She smiled wide. “Yes,” she sighed.
The tune was slower than the country-dances the stringed quartet had played thus far, which Judith was grateful for. The first few moments, she was lost just staring into his warm eyes. He didn’t smile, nor did he frown, but the intense focus in his eyes made her heart hammer faster.
Finally, the corners of his mouth lifted in a grin. “You really do look radiant tonight. I cannot keep my eyes off you.”
She wanted to moan aloud. “I know the feeling. I keep watching you to see if you catch the eye of another woman.”
He chuckled. “It would be hard when I’m looking at you, and only you.”
“Trey, about the other day—”
“Shh…” He squeezed her hand. “There’s no need to bring it up. You have given me much to think about, and only I can come to a decision.”
She nodded. “I understand.”
“But please, don’t fret. I want you to enjoy yourself tonight.”
“I will.” She glanced briefly across the crowd. “This is a wonderful party, and I’m certain your mother is elated to have such endearing guests.”
“Yes. She thrives on being in the limelight.”
A commotion from the corner of the room started, and gained Judith’s attention, especially when the dowager strode across the room toward her servants wearing a scowl. Judith stopped, hoping to see what caused the voices to grow. Trey must have noticed, because he turned in the same direction.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
“I don’t know. It almost looks like an uninvited guest is causing trouble. Come. Let’s put a stop to it.”
Taking her by the hand, he led her off the dance floor. The closer they came to the crowd, the more her heartbeat quickened. People looked at her with accusing glares, and when she passed, they whispered behind their hands.
Suddenly, a loud voice rang through the room, quieting even the musicians. The familiar voice struck her and her heart sank.
Alex!
Judith stood frozen as she stared at the man from her past who was dressed in the uniform of a lieutenant of the Royal Navy. Two of Isabelle’s servants held him back, and he struggled against them. When Alex saw her, he pointed his head in her direction.
“There she is,” he said loudly.
“Oh, no, it’s Alex.” Her voice was low, but Trey heard it and looked at her.
Trey’s quick breath was noticeable, and he marched up to Alex. “What is the meaning of this?”
“I’m here to rescue the woman I love.”
“And whom might that be, may I ask?”
“Miss Judith Faraday, my fiancée.”
Whispers in the room grew louder and Judith’s head began to swim. No. This couldn’t be happening. Fear kept her in place, staring at the man she didn’t know any longer. Why was he dressed as a sailor when Trey’s solicitor discovered he wasn’t in the navy?
“I highly doubt that sir,” Trey snapped. “She’s my brother’s ward, under my mother’s care. I think I would know if she had been engaged.”
Alex yanked his arms away from the servants, dug his hand inside the double-breasted red coat and pulled out a scrolled paper. “Here is the legal document that betrothed us before her parents died.”
Gasps rang through the room. Judith’s was the loudest. She swayed, and a strong arm clutched hers, holding her up. She glanced beside her to see Dominic being her support. His scowl was aimed at Alex, looking as if he was ready to stand beside his friend and kill the intruder.
Trey grabbed the paper from Alex and opened it, his eyes swiftly reading over each word. By the time it reached the bottom, his mouth turned down into a frown. He looked at Judith and shook his head.
“It’s signed by a clergyman.”
