Page 19 of Her Sweetest Rogue (The Worthington Legacy #6)

I t had been quite a while since Judith took the time to visit the shops along Bond Street. As a young girl, she’d gone with her mother, excited to be holding her parent’s hand as they strolled from venue to venue. Although she wasn’t with her mother now, the thrill returned as enthusiasm bubbled in her chest.

When Trey had first mentioned training her for her ball, she’d found the mere idea distasteful. She didn’t want another person besides her mother doing that. Even though she missed her mother greatly, deep inside her heart Judith knew this was what her parents wanted for her, to enjoy herself to the fullest.

So perhaps going shopping was indeed a wise idea.

The dowager giggled like a schoolgirl at the hustle and bustle of the shops. Judith smiled and hid her laugh from the older woman. Remarkable what an outing would do for someone’s spirits.

A cluster of the king’s sailors stood in front of a shop, and Judith’s heartbeat raced with anticipation. Would Alex be here? She eyed each one carefully, their red coats with silver buttons shining in the sunlight. When Alex wasn’t among the men, her hopes plummeted. Thankfully, the dowager didn’t remark on the way Judith studied each one, because she didn’t know how to explain Alex to her yet.

The first establishment they entered was the dress shop where the owner, Mrs. André greeted them by shaking both Judith and Isabelle Worthington’s hands. One of the helpers insisted Judith remain firmly on a stool while she draped colorful silks over her to see which colors Judith would look best in. Standing still, she had nothing better to do than gaze through the mirror as each silk lay across her shoulders and bosom. Isabelle and the shop owner stood behind her nodding their approval or the negative shake of their head. If the dowager had her way—which she would—Judith would receive only the best gown for her ball.

Judith heaved a disheartening sigh. My coming out ball. She’d made a deal with Trey. She held up her end, but would he? Would he be able to find Alex before she made her debut into society?

Boredom overcame Judith quickly, and her gaze wandered out the window at the people walking by, and the fancy dressed horses pulling the elaborate carriages up and down the cobbled streets of London. With a frown, she sighed heavily in defeat. Coming out balls were for girls who sought marriage. She already had an agreement, so why did she continue with this farce? Until she knew for certain why Alex hadn’t come to the woodsman’s cottage, she must have faith he still wanted to marry her.

For the past few months, she’d dreamed of marrying only one man, Lieutenant Alexander Cutler. Even if Trey’s actions confused her and his kisses set her on fire, she would remain steadfast in her decision to marry Alex. It wasn’t fair to give up on him so soon. After all, he wanted her for herself, and not for her inheritance. Once her worth became known, every fortune hunter around would be sniffing her skirts like animals in heat.

Alex was different. He’d fallen in love with her before her parents died, never knowing how much her inheritance was really worth. She smiled. That put him at the top of her list.

Judith convinced herself that once she was in Alex’s arms, he would make her forget Trey completely. Alex would erase all the limb-trembling times she’d been in Trey’s embrace, and especially all the heated times he’d kissed her. She closed her eyes and let her mind wander back to yesterday afternoon, a place where she shouldn’t be. Yet staying away was out of the question. How could she ever forget the way Trey had made her feel?

Shaking away the pleasurable memory, she reminded herself Trey wasn’t interested in marriage. She was a pathetic fool for believing he would change. She opened her eyes and forced herself to pay attention to what was happening around her. Isabelle and the shop owner giggled over the sketches, and the young girl continued to drape Judith with colors. She switched her gaze to the window again as people scurried along the walkway. She glanced across the street, resting her eyes on a familiar figure as he crept between two buildings.

Her heart paused then sprang to life. “Alex,” she screamed and jumped off the stool, knocking the seamstress over to fall on her buttocks.

Judith pushed past the other patrons entering the building and ran outside. Two women stopped short of bumping into Judith as she scampered toward the spot she’d seen Alex. Several carriages and coaches were in her way, but she didn’t have time to wait until they passed. She must get across now.

On tiptoes, she tried to peek above the conveyances. A flash of brown from his jacket caught her eyes. For a moment she wondered why he wasn’t in uniform. “Alex,” she shrieked louder.

He turned and looked right at her. She waved madly and screamed his name again, but a carriage moved in front of her, blocking her vision. Without thinking what might happen, she ran into the street. Horses neighed and rose on their hind legs as drivers cursed, swerving to keep from hitting her.

From behind, the panicked cry from the dowager sliced through the air. Judith couldn’t stop to explain her actions to the older woman. Not yet.

Judith zigzagged between two more carriages before reaching the other side. The alley where she’d seen Alex was empty. Her heart plummeted and tears stung her eyes. Quickly, she scanned up and down the street again, looking, searching in panic. Where was he? He did see her, so why didn’t he answer her call?

Elbowing past the crowd of people on the walkway, she hurried in one direction, praying it would take her to Alex. Up the street, more shouting from drivers arose along with the neighing of horses. Without looking to see, she hoped her carelessness hadn’t caused the commotion.

She ran as fast as she could, clutching her dress in her fists as she held it up to her ankles, trying to keep her feet free. Strands of hair clung to her moist face, and she didn’t care that she’d left the shop without her bonnet. This was more important.

Ahead of her, another passageway approached fast. She turned and hurried into the alley, hoping this was the way Alex had gone. On the boardwalk, heavy footsteps clamored behind her mere seconds before someone grasped her elbow, bringing her to a stop.

“No.” She sobbed, trying to yank her arm away. “Let me go.”

“Judith, cease this improper display immediately.”

Trey’s voice calmed her frazzled nerves only slightly. She swung her head and gazed into his worried eyes. A scowl darkened his face as his lips pulled tight in a straight line.

“Trey, you must let me go.” Her voice broke and more tears filled her eyes. “I saw Alex.”

His eyes widened, and he glanced up and down the alley. “Where?”

“I saw him across the street from the dress shop first,” she said, pointing, “but then he ran in a different direction. I don’t know which way he went.” She clasped his hands with hers. “Trey, he looked right at me. He knows I’m here. Please, help me find him.”

He shook his head. “I don’t know what he looks like.”

“He’s wearing a brown coat and tan breeches with black riding boots.”

Trey’s head swung toward the road. Worry creased his brows. “Judith, my sweet, that describes most of the men I see.”

Another sob came from her as she pulled away. “No, you have to do this for me. He’s very close, I can feel it.”

He pulled her in his arms. “My darling, I cannot.”

Panic surged through her. They had to keep looking. But even as she struggled in Trey’s arms, he wouldn’t let her go. “Please, Trey. You have to find him. Maybe he went behind these buildings—”

“My sweet, you are not listening to me. I told you, I don’t know what he looks like.”

“His hair is brown and curly, his eyes are brown,” she said with a shaky voice, but soon her cries wracked her body. She buried her face in Trey’s chest and let out her fury. This couldn’t be happening. So close, and yet so far, and to think Alex slipped right through her fingers.

“Shhh…” Trey stroked her back and shoulders. “If he’s this close, then I’m certain my solicitor will find him.”

Pain sliced through her heart, making her ache just like when she thought she’d first lost Alex. Yet, anger rose in her chest, because she had screamed his name. Why hadn’t he stopped when she called out to him? He looked right at her mere seconds before the carriage had blocked his path.

He had definitely seen her, yet ran in the opposite direction. Doubt clouded her thinking, wrenching her heart. The answer was plain and simple. He hadn’t gone to the woodsman’s cottage to meet her because he didn’t love her any longer. And just now he’d avoided her, which told her he was too much of a coward to explain.

She pressed closer to Trey and his arms tightened around her. Warmth from his body blended quickly with hers, soothing her, and comforting her more than she expected. His scent of spice and leather clung to his clothes, and she resisted the urge to bury her face in his neck and be swept away.

“There she is!”

The call from the dowager duchess brought Judith from her momentary safe haven.

“Oh, good heavens child. What happened to you?”

Judith tried to pull away from Trey, but he continued to hold her in his strong arms, so she stopped struggling and settled against him, content to remain there. She pushed back the strands of hair hanging in her vision, wiped her eyes and looked into the worried face of the dowager. “Please forgive me, Your Grace, but—”

“Mother,” Trey interrupted. “She thought she saw a childhood friend, but she must have been mistaken, because I cannot see him, either. Seeing this person reminded her of home and when her parents were still alive.”

Judith’s throat choked with emotion. Trey was trying to protect her secret. Her heart melted.

“Oh, no wonder you are so distraught.” Isabelle stroked Judith’s moist cheek.

Judith nodded. “When I realized I only imagined seeing him, all the grief and pain I have experienced of late came gushing forth.” She sniffed and wiped her eyes again. “I’m truly sorry for ruining your afternoon.”

“Nonsense, my dear. You didn’t ruin it. I’m just relieved you’re all right. The way you dodged in and out of those moving carriages had me swooning with fear. Then when I saw Trey run in the street after you and he was nearly run over, I thought my heart would fail for sure.”

“Again, please forgive me for worrying you so.”

The dowager patted Trey’s arm. “Son, will you please escort us back to the dress shop? Mrs. André still requires measuring for Judith’s gown.”

“Yes, Mother.”

The older woman looked back at Judith. “Can you manage to walk by yourself?”

Judith nodded. “I shall be fine, thank you.”

Trey stepped away from her but hooked her hand over his arm, keeping her close as they walked back to the shop. She didn’t mind. She didn’t even care about the raised eyebrows people threw her way as they passed. But if they had seen her display a few minutes ago, they would have thought she’d gone insane for a brief time. Maybe she had.

Trey brushed his fingers along her arm. “How are you faring? Better?” he whispered.

Familiar tingles swept through her from the soft timbre of his voice. Heaven help her, but she wanted to be back in his strong embrace.

“Yes, I’m better. Thank you for…for being there. I didn’t know you were in London.”

“Did Mother not tell you?”

“She just said you were away on business.”

“I am. I will be in London for a couple more days.” He grinned. “Try not to miss me, all right?”

A laugh erupted out of nowhere, and she covered her hand over her mouth. He chuckled too as his eyes twinkled.

“Your mother wants me to plan another dinner party. Will you be able to attend?”

He raised his brow. “That all depends.”

“On what?”

“On if you decide to make the food spicy again.”

She smiled. “I promise to have Betsy prepare the blandest food you have ever tasted.”

“When is it?”

“In two days.”

He nodded. “I shall certainly try to be there.”

The beat of her heart knocked crazily against her ribs. “You had better come. I will not know a soul other than your mother and Lord Hawthorne.”

“Oh, I’m quite certain you will mingle just fine.” He winked.

“But, I would really like you there, nonetheless.”

“Indeed?”

“Yes. Will you promise to come?”

“I promise,” he whispered deeply, which sent excitement through her, kicking up her heartbeat another notch.

They reached the dress shop and when they entered, he released her hand. Emptiness consumed her, and she wanted to return to his side, to look closely into his intoxicating eyes. But she couldn’t. It wasn’t wise to become so close to him, especially in public.

Timidly, she walked to the mirror where the young seamstress waited, assuming her position. Trey leaned against the wall with his arms folded across his chest as he watched Judith. A lazy grin stayed on his handsome face, even all the while Mrs. André chatted beside him. From time to time, he nodded at what the shop owner said, but he didn’t take his gaze off Judith.

Her breath caught in her throat, making her mouth dry, yet her body became consumed with an ache she couldn’t describe. All she knew was that she needed to be next to him while he comforted her. Plain and simple, it was torture, and she longed for that kind of pleasure. Even now, while everyone stood around them.

Hours passed, yet time didn’t seem that long. Soon they were done and leaving the shop. Trey took her hand and placed it over his arm as he escorted her outside, with the dowager ahead of them. He walked them to their coach then turned, took Judith’s gloved hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles. His eyes darkened even more as his lips lingered in a soft caress.

“Please forgive me, but I must return to my office.”

Words were stuck in her throat and all she could do was nod as he straightened.

“Thank you, Trey, for coming to dear Judith’s rescue.” Isabelle patted his cheek. “You are such a kind-hearted man.”

“You are too free with your compliments, Mother.” He kissed her cheek. “Do not hesitate to contact me if you need something.”

“Of course, my dear. I believe we are done here today. You will, I presume, be home for Judith’s dinner party.”

“I shall certainly try.”

“Splendid.” The dowager held out her hand for Trey to help her into the coach.

He turned to Judith and took her hand, too. His fingers caressed her palm gently, sending shooting sparks of fire through her body. When he cupped her elbow, her skin nearly burned with fervor.

As she settled in her seat and watched him until the footman closed the door, her heart sang with gladness. Would she always feel this way about him? Heaven help her if she did. She couldn’t fawn over a man who would never settle down and marry. If she did, she was only inviting pain and heartbreak.

But stopping her thoughts from heading his way, and her body from quivering whenever he touched her was beyond her control. Indeed, she would suffer, and learn to deal with this torture.