He turned quickly and walked to his mother. Judith couldn’t hear what was being said, but it was obvious by the older woman’s swollen moist eyes and red nose, she wasn’t taking the news very well.
Groaning, Judith rubbed her forehead. All of this because of her foolish mistakes. What would happen to her life now? How could she make up for everything she’d done? She glanced at Trey who wouldn’t meet her eyes. Did he think she trapped him? That had to be the reason for his actions.
The walls closed in on her, making it difficult for her to breathe. She pushed through the crowd—who parted quickly—and hurried out of the ballroom just for fresh air. Once she reached the stairs, she headed for her room as fast as her feet would take her.
Tears flooded her eyes and streamed down her cheeks before she reached her room. As she ran inside and closed the door behind her, a sob caught in her throat. Her knees buckled beneath her, and she sank to the floor and cried.
Chapter Forty-One
Judith remained inher bed curled on her side as she stared at the wall. The day had passed slowly, and she’d slept most of it. Meals had been brought to her. She ignored the food. How could she eat when her world had crumbled down around her?
Nobody came to her room to see to her welfare. That was fine. She knew she’d severed ties with the Worthington family whether she had wanted to or not. Strange to think how she’d wanted to get away from them when she first arrived, and now she didn’t want to leave.
One of the upstairs maids bustled into her room to tidy up, but Judith didn’t want to talk. Thankfully, the woman didn’t either. She wouldn’t even glance at Judith.
Had she really been shunned from the family? Any moment Trey would come to her room and instruct her to pack her things and go far away, never to return.
Tears filled her eyes. As much as the idea frightened her, she doubted Trey would do that. After all, he was the one who made the confession. If he didn’t do the right thing and marry her now, his reputation would be ruined, also. Then again, he was a rogue, so maybe it wouldn’t hurt him at all. He had told her several times that he would not be trapped into marriage. That’s exactly what happened.
A knock came upon the door, but she refrained from moving. The maid turned and looked at Judith. “Miss, do you want visitors?”
“No.” Judith flipped her hand. “Send them away, please.”
“As you wish.”
By the second knock, the maid opened the door.
“I’d like to speak with Miss Faraday.”
Judith gasped and turned in bed, bringing the covers with her as she stared at the towering man at the door. It was the duke, Trey’s older brother, Trevor.
“Your Grace, she’s indisposed,” the maid curtsied and replied.
His hard stare met Judith’s from across the room. “Get up now and put on your wrapper. I will not wait to discuss this with you.”
Nodding, Judith jumped out of bed, pushed her feet into slippers and yanked on her wrapper. Trevor walked to the couch on the other side of the room where he sat. On shaky legs, she moved to the other chair across from his and sank down on the cushion.
“It’s nice to see you again, Your Grace,” she said in a small voice. “When did you arrive?”
He arched a brow. “I arrived just shortly after the entertainment last night.”
Heat flooded her face and she swallowed hard. “I see. I’m sorry I missed your arrival.”
“I’m sorry I missed the main event.”
Trevor kept his narrowed stare on her in silence for a few awkward moments. His eyes were a dark blue…a frightening blue. She’d never seen him so cross before. Although he had the Worthington’s handsome looks, his scowl could frighten young children, she was sure.
Judith fidgeted in her chair and wrung her hands against her middle. Would he yell at her? Demand she leave posthaste? If so, she wished he’d do it soon. Worrying about the unknown was killing her.
He let out a deep sigh, sat back and folded his arms over his chest. “So tell me, Miss Faraday, how has my brother been treating you?”
She stared at him with wide eyes. Was he being humorous? That wasn’t a trait she thought he had. He’d always been so serious. “I do not understand your question.”
“Fine, I shall put it bluntly. Was my brother telling the truth when he announced to my mother’s guests that he’d been intimate with you?”
She dropped her gaze to her lap and ran her finger along the seam of her wrapper. “Yes, he was telling the truth.”
“That scoundrel. The last time I talked with him, he promised me you were safe under his care. He said you would remain innocent.”
