three engagements, culminating in the completion of my transaction with the Earl,” he explained, laying bare the terms of their arrangement.

She became contemplative for a moment before responding, “I had wondered, given the unforeseen direction our circumstances have taken... But it seems equitable to proceed as planned.”

Their consensus was to continue with the previously established agenda: three more social appearances to fulfill, followed by Theodore’s critical business negotiation with Asmont. “Subsequent to that, we shall have no further obligations toward one another and may pursue our individual lives without interference,” he stated, offering reassurance.

The notion seemed straightforward enough in his mind. Their marriage was a practical arrangement, devoid of the complexities of romantic entanglement. He had no desire for progeny, nor did he plan to change that stance.

Agnes’s nod, albeit somewhat tentative, signified her concurrence, a silent affirmation that they were aligned in their understanding.

“So, would our nuptials be counted among the three remaining engagements?” she inquired, a hint of apprehension in her laughter.

“Indeed, it ought to,” Theo replied, his own laughter mingling with hers, though he couldn’t shake off a lingering sense of disquiet.

The reality of his situation was inescapable; he was on a path he had sworn never to tread. The specter of becoming like his predecessor loomed ominously, a possibility he hurriedly dismissed from his thoughts.

Time seemed to elapse with deceptive swiftness in Agnes’s presence, their engagement in the bookstore offering a brief respite from the weight of their predicament. He expressed a wish to introduce her to his sisters soon, a suggestion that was met with enthusiasm on her part.

“Oh, I am certain the Duchess would be delighted to host us all for dinner,” Agnes proposed, marking an opportune moment for familial introductions.

As they awaited the packaging of their selections, the Earl of Asmont’s unexpected entry into the bookstore presented a stark reminder of the broader societal implications of their situation.

“Lord Asmont,” Theodore greeted him, stepping forward.

However, the Earl’s response—or rather, the lack thereof—was a stark rebuke, a clear indication that Theodore’s standing in society had suffered far greater damage than he had feared. A bitter sensation crept up his throat as he confronted the reality that the challenges ahead were more daunting than he had allowed himself to believe.

Such treatment from the Earl was entirely unexpected. Society’s capacity for coldness was indeed boundless. The moment Theodore’s eyes met Agnes’s again, he hoped she read in them not just the apology for the slight they had both endured, but also the profound regret for the unwelcome drama she had been swept into because of her association with him.

The pitying look from the bookstore keeper only added salt to his wounds. Theodore had never aspired to become an object of sympathy; yet, as he escorted Agnes back to her residence and subsequently made his way to his own home, he couldn’t shake off a creeping sense of defeat.

Settling into his chair in his study, he pulled out a sheet of his finest stationery and a bottle of ink, determined to address the incident with the Earl directly. The blank paper stared back at him. Yet, he dipped his pen into the ink and began to write, the words flowing slowly at first, then gaining momentum as his thoughts became more defined:

Lord Asmont,

I hope this letter finds you well and in good spirits. I am writing to address a matter that occurred earlier today at Marvin’s Bookstore, where I fear there may have been a misunderstanding between us. I perceived that you did not acknowledge my greeting, and I wish to clarify if this was indeed the case, and if so, the reason behind it.

I understand that recent events involving Miss Young and myself have been the subject of much speculation and gossip within society. I wish to assure you that our intentions are honorable, and we are taking steps to address the situation in a manner befitting our stations.

Furthermore, I hope to dispel any concerns you may have regarding our business dealings. You may inspect the ship models at your convenience as we earlier planned. My commitment to our agreement remains steadfast, and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further, perhaps over tea or at a venue of your choosing.

I eagerly await your response and hope we can resolve any issues amicably and continue our association as esteemed colleagues.

With the highest regards,

Marquess of Gillingham

Theodore read over the letter once, then twice before folding and sealing it. He could not allow this opportunity to slip away from him.

CHAPTER 16

“There you are!” Frances’s voice carried through the serene ambiance of the garden, interrupting Agnes’s thoughts. She turned, her lips curving into a smile at the sight of Emma and Frances making their way toward her.

It was the afternoon before her wedding, a time when courage seemed as elusive as the gentle breeze that toyed with the surrounding leaves. They settled at the garden table, where Emma, without hesitation, reached for a biscuit, biting into it with an enthusiasm Agnes wished she could muster for her own impending nuptials.

“How are you faring?” Frances inquired, her gaze scrutinizing.

“I’m fine,” Agnes lied, the word tasting as bland as she felt.

Emma, crumbs at the corner of her mouth, observed pointedly, “You don’t seem at all excited.”