He shook his head. “I don’t know how to repair this.”
“Should we leave?”
“Not yet. That will make it worse. We must remain a little while longer, but then not overstay our welcome. I also want you by my side. I saw the look of lust on some of the men here, and I don’t feel like making any threats tonight or calling anyone out. Is that understood?”
Warmth spread through her and she wanted to sigh aloud. “Ah, Trey,” she whispered. “Always my rescuer.”
He growled. “And stop looking at me that way.”
“What way is that?”
“That you are enamored with me. You don’t want tongues wagging, do you?”
Her grin widened. “I shall never tell, my lord.” She pushed passed him and proceeded to visit with the other guests, ignoring his instructions. He couldn’t call any man out tonight, but she would definitely start gossipmongers in action.
As the night wore on, she accomplished her goal. The more Trey’s forehead creased and his eyebrows drew together, the more she flirted. Dinner went well. She was seated by HenryPratt, which she gathered was done before they knew what gown she wore, but Judith made the best of an awkward situation.
While chatting, laughing, and batting her eyes at Mr. Pratt, Trey sat down across the table from her and glared at her the entire time. She’d hear plenty when they returned home, and she couldn’t wait for their heated debate.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Trey’s hands achedfrom bunching them into fists, not to mention how his jaw hurt from grinding his teeth. When the proper time came, Trey made excuses to both Henry and the viscountess, which they accepted happily.
The little actress he couldn’t keep ogling tonight walked beside him to the coach and he helped her inside without shaking some sense into her. No, he’d do that in private. It wasn’t good to have a scandal with his mother’s health declining.
Once the vehicle started on its way, Trey sat back and folded his arms while he stared at Judith. Her attention was on her fingers as they rested entwined on her lap. A grin touched her beautiful face, and he wanted to scold her about her behavior tonight. Then after he was done, he wanted to hold and kiss her.
For sure, he’d become one confused man since she had entered his life.
He adjusted himself on the seat. “So, Miss Faraday, do you have anything to say for yourself?”
Her gaze bounced up and met his, her smile growing wider. “No.”
Inwardly, he growled. “Was your performance on purpose? You know what kind of man Henry Pratt was, and yet you still insisted on wearing a provocative gown.”
“Yes.”
He rolled his eyes. “Would you answer both parts of my question?”
She tapped her finger on her chin. “There were two parts? The first half was clearly a question, but the second sounded more like an observation. It was your opinion, so why should I be expected to answer that?”
Taking a deep, calming breath, he rubbed his forehead. “Judith, you are being very obstinate, you know.”
“Yes, I do.”
“So tell me why. Knowing about Henry Pratt, why did you still wear that gown?”
Her eyes drooped half-mast as she plucked the tie of her cape, opening it to reveal the lovely gown again. She shrugged the garment off her shoulders.
“Do you not like it, my lord?” Her voice was lower than before. “I wore it because I thought you might approve.”
Desire leapt inside him again, and he balled his hands into fists, keeping himself from reaching for her and taking her in his arms. “My opinion is not in question here. The way you acted tonight made me wonder if you were purposely trying to cause a scandal.”
The corner of her mouth lifted. “Indeed?”
He leaned forward, grasping his knees. “I think I know what you are trying to do, and it will not work.”
“And what is that, my lord?”
