Page 30 of Her Sweetest Rogue (The Worthington Legacy #6)

T aking another deep breath, Judith resumed her stance and strolled into the room. Right away, she gained the attention of Isabelle and Trey. Although Judith tried only to glance his way, hoping she wouldn’t look at him like a woman in love, he jumped to his feet and smiled.

“Good afternoon, Judith,” he said. “I trust you had a pleasant night’s rest.”

Heat moved up her neck toward her face, and she silently cursed the effect the double meaning had on her. “Thank you, Lord Trey. I did. I had an incredibly exhilarating night, which in turn helped me sleep as if I were floating on clouds.”

He lifted a brow—and even the corner of his mouth turned up—as if letting her know he received the hidden meaning in her words.

“Well, my dear, I do say you look refreshed from your successful evening.” The dowager smiled wide and held up a handful of cards. “Look at what we have received thus far. I know we will collect more as the day passes.”

“Oh, how lovely.” Judith moved to the sofa next to her guardian and sat.

“You have become a sensation, my dear.” Isabelle beamed. “Now we must get you fitted for several more gowns.”

“More?” Judith shook her head. “Don’t I have enough already?”

Isabelle laughed. “Women never have enough, my dear.”

“And when shall I plan for this excursion to Bond Street?”

The dowager nibbled on her bottom lip as she tapped her finger on her chin. During the few seconds of silence, Judith glanced at Trey. Casually, he sat in his chair with one leg crossed over the other, his dreamy gaze resting on her. A smile touched his mouth, making her heart flutter.

“How about we plan a trip to London in two days? Does that sound reasonable?” Isabelle finished.

Judith switched her focus back to her guardian. “Yes, it does. Will Lord Trey be joining us this time?”

Her comment brought him alert and he straightened in his chair, dropping his foot to the floor. “Me?”

“That sounds heavenly.” The dowager clapped her hands. “Please consider coming with us, Trey. We shall have such a lovely time.”

Panic crossed his expression, making his eyes wide and his smile disappear. Judith almost laughed. She hoped he agreed. Spending more time with him would help her convince him of his feelings for her.

“Um, well, I—I have business to attend.”

“Trey, my dear,” the dowager cut in. “I believe you can put off business for one day.”

Judith leaned forward and touched his arm. When Trey’s eyes met hers, his body seemed to relax from the stiff position he’d been in only moments ago. “Please,” she said softly.

A slow smile stretched across his face. “How am I to resist two stubborn women?” He chuckled. “All right then. I shall come along.”

Judith pulled away, pleased with his reaction. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so difficult convincing him he was in love with her. She could only pray it happened quickly.

“I’m quite certain we will have many more calls from your young gentlemen friends, my dear. You will want to look your best.” The dowager grinned.

“Of course,” Judith said softly, not really wanting to impress anyone except Trey.

Isabelle patted her hands. “And if I were a betting person, I would say you will have at least a dozen marriage proposals within two weeks.”

Judith’s chest tightened. “So many? That soon?”

“Why of course.”

“Whatever shall I do with so many proposals?” She sighed heavily and looked at Trey, who all of a sudden fidgeted in his chair.

The dowager chuckled. “Oh, dear Judith. You will have to make a choice which man you want to marry.”

Frowning, she glanced at the duchess. “But what if none of them suit me?”

“No need to fret. Trey and I will be here to assist.” Isabelle turned her head and looked at her son. “Is that not correct?”

“Yes, Mother. We will be here for support,” he bit out his words.

Judith studied him closely. His irritation was obvious.

The dowager returned her attention to Judith. “It’s not good to be too choosey, though. You will want to find the man who suits you the best, to be sure, but don’t find fault with them just to pass them over. Do you understand?”

“I suppose.”

Annoyance grew inside Judith. Why wasn’t Trey arguing? Why was he siding with what his mother said? Judith knew he loved her, so why was he so eager to give her hand to the first available man? Beneath the folds of her dress, she fisted her hands. It didn’t matter. She would not choose a husband unless it was Trey.

Bentley walked into the room and bowed. “Your Grace, Miss Faraday has a visitor.”

Judith sucked in her breath and swung her gaze from the butler to Trey and the dowager. Hadn’t Isabelle instructed Bentley that Judith would be resting today?

“Who is it, Bentley?” Trey barked as he stood, arms crossed over his chest.

“My lord, it’s Lord Hawthorne. He assured me Miss Faraday would want to see him.”

The dowager motioned her hand. “Allow him in, Bentley. He can take tea with us.”

Within a few minutes, Dominic made his appearance, his hat tucked under his arm and looking like he did whenever he took Judith riding. She grinned. Had he come to take her riding again? Whether he knew it or not, it was perfect timing. If she had to stay another moment in Trey’s presence—especially with him set on finding her a husband—she’d be surely tempted to give him a good pounding whether it was lady-like or not. Dominic just may have saved the day.

Lord Hawthorne bowed. “Good day, Your Grace. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

Isabelle smiled. “Of course not, my lord. You are always welcomed here.” She motioned to the empty chair beside her. “Would you like to take tea with us?”

“Actually, Your Grace, I was in hopes that Miss Faraday would agree to ride with me. We have made it a habit of late to take a ride in the morning. Although it’s afternoon, I would still enjoy a jaunt around the estate.”

Judith’s heart lightened. She couldn’t wait to get out of this room.

Trey remained standing and folded his arms across his chest. “Hawthorne, don’t you think Miss Faraday requires rest after her eventful evening that kept her up most of the night?”

Once again, Trey’s double meaning caused heat to rise to Judith’s cheeks. Where was her fan when she needed it?

“My Lord,” she aimed her comment at Trey. “You need not fret. I feel well rested, thank you, and I would very much enjoy a ride with Lord Hawthorne.”

She stood and walked toward Dominic. “If you will give me a few minutes to change, I will meet you at the stables.”

He nodded. “Of course.”

She turned back to the dowager and Trey. “Please excuse me.”

Isabelle nodded, but Trey’s hard expression told Judith he wasn’t pleased with her decision at all. She didn’t wait for his answer, but turned and strolled out of the room. Besides, she couldn’t let him know what was on her mind. She’d yell at him, to be sure. Maybe flirting with Lord Hawthorne would help Trey out just a bit. By the time she reached the end of the hall, her smile was so wide it hurt her cheeks.

Just as she rounded the corner to the stairs, someone called out her name behind her so softly she almost thought she’d imagined it. But hard-heeled shoes pounded on the floor, making her turn to see who came her way.

Trey walked up the hall, not looking as angry as he had a minute ago. She halted near the stairs, holding onto the railing. Her heartbeat quickened. Would she be able to hold her tongue? Or would her temper take over?

He didn’t stop until he stood right in front of her, his hand covering hers on the railing. Her breathing accelerated and within moments, his desirable spicy scent surrounded her, making her want to cuddle in his arms.

“Do you want me, my lord?”

Trey’s blue eyes darkened, just as they had last night. Her throat turned dry.