Scoundrel With A Noble Heart (sequel of Disgraceful)

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 amusement dancing in her eyes.

"Indeed, Your Grace," Marguerite chimed in, still staring unblinkingly at the duke.

"How curious." A flicker of interest flashed across the duke's face.
"And who might this friend of yours be?"

Marguerite provided without thinking,
"His name is Matthew–"

Knowing that an association with a low-born, particularly one with a disreputable profession, would flatter no prominent noble, Jacob interjected,
"Perhaps it's not that important, Your Grace..."

But the duke raised a gentle palm to hold Jacob still, encouraging Marguerite to continue,
"Matthew, you were saying? Tell me more about this friend of yours, Miss...?"

Marguerite performed an awkward curtsy, her hand lingering on the skirt for a beat too long. "Marguerite Goddard, Your Grace," her voice slightly trembling from nervousness.

The Duke offered a polite smile, a hint of apology in his eyes. "Forgive my manners, I shouldn't have skipped a proper introduction. And you must be Lord Jacob Mannheim."
He gestured towards Jacob with an open hand.

Jacob gave a respectful nod, his posture straightening a touch. "It is we who should apologize for the intrusion, Your Grace."

"Nonsense," the Duke waved a dismissive hand. "Please, be seated."

He gestured towards the sofa. As they settled in, the Duke leaned forward, his elbows resting on the armrests. "Now, what can I do for you both?"

Jacob explained their situation in a brief, concise manner. The Duke listened intently, nodding occasionally. As expected, he had no problem giving them some assistance. However, after a short discussion about the trip to Westwood, the Duke steered the conversation back to the topic Jacob desperately wanted to avoid. His voice grew a touch firmer.
"I'm particularly interested in learning more about your friend, Matthew. What is his full name?"

Jacob slightly tensed, his hands clenched into fists. "Perhaps divulging that information wouldn't be essential, Your Grace," he said carefully.

The Duke leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "It is, because Matthew might be someone I've been looking for quite some time." His gaze locked with Jacob's, an intensity that sent shivers down Marguerite's spine.

"For what reason?" Marguerite blurted out, her voice laced with concern. "We can assure you, Your Grace, Matthew's a good man. He wouldn't have broken any laws."

The Duke sighed, the weariness returning to his features. "It's not confirmed yet that this Matthew is the one I seek."
He took a moment's pause, then guessed,
"Is his name Matthew Walsh?"