“I did?”
“Yes, and you will lie right here until Trey comes for us.”
The dowager nodded, her eyes drifting closed.
Judith stood inside the room, wringing her hands against her bosom. When was Trey coming? They needed to get Isabelle home, or to a doctor.
Soon, heavy breaths and soft snores came from the other woman. Judith left the room, closing the door behind her, and hurrying out into the dining area. Still, no Trey. She marched to the front door and peeked outside. The walkway was too busy for her to see anyone, so she stepped outside a little farther.
Coaches passed and she studied the crests painted on the doors to see if any belonged to the Worthington family. The wind picked up and teased the curls by her ears. Soon her arms grewcold, but she had to keep looking for him, so she rubbed her hands on her skin to keep herself warm.
Suddenly, the hairs on the back of her neck rose as the distinct feeling of being watched came over her. Fear inched its way up her spine, stilling her heartbeat. Slowly, she glanced around the area, searching for anyone with his or her gaze on her. Many people had looked her way, but they weren’t the cause of the fright lodged in her throat. Her head warned her to hurry back inside and wait for Trey. Yet her stubbornness kept her outside in the cooling temperature.
Her name whispered through the wind and she swung around to see who was behind her. Once again, she didn’t recognize anyone. So why did she hear her name being called?
The cool air turned chillier, and she rubbed her hands over her arms quicker. But the cold dread in her chest didn’t disappear. In fact, it grew.
Looking from one person to the other, she searched every face that passed by, hoping to find the root of her worry. Heavy footsteps came up behind her and a strong hand clasped her shoulder.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Judith squealed andspun around, ready to defend herself with shaky fists. Trey stood before her, so close his spicy scent filled her senses, calming her.
He glanced from her balled hands up to her face before a grin broke out on his face. “My dear, this is a very awkward way to greet me, do you not agree?”
She sighed heavily and relaxed her arms. “Oh, Trey. I was so worried.”
Immediately, he grasped her shoulders as his gaze narrowed. “Judith? Where’s my mother?”
“She became ill and we took her to one of the back rooms. That is why I’m out here looking for you.”
She grabbed his hand and led him through the eating establishment to the back room. When they reached their destination, Trey walked ahead and entered first. He knelt beside the bed and took his mother’s frail hand in his strong one.
“Mother? Can you hear me?”
Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled weakly. “Trey. You are finally here.”
“What’s wrong?” He swiped his hand across her forehead. “You don’t feel feverish.”
She shivered. “Exactly opposite, I’m afraid. I’m very cold. I think we should return home now.”
He shook his head. “Not with you feeling like this. I will take you to my townhouse, instead. It’s only a few minutes away.”
Isabelle’s eyes widened and her gaze flew over Trey’s shoulder and landed on Judith. “But…” She looked back at Trey. “We cannot go there. That’s a bachelor’s residence.”
“Mother, I refuse to hear any arguments.” He stood, but the older woman kept hold of his hand.
“What about your…mistress,” she whispered.
Judith sucked in a quick breath. Trey glanced over his shoulder and looked directly at her. Guilt dulled his eyes before he turned back to his mother.
“We will not talk about such nonsense, Mother. I’m taking you there and that’s final.”
Judith’s heart plummeted to the pit of her stomach, crumbling into a million pieces. He’d practically confessed. She sank against the wall as tears stung her eyes. The room became smaller and suffocating. Anger built inside her also, and that made her strong.
The man wearing the apron who worked here opened the door and walked in. “Is everything all right?” He directed his question to Trey.
Judith took the opportunity to leave since the door was open and Trey was slightly distracted. She pulled away from the wall and hurried out of the room. A tear slipped down her cheek before she realized she was crying. Angrily, she wiped the moisture away. She wasn’t going to cry!
