Obviously, there was an attraction between them. Strange, since they didn’t like each other as children. Now, however, they were both matured. Never did she think Trey would be as handsome, or charming. Every time she looked upon him, she couldn’t help but admire the man he’d turned into.
Earlier this evening, she had tried to visit with the dowager, but Trey was always lurking—watching her with heated eyes. She even tried hiding in the library, but she’d bumped into him there, as well. Now she needed to think without anyone around, so she saddled a mare and rode farther onto the estate. Perhaps she would be free of Trey for at least a few hours.
Another stream caught her eye, and she slowed her horse to a trot as she neared the water. Was this an extension from the same one she and Trey had waded through earlier today? If it was, the water appeared deeper here. Wading was definitely out of the question this evening.
She stopped her horse, dismounted then tied the animal to a tree. As she lifted off her bonnet, she breathed deeply. The heavenly aroma floating through the air from a nearby lilac bush made her smile. Her father had loved this smell, and even hadperfumes and soaps made to match the scent for his wife and daughter.
Yearning for a time long gone crept upon her as tears gathered in her eyes. If her parents had lived, what would they be doing now? Certainly, she wouldn’t be standing here in the glade wondering about her future with Alex.
Or was he really meant to be in her life?
Situations happening lately spoke of a different turn of events. With her sudden attraction to Trey, she wondered if he was the man for her instead.
A laugh sprang from her throat. What a vivid imagination. Trey had tormented her endlessly as a child, and she feared for her life most of the time. Even now, he tormented her, but in a stimulating way. That emotion was so very different, yet she enjoyed the rush of heated tingles fluttering in her belly.
So was Trey supposed to be the man she fell in love with?
She rolled her eyes and kicked a pebble into the water. Men like Trey would never settle down. Their sole purpose in life was to woo every maiden that came in their path. Judith didn’t want a man like that. She wanted one who would love and shower her with affection. One who wanted to raise and support a family. Like her father had done. Men like Trey would not fit into this category.
The thundering of horse’s hooves pulled her attention away from the water and to the rider barreling down upon her. Gasping, she clutched the high-neck collar of her Spencer jacket and moved toward her mare. Good heavens, the rider would trample her any second now…
Chapter Fifteen
Closer the ridercame through the shadows of the evening, but she couldn’t see his face. Just as he was upon her, the outline of his body seemed familiar, and she breathed a heavy sigh of relief. What was Trey doing here? Could she be alone with him without those betraying tremors making her body warm and soft at the same time? Today while they played in the water, she’d grown close to him. Emotionally. He’d proven to her that she could finally trust him. He’d also proven to her that he enjoyed her nearness. While he’d held her so close, she’d felt his ragged breaths upon her face and the uneven rhythm of his heart.
He stopped his horse short and jumped down. This evening he wore brown riding breeches and black boots. A cravat was absent, but his white lawn shirt and brown waist jacket emphasized his perfect skin color, and made his blue eyes nearly shine. Relief was the best way to explain his expression and his wide smile as he walked toward her.
“There you are.” He tied his horse near hers. “I wondered what became of you.”
“Why?”
He faced her and his attention slid over her body. As each second passed, his smile widened and his eyes darkened. Her heartbeat knocked faster against her ribs.
“You seemed to have disappeared. Mother said she thought she saw you taking Bluebell out to ride.” He shrugged. “I couldnot help but worry about you riding through the estate with shadows all around.”
She arched a brow. “Why? Do you think the only time I can ride is during the daylight hours? I assure you, I have had riding lessons since I was old enough to sit on a horse.”
Chuckling, he drew closer. “I have seen firsthand how you can ride when the sun is not fully in the sky, my dear.”
Thinking of their meeting at the woodsman’s cottage caused her to blush. “Then why were you worried tonight?”
He stopped only a few feet in front of her. “I worried because I know how easily it is for you to sneak off without being noticed.” He winked.
Judith laughed. “Then I forgive you this time.”
His gaze boldly caressed her again, only slower. On impulse, she folded her arms and found the courage to raise her stubborn chin, facing him instead of cowering.
“I needed to be by myself for a while. That’s why I went riding.” She turned toward the stream, walking toward the edge. “It’s such a lovely evening. I could not let it pass without a short outing.”
“Indeed, it’s a perfect evening for being outdoors, but—” He grasped her elbow. “I fear because of the shadows, if you get any closer to that water, you will slip on the moist ground. This water is much deeper than what we had waded in earlier. I would hate for you to soil your dress.”
Warmth spread from his touch like wild fingers of comfort racing through her. She sucked in a breath and looked at him over her shoulder. Had the bolt of energy passed through him, also?
“No, Trey. I definitely don’t want to soil my dress. I do know how to handle myself in these circumstances. After all, I was raised in the country, or have you forgotten?”
“My dear, how could I forget something you remind me about every time we talk?”
“Yet you still insist on treating me like a child you have to keep an eye on.” She arched her brow. “Like now.”
