“Enjoying yourself?” the marquess asked.
She chuckled. “As much as I dare. Everything is still a blur to me. I just hope I don’t disappoint Her Grace.”
“I’m quite certain you will perform splendidly. After all, you were taught by the best.” He winked.
“Who?” She bit back a laugh. “Lord Trey?”
“Who else can there be?” He chuckled.
“Oh, he didn’t teach me, my lord, although don’t let him know that. The knowledge would crush him, I fear.” She leaned closer and lowered her voice. “You know what an ego that man has.”
The marquess threw back his head and laughed, which lightened her heart. If all the men were like him, she wouldn’t have to worry about her ability to communicate for the rest of the evening. Unfortunately, most men were like Trey, only wanting to steal a few kisses and take some liberties.
Before she knew it, she was in the arms of another man. For the life of her, she couldn’t recall his name, but their conversation went well. At least the dance was more festive, and she barely had to touch him. As they moved around the room, she searched for Trey. He had definitely tried to hide himself tonight, because she couldn’t see him anywhere. He hadn’t danced with anyone, and from what she could see, he wasn’t standing by the buffet table, either. Could he possibly be outside? Alone? Or worse—with another woman?
It didn’t matter, she tried to convince herself. She suspected he had a mistress and had to put the poor woman on hold while he assisted his mother’s ward. Still, it didn’t stop Judith from searching for him every chance she got.
A man she hadn’t seen since childhood occupied one of her dances. Her heart softened. Trevor Worthington, Duke of Kenbridge, had been a tease as a boy, but as he grew older, he treated her with kindness. He’d been the big brother she never had.
Although she wanted to squeal with delight and throw her arms around his neck, she didn’t. They were no longer children. But his smile told her he hadn’t forgotten their friendship.
“Good evening, Miss Faraday. What a pleasure it is to see you again.”
Her grin stretched wider. “It’s certainly a pleasure to see you, Your Grace.”
The dance was slower, and Judith welcomed the rhythm. “I have not yet congratulated you on your recent marriage.”
“I thank you.”
“Did you bring your wife tonight? I would very much like to be introduced to her.”
He shook his head. “She’s laid up in bed. Doctor’s orders.”
“Then please pass on my regards to your wife. I hope she feels better soon.”
Trevor looked too much like Trey, except the older brother didn’t have the easy-going expression in his eyes. His gaze was too serious. Trevor seemed an inch taller, and maybe just a bit broader through the shoulders. But his dark hair and eyes were nearly the same. Thankfully, Trevor’s personality was far different from his younger brother’s. Trevor had always been London’s greatest catch for a husband. Judith hoped his new wife appreciated him.
“So, Miss Faraday,” Trevor said.
“Yes?”
“Has my brother treated you well during your stay?”
She studied Trevor’s expression. His tight jaw and arched brows let her know his question was serious. Then again,he would know more than anyone what kind of man Trey portrayed.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“He has beenthe perfect model of a gentleman,” Judith lied, trying not to laugh at the same time. “I have to admit, the first few days of my stay were quite rocky, but we learned to get along.”
Trevor chuckled. “I remember when my brother used to tease you as a child. It’s good to know he overcame this habit.”
“Well, it did take some time, but we eventually figured out a way to talk without any serious repercussions.”
He laughed. For the remainder of the dance, his expression seemed more relaxed, which eased her mind. Apparently, Trevor worried about her innocence, too. He certainly had every right to think this way.
When Trevor left her side, another gentleman claimed her. By the eighth dance, she begged for a moment of rest. Her escort hurried to fetch a glass of champagne. She wasn’t left alone for very long when several men gathered around to talk. They were charming, and quite handsome, but she dismissed them easily, knowing she was not choosing a husband tonight or any night, for that matter. It baffled her how many men sought her out due to her inheritance.
Men like that could not be trusted.
