Page 26 of Her Sweetest Rogue (The Worthington Legacy #6)
J udith gazed at the full-length mirror at the unhappy woman staring back. Her parents would be pleased with everything the dowager had done. Judith imagined her mother and father looking down from heaven and smiling upon their daughter, pleased that she was finally entering into society.
Sorrow twisted Judith’s heart. If only they could be here to share this night with her. But then, if they were, Judith wouldn’t be having this evening. She wouldn’t be living at the dowager’s estate, and Judith certainly wouldn’t be having improper feelings for her guardian’s son. In fact, if her parents were alive, Judith might be married to Alex.
Another spasm shot through her heart. She couldn’t possibly believe what Trey’s solicitor had discovered. Alex was in the Royal Navy. Doubts filled her head and her heart leaned toward Trey’s reasoning. If Alex were the honest man she’d believed him to be, he would have come for her. He would have met her at the woodsman’s cottage and taken her as his wife. And he most certainly wouldn’t have run from her when she called his name the other day in town.
Sighing, she ran her white-gloved hands down her gown, over the few ruffles and lace that created the ice-blue sensation she wore. The puffy shoulders and square neck bodice enhanced her slender figure and made her look more like a mature woman. Her ringlet-styled hair wasn’t as tight as she’d worn it, either. The dowager’s hairdresser insisted that tonight Judith’s hair should be alluring as it wove loosely into a bun and the relaxed ringlets swept across her partially bare shoulders, enticing the gentleman to her side.
Really, there was only one man Judith wanted to entice tonight—the very man she shouldn’t. Yet, the excitement building inside her was because of him. She couldn’t wait to see his eyes when she walked into the ballroom. Before, his gaze had always darkened with desire, and she hoped the same would happen tonight.
She should be put out with him for keeping secrets from her. This morning when she returned from riding, Trey and Dominic exchanged knowing glances. Immediately, she felt out of place, as if she’d entered into a secret conversation. It had to be that man who she’d seen leaving. Trey had said he was a business acquaintance, but she believed he was something more. Even the dowager had mentioned during their mid-meal that she’d seen Trey’s solicitor leaving this morning. Obviously, Trey knew something, and he wasn’t going to tell her. Tonight she’d get it out of Trey one way or another. If it was about Alex, she wanted to know now.
The chimes from her clock announced the hour. Time to make her grand entrance. Dominic promised he’d help to keep the money-hungry men away from her. What a dear man he was, and such a good friend. At first, she wondered about his interest in her, but now she knew he wasn’t after a relationship. In fact, at times it seemed all he wanted to do was make Trey jealous, because the only times Lord Hawthorne fawned over her was when Trey was near. She grinned. She didn’t mind helping the marquess with that task. It was quite enjoyable.
Slowly, she walked out of her bedroom and made her way down the grand staircase. The guests had already filled the hallway, spilling into the ballroom. She took a deep breath. This is for you, Mother.
As Judith descended, the room grew quiet and all eyes were on her. A steady rhythm beat in her chest as she tried to remain calm. She searched for Trey, hoping she’d find him immediately. No such luck. Isabelle Worthington waited at the end of the stairs by herself. The older woman’s eyes shined with glistening tears as she watched Judith.
A movement caught her attention as a tall dark-head man hurried out of the ballroom. When Trey turned Judith’s way, her heart leapt. He stopped and gaped wide. Beside him, Dominic whispered something to Trey that made him snap his mouth close and straighten, but his eyes remained fixed on her. Just as she’d hoped, they darkened with emotion the closer she came.
When she neared the bottom of the stairs, Trey moved silently through the crowd, meeting her at the last step. He took her gloved hand and kissed her fingers.
“You are absolutely breathtaking,” he whispered for her ears only.
She curtsied. “Thank you, my lord.”
He hooked her arm through his and escorted her into the ballroom beside his mother where they stopped and faced the crowd. Although Judith knew the dowager was here, she couldn’t take her eyes off Trey long enough to see what the older woman was doing. Trey wore a black double-breasted over-jacket with tails, a white shirt and cravat, along with white trousers. A king couldn’t have looked more dignified and regal at this moment.
The crowd gathered around them for an introduction. Judith smiled, nodded, and curtsied, but after ten minutes, all the names and faces became a blur. Trey stayed beside her, close enough that their arms touched. She liked that almost too much.
Finally, the dancing began. Just as Dominic promised, he swept her away into the ballroom. He was as tall as Trey, his shoulders were almost as wide. They were both very handsome men, but Trey outshined his friend in all aspects.
“Enjoying yourself?” the marquess asked.
She chuckled. “As much as I dare. Everything is still a blur to me. I just hope I don’t disappoint Her Grace.”
“I’m quite certain you will perform splendidly. After all, you were taught by the best.” He winked.
“Who?” She bit back a laugh. “Lord Trey?”
“Who else can there be?” He chuckled.
“Oh, he didn’t teach me, my lord, although don’t let him know that. The knowledge would crush him, I fear.” She leaned closer and lowered her voice. “You know what an ego that man has.”
The marquess threw back his head and laughed, which lightened her heart. If all the men were like him, she wouldn’t have to worry about her ability to communicate for the rest of the evening. Unfortunately, most men were like Trey, only wanting to steal a few kisses and take some liberties.
Before she knew it, she was in the arms of another man. For the life of her, she couldn’t recall his name, but their conversation went well. At least the dance was more festive, and she barely had to touch him. As they moved around the room, she searched for Trey. He had definitely tried to hide himself tonight, because she couldn’t see him anywhere. He hadn’t danced with anyone, and from what she could see, he wasn’t standing by the buffet table, either. Could he possibly be outside? Alone? Or worse—with another woman?
It didn’t matter, she tried to convince herself. She suspected he had a mistress and had to put the poor woman on hold while he assisted his mother’s ward. Still, it didn’t stop Judith from searching for him every chance she got.
A man she hadn’t seen since childhood occupied one of her dances. Her heart softened. Trevor Worthington, Duke of Kenbridge, had been a tease as a boy, but as he grew older, he treated her with kindness. He’d been the big brother she never had.
Although she wanted to squeal with delight and throw her arms around his neck, she didn’t. They were no longer children. But his smile told her he hadn’t forgotten their friendship.
“Good evening, Miss Faraday. What a pleasure it is to see you again.”
Her grin stretched wider. “It’s certainly a pleasure to see you, Your Grace.”
The dance was slower, and Judith welcomed the rhythm. “I have not yet congratulated you on your recent marriage.”
“I thank you.”
“Did you bring your wife tonight? I would very much like to be introduced to her.”
He shook his head. “She’s laid up in bed. Doctor’s orders.”
“Then please pass on my regards to your wife. I hope she feels better soon.”
Trevor looked too much like Trey, except the older brother didn’t have the easy-going expression in his eyes. His gaze was too serious. Trevor seemed an inch taller, and maybe just a bit broader through the shoulders. But his dark hair and eyes were nearly the same. Thankfully, Trevor’s personality was far different from his younger brother’s. Trevor had always been London’s greatest catch for a husband. Judith hoped his new wife appreciated him.
“So, Miss Faraday,” Trevor said.
“Yes?”
“Has my brother treated you well during your stay?”
She studied Trevor’s expression. His tight jaw and arched brows let her know his question was serious. Then again, he would know more than anyone what kind of man Trey portrayed.