Isabelle’s eyebrows lifted. “Indeed?”
“Yes. I know he was fighting his attraction for me, just as I fought it. Yet it was inevitable. Whenever we were alone, sparks flew between us, either in verbal swordplay or physically.”
The dowager rubbed her chin, still not taking her eyes off Judith. “I should have suspected something was amiss. Trey usually never stays around the estate more than a few days.”
Judith sat on the edge of the bed and clasped the older woman’s hand. “Please believe me when I say this was not meant to happen. When I first arrived, I disliked Trey’s very presence. He felt the same about me, too.”
“Are you in love with my son now?”
Peace settled in Judith’s chest, making her smile. “I’m completely in love with him. I think I fell in love before my coming out ball.”
Suddenly, the dowager’s face relaxed and she grinned. “I noticed the changes in Trey the longer he was with you. I wanted him to love you, Judith. I have been praying for that since you two were young and he used to tease you.”
Judith gasped. “What? You have wanted this for that long?”
“Yes.” She shrugged. “I have secrets, too. Please do not be angry with me, but this was one of the reasons I brought you to my estate after your parents died. I knew you were old enough and independent enough to take care of yourself. I also knew you did not need instructions on how to give a dinner party, or to dance. Your father left you a large inheritance, but I wanted you here to tempt my son. I wanted him to fall in love with you.”
Shock vibrated through Judith’s body, along with the bubble of laughter that sprang from her throat. “I cannot believe this.”
“Please don’t blame an old woman for playing matchmaker.”
“Oh, Isabelle.” Judith wrapped her arms around the older woman and hugged her tight. The dowager returned her hug and kissed Judith’s cheek.
“I have always wanted a daughter, you know. Because your mother was my best friend, I wanted you as my daughter, too. Now my wish has come true.”
Judith laughed again and pulled away. “Does Trey know about this?”
“No, although I believe he suspects I’m hiding something.”
“Then I have you to thank for my happiness right now.” Judith smiled.
“No, you have Trey. I feared he would not come up to scratch. He has had a hard life, and his father was not a decent example. I worried Trey would grow up to be like him.”
“That’s one of the reasons he fought the attraction the way he did. He didn’t want to become like his father.”
The dowager shook her head. “He’s not. Trey has a heart. My husband did not.”
Judith squeezed Isabelle’s hands again. “Thank you for telling me. I do love your son, and I want to make him a good wife.”
“You will. I have no doubt. Now, let me up so we can plan a wedding.”
Laughing, Judith stood and helped the older woman out of bed. Falling from her lap spilled a deck of cards to the floor.
Judith lifted an eyebrow. “What’s this?”
The dowager shrugged. “I had to keep myself entertained while pretending to be out of sorts. I’m so relieved you decided to come talk to me. I fear I would have bored myself to death waiting for you and Trey to make the first move.”
“Indeed, you are full of surprises, Your Grace.” Judith shook her head. “Trey is exactly like you. He does not have to worry about being like his father, because Trey’s sneakiness comes from you.”
They laughed together and hugged. Judith’s stress eased considerably. Now she had a wedding to plan, and her heart beat with renewed life.
Chapter Forty-Three
Wearily, Judith walkedout of the drawing room where she and Isabelle had been discussing the wedding plans for most of the afternoon. Although spending time with the dowager was pleasant and the plans were exciting, the stress of the past few days had Judith feeling very exhausted. All she wanted to do was crawl into bed and sleep.
Dominic had arrived earlier this afternoon and met with Trey. She wanted to break away from Isabelle just to greet her friend, but she didn’t dare. The last time she and Dominic were together, things hadn’t turned out very well.
Or had they? Was it due to Dominic’s kiss that Trey changed his mind about marriage? Or was it Alex who had forced Trey to admit his true feelings? Either way, she was happy with the final result.
