“Yes.”
She grinned and lifted her chin. “I want to look my best, Trey darling. How else am I going to land a husband?”
Leaving him behind, she walked ahead and into the room filled with dinner guests. Immediately, she spotted Mr. Pratt, so she sashayed toward him. It was hard not to notice the gasps and stares from the others as she passed. Her appearance shocked the older women in the group, and made most of the men stare with open mouths, pretty much the way Trey had when he first noticed her.
When Henry Pratt finally looked her way, his eyes widened and his face flamed a brilliant red. Judith stopped right in front of him and curtsied low. When she finally stood straight and met his eyes, they were diverted elsewhere as he stiffened his body.
“Good evening, my lord.”
He nodded and glanced very briefly at her. “Miss Faraday.”
“I must pass on the dowager duchess’ apologies for not coming tonight. Yesterday afternoon she became quite ill and she has not fully recovered.”
Although she watched his every move, he tried not to look her way at all, and when he did, his gaze dropped to her bosom.
“Oh, I understand.” He quickly looked away again. “I pray she has a speedy recovery.”
From the corner of the room, an older woman with silver hair rushed to Henry Pratt’s side. Judith didn’t need to be told this was the over-protective mother. But before Judith could say anything, someone’s warm hand brushed against her arm. She knew who it was. Her body had become familiar with Trey’s touch by now.
“Mr. Pratt. Lady Newby.” Trey bowed. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.”
When the older woman looked upon Trey, her smile reached her eyes, making them sparkle. But when the viscountess movedher attention to Judith, loathing darkened the depths of her brown eyes.
“Lady Newby,” Trey began, “I don’t think I have introduced you to my mother’s ward, Miss Judith Faraday.”
“No,” the older woman snipped. “You have not.”
Judith curtsied, as was customary, but didn’t dip as low this time. Obviously impressing Henry’s mother wasn’t necessary. “It’s a privilege to meet you, Lady Newby.”
“Likewise, I’m sure.” The lady’s face remained solemn.
“Lady Newby, Mr. Pratt, if you will excuse us, I must have a word with my mother’s ward.”
“Very well.” The viscountess lifted her chin, her gaze still shooting daggers at Judith.
Wrapping his hand around her elbow, he urged Judith to follow, which she did. They passed other couples she recognized, and she smiled and nodded in greeting. Trey didn’t appear put out, but the tight grip he had on her elbow proved otherwise. He pulled her to the corner of the room and stopped, facing her and blocking her from the other guests. She didn’t mind. She’d rather have his attention than anyone else’s.
“I’m certain you know you have insulted the hostess tonight.” His voice was low.
She nodded. “A blind man would have been able to see the heated sparks of anger coming from the viscountess’ eyes.”
“And yet you continue to smile?” He arched a brow. “Pray, Miss Faraday, does this not worry you?”
“Not at all, my lord. Everyone has a right to their own opinion.”
He blew out a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Yet now I’m the one who has to repair the damage.”
“Damage?” She studied his worried expression. “What damage?”
His gaze moved across her bodice again, this time, his eyes darkened with desire. Her heartbeat quickened, and her palms grew moist. She wished they were alone. Because they weren’t, she anticipated his next move. Would he indeed do something scandalous?
“You are not dressed properly, my sweet,” he muttered. “You were told how this family lives, and so you should have dressed accordingly.” He finally lifted his eyes to hers. “Your gown is most daring.”
“I know.” She smiled. “I was in the mood to wear it tonight.”
“Why? Because my mother is not here?”
She chuckled. “Perhaps.”
