She could have screamed. Trey would take back his words when she showed him her tactics of persistence. He knew something about Alex, and she’d not rest until he had told her every word. Yet, she knew how hardheaded Trey had been in the past. Teasing her was his greatest accomplishment. So how could she get him to confess? Perhaps she’d make a bargain with him of some sort. He’d told her many times before how much she tempted him.
She grinned. Yes, she’d tempt him the only way she knew how.
Giddiness was a perfect way to describe Judith tonight. Of course, the several glasses of champagne had much to do withher state of mind. With each glass of spirits, she flirted more, danced more, and laughed as if she didn’t have a care in the world. Dancing seemed to go on all night, but she allowed man after man to take her out on the floor and swing her in their arms.
Dominic, her dear friend, saved her on a few occasions when a man or two had become overzealous, and she was thankful for the marquess’ interruption. Dominic assured her she was acting normal and that the dowager was very pleased with tonight’s events. He also kept assuring her that Trey couldn’t keep his eyes off her.
It seemed strange Dominic would tell her such a thing, especially when he didn’t know what intimacies had happened between her and Trey. Nonetheless, she smiled and accepted the praise. She also promised not to drink another glass of champagne for fear the room would spin more than it was already thus far tonight.
She had kept her word and occasionally captured Trey’s attention, reminding him he had something to tell her. He laughed and handed her another glass of champagne, the rogue! The glimmer in his eye let her know he thought this a game.
A game, indeed. She would certainly show him how to play when she got him alone. And she would before the night was over.
When the last person left, she sighed with relief. Trey and his mother stood beside her as she bid their guests farewell and the butler closed the door. Judith turned to Trey and grinned, arching her brow, but before she muttered a word, the dowager took Judith in her arms and hugged her tight.
“Oh, my dear. This was the most magnificent night.” Isabelle pulled away. “You made me so proud, as if you were my own daughter.” She cupped Judith’s face. “How can I thank you forallowing me to give you this? I know your parents are smiling down at us from heaven.”
Judith nodded. “They certainly are. Thank you for your help, Your Grace.” She turned to Trey. “And yours of course, my lord.”
He bowed slightly. “The pleasure was all mine, my dear. Now, if you will excuse me, I must leave. I fear I still have some unfinished business to take care of in my study. Goodnight Mother, Judith.”
Before she could stop him, he bolted down the hall as if his heels were on fire. Irritation boiled inside her and she fisted her hands. She’d get this resolved tonight whether he wanted it or not.
“Come, my dear,” the dowager said as she tugged on Judith’s arm. “I shall take you to your room.”
What else could Judith do but follow? Grudgingly, she walked beside her guardian until she opened the door to her bedroom and stepped inside. After the door closed behind her, she stomped to her vanity table and sat on the stool. Her maid had laid her nightgown on her bed, but she would not retire yet. Dealing with Trey was more important. Of course, she must wait a few minutes to make certain the dowager settled in her room, first.
While she waited, she pulled off her elbow-length gloves and removed her jewelry. She took out the ribbons weaved in her hair, pulled out the bun, then tugged at the ringlets. Using the brush, she finished straightening her hair. She remembered how Trey liked it down, and if she must tempt him tonight, she’d have to look the part. Getting him to confess what he knew was vital, and she’d do anything to get it.
Once her hair was the way she wanted, she left her room. With most of the lamps in the hallway extinguished, shadows followed her as she crept down the stairs to Trey’s study. Hisdoor cracked open enough for a small amount of light to shine into the hallway.
Slowly, she pushed the door open. Trey sat at his desk, only a few lamps dimly illuminating the room as he stared at the papers in front of him, drumming his fingers on the oak. He had removed his over-jacket and waistcoat. Even his cravat was missing and his shirt hung open at the throat.
Indeed, he was a powerfully handsome man.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Silence filled theroom. Judith’s heartbeat knocked against her ribs, and she feared Trey would hear. A pop from the fireplace jerked her attention to the low burning logs that had just broken. The heat made the room cozy, which in turn made her sleepy. Then again, that was probably the effect of the champagne.
“Please come in, my sweet. I have been waiting for you.”
Trey’s deep voice made her jump, and she placed her hand on her chest.
“Close the door, if you will.”
Her hands shook as she did as he asked, wondering why she should be the one out of sorts tonight. She’d come for answers and wouldn’t leave until he gave them. Then again, it was how she intended to get the answers that made her anxious.
She cleared her throat. “You’ve been waiting for me, my lord?”
Finally, he turned his head and stood. Even in the low lighting it was evident desire lit his eyes.
“But of course. After all, you did promise you were going to talk to me tonight. Did you not?”
“I did.”
His bold gaze caressed every inch of her, inspecting her person as if she stood before him in her bedclothes. Her heartbeat thudded faster and her limbs quaked with nervousness. His nearness made her dizzy.
