What is happeningto me?
Trey was lost in Judith’s emerald eyes. He couldn’t believe how quickly she had fallen under his spell. To think he was sinking just as fast. He was a fool for wanting to hold and kiss her.
She grasped his elbows, eyes wide with wonder. Would she allow his kiss? The time in the cottage, she really had had no other choice, although she hadn’t struggled. This time she did have a choice. He didn’t understand why he wanted to kiss her so badly right now, but he hadn’t the strength to pull away.
He leaned closer, and she followed his lead by bringing her face forward. Confusion swam in his head, but he couldn’t stop himself. Before he could separate his thoughts, his mother’s voice rang through the air from the gardens.
Judith jumped away. A flush bloomed brightly in her cheeks, her face reflecting honest bewilderment. In silence, he grumbled at his mother, fate, and for being utterly beguiled by Judith Faraday. He, too, felt a little off-center, and rightly so. To have been so close to kissing her, then to have the opportunity yanked from his grasp was almost more than he could bear.
She turned her back to him as her hands covered her cheeks. Straightening, he stepped out of the gazebo and inhaled deeply. Heat still soared through him. Try as he might, he couldn’t lower the temperature.
Within moments, Judith stood by his side. They walked toward his mother, neither touching nor saying a word. He feared if she brushed against him accidentally, he’d be severely tempted to take her back to the gazebo whether his mother approved or not.
He hadn’t noticed before, but now out here, the sun glinted off her hair, giving it a golden tone. Indeed, she was breathtaking, more than he wanted her to be.
The dowager still couldn’t see them, so when she called again, he raised his hand, waved, and shouted, “Over here.”
When her eyes fixed on him and Judith, she smiled and hurried toward them. Once she reached their side, she panted and color had disappeared from her face. Perhaps Trey had been too hasty in doubting her illness earlier, accepting her outward appearance of health as fact.
“Oh, there you two are.” His mother placed her hand on her chest and rasped deeply.
“What do you need, Mother?”
She smiled at him. “The most exciting news, I must say.” Then she turned her attention to Judith. “I wanted to let you know the dance instructor is coming tomorrow.” She grasped Judith’s hands, gave them a small, excited squeeze. “Is that not lovely?”
Judith nodded. “Just wonderful.”
“Mother, I was thinking…” He waited until both women gazed his way before continuing. “I thought about having a mock dinner party tonight with Miss Faraday acting as our hostess.”
“But—but she has not been properly instructed in how to be a hostess,” the dowager said.
“I understand, but I would like to see how much education she has acquired before we hire someone to tutor her.”
“Well, I suppose.” The duchess sighed. “But why tonight? I’m dreadfully exhausted and I had planned on having the evening meal in my room.”
“The Marquess of Hawthorne is here and he guaranteed me he would allow Miss Faraday to practice being an exemplary hostess on him.”
Beside him, Judith’s gasp overrode his mother’s. The younger woman scowled at him and bumped her elbow into his. “You neglected to tell me Hawthorne was amarquess.”
He gave her a grin. “Does it matter? He’s still my friend, and he’s willing to let you be his hostess tonight, knowing you will certainly make a few mistakes.”
Eyes that had once been a desirable green glimmered with intense malice. Trey certainly had enjoyed seeing her hot temper. She attempted to smile, although that too, was razor sharp.
“I suppose it matters not, my lord,” she bit out.
“Good girl.” He patted her shoulder then turned to his mother. “If you cannot make it to the evening meal, no harm will be done. This will only be a trial run for Miss Faraday. After tonight, I shall know what she requires as far as lessons go.”
The dowager caressed Trey’s cheek. “You are such a good son.” She smiled at Judith. “We are going to have a lovely time. I’m giddy just thinking about it.”
Judith forced another smile for her guardian. “Thank you, Your Grace. I’m looking forward to our adventures, as well.”
If Trey wasn’t mistaken, she geared that last part toward him. The gleam in her eyes when she glanced his way told him what vengeful thoughts simmered in her pretty head. Nonetheless, he’d made a bargain with her, and he’d stick to it. Just as he’d make certain she stuck to hers.
“I hope you two will excuse me. I feel a headache coming on.” The dowager touched her forehead and frowned. “Oh, dear. I do believe it’s here already.” She turned and left.
Both Trey and Judith stood still until the dowager was out of sight, then Judith slapped his shoulder. “A dinner party? Tonight? With a marquess?”
Grinning, he crossed his arms over his chest. “Marvelous. You got all the details correct.”
