“All right.”
As Trevor walked out the door, her heart lifted slightly. Trevor would see that she married Trey. But would he hate her if that happened? She must talk to him, and to his mother, of course. Thankfully, Trevor was on her side.
Judith jumped up and hurried to get dressed, suddenly having the energy to make it through the evening. Not bothering to style her hair, she brushed it away from her face and tied a ribbon around the bulk that lay against her neck. She didn’t plan on having company, and hopefully nobody would mind her hair hanging down her back.
She hurried out of her room and down the stairs. As she expected, the house was abnormally quiet. When one of Isabelle’s servants walked by, she stopped them. “Can you tell me where the dowager is right now?”
The maid curtsied. “She’s in her room and does not wish to be disturbed.”
Judith frowned. “I suppose I shall talk with her later.”
“Yes, Miss.” The maid bobbed again then turned and left.
Sighing deeply, Judith walked down the hall to Trey’s study, but it was empty. Should she allow him more time to think of his hasty decision? If she gave him more time, would he feel as if she was trapping him?Oh heavens.Why couldn’t she think about anything without worrying?
She wandered through the house, but soon stepped outside. The weather was lovely for riding. Too bad she wasn’t dressed for it. Walking was good, too, as long as she did it before the sun set on the horizon.
As she strolled through the dowager’s flower garden, she smiled in remembrance of the time she and Trey had walked through here on her first day. Things had been so different back then. Now she was glad he’d talked her into staying and allowing his mother to sponsor her into society.
From the corner of her eyes, there was a movement at the gazebo. Curious, she stepped closer until the man sitting inside came to her view. Her heart leapt.Trey!
She must have caught his attention too, because his head snapped up and his gaze met hers. They stared at each other for a few seconds before he motioned for her to come nearer. Each step closer, her heart beat harder. He wasn’t smiling, yet he didn’t have that hard look on his face, either.
When she entered the rotund center, he scooted over on the bench and patted the empty space next to him. Her body shook, either with excitement or fear, she couldn’t decide, but she did as instructed.
This evening he wore only a loose shirt and black breeches, appearing more casual than she thought he should. Had he been in his bedroom all day, as well?
Silence filled the space between them, and she knew if he didn’t say anything, her heartbeat would soon echo in the night. His eyes were toward the opening of the gazebo, but she remained staring at him, praying he didn’t hate her.
He cleared his throat. “So, that was Mr. Cutler.”
Her heart knocked crazily against her ribs. “Yes,” she said in a small voice.
“Somehow I pictured him differently. My solicitor showed me Cutler’s picture, but he does not look anything like it.”
“His hair is longer than I remember, and he’s sporting a mustache whereas he had not before.”
“I’m curious to know where he obtained that uniform since my solicitor discovered he was never in the navy.”
She shrugged. “I cannot fathom. Just one of his disguises, I suppose.”
Trey finally looked at her. Still, his expression was unreadable.
“I don’t know why I did not think to have him arrested last night. If you remember correctly, my solicitor also discovered Mr. Cutler had stolen jewelry from three young widows.”
“Yes, I recall that now.” She licked her dry lips. “I suppose you didn’t think to have him arrested because it was such a shock to see him at your mother’s party, and making false accusations.”
“True.” He pushed his fingers through his hair, leaned back on the bench and looked at the ceiling. “But I sent out a letter this morning to my solicitor, informing him of Mr. Cutler’s actions. Hopefully, the police will be able to find Mr. Cutler before he does more damage.”
“Yes, I pray they will, too.”
Judith swallowed hard, still keeping her eyes on him. Would he say anything about his confession or would she be the one to bring it up? The suspense nearly killed her. How could he act so calm at a time like this?
Sighing heavily, he met her stare again. “So, I suppose we should plan a wedding now, shouldn’t we?”
Worry shook her body as tears stung her eyes. Still, she didn’t know if he was mad or if the idea of marrying her was agreeable to him. “I suppose.” Her voice cracked, so she cleared her throat.
“Usually when situations like this happen, a speedy marriage accompanies it. Do you understand?”
