Page 25 of Her Sweetest Rogue (The Worthington Legacy #6)

T rey walked to his desk and sat on the chair. “What has Mr. Cutler been hiding now?”

“Three wealthy young widows have come forth with information about him. They have reported to be carrying on liaisons with the man. He used a different name each time, but their description of Mr. Cutler was the same. Apparently, he has a scar on his bottom lip. This was the feature they all brought up. When I talked to Mr. Cutler’s relatives, the ones who were Miss Faraday’s neighbors, they showed me a recent miniature of him, and indeed, we have the same man.”

Trey crossed one leg over the other as he swirled his brandy in the snifter. “Who are these young widows, may I ask?”

Mr. Lewis shook his head. “I promised them I would leave their names out of my report.”

“I understand.” Trey motioned with his hand. “Please continue.”

“Mr. Cutler had an affair with each, robbing them of most of their jewels before disappearing.”

Trey sat up straight, his leg dropping to the floor. “He robbed them, you say?”

“Yes. They have each filed charges against Mr. Cutler, but the police have yet to find him.”

“Good heavens, do you know what this means?” Panic flowed through Trey as he rose and paced the floor. “When Mr. Cutler finds out how much Miss Faraday is worth, he will return for her.” He bunched his hands into fists, thoughts clogging his mind with unanswered questions. “I will have to keep a closer watch over her so this man does not make contact.”

“I agree, my lord.”

Trey stopped and looked at his solicitor. “Do you think Mr. Cutler is dangerous?”

Mr. Lewis shrugged. “The widows didn’t say. They said he’s very crafty with his charm, and carries himself as a gentleman, which is why they fell for his deceit.”

Shaking his head, Trey walked back to his desk and picked up his snifter, gulping down the rest. “We must not let that sway our minds. For all I know, he could be a murderer.”

“Very true.”

“Have you received any leads to where he’s hiding?”

“Still nothing, my lord, but I shan’t give up. After all, I did run across these three widows in my search. I’m quite certain I will find Mr. Cutler soon.”

Trey took a deep breath and ran his fingers through his hair. “Miss Faraday thought she’d seen him the other day in town. Because I have never met him, I could not help her search.”

Mr. Lewis shuffled through his papers and pulled out a miniature. “Here, my lord. This is yours to keep.”

The picture stared back at Trey. He studied the man who might eventually cause harm to Judith. Rage grew inside him as he thought about Mr. Cutler laying one finger on her. If that ever happened, Trey would run him through with a sharp blade.

“Thank you, Mr. Lewis. Now I will recognize him if he ever comes to my door.” And I’ll kill the thief on sight.

The solicitor stood and gathered his papers, stuffing them back into his satchel. “I will keep you posted, my lord.”

They walked out of the study and outside to the buggy. As the solicitor climbed in, Nic and Judith rode up the drive. Giving a nod to Mr. Lewis, Trey quickly dismissed him before Judith could ask any questions. Nic would know, and Trey only prayed his friend wouldn’t tell her. News like this would be devastating, especially on the day of her special event.

Nic and Judith stopped their horses near Trey. He smiled wide at his mother’s ward. Judith’s cheeks were pink, and her eyes sparkled. The bonnet she wore hadn’t held her ringlet hair together as wisps of locks fell across her forehead and by her ears. She was absolutely beautiful. He wished he didn’t feel so protective, but she’d grown on him and wiggled her way into his heart.

Stopping his thoughts, he held his breath. My heart? Had he really allowed her to enter? Nonsense! After what had happened to Tristan, Trey vowed he wouldn’t be another victim of love.

Once her horse stopped, he rushed to her side to help her dismount. Her gaze held his as he lifted her off, trying not to brush against her in the process, but her warmth still created havoc inside him. When her feet touched the ground, he released her and stepped away.

“How was your ride?” he asked with a smile.

“Perfect. I could not have asked for a better companion.”

An invisible knife slid through his chest. Why did she have to say it that way? She knew how he felt about Nic taking her riding. Trey had told her of his jealousy the night of her dinner party. Perhaps this was her way of making him more envious.

“Splendid. I’m relieved you had such a good time.”

She looked over her shoulder at Mr. Lewis’ buggy riding away. “Who was that?”

He couldn’t tell her. Perhaps after her ball, but not a moment sooner. “Just a business acquaintance.” Trey glanced at Nic as his friend dismounted, challenging Nic with his eyes not to say anything. Hawthorne must have taken the hint, because he just smiled.

Trey took a deep breath and met Judith’s stare. “Now, my dear, let’s get you inside. Mother is worried about you.”

“Why? I have ridden with Lord Hawthorne before.”

Taking her hand, he squeezed as he hooked it over his arm. “Not on the morning of your ball. Mother says there are many items she still requires to go over with you. I promised her I would get you inside the moment you returned.”

Judith swung her head in Nic’s direction. “My lord, I want to thank you for a refreshing jaunt around the estate.”

Dominic bowed. “The pleasure was all mine, Miss Faraday. I’m looking forward to seeing you tonight at your ball.”

“As am I.” She grinned.

Trey hurried them inside the house, not wanting to witness anymore flirty glances between the two. He’d never been a jealous man, but right now, he loathed his best friend and seriously thought about wringing the man’s neck.

Before they reached the drawing room where his mother awaited, Trey slowed and took Judith’s hand in his. He placed a kiss on her knuckles. “Until tonight, my sweet.” Trey stepped back and turned.

“Wait.”

Excitement leapt in his chest when he looked at her. “What is it?”

“I—I just wanted to tell you…”

He stepped closer and took her hands. “Yes?”

“Lord Hawthorne asked that I save the first dance for him. I told him yes. I hope you approve.”

Jealousy squashed his excitement quickly, leaving a hollow ache in his chest. “Why, of course. I know Nic is just your friend.” Although he said the words, he wished his heart believed it.

A soft smile graced her face. “Indeed, he is.”

He patted her hands. “Fine. Then I shall see you tonight. You and Mother will have a splendid afternoon getting ready, I assure you. Before you know it, this night will be but a memory.”

“Oh, I certainly hope so.” She sighed. “I really didn’t want your mother to go through so much trouble on my behalf, and really, I cannot wait until this night is over.”

“Me, either.” But for entirely different reasons.

“Thank you, Trey, for everything.” She turned and walked into the drawing room.

Why did he feel as if she were saying good-bye, as if she were bringing a closure to their relationship? With a heavy heart, he walked away, knowing that tonight would be an ending, because without a doubt, men would be lined up at the door on the morrow, seeking her hand in marriage. Once Trey told her about Mr. Cutler’s lies, she would assuredly find another man.

Sighing wearily, he nodded. As it should be.