Scoundrel With A Noble Heart (sequel of Disgraceful)

Chapter 55

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 terrifying it was for her, and everything inside him contracted. Anger, hot and blinding, shot through him.
"Who is the bastard?! Do I know him?"

"No. Fortunately, he is not one of your club's patrons. And don't worry, he's been well warned."

"Tell me his name!"

"Look, there's absolutely no need to make a scene. I've made certain he won't dare to do it again."

"It's not enough. I need to make sure he pays dearly!"

"And risking not being allowed to attend another party? If you make a scene tonight, the rest of the nobility will not have you in their events ever again."

The prospect of the possible consequences
effectively stopped Matthew from pursuing the matter further and reminded him of his initial purpose to help Bella. The surprise of seeing Maggie and Jake together, and the unpleasant news had distracted him; he'd completely forgotten about Bella. And that he still needed Jacob's help to get access to society gatherings. He willed himself to suppress his raging wrath and suddenly recalled that he hadn't thanked his friend for his help.

"Well, thank you, Jake. I owe you a favor."

"Don't mention it. By the way, where have you been?"

Unable to find an appropriate answer, Matthew averted his eyes, "Never mind that."

Knowing that his friend deliberately dodged the question, Jacob chose not to push him further.
"Well, even in the most respectable crowd, a woman is always susceptible to unwanted advances. That's the reason why an unmarried lady never goes out without a chaperone. If you don't want a repetition of the recent incident, I'll suggest that you stay close to her all the time."

Matthew nodded, throwing a worried glance at Marguerite. Years of sheltered life at home had left her unprepared for the ugliness of the outside world. Right now she must be terribly shocked and shaken, and he was determined to make up for his mistakes.

"Thanks again, Jake. I think it's time for me to go."
Giving a pat on Jacob's shoulder before stepping away, he approached Marguerite in a few quick strides.
"Maggie, are you alright? I'm so sorry. I've been too engrossed in conversation with my friends, I lost track of time."

Marguerite's heart skipped a beat when Matthew stopped a scant foot away from her. One look at his face, and her anger immediately subsided, replaced by a wave of tenderness. He looked profoundly concerned and racked with guilt, and she couldn't help but feel moved.

"I'm fine, Matthew."
Not wanting him to worry, Marguerite attempted a forced smile, but then her breath caught when he cupped her cheek with one hand, his fingers warm and soothing on her skin. At his touch, an instant surge of hope flared within her, and her previous irritation of being neglected was quickly forgotten in a sudden rush of joy and excitement.