“I agree, my lord.”
Trey stopped and looked at his solicitor. “Do you think Mr. Cutler is dangerous?”
Mr. Lewis shrugged. “The widows didn’t say. They said he’s very crafty with his charm, and carries himself as a gentleman, which is why they fell for his deceit.”
Shaking his head, Trey walked back to his desk and picked up his snifter, gulping down the rest. “We must not let that sway our minds. For all I know, he could be a murderer.”
“Very true.”
“Have you received any leads to where he’s hiding?”
“Still nothing, my lord, but I shan’t give up. After all, I did run across these three widows in my search. I’m quite certain I will find Mr. Cutler soon.”
Trey took a deep breath and ran his fingers through his hair. “Miss Faraday thought she’d seen him the other day in town. Because I have never met him, I could not help her search.”
Mr. Lewis shuffled through his papers and pulled out a miniature. “Here, my lord. This is yours to keep.”
The picture stared back at Trey. He studied the man who might eventually cause harm to Judith. Rage grew inside him as he thought about Mr. Cutler laying one finger on her. If that ever happened, Trey would run him through with a sharp blade.
“Thank you, Mr. Lewis. Now I will recognize him if he ever comes to my door.”And I’ll kill the thief on sight.
The solicitor stood and gathered his papers, stuffing them back into his satchel. “I will keep you posted, my lord.”
They walked out of the study and outside to the buggy. As the solicitor climbed in, Nic and Judith rode up the drive. Givinga nod to Mr. Lewis, Trey quickly dismissed him before Judith could ask any questions. Nic would know, and Trey only prayed his friend wouldn’t tell her. News like this would be devastating, especially on the day of her special event.
Nic and Judith stopped their horses near Trey. He smiled wide at his mother’s ward. Judith’s cheeks were pink, and her eyes sparkled. The bonnet she wore hadn’t held her ringlet hair together as wisps of locks fell across her forehead and by her ears. She was absolutely beautiful. He wished he didn’t feel so protective, but she’d grown on him and wiggled her way into his heart.
Stopping his thoughts, he held his breath.My heart?Had he really allowed her to enter? Nonsense! After what had happened to Tristan, Trey vowed he wouldn’t be another victim of love.
Once her horse stopped, he rushed to her side to help her dismount. Her gaze held his as he lifted her off, trying not to brush against her in the process, but her warmth still created havoc inside him. When her feet touched the ground, he released her and stepped away.
“How was your ride?” he asked with a smile.
“Perfect. I could not have asked for a better companion.”
An invisible knife slid through his chest. Why did she have to say it that way? She knew how he felt about Nic taking her riding. Trey had told her of his jealousy the night of her dinner party. Perhaps this was her way of making him more envious.
“Splendid. I’m relieved you had such a good time.”
She looked over her shoulder at Mr. Lewis’ buggy riding away. “Who was that?”
He couldn’t tell her. Perhaps after her ball, but not a moment sooner. “Just a business acquaintance.” Trey glanced at Nic as his friend dismounted, challenging Nic with his eyes not to say anything. Hawthorne must have taken the hint, because he just smiled.
Trey took a deep breath and met Judith’s stare. “Now, my dear, let’s get you inside. Mother is worried about you.”
“Why? I have ridden with Lord Hawthorne before.”
Taking her hand, he squeezed as he hooked it over his arm. “Not on the morning of your ball. Mother says there are many items she still requires to go over with you. I promised her I would get you inside the moment you returned.”
Judith swung her head in Nic’s direction. “My lord, I want to thank you for a refreshing jaunt around the estate.”
Dominic bowed. “The pleasure was all mine, Miss Faraday. I’m looking forward to seeing you tonight at your ball.”
“As am I.” She grinned.
Trey hurried them inside the house, not wanting to witness anymore flirty glances between the two. He’d never been a jealous man, but right now, he loathed his best friend and seriously thought about wringing the man’s neck.
Before they reached the drawing room where his mother awaited, Trey slowed and took Judith’s hand in his. He placed a kiss on her knuckles. “Until tonight, my sweet.” Trey stepped back and turned.
