Page 27 of Her Sweetest Rogue (The Worthington Legacy #6)

“H e has been the perfect model of a gentleman,” Judith lied, trying not to laugh at the same time. “I have to admit, the first few days of my stay were quite rocky, but we learned to get along.”

Trevor chuckled. “I remember when my brother used to tease you as a child. It’s good to know he overcame this habit.”

“Well, it did take some time, but we eventually figured out a way to talk without any serious repercussions.”

He laughed. For the remainder of the dance, his expression seemed more relaxed, which eased her mind. Apparently, Trevor worried about her innocence, too. He certainly had every right to think this way.

When Trevor left her side, another gentleman claimed her. By the eighth dance, she begged for a moment of rest. Her escort hurried to fetch a glass of champagne. She wasn’t left alone for very long when several men gathered around to talk. They were charming, and quite handsome, but she dismissed them easily, knowing she was not choosing a husband tonight or any night, for that matter. It baffled her how many men sought her out due to her inheritance.

Men like that could not be trusted.

A flute of champagne was pressed into her hand, and she quickly took a long sip, moistening her parched throat. All around her people chatted about mundane things that made her want to scream. If she had to dance with every one for the rest of the evening just to get away from these people, then she would, the whole time praying the evening would end.

Now, where was the gentleman who was supposed to be her dance partner? Didn’t he deliver her drink? But the man had conspicuously disappeared.

A warm hand cradled her elbow. Anger shot through her. Why, the nerve of that man who had touched her! Trying to hold her temper, she swung to scold the person responsible, and came face to face with Trey. He smiled, his blue eyes nearly melted her.

“Miss Faraday? May I have the honor of escorting you for the next dance?”

As the string quartet started the waltz, her heart skipped a beat. Finally, a moment she could enjoy. “Yes, of course, my lord.”

He took her gloved hand in his as he led her to the middle of the floor, his gaze holding hers the whole time. Once she settled in his arms and their feet moved to the hum of the stringed instruments, she breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.

“By the sparkle in your eyes, I’m assuming you are enjoying yourself, my sweet.”

I am now. “Actually, the sparkle in my eyes is probably due to the many glasses of champagne I have had tonight.”

He laughed.

“But truthfully, I am enjoying myself. I have met some very fascinating people.”

He arched a brow. “Have you taken a liking to any of them?”

“No. Am I supposed to?”

“I just wondered if anyone has caught your eye.” He shrugged.

“My lord, I’m not looking for anyone to catch my eye.” She tilted her head. “If you remember correctly, I’m still waiting for your solicitor to give us more information about Alex.”

A flicker of panic crossed his expression before he lifted his chin, his body growing stiff. “Don’t you believe what Mr. Lewis has discovered already?”

“That Alex is not in the Royal Navy?” She shook her head. “I want more proof before I condemn the man to hang, my lord. Until then, I shall continue to believe there’s a simple explanation for all of this.” She said the words, but deep inside it was harder to convince herself. Trey mustn’t see her doubt. “However, my lord, I do believe you know more than you’re telling.”

His eyes widened. “Indeed? How pray, did you come to that conclusion?”

“Women’s intuition.”

He chuckled, and the deep timbre of his voice made her heart pitter-patter faster. Blast it, he always had this effect on her.

“Besides that,” she continued, “I witnessed the exchange of knowing glances between you and Lord Hawthorne this morning after your business partner left.”

Trey stumbled in his step but quickly corrected. She almost smiled with victory. He couldn’t lie to her now.

“Knowing glances, my sweet? What are you referring to?”

“Oh, don’t play coy with me. I believe your business partner was Mr. Lewis himself. Even your mother mentioned his name earlier this afternoon, and I know you talked to him.” Her heart twisted in confusion and she frowned. “Please, Trey. Tell me what he said.”

“Now, now, my lovely.” He squeezed her hand. “I will not do anything to ruin your ball. My mother would have my head on a platter if I did anything of the sort.”

Judith’s chest grew heavy. “So you heard more bad news?”

“My dear,” he said softly, “please stop this nonsense. We cannot have the most beautiful woman in the room frowning, now can we?”

She shrugged. “How should I know? Who, pray, is the most beautiful woman in the room? I shall promise not to make her frown.”

Trey chuckled, his eyes twinkling again. “You know very well who I’m referring to.” His fingers caressed her hand. “And I shall repeat what I told you earlier. You take my breath away. Indeed, I have never seen a more handsome woman than the one I’m dancing with now.”

Judith wanted to smile from his compliment, really she did, but she wished he’d tell her the truth. Before another word was spoken, the music ended. Quickly, she stepped closer to him and whispered in his ear, “You will tell me what Mr. Lewis said. I shall pester you until you do.”

When she pulled away, his smile stretched wide across his face. He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. “I look forward to it, my sweet.” He winked, hooked her arm over his arm and walked her back to the flock of men he’d rescued her from earlier.

She could have screamed. Trey would take back his words when she showed him her tactics of persistence. He knew something about Alex, and she’d not rest until he had told her every word. Yet, she knew how hardheaded Trey had been in the past. Teasing her was his greatest accomplishment. So how could she get him to confess? Perhaps she’d make a bargain with him of some sort. He’d told her many times before how much she tempted him.

She grinned. Yes, she’d tempt him the only way she knew how.

Giddiness was a perfect way to describe Judith tonight. Of course, the several glasses of champagne had much to do with her state of mind. With each glass of spirits, she flirted more, danced more, and laughed as if she didn’t have a care in the world. Dancing seemed to go on all night, but she allowed man after man to take her out on the floor and swing her in their arms.

Dominic, her dear friend, saved her on a few occasions when a man or two had become overzealous, and she was thankful for the marquess’ interruption. Dominic assured her she was acting normal and that the dowager was very pleased with tonight’s events. He also kept assuring her that Trey couldn’t keep his eyes off her.

It seemed strange Dominic would tell her such a thing, especially when he didn’t know what intimacies had happened between her and Trey. Nonetheless, she smiled and accepted the praise. She also promised not to drink another glass of champagne for fear the room would spin more than it was already thus far tonight.

She had kept her word and occasionally captured Trey’s attention, reminding him he had something to tell her. He laughed and handed her another glass of champagne, the rogue! The glimmer in his eye let her know he thought this a game.

A game, indeed. She would certainly show him how to play when she got him alone. And she would before the night was over.

When the last person left, she sighed with relief. Trey and his mother stood beside her as she bid their guests farewell and the butler closed the door. Judith turned to Trey and grinned, arching her brow, but before she muttered a word, the dowager took Judith in her arms and hugged her tight.

“Oh, my dear. This was the most magnificent night.” Isabelle pulled away. “You made me so proud, as if you were my own daughter.” She cupped Judith’s face. “How can I thank you for allowing me to give you this? I know your parents are smiling down at us from heaven.”

Judith nodded. “They certainly are. Thank you for your help, Your Grace.” She turned to Trey. “And yours of course, my lord.”

He bowed slightly. “The pleasure was all mine, my dear. Now, if you will excuse me, I must leave. I fear I still have some unfinished business to take care of in my study. Goodnight Mother, Judith.”

Before she could stop him, he bolted down the hall as if his heels were on fire. Irritation boiled inside her and she fisted her hands. She’d get this resolved tonight whether he wanted it or not.

“Come, my dear,” the dowager said as she tugged on Judith’s arm. “I shall take you to your room.”

What else could Judith do but follow? Grudgingly, she walked beside her guardian until she opened the door to her bedroom and stepped inside. After the door closed behind her, she stomped to her vanity table and sat on the stool. Her maid had laid her nightgown on her bed, but she would not retire yet. Dealing with Trey was more important. Of course, she must wait a few minutes to make certain the dowager settled in her room, first.

While she waited, she pulled off her elbow-length gloves and removed her jewelry. She took out the ribbons weaved in her hair, pulled out the bun, then tugged at the ringlets. Using the brush, she finished straightening her hair. She remembered how Trey liked it down, and if she must tempt him tonight, she’d have to look the part. Getting him to confess what he knew was vital, and she’d do anything to get it.

Once her hair was the way she wanted, she left her room. With most of the lamps in the hallway extinguished, shadows followed her as she crept down the stairs to Trey’s study. His door cracked open enough for a small amount of light to shine into the hallway.

Slowly, she pushed the door open. Trey sat at his desk, only a few lamps dimly illuminating the room as he stared at the papers in front of him, drumming his fingers on the oak. He had removed his over-jacket and waistcoat. Even his cravat was missing and his shirt hung open at the throat.

Indeed, he was a powerfully handsome man.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside.