Quite taken aback by the reproof, Matthew gave a defensive reply."I left her only for a few minutes and Maggie could perfectly manage to make herself comfortable without your assistance."Unprovoked, Jacob's voice remained calm and steady, yet lacking its usual jauntiness."Really? Do you know some lecherous blighter has just made improper advances on her? He'd grown aggressive and she would have been harassed if I came a minute too late."Matthew's eyes widened as the unexpected news caught him off guard."What?!! What happened?""It seems that the man accosted her and she rejected his advances. That idiot got infuriated and grabbed her by the arm. Fortunately I just happened to pass by and see the happenings before he could intimidate her further. I pulled that bastard off her and sent him off."Matthew froze as his brain formed horrible images of the incident. A man had dared to ill-treat Maggie, manhandling and threatening her in his absence. He couldn't begin to imagine how terr
Dear readers, trying my best to deliver these chapters. Please feel free to leave your comment and let me know what you think about the characters, especially who do you like the most and which characters make the best pairing. After escorting Marguerite to her suite, Matthew went to his study. Once inside, he poured himself some wine and sat contemplating today's events. This had been the first real glitch he'd encountered in his plan. He'd known it the moment Marguerite insisted on going to the party with him. This evening, he'd failed to help Bella and protect Marguerite from indecent advances. While he'd made amends to Maggie, he'd neglected Bella. He guessed she must be mad at him right now.It occurred to him to go and sneak into Bella's chamber to explain about his absence, but at the moment, he was too anxious about one particular matter to trouble about Bella.Not only Maggie's coming with him had ruined his plan, he'd also found a potential problem. He'd sensed it from the
Dear readers, thank you very much for your comments on the previous chapter. To say they made my day will be an understatement. Sorry I can only deliver one chapter this time. Enjoy it and I'll be thrilled to know what you think. Love you all.All the way to the park, Matthew racked his brain for some good reasons for his absence last night, but until halfway through the journey, he couldn't seem to find one. Fortunately at the last minute, a sudden idea sprang to mind. He would tell Bella that he had the runs all day so he really couldn't come. However, he wasn't sure how she would take it, so he braced himself for the worst. When the carriage slowed to a smooth halt, he wasted no time and got out onto the curb.Stepping past the open gate, he made his way across the lawn. The fresh scent of grass wafted up his nose and a gentle breeze brushed his skin. Not many people chose to take a walk in the park at this hour, and after a brief search over the uncrowded area, he found Arabella,
Dear readers, So sorry for the very late update, and sorry there hasn't been much progress (but there will be. I'm building the growing relationship between the characters so it will not feel "rushed" because it takes time for attraction to grow into something deeper.) The festive season has just ended here in my country and my helper hasn't returned yet, so I'm still juggling household chores and taking care of my kids. Oh, how I miss normal days when I can manage to steal a couple of precious hours to write in uninterrupted silence when my toddler is taking a nap. However I'm trying my best to never stop writing and I'm working on the next chapter. Thank you for your patience and understanding.And please follow my ig: jkromanceauthorSometime later in one of the elaborate parlors on the second floor of the club, Marguerite sat waiting for her guest with her stomach in knots. This must be the most daring thing she'd ever done, but like the proverb says; nothing ventured, nothing ga
Hellooo, sorry you have to wait for so long for the update. Just coming home from a vacation and still juggling with chores. Hope this chapter is satisfying enough. Am working on the next. Please drop your comments. They really help me to stay motivated.The soft rumble of wheels against smooth road filled the charged silence in the carriage that brought Marguerite and Jacob to the dressmaker. Putting as much distance as she could between herself and the man across from her, Marguerite squeezed closer to her maid at the end of the seat. Despite her constant denial of his immense charms, Marguerite couldn't resist an impulse to steal a glance at him, and when he seemed to be absorbed in the view outside the windows and not looking, she took the chance to observe him. He sat lounging on the plush seats with arms across his chests, one long leg stretching out towards her. Even in his relaxed pose, he looked rather imposing. His tall stature made the spacious interior seem small. The jost
Image courtesy of Jon Paul "Am I?" Marguerite managed as her heart began to palpitate wildly. For the first time, Matthew looked rapt by her looks, so much so that he barely even blinked as he replied,"Yeah, absolutely terrific."This time words failed her as the intensity of his gaze had her breath trapped in her chest. Who knew that buying this dress would have been the best decision she'd ever made. At first when Madame Le Veaux mentioned its price, she was greatly appalled, for it seemed too much money for such an inessential thing, but it turned out to be worth every penny. All her life, she'd never felt so beautiful. Fierce and feminine at the same time.Throughout the ride to the party, she could sense Matthew's lingering eyes on her in the dim light, not for a second they strayed from her. She wished they never arrived, so she could spend the whole night alone with him in seclusion, but much to her dismay, eventually the carriage slowed down and pulled to a stop in front of
Hellooo!!! Sorry again for the irregular update but I'm doing the best I can. And since Jacob has somehow managed to steal the show and everyone seems to forget that Matthew is the main lead, I'll have to remind all of you of that fact. 😂 However, you can get another scene with your favorite characters in this chapter. Enjoy!Given his largely maintained reputation as one of the most notorious rakehells in London, normally Lord Jacob Mannheim would never miss out an opportunity to make merry and go on a gambling spree, so it had come as a surprise to his fellow rakes when he skipped joining them to their libertine party this evening and chose to go to a respectable event instead. Well, it took a strong resolve for Jacob to make that choice, because false pretenses and mundane conversations were not something he was usually willing to endure, but he had his reasons.Actually he had only one reason to come to this tedious event; to see Marguerite Goddard. Not that he had any intentions
Hello, in these two new chapters you'll see a lot of wavering as Matthew begins to realize that he has developed a non-platonic affection for his best friend. He is so lost, being caught between two women he cannot choose from. I know he will annoy and infuriate many of you with his indecisiveness. Please let me know what you think and happy reading."You have a very bright future ahead of you. You're destined for greatness and wealth. Soon you'll meet someone who will change your life and be of guidance towards your betterment. You will have friends in very high places. I see nobles and gentry waiting in line, begging to enter your place. You will have everything once you never dare to dream of, and much more. You will be walking on gold. You can buy anything you want except one thing. Respectability. No matter how much money you'll have, you can never buy it. You belong to the darker side.""That lass, she shall be setting her cap on you, and you won't be able to resist her charms,
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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