Trey had been on edge for two days since he’d caught Judith in his bedroom. Letting her leave his side that night was the hardest thing he’d ever done. Even while he watched her walk out the door, he wanted to pull her back into his arms and smother her with kisses until she agreed to stay.
He’d wanted her so much it hurt. Literally. The ache in his chest that night stayed quite a while. Her sweet smell of flowers had been in his room afterwards, and he’d lain awake all night in torture as he thought about her.
Plain and simple, the night had been pure agony. He’d wanted her, yet was relieved he hadn’t compromised her. Judith needed a husband who would stay faithful to her as they had babies and lived happy, long lives.
He couldn’t give her that, even if the idea tempted him. His father’s blood ran deep, and inevitably, Trey would become tired of her and seek another companion, just as he’d done with all the women who’d been in his life thus far. Women had been nothing but objects, and when Tristan died, this idea was branded into Trey’s mind deeper. He didn’t ever want to love a woman so much he’d risk his life, as his brother had done.
Although in Tristan’s situation, his mistress had lied to him. Lady Diana led Tristan to believe he was the only man for her. Unfortunately, her betrothed had different ideas. If only Trey had been quicker and more observant, he could have saved his brother that fateful night.
Since then, Trey realized how ruthless women could be. Judith may not be the deceitful person Lady Diana had been, but he wasn’t willing to give her his heart. Neither did he want to break hers, which assuredly, he would. Ruining her life was out of the question, even for a taste of one night in heaven. And paradise it would be, indeed. Judith was more passionate than most of the women he’d been with, which made resisting her that much harder.
From up the drive, a single-horse buggy came. Immediately, Trey recognized his solicitor. Trey hurried down the steps of the porch and met the man just as the buggy stopped. “Good day, Mr. Lewis.”
“It’s a good day, indeed.”
Trey smiled. “Does that mean you have more information?”
“I certainly do. Would you like to meet in your study?”
“Yes.” Trey motioned toward the study. “Please, let’s hurry with our meeting before Miss Faraday sees you. I don’t wish to explain what you have discovered.”
“Oh certainly, my lord. Especially right before her coming out ball. Isn’t it tonight?”
“You are correct. She must have a lovely time at her ball and not worry about Mr. Cutler.”
Trey led his solicitor into the study and closed the door. “Would you like a drink?”
“Thank you, but no. I promised my wife I would not indulge in spirits any earlier than one o’clock.”
Trey chuckled and poured a small amount of brandy for himself. “Please, don’t delay your findings, Mr. Lewis. I’m most anxious to hear what you have discovered.”
The solicitor sank to the cushioned sofa and withdrew papers from his satchel. “Last we talked, I made mention about Mr. Cutler’s income.”
Trey nodded. “You said he was poor.”
“That was what I had thought, but now I believe differently. That man has many secrets.”
Excitement pounded in Trey’s chest. Mr. Cutler was hiding more? The information would be well worth the wait, Trey was certain.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Trey walked tohis desk and sat on the chair. “What has Mr. Cutler been hiding now?”
“Three wealthy young widows have come forth with information about him. They have reported to be carrying on liaisons with the man. He used a different name each time, but their description of Mr. Cutler was the same. Apparently, he has a scar on his bottom lip. This was the feature they all brought up. When I talked to Mr. Cutler’s relatives, the ones who were Miss Faraday’s neighbors, they showed me a recent miniature of him, and indeed, we have the same man.”
Trey crossed one leg over the other as he swirled his brandy in the snifter. “Who are these young widows, may I ask?”
Mr. Lewis shook his head. “I promised them I would leave their names out of my report.”
“I understand.” Trey motioned with his hand. “Please continue.”
“Mr. Cutler had an affair with each, robbing them of most of their jewels before disappearing.”
Trey sat up straight, his leg dropping to the floor. “He robbed them, you say?”
“Yes. They have each filed charges against Mr. Cutler, but the police have yet to find him.”
“Good heavens, do you know what this means?” Panic flowed through Trey as he rose and paced the floor. “When Mr. Cutlerfinds out how much Miss Faraday is worth, he will return for her.” He bunched his hands into fists, thoughts clogging his mind with unanswered questions. “I will have to keep a closer watch over her so this man does not make contact.”
