Page 17 of Her Sweetest Rogue (The Worthington Legacy #6)

T rey sat across from his solicitor and tapped his fingers on the desk. Mr. Lewis gathered his papers and set them on the corner of the dark oak top, pushing them until they touched Trey’s fingers.

“It’s all there, my lord. I still have a few more leads to follow, but that shouldn’t take much time.”

Nodding, Trey picked up the first page and glanced at the words, not letting anything register in his head. He really didn’t need to. Mr. Lewis had told Trey what he needed to know.

Alexander Cutler was a deceiver and poor as a church mouse.

Maybe poorer.

“As you will see on page two,” the solicitor added, “Mr. Cutler had never been a part of the Royal Navy. If he continues portraying an officer, the Royal Navy will have him arrested.”

“Sounds as though arresting the man is the wisest decision regardless of his impersonation,” Trey muttered. “I sincerely hope this man is found and judged for his crimes.”

Originally, he’d hired a solicitor to find Mr. Cutler so Judith could be married and out of his hair as quickly as possible, but the more he grew to know her, the more he hoped Mr. Cutler would fade from her life.

Fortune smiled upon Trey once again. This was the very thing he needed to keep the man away from Judith. Now Trey would have to tell her that her dear beloved officer wasn’t whom he proclaimed. She’d be devastated, and rightly so. Her hopes and dreams of marriage would crash around her, putting her into the pit of despair. Trey would be right by her side to comfort of course. She’d cry in his arms, and he’d soothe her the only way he knew how. The idea excited him, and he almost looked forward to the prospect.

Groaning silently, he shifted in his chair and looked at Mr. Lewis. “Have you found where Mr. Cutler is hiding?”

“No. I asked around and a few people have spotted him, but the man certainly doesn’t want to be found, my lord.”

Trey pushed his fingers through his hair. “Makes me wonder if Mr. Cutler even knows how much Miss Faraday’s inheritance is worth. Now I think the man does not. If he knew how wealthy the young lady was, Mr. Cutler would have been sniffing at her heels the day after her parents were buried.”

“It makes sense, my lord. I think when Mr. Cutler finally discovers her wealth, he will return to claim her.”

“You are thinking as I am, Mr. Lewis. Greedy lowlifes like Cutler always resurface when they believe their prey most vulnerable.” Thoughts of Judith disappearing without a word to meet Cutler again raced through his mind, churning his stomach.

“Not to fret, my lord. I shall stay on the case until he’s found, I assure you.”

“Splendid.” Trey stood, as did the solicitor, and they shook hands. “I hope to hear from you soon.”

“You will, my lord.”

As Mr. Lewis left, Trey began planning when he’d give Judith the information about her dear fiancé. Trey would take Judith somewhere secluded, so they wouldn’t be disturbed—somewhere he could hold her comfortably while cuddling the sobbing woman in his arms and shower her with kisses. As always, she’d melt in his embrace and quickly respond. The moment would definitely be enjoyable. He couldn’t wait to experience that out-of-control emotion while kissing her. Just like what happened yesterday evening. He’d enjoyed their private moment in the glade more than he should, because now he wanted more.

Smiling, he grabbed his coat and hat as he hurried out of the office, closing the door behind him. As he practically skipped down the stairs two at a time, he nearly ran into a wide form stopped at the doorway. His friend, Nic, peered over his shoulder at someone outside, his forehead creased in close scrutiny.

“Hawthorne, old sport,” Trey greeted. “What are you about this afternoon?”

“I do believe your brother is in town this morning. I have not seen him for quite some time.” He glanced at Trey before looking outside again.

“Trevor’s here? Are you certain?” Trey stepped to the opened doorway and peered out. As Nic mentioned, the duke’s coach stood in front of the tailor shop. “How remarkable! He has come out of hiding.”

Nic chuckled. “Why was he in hiding to begin with?”

Trey stepped out on the boardwalk as he shrugged on his over-coat. “He was not really trying to hide. He just needed time to get to know his new wife. Their marriage was arranged, you know.”

“I had heard that rumor.” Nic kept in step beside Trey. “I don’t know how any man could let someone else govern their life and tell them who to marry.”

Trey placed the hat on his head before turning to meet Nic’s stare. “Although I’m not planning to marry, if something were to happen to Trevor, leaving me the next in line, I would have to find a wife and create heirs. But I have been thinking a lot since Trevor’s nuptials. If I have to marry, I will choose a woman who compliments my lifestyle and is beautiful and passionate beyond reason.”

Nic snorted. “And one that will not argue with you, correct?”

“Absolutely.” Trey nodded. “Why should I marry a woman I cannot come to terms with? My parents were not satisfied with that kind of arrangement, so why should I be?”

“Very true.”

“Besides that, I know firsthand how a controlling woman can ruin a man’s life. Look at my poor brother, Tristan, rest his soul. If he had not met up with Lady Diana, he might still be alive today.” Trey’s heart sank. And if he had responded quicker, Tristan would definitely be alive.

Nic clapped his hand on Trey’s shoulder. “I had forgotten about her, but you are quite right. She was a crafty woman for certain.”

Together, they stepped onto the cobblestone street and crossed to the other side, heading toward the nearest drinking establishment. Many carriages and buggies blocked their way, and Trey had to quicken his step to keep from getting hit. Lords and Ladies clustered the side paths, and especially in front of the stores. Gossip ran thick through London, especially this part of Town.

“So tell me, my good man,” Trey began, “what kind of wife do you plan to settle down with?”

Nic threw back his head and laughed. “What makes you think I’m going to settle?”

“We all will eventually, to have heirs, of course.”

“I don’t believe settle is the correct word. The woman I marry is someone whom I can talk easily to, and one that can fulfill my deepest desires. I can only hope she thinks the way I do, and enjoys the occasional sport.”

Trey nodded. “Ah, yes. One who’s not uneventful. I understand.”

Nic scrubbed his chin. “Actually, Worthington, I’m surprised you brought up this conversation.”

“Why is that?”

“Because, ever since I met your mother’s ward, I have been thinking about her quite a bit. I might be interested in getting to know her on a more personal level.”

Trey stumbled but quickly righted himself, hoping Nic hadn’t noticed. Irritation and a twinge of jealousy shot through Trey. Dominic could not possibly have feelings for Judith. Trey wouldn’t allow it!