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Chapter 30
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2022-06-09 10:22:25Related chapters
Scoundrel With A Noble Heart Chapter 31
"Good heavens!"Marguerite hurried outside, followed by Matthew.When they entered Goddard's chamber, the old man had been laid down in his bed, two servants standing at the bedside. The heavy velvet curtains were drawn to allow sunlight into the room while the sheer curtains were left closed to soften the sun's rays.The very sight of the unconscious Goddard brought Matthew up short. It wasn't until he saw Goddard in close quarters that he realized that the man looked much older and frail. Matthew wasn't aware of it before because most of the time he met his employer at night, but in the daylight he noticed that his employer's complexion was dull and lifeless, and his skin had turned bluish gray. Matthew didn't know for certain what was ailing the tireless man, but he guessed after all these years, Goddard's heavy drinking and damaging lifestyle finally took a toll on his health.Within minutes the doctor arrived, and they waited outside during the examination. As the minutes ticked
Last Updated : 2022-06-11Scoundrel With A Noble Heart Chapter 32
Matthew froze as the words struck him like a bolt from the blue. It took more than several seconds for him to find his voice."Sir, please don't get me wrong, but there's nothing between me and Maggie.""Stuff and nonsense. Maggie loves you. She has loved you since the moment she met you. Don't say you haven't known it."Goddard's last sentence rendered him mute. He'd be lying if he said the idea never occurred to him, but he never really thought about it. In fact, he wouldn't dream of such a thing. Goddard had been so kind to allow Marguerite to befriend him, but he wouldn't dare to raise his eyes too high."I... I don't deserve her.""Quite the opposite. I can't think of a better candidate. You are honest and loyal, and I know you love her too. Otherwise, why'd you never take a lover, with the pretty ladies just around the corner?"Again he couldn't seem to find an appropriate answer. He'd never expected that his employer would have taken note of his celibacy. With the finest houses
Last Updated : 2022-06-12Scoundrel With A Noble Heart Chapter 33
Failed to find a sufficient reason to decline, for the first time Matthew submitted to his friend's persuasion. However, he insisted they rode in their separate coaches, in case he found the play unbearable and decided to come home earlier. Not an hour later, they had settled in a private box at one side of the building. They had sneaked up late as per his request, to avoid being seen by the crowd. As a famous rake, Jacob was a magnet for attention, and being in his company was guaranteed to drag anyone under public eye, something Matthew would rather avoid at any cost. From his perch up high on one side of the theatre, Matthew looked down on the crowd in the cavernous hall below. No fewer than six hundred people packed the auditorium, leaving not a single seat vacant. Apparently Jacob was not exaggerating when he said that the London public had gone wild for the show and its main attraction, a beautiful ballerina who'd risen to great fame within a very short time since her debut. Th
Last Updated : 2022-06-24Scoundrel With A Noble Heart Chapter 34
Early in the morning, a servant delivered a message from Jake to meet at a tavern later in the afternoon. It seemed his friend was eager to hear about last night's rendezvous. He tossed the message aside with a touch of irritation and proceeded to his study. As usual, his morning time was taken up with administration. He finished the tasks before lunchtime, because today he'd planned to go downtown to check another business of his.Dressed inconspicuously in a brown morning coat and matching breeches, Matthew made his way out through the rear entrance and into the remote alleyway in the back of the building. The weather was nice so he decided to go on foot. Once he reached the main street, he pulled his hat low over his eyes and put his hands in his pockets. Strolling along the sidewalk, he wandered at a leisure pace, enjoying the anonymity of a commoner as he blended with other passersby. Strange how after so many things had changed, some things remained the same. He still preferred
Last Updated : 2022-06-25Scoundrel With A Noble Heart Chapter 35
"What about us having dinner tomorrow?""I... I'd love to...""Very well. I'll see you at half past nine?""That would be perfect."Afraid that he might see her nervousness, she was relieved when Matthew glanced down to check his pocket watch. "Maggie, I need to stop by the tavern. I'll see you later at home."He knocked on the roof and the carriage pulled up at the roadside. Marguerite managed to maintain a composed facade but once the carriage door shut in his wake, she slumped back against her seat. Closing her eyes, she took a long, calming breath. She couldn't help smiling to herself as she pressed a hand over her pounding heart.Matthew finally invited her for dinner! Whatever he wanted to talk about, it must be important. She didn't know if she was imagining it but it sounded like he was going to confess his feelings for her, or something like that.Suddenly a sparkly thing beneath a velvet cushion caught her eye. She pushed the pillow aside and found a silver, gem-studded poc
Last Updated : 2022-06-27Scoundrel With A Noble Heart Chapter 36
A light knock sounded at Marguerite's door before the wooden panel swung inward and Bill Wagner, Matthew's right hand man appeared there."You wish to see me?""Come in, Bill."Wagner closed the door before entering, and stopped in the middle of the room."Please have a seat."Marguerite signaled to the chair across her, but he remained where he stood."Is there anything I can help you with, Mags?"Marguerite always admired Wagner's straightforwardness, though some people might take it for rudeness. Goddard had trusted him for more than twenty years for a reason, and her father was never wrong."There's something I need to know."She took her time to consider her words. After a long pause, she brought herself to ask, "Do you know if Matthew has been seeing someone? A woman?""Not to my knowledge."Reaching to her side, she took the pocket mirror and showed it to Wagner."Bill, I found this in the carriage, and Ewan told me that last night Matthew went to the opera and spent time with
Last Updated : 2022-06-29Scoundrel With A Noble Heart Chapter 37
The moment she arrived at the paneled door to Matthew's office, Marguerite suddenly felt an almost overwhelming urge to flee. It took hours for her to gird herself for the 'investigation', but at the last minute, she felt her resolve weakening. She turned to leave, but stopped after a few steps, turning back and starting for the door again. She took a deep, steadying breath, and before she could change her mind again, she raised her hand and knocked three times. Her heart leapt when she heard Matthew's voice from within the room."Come in."Drawing another fortifying breath, Marguerite turned the knob and gently pushed the door open.On the other side of the room, Matthew sat behind a huge mahogany desk, his head bent down as he scribbled with a quill pen. When he glanced up from the paper, he appeared slightly taken aback to see Maggie instead of one of the casino staff."Maggie. I thought you'd gone to the foster home."At the mention of the place, Marguerite felt a little pang of g
Last Updated : 2022-06-30Scoundrel With A Noble Heart Chapter 38
Any other woman, the unmarried ones to be precise, would be ecstatic to attend a masquerade ball, but Lady Arabella Winthrop found this sort of thing dull and tedious, she might just as well stay home and sleep the entire evening. Over the past ten years, she'd had her fair share of all manner of balls and social gatherings. In her opinion, such events served no purpose other than to see and be seen, to show off, and, particularly for ladies, to display themselves like some purchasable goods for the men to assess based on their physical features and the amount of their dowry.None of those appealed to her, so as usual she refused to go, but this time her mother wouldn't let her. The Viscountess got her all dressed up and practically dragged her to the party, turning a deaf ear to her vigorous protests. As if it weren't bad enough, the older woman continued to scold Arabella for her errant ways throughout the ride, not pausing an instant to draw breath. Unable to endure the torture for
Last Updated : 2022-07-09
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The next morning, Marguerite wrestled her luggage out of her room, hoping to slip away before anyone awoke. Not anger, but something far more insidious fueled her haste. Sleep had evaded her the prior night. A torrent of rage had engulfed her initially, but as the hours bled into dawn, a sobering train of thought infiltrated the red mist.What was the true source of her anger? Was it Jacob's self-serving motives, or the fact that he'd shoved the ugly truth in her face, shattering the fragile hope she'd built through denial? The answer, a sudden flash of deep knowledge, hit her like a ton of bricks.The anger she'd displayed had been a mere facade. A mask for the real emotion lurking beneath ~ fear. Fear of the feelings Jacob had unearthed, emotions that threatened to lead her down a dangerous path.Shaken by the realization, her first instinct was to escape. A desperate flight before reason abandoned her entirely. Last night, she'd been swept away by his allure. How long could she re
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Dear readers, please let me know if you're happy with the way the story is progressing. You are welcome to share your opinion and give me suggestions. Thank you and know that every comment you leave is a valuable input for me."Not a bad sight," she murmured. "Not a bad sight at all."A slight frown creased his brows then his lips curved into a knowing smile."Seems you've found a more captivating view closer by," he teased, his eyes twinkling with amusement.Marguerite felt a blush creep up her neck. "You're... you're so vain!" she stammered, flustered.Jacob shrugged, a hint of a playful smirk still lingering. "Never underestimate the power of a captivating sunset, or perhaps," he added, his voice dropping a notch lower, "the person standing next to it."Marguerite huffed, a strangled laugh escaping her lips despite her annoyance."You are incorrigible!"To Marguerite's relief, the playful banter eased the simmering tension. Jacob turned his attention to the treehouse, stepping forw
Scoundrel With A Noble Heart Chapter 94
The next day, late in the afternoon, Jacob led Marguerite on a winding tour of the estate. As they strolled the stone path in the garden, Marguerite tilted her head up, admiring the towering trees above them. Sunlight dappled through the leaves, casting shifting patterns on the ground. "Jake, I've heard rumors about your far-flung voyage across Europe and the Middle East, is that true?" Marguerite broke the silence. Her question sounded innocent, but a flicker of something in her eyes betrayed a deeper curiosity."Indeed," he replied, "There was even a year where I barely touched home soil.""The allure of the unknown, experiencing new cultures and faces, it must be intoxicating," Her voice trailed off, her gaze flickering to his face, searching for a deeper emotion beneath the surface."But have you ever missed home amidst your adventures?"A flicker of sadness, as fleeting as a shooting star, crossed his features before a wry smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Perhaps the thr
Scoundrel With A Noble Heart Chapter 93
When Marguerite entered the dining room later, a hint of vanilla and cinnamon danced in the air, mingling with the sweet perfume of the crimson roses that adorned the table's center. A dozen candles flickered softly, their warm glow painting the brick walls with the shimmering light of a thousand fireflies. The soft crackle of the fireplace added a comforting soundtrack to the ambiance. Linen napkins lay folded beside gleaming silverware, the perfect finishing touch to this romantic setting.Across the room, Jacob awaited her at a small round table draped in a snowy tablecloth. As she approached, he rose to his feet with a flourish, pulling out her chair with a practiced ease. His chivalrous demeanor fit perfectly with his previous image as a master of seduction.Yet, Marguerite had discovered a glimpse of something deeper beneath his carefree facade. Tonight, determined to explore this hidden side, Marguerite settled into her seat, anticipation simmering in the candlelit air. She pic
Scoundrel With A Noble Heart Chapter 92
At the bottom, the butler materialized to guide them to the dining room, where the Duke and the duchess awaited. The duchess, a ravishing woman in her early forties, rose from her seat to welcome them. "I've heard the fascinating story about your connection to my husband's long-lost brother. What an incredible stroke of luck! The two of you are a real godsend!""Your Grace, you are far too kind," Marguerite replied, attempting a curtsy despite the duchess' attempt to stop her."Nonsense with formalities, Miss Goddard. Marguerite, may I call you that?""Of course, Your Grace," Marguerite said with a touch of amusement. "Just call me Maggie.""Then Maggie it is," the duchess declared, a warm smile gracing her lips. "And you, my dear, may call me Ava."Despite their recent acquaintance, Marguerite felt an inexplicable kinship with the duchess. As their conversation flowed, the duchess divulged a curious story."Years before my husband even knew he had a brother," she began, a hint of so
Scoundrel With A Noble Heart Chapter 91
The Duke of Vermont paused just inside the doorway, surveying his unexpected guests. A young, attractive couple, clad in disheveled clothes, gawked at him, too stunned to offer a polite greeting."Have we met?" His question jolted them from their stupor.Marguerite and Jacob exchanged a bewildered glance, neither able to offer an immediate answer. The man standing before them was a mirror image of Matthew, a mature version with the same build and nearly identical face. The same eyes, an impossibly rare shade of blue, the same nose, the same strong jawline – It was Matthew's face, aged to perfection. Even his voice, a deep, rich rumble, echoed Matthew's own, the only difference being his mane of silver hair, a stark contrast to Matthew's raven locks.A beat of awkward silence passed before Jacob finally spoke, "Forgive me, Your Grace," he hesitated, "There's a... a certain resemblance we noticed between you and someone we know.""A resemblance, you say?" the Duke inquired, a hint of a
Scoundrel With A Noble Heart Chapter 90
Dear readers, please don't forget to leave a comment below to help me understand what you like. I'll do my best to deliver the best for you.After a brief chat, they set their sights on the town market, hoping to find food and perhaps secure passage to their next destination, Vermont. The walk took about thirty minutes, and by the time they arrived, Marguerite's stomach was grumbling loudly. Despite the hunger pangs, she pressed on. Just as a wave of faintness washed over her, they reached the bustling market. Jacob, ever observant, noticed Marguerite's pale face and stopped short."Maggie, are you okay?" he asked with concern."I'm feeling a bit lightheaded," she admitted. "Maybe I need to sit down."Jacob gently took Chester from her arms and offered Marguerite his other arm for support. His firm grip steadied her as he guided her to a nearby bench."Don't worry," he assured her, "We'll find a doctor if you need one." He carefully placed Chester on the bench and helped her sit."No
Scoundrel With A Noble Heart Chapter 89
Hello, so sorry for the late update. I've been juggling with my kids and my job recently, but I hope to deliver the best for all of you. Your comments are very helpful, so please tell me what you think about this story, about the characters, and what you like.The harsh words scraped against Marguerite's ears, conjuring nightmarish visions that coiled in her gut. Guilt twisted like a viper as she questioned sending Jacob back in. Relief washed over her in a tidal wave when a moment later Jacob emerged from the entrance, his soot-streaked face etched with grim determination. A whimper drew her attention to a small, trembling form nestled in his arms – Chester. "Jake! Thank goodness!"Returning the child in her arms to its mother, Marguerite sprinted toward them. Oblivious to the true source of her panic, Jacob mistook her frantic dash to him for concern over the puppy. He chuckled, passing the wriggling ball of fur into her arms."This little boy is shaken, but unharmed."Marguerite
Scoundrel With A Noble Heart Chapter 88
Dear readers, I'm sorry for the very late update. Trying my best to juggle family, my current job and my passion for writing. Please keep in mind that I only want to deliver the best for you. Please feel free to let me know what you think of the story. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 🎊 As the trip progressed, Marguerite soon found that she could sit comfortably with Jacob for long minutes without the need to speak. To her great relief, he seemed relaxed and content with the companionable silence between them, not trying to entertain her with constant conversation. After a while, the quiet surroundings and the smooth motion of the vehicle made Marguerite feel sleepy. She'd just dozed off when suddenly the deafening sound of a gunshot rang out, startling her awake. The carriage lurched to a sudden halt and she was jolted forwards. Blinking back her confusion, she searched for Jacob in the opposite seat and asked fearfully,"Jake, is that robber?!" "You stay here, I'll check." Ja
