“Then if you will excuse me, I need to hurry to my room and get ready for tonight.”
“Have a pleasant time, my dear. I will enjoy myself by reading a book.” She patted the hardbound lying next to her on the bed.
As Judith exited the room, her smile grew. From what she’d heard about Mr. Pratt from Isabelle’s friends, the man’s family was in hopes of him becoming a man of God and having his own Parish. That told her Mr. Pratt was very conservative. He wouldn’t want a wife who thrived on wearing the most expensive gowns, not to mention the most gaudy.
Taking her time with her toilette, Judith made certain her appearance tonight would tease Trey in more ways than one. She would flirt outrageously, which was definitely something Henry Pratt wouldn’t want in a future wife, and she hoped Trey’s jealous streak would make itself known.
Trey would love the gown she chose for tonight’s entertainment since it showed more of her womanly attributes than her others. The dressmaker, Mrs. André, assured the dowager this was the latest fashion in France. Instead of a square neck, the bodice dipped dangerously low between the breasts, displaying an ample amount of bosom. The white mull was encased in silver tinsel embroidery. An elegant gown even a princess would wear. Judith’s maid styled her hair the way she did at her coming out ball. Ringlets fell around her head loosely, but the back was curled into a relaxed bun.
From down the hallway, the grandfather clock bonged nine times. Judith grinned. Time to go. Before leaving her room, she wrapped her long cloak around her, not showing a hint of what lay beneath. The unveiling would come later.
She was put out with Trey last night, only because she wanted his love desperately. She realized he wasn’t ready to admit he loved her, so she must have more patience. Dominichad mentioned making Trey jealous would do the trick. She would start the marquess’ plan tonight.
Trey met her at the front door. He looked regal in his deep green over-jacket, waistcoat and black breeches. His cravat was perfectly knotted against his throat, and Judith realized she preferred his neck bare so she could touch his skin.
He helped her outside to the coach, took her hand and assisted her inside. Once he was sitting across from her, he rapped on the wall to inform the driver to start their journey to Viscount Newby’s estate. Even in the semi-darkened vehicle, Trey’s warm gaze rested on her as a smile touched his sculptured mouth.
Trey cleared his throat. “Mother tells me Mr. Pratt is interested in courting you.”
“That’s what I hear,” she said softly.
“Has Mother told you about him?” Trey asked.
“Yes, she has, along with a few of her friends. While on Bond Street yesterday, we came across him in front of a shop. Your mother’s friends were playing matchmaker, but not very subtly. They told me how he will have his own Parish someday.”
Trey nodded. “Henry Pratt will make God proud, to be sure. He comes from a respectable family. Any lady would consider herself fortunate to be his wife.”
“Even me?” She cocked her head, keeping her stare on him.
He shrugged. “I don’t see why not. You, my dear Judith, will please most men, I’m quite certain.”
“Except you, correct?”
His smile disappeared and he folded his arms, moving his stare to outside the window. “Judith, I would rather not discuss this again. You know my feelings.”
“Indeed, I do, just as you know mine.”
The remainder of the ride was filled with silence, except for the clip-clop of the horses’ hooves and the wheels crunchingon the graveled roads. Occasionally, Trey cleared his throat or shifted in his seat, but he didn’t say another word.
When the coach stopped and their footman opened the door, Trey climbed down first, turned and reached his hand out to assist her. Gently, she slid her fingers against his palm. She held his gaze until she stood beside him. Her heart wrenched with frustration. Would he ever love her and give her a chance to make him happy? Or would his past secrets keep him from the one woman who could love him forever?
He tucked her hand around his elbow as he escorted her inside. The butler stood ready to take their wraps. Trey handed his garment to the older servant, before turning to assist Judith once again.
Holding back her grin, she tightened her mouth as Trey removed her cloak. He must have not noticed her gown at first because he handed her cloak to the butler without acting as if he was stunned by her appearance. But once he turned to her and held out his elbow for her to take, his gaze moved over her in a leisurely sweep. His eyes widened and his mouth hung open.
This was exactly the response she wanted.
Judith held herself from grinning too wide. Victory filled her, and she hoped it would remain throughout the evening.
Trey hitched his breath. “What the devil are you wearing?” he muttered before his gaze bounced up and met her eyes. “Why are you dressed like that?”
It was a good thing he kept his voice lowered for their ears only.
She gave him a shrug of innocence. “What do you mean, my lord?”
His eyes narrowed. “Do not play coy with me, my dear. You know what I mean.” Once again, his gaze moved over her body. “Why are you wearing that gown? It’s so…so…”
“Provocative? Seductive?”
