“I had heard that rumor.” Nic kept in step beside Trey. “I don’t know how any man could let someone else govern their life and tell them who to marry.”
Trey placed the hat on his head before turning to meet Nic’s stare. “Although I’m not planning to marry, if something were to happen to Trevor, leaving me the next in line, I would have to find a wife and create heirs. But I have been thinking a lot since Trevor’s nuptials. If I have to marry, I will choose a woman whocompliments my lifestyle and is beautiful and passionate beyond reason.”
Nic snorted. “And one that will not argue with you, correct?”
“Absolutely.” Trey nodded. “Why should I marry a woman I cannot come to terms with? My parents were not satisfied with that kind of arrangement, so why should I be?”
“Very true.”
“Besides that, I know firsthand how a controlling woman can ruin a man’s life. Look at my poor brother, Tristan, rest his soul. If he had not met up with Lady Diana, he might still be alive today.” Trey’s heart sank. And if he had responded quicker, Tristan would definitely be alive.
Nic clapped his hand on Trey’s shoulder. “I had forgotten about her, but you are quite right. She was a crafty woman for certain.”
Together, they stepped onto the cobblestone street and crossed to the other side, heading toward the nearest drinking establishment. Many carriages and buggies blocked their way, and Trey had to quicken his step to keep from getting hit. Lords and Ladies clustered the side paths, and especially in front of the stores. Gossip ran thick through London, especially this part of Town.
“So tell me, my good man,” Trey began, “what kind of wife do you plan to settle down with?”
Nic threw back his head and laughed. “What makes you think I’m going to settle?”
“We all will eventually, to have heirs, of course.”
“I don’t believesettleis the correct word. The woman I marry is someone whom I can talk easily to, and one that can fulfill my deepest desires. I can only hope she thinks the way I do, and enjoys the occasional sport.”
Trey nodded. “Ah, yes. One who’s not uneventful. I understand.”
Nic scrubbed his chin. “Actually, Worthington, I’m surprised you brought up this conversation.”
“Why is that?”
“Because, ever since I met your mother’s ward, I have been thinking about her quite a bit. I might be interested in getting to know her on a more personal level.”
Trey stumbled but quickly righted himself, hoping Nic hadn’t noticed. Irritation and a twinge of jealousy shot through Trey. Dominic could not possibly have feelings for Judith. Trey wouldn’t allow it!
Chapter Eighteen
Trey stopped andglared at his friend, balling his hands into fists behind his back. Anger and confusion poured through him and he wanted to take his friend by the cravat and shake him. Trey shoved his fists into his pockets. “Miss Faraday? You think you have feelings for Judith?”
Nic tossed him an indifferent glance before resuming his stroll. “I said Imightbe interested in courting her. The night of her mock dinner party, she kept me thoroughly entertained. She has a quick wit, that’s for certain.”
“Indeed, she does, and whether you know it or not, she was trying to make a fool out of me in the process.”
Hawthorne laughed again. “Exactly. That’s what I found very entertaining about her.”
Growling, Trey marched ahead and into the pub in front of Nic. They walked to a table and sat. Trey needed a strong drink quickly to drown out the frustration flowing through him. Within seconds a barmaid stood by their side with two cups of ale in her hands, placing them on the table. Once she was gone, Trey wanted to change the subject, because discussing Dominic courting Judith was definitely out of the question.
“Worthington? What ails you? Don’t you think Judith is a breath of fresh air? From what I have observed about her thus far, she’s unlike any woman I have ever met.”
The anger level in Trey kicked up a notch. He did not want to discuss this. Yet, he couldn’t make a scene. Nic might get the wrong impression about his feelings.
Trey paused in thought. What exactly were his feelings for Judith? True, she tempted him as no other woman had done before, but perhaps it was because she was forbidden? Her kisses ignited a fire deep inside him he’d never experienced.
“I have to admit, Miss Faraday is certainly different. She has me confused most of the time,” Trey mumbled.
“Confused about what?” Nic leaned forward and wrapped his fingers around the cup, but didn’t drink.
Staring at his ale, Trey tried to think of an intelligent answer. He didn’t want Nic to know Judith made him insane with desire. His friend knew there hadn’t been a woman to accomplish this. It was hard enough for Trey to admit it now. “I’m confused about what kind of woman she is. She says her parents have schooled her, yet sometimes she says or does something that contradicts her words. I want to find the best husband for her, but heaven help me, I don’t know how to go about looking because just when I think I have her figured out, she changes. She’s a wild-cat one minute and a sweet, purring kitten the next.”
Nic finally sipped his drink. “Have you heard anything from your solicitor?”
