The dowager chuckled. “That’s a very nice way to say it.” She wiped her tears. “But the answer is yes, in a sense. Trey had always been a wayward child and young man, but after Tristan’sdeath, Trey’s attitude toward everything changed, especially his taste in female companionship. As hard as Trevor and I tried, we could not persuade Trey to think differently.”
“I suppose he will never change,” Judith said hesitantly as sadness hung in her chest.
“That’s yet to be decided. I think all people can alter their lifestyles, especially men. Trey needs to find the right woman, I believe. Once he loses his heart to the perfect lady, he will change. I’m certain of it.”
Judith’s heart wrenched. The older woman had such high hopes. How well did she know her own son? Was there a chance he would change? Deep inside, Judith wanted to be the woman to transform him into a better man. Inwardly, she chuckled. Why did she think that? Of all people,shewas certainly not the woman for Trey.
Yet why did the idea take root in her mind, and especially her heart? She wanted to ignore common sense and at least try to help.
Chapter Seventeen
Trey sat acrossfrom his solicitor and tapped his fingers on the desk. Mr. Lewis gathered his papers and set them on the corner of the dark oak top, pushing them until they touched Trey’s fingers.
“It’s all there, my lord. I still have a few more leads to follow, but that shouldn’t take much time.”
Nodding, Trey picked up the first page and glanced at the words, not letting anything register in his head. He really didn’t need to. Mr. Lewis had told Trey what he needed to know.
Alexander Cutler was a deceiver and poor as a church mouse.
Maybe poorer.
“As you will see on page two,” the solicitor added, “Mr. Cutler had never been a part of the Royal Navy. If he continues portraying an officer, the Royal Navy will have him arrested.”
“Sounds as though arresting the man is the wisest decision regardless of his impersonation,” Trey muttered. “I sincerely hope this man is found and judged for his crimes.”
Originally, he’d hired a solicitor to find Mr. Cutler so Judith could be married and out of his hair as quickly as possible, but the more he grew to know her, the more he hoped Mr. Cutler would fade from her life.
Fortune smiled upon Trey once again. This was the very thing he needed to keep the man away from Judith. Now Trey would have to tell her that her dear beloved officer wasn’t whomhe proclaimed. She’d be devastated, and rightly so. Her hopes and dreams of marriage would crash around her, putting her into the pit of despair. Trey would be right by her side to comfort of course. She’d cry in his arms, and he’d soothe her the only way he knew how. The idea excited him, and he almost looked forward to the prospect.
Groaning silently, he shifted in his chair and looked at Mr. Lewis. “Have you found where Mr. Cutler is hiding?”
“No. I asked around and a few people have spotted him, but the man certainly doesn’t want to be found, my lord.”
Trey pushed his fingers through his hair. “Makes me wonder if Mr. Cutler even knows how much Miss Faraday’s inheritance is worth. Now I think the man does not. If he knew how wealthy the young lady was, Mr. Cutler would have been sniffing at her heels the day after her parents were buried.”
“It makes sense, my lord. I think when Mr. Cutler finally discovers her wealth, he will return to claim her.”
“You are thinking as I am, Mr. Lewis. Greedy lowlifes like Cutler always resurface when they believe their prey most vulnerable.” Thoughts of Judith disappearing without a word to meet Cutler again raced through his mind, churning his stomach.
“Not to fret, my lord. I shall stay on the case until he’s found, I assure you.”
“Splendid.” Trey stood, as did the solicitor, and they shook hands. “I hope to hear from you soon.”
“You will, my lord.”
As Mr. Lewis left, Trey began planning when he’d give Judith the information about her dear fiancé. Trey would take Judith somewhere secluded, so they wouldn’t be disturbed—somewhere he could hold her comfortably while cuddling the sobbing woman in his arms and shower her with kisses. As always, she’d melt in his embrace and quickly respond. Themoment would definitely be enjoyable. He couldn’t wait to experience that out-of-control emotion while kissing her. Just like what happened yesterday evening. He’d enjoyed their private moment in the glade more than he should, because now he wanted more.
Smiling, he grabbed his coat and hat as he hurried out of the office, closing the door behind him. As he practically skipped down the stairs two at a time, he nearly ran into a wide form stopped at the doorway. His friend, Nic, peered over his shoulder at someone outside, his forehead creased in close scrutiny.
“Hawthorne, old sport,” Trey greeted. “What are you about this afternoon?”
“I do believe your brother is in town this morning. I have not seen him for quite some time.” He glanced at Trey before looking outside again.
“Trevor’s here? Are you certain?” Trey stepped to the opened doorway and peered out. As Nic mentioned, the duke’s coach stood in front of the tailor shop. “How remarkable! He has come out of hiding.”
Nic chuckled. “Why was he in hiding to begin with?”
Trey stepped out on the boardwalk as he shrugged on his over-coat. “He was not really trying to hide. He just needed time to get to know his new wife. Their marriage was arranged, you know.”
