“Oh, yes.” Trey quickly dismissed the doubt sneaking into his mind about Judith and told Nic the exciting news.
Hawthorne’s eyes widened. “Cutler is impersonating a lieutenant?”
“Indeed, which means the Royal Navy is also looking for him.”
“Well, that’s one black mark against him. Is that all?”
“For now.” Trey took another gulp of his ale. “Apparently, Mr. Cutler is hiding from someone or something, because all the leads given to my solicitor come up dead.”
“Interesting. Does make me wonder what else the man is trying to hide.”
“Indeed, it does. I can only speculate, and it’s not good.”
“How do you think Miss Faraday is going to take this?” Nic asked.
Little by little, excitement built in Trey’s chest, and the fantasy he’d imagined earlier resurfaced. He knew she’d be devastated, but he also planned to give comfort in any way he could.
Nic shook his head. “I think she will not be very thrilled about the news. Perhaps I should be the one to tell her.”
Once again, jealous anger shot through Trey. Instead of lashing out physically, he clutched his cup in a death-like grip, holding in his disgruntled thoughts. No! Nic was not going to comfort her. Trey knew what comfort his friend had in mind. Very similar to the kind Trey wanted to give. His friend wouldn’t be allowed such privileges.
“Actually, Hawthorne,” Trey mumbled between clenched teeth, “I was not going to tell her just yet, but wait until I have the whole sordid story of her dear fiancé first.”
“Excellent idea.” Nic raised his drink in a salute before gulping the rest down in one swallow. He set the empty cup on the table then relaxed back in his chair. “So Worthington, when do you suggest I call upon Miss Faraday?”
Trey had lifted his drink to his lips and sipped when Nic’s question came out. Trey choked on the burning liquid as it stung his eyes and nose. “You cannot be serious. You really intend to court Judith?”
His friend shrugged. “Like I mentioned before, I think she will be quite entertaining. She has so much passion in her when she’s vexed with you, I cannot help but imagine how much passion she would have if the right man were to take her in his arms and shower her with affection.”
Trey seethed until his lungs blazed with heavy breaths. He wouldn’t allow Nic to court Judith. His friend couldn’t know how correct he was in assuming the depths of passion lurking inside the woman. Perhaps the way to deal with this situation would be to ignore Nic’s request. Clearly, the Marquess of Hawthorne was the wrong man for Judith.
Slowly, the anger inside Trey diminished. That’s what he’d do. Hopefully, Judith would listen to his advice without argument. Although, he sure enjoyed arguing with her and seeing the light in her eyes sparkle.
“Well, certainly you have to wait until her coming out ball. But as I said before, Hawthorne, I think you should wait until after she learns about Mr. Cutler.” Trey threw his money on the table before pushing away and standing. “I hope you don’t mind, but I must get back to business matters. I told Mother I would only be gone for a few days, which does not leave me that long to put everything in order.”
“I understand.” Nic stood and he, too, put down money for the barmaid.
As the two men made their way outside, Trey ran head-on into a strapping man who came through the door. Preparing to apologize, Trey looked up into a set of familiar eyes. Before he had a chance to collect his thoughts, the man arched a brow, giving Trey that big brother demeaning glare.
“What is this I hear about you and my ward?” Trevor demanded in a deep, booming voice that nearly rattled the windows on the building.
Trey narrowed his eyes toward his big brother. What had his older brother heard now? Nobody could possibly know how Trey thought of nothing but Judith.
Or could they?
He forced himself to smile at Trevor and clapped him on the back. “Trevor. What a surprise to see you in town.”
His brother’s eyes darkened as he narrowed his gaze on Trey. “I’m quite certain it is a surprise.”
“Would you like to walk with me as I head back to my office? I fear I cannot chat long since my business ventures are waiting.”
Trevor nodded. “Certainly.”
Nic cleared his throat and stepped ahead of them. “If you will excuse me, I shall leave you two alone to catch up on old times.” He bowed slightly to Trevor. “Your Grace, it’s a delight to see you again.”
“As it is you, Hawthorne.” Trevor smiled as Nic walked out the door.
With Trey’s heartbeat knocking against his ribs, he led his brother outside in the direction of his office. What did his older sibling know about Trey’s feelings toward Judith? And worse, how many others knew it, too? Could rumors about him and Judith be circling London without his knowledge?
