Scoundrel With A Noble Heart (sequel of Disgraceful)

Chapter 60

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 a large townhouse.

The mild jolt as the carriage halted startled Matthew out of his fascination. Soon he heard noises from outside as the driver jumped off his seat and hurried to open the door for them. Reluctantly he wrenched his gaze away from Marguerite and moved out of the carriage, helping her alight from the vehicle. A servant rushed to escort them inside, showing them to the grand ballroom. As they entered the crowded space, Matthew felt a mixture of pride and annoyance when some of the male guests took note of Marguerite and let their gaze dwell on her.

Distracted by his renewed attraction to Marguerite and the unwelcome attention she got from members of the opposite sex, Matthew totally forgot everything else, until his eyes fell on a figure that he immediately recognized as Lord Bentley across the room, and that was when he recalled Bella and his original intention.

Dear God! How could he forget?!!! Bella must be waiting for him!

He stopped midstep and disengaged his arm from Marguerite, who instantly turned with a questioning look.
"Maggie, I need to greet an acquaintance. Don't go anywhere, I'll be but a minute."

Marguerite turned to him, eyes wide with shock.
"But Matthew, I'm scared!"

Matthew felt a pang of guilt at neglecting her once again, but he steeled himself.
"Maggie, you'll be fine as long as you stay out in the open. Nobody will dare to touch you in public. Just stay right where you are. I'll be back in a flash."

Before Marguerite could protest, Matthew had already disappeared into the crowd. He headed straight to the garden, as Arabella's instruction in the message she sent to him this morning. He hoped it wouldn't take too long to get the mission accomplished, so he could go back to Marguerite.

When Matthew stepped out onto the terrace, a few guests were lingering there for some fresh air, but further into the garden, no one seemed to be around. He found a hedge maze in the far side of the garden, and without a second thought, he ventured into the labyrinth. It took less than five minutes before Arabella's striking blue gown caught his eyes. She heard him before he called her, and when she turned in his direction, Matthew could see panic swirling in her widened eyes. She immediately put a finger to her lips to prevent him from making a sound. She reached out to take his hand when he hurried over her, speaking with muted voice,
"Matthew! Thank goodness you came. We must get away from here. I heard my mother's voice just outside this maze!"

"Where are we going?" Matthew dropped his voice when she dragged him away.

"There's a door that leads to the West wing at the end of this maze."

He followed her out the maze, past the short length of grass into the terrace of the West wing. She pushed the door to the building and stepped into the dim foyer.