“Wait.”
Excitement leapt in his chest when he looked at her. “What is it?”
“I—I just wanted to tell you…”
He stepped closer and took her hands. “Yes?”
“Lord Hawthorne asked that I save the first dance for him. I told him yes. I hope you approve.”
Jealousy squashed his excitement quickly, leaving a hollow ache in his chest. “Why, of course. I know Nic is just your friend.” Although he said the words, he wished his heart believed it.
A soft smile graced her face. “Indeed, he is.”
He patted her hands. “Fine. Then I shall see you tonight. You and Mother will have a splendid afternoon getting ready, I assure you. Before you know it, this night will be but a memory.”
“Oh, I certainly hope so.” She sighed. “I really didn’t want your mother to go through so much trouble on my behalf, and really, I cannot wait until this night is over.”
“Me, either.” But for entirely different reasons.
“Thank you, Trey, for everything.” She turned and walked into the drawing room.
Why did he feel as if she were saying good-bye, as if she were bringing a closure to their relationship? With a heavy heart, he walked away, knowing that tonight would be an ending, because without a doubt, men would be lined up at the door on the morrow, seeking her hand in marriage. Once Trey told her about Mr. Cutler’s lies, she would assuredly find another man.
Sighing wearily, he nodded. As it should be.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Judith gazed atthe full-length mirror at the unhappy woman staring back. Her parents would be pleased with everything the dowager had done. Judith imagined her mother and father looking down from heaven and smiling upon their daughter, pleased that she was finally entering into society.
Sorrow twisted Judith’s heart. If only they could be here to share this night with her. But then, if they were, Judith wouldn’t be having this evening. She wouldn’t be living at the dowager’s estate, and Judith certainly wouldn’t be having improper feelings for her guardian’s son. In fact, if her parents were alive, Judith might be married to Alex.
Another spasm shot through her heart. She couldn’t possibly believe what Trey’s solicitor had discovered. Alexwasin the Royal Navy. Doubts filled her head and her heart leaned toward Trey’s reasoning. If Alex were the honest man she’d believed him to be, he would have come for her. He would have met her at the woodsman’s cottage and taken her as his wife. And he most certainly wouldn’t have run from her when she called his name the other day in town.
Sighing, she ran her white-gloved hands down her gown, over the few ruffles and lace that created the ice-blue sensation she wore. The puffy shoulders and square neck bodice enhanced her slender figure and made her look more like a mature woman. Her ringlet-styled hair wasn’t as tight as she’d worn it, either.The dowager’s hairdresser insisted that tonight Judith’s hair should be alluring as it wove loosely into a bun and the relaxed ringlets swept across her partially bare shoulders, enticing the gentleman to her side.
Really, there was only one man Judith wanted to entice tonight—the very man she shouldn’t. Yet, the excitement building inside her was because of him. She couldn’t wait to see his eyes when she walked into the ballroom. Before, his gaze had always darkened with desire, and she hoped the same would happen tonight.
She should be put out with him for keeping secrets from her. This morning when she returned from riding, Trey and Dominic exchanged knowing glances. Immediately, she felt out of place, as if she’d entered into a secret conversation. It had to be that man who she’d seen leaving. Trey had said he was a business acquaintance, but she believed he was something more. Even the dowager had mentioned during their mid-meal that she’d seen Trey’s solicitor leaving this morning. Obviously, Trey knew something, and he wasn’t going to tell her. Tonight she’d get it out of Trey one way or another. If it was about Alex, she wanted to know now.
The chimes from her clock announced the hour. Time to make her grand entrance. Dominic promised he’d help to keep the money-hungry men away from her. What a dear man he was, and such a good friend. At first, she wondered about his interest in her, but now she knew he wasn’t after a relationship. In fact, at times it seemed all he wanted to do was make Trey jealous, because the only times Lord Hawthorne fawned over her was when Trey was near. She grinned. She didn’t mind helping the marquess with that task. It was quite enjoyable.
Slowly, she walked out of her bedroom and made her way down the grand staircase. The guests had already filled thehallway, spilling into the ballroom. She took a deep breath.This is for you, Mother.
As Judith descended, the room grew quiet and all eyes were on her. A steady rhythm beat in her chest as she tried to remain calm. She searched for Trey, hoping she’d find him immediately. No such luck. Isabelle Worthington waited at the end of the stairs by herself. The older woman’s eyes shined with glistening tears as she watched Judith.
A movement caught her attention as a tall dark-head man hurried out of the ballroom. When Trey turned Judith’s way, her heart leapt. He stopped and gaped wide. Beside him, Dominic whispered something to Trey that made him snap his mouth close and straighten, but his eyes remained fixed on her. Just as she’d hoped, they darkened with emotion the closer she came.
When she neared the bottom of the stairs, Trey moved silently through the crowd, meeting her at the last step. He took her gloved hand and kissed her fingers.
“You are absolutely breathtaking,” he whispered for her ears only.
She curtsied. “Thank you, my lord.”
He hooked her arm through his and escorted her into the ballroom beside his mother where they stopped and faced the crowd. Although Judith knew the dowager was here, she couldn’t take her eyes off Trey long enough to see what the older woman was doing. Trey wore a black double-breasted over-jacket with tails, a white shirt and cravat, along with white trousers. A king couldn’t have looked more dignified and regal at this moment.
The crowd gathered around them for an introduction. Judith smiled, nodded, and curtsied, but after ten minutes, all the names and faces became a blur. Trey stayed beside her, close enough that their arms touched. She liked that almost too much.
Finally, the dancing began. Just as Dominic promised, he swept her away into the ballroom. He was as tall as Trey, his shoulders were almost as wide. They were both very handsome men, but Trey outshined his friend in all aspects.
