Page 33 of Her Sweetest Rogue (The Worthington Legacy #6)
T he ride to Bond Street didn’t seem as long as when Judith had journeyed with the dowager the first time. Trey rode with them, which made her trip more enjoyable. With him in the vehicle, they had more topics to discuss. Trey’s sense of humor showed quite often, which kept Judith thoroughly entertained. When they arrived at the dress shop, Trey excused himself to attend to business.
Disappointment washed through Judith. No longer would she be able to lose herself in his adorable blue eyes.
Before he walked away, he kissed her knuckles while his gaze held hers. Warmth spread through her body until he withdrew, bowed, and sauntered up the street. If Isabelle hadn’t been standing beside her, Judith would have watched Trey until he disappeared. He was such a handsome man—inside and out.
Shaking herself out of dreamy thoughts, she turned and walked into the dress shop beside Isabelle. Her thoughts swam from the conversation she had had with Dominic yesterday. He admitted he knew she had feelings for Trey, and the marquess actually said he’d help her win Trey’s heart. What a good friend he was.
For the next three hours, Judith was prodded, poked, and measured. She couldn’t help but remember the last time she was here, and especially when she’d carelessly chased after Alex.
She frowned. Why had she been so gullible? And to think she would have waited for that man if the dowager hadn’t rescued her by bringing Judith to the estate. Yet, it was Trey who had truly been her rescuer.
Finally, she and the dowager walked out of the dress shop. Right away, they met with other women who strolled along the walk. Isabelle stopped to talk to her friends, and Judith smiled politely, only nodding when the occasion called for some kind of recognition.
A few gentlemen strolled by, some she recognized from her ball. She gave them a nod. One stopped beside her and bowed.
“Good day, Miss Faraday. What a pleasure it is to see you again.”
She scrambled to remember his name, but nothing came to mind. She curtsied and smiled politely.
Isabelle Worthington stepped beside him. “Good day, Mr. Pratt. How are you this fine afternoon?”
He bowed. “I’m having a pleasing day, Your Grace. And yourself?”
Isabelle grinned. “I’m taking my ward shopping.”
The man’s eyes beamed as his smile widened. “How lovely.”
The dowager touched Judith’s arm. “My dear, you remember Mr. Henry Pratt from your party. He’s Viscount Newby’s youngest son.”
The name didn’t ring any bells of familiarity, but she had no other choice but to act like it. “Of course I do.”
“Mr. Pratt, I believe we received an invitation from your mother for a dinner social, did we not?”
His cheeks turned a dark red. “I hope so, Your Grace. I would very much enjoy getting to know Miss Faraday a little better. I fear her dance card was so full it was almost impossible to speak with her.”
Judith chuckled. “What a whirlwind night that was. I look forward to talking with you during your mother’s party.”
He bowed again then walked away. When Judith’s gaze fell upon Isabelle and her friends, their wide smiles let her know they were up to no good. It was enough to make Judith scream.
“Mr. Henry Pratt would make a fine husband, Miss Faraday,” the lady to her left said. “His father is an educated man and has taught him well.”
“Indeed,” another woman spoke. “His family holds strong to their religion. I heard Mr. Pratt intends to have his own Parish one day.”
Judith kept her smile. She didn’t know what to say. Sorry, he’s not like Trey, and I won’t take anything less. Of course not. That would be rude.
Isabelle told her friends goodbye, then turned and walked up the street with Judith by her side. The dowager continued telling her everything she knew about the Viscount’s family. A year ago this would have interested Judith. Not now. Yet it seemed the older woman was insistent that Judith allow Mr. Pratt to court her to see if they would suit. She ground her teeth. This wasn’t something she wished to do. However, she was still the dowager’s ward and so must obey.
An idea jumped into Judith’s head and she grinned. If Isabelle wanted Mr. Pratt to court Judith, she would, but she’d do it on her own terms. This particular courtship would not last longer than a day if she had her way.
Judith and the dowager entered a little shop at the end of the street, and after partaking of tea and crumpets, Isabelle moaned and placed her hand on her forehead.
“Oh, dear. I fear I’ve overdone myself today.”
Judith touched the older woman’s wrinkled, frail hand. “Do you wish to return home?”
“Trey said he would meet us here. I hope he comes quickly.”
Glancing around the room, Judith didn’t see him anywhere. “Do you wish me to find him now?”
“No, dear. I’m certain he will be here shortly.”
Within seconds, the older woman’s face turned white. Judith panicked. She pushed away from the table and ran to fetch someone who worked at the establishment. The man wearing an apron was the first person she grabbed.
“Sir, please help me. My guardian is very ill.” She pointed to the direction of her table. “Do you have a back room where she can lie down?”
His eyes widened and he nodded. Judith rushed to the table with him by her side. He helped Isabelle up, and her legs wobbled as they took her to the back room. A small room with a cot was behind the kitchen, and thankfully, the room was warm and comfortable enough for the dowager.
Judith located a blanket and spread it over Isabelle.
“My dear, what are you doing?” the older woman asked with a cracked voice.
“Your Grace, you almost swooned out there.”
“I did?”
“Yes, and you will lie right here until Trey comes for us.”
The dowager nodded, her eyes drifting closed.
Judith stood inside the room, wringing her hands against her bosom. When was Trey coming? They needed to get Isabelle home, or to a doctor.
Soon, heavy breaths and soft snores came from the other woman. Judith left the room, closing the door behind her, and hurrying out into the dining area. Still, no Trey. She marched to the front door and peeked outside. The walkway was too busy for her to see anyone, so she stepped outside a little farther.
Coaches passed and she studied the crests painted on the doors to see if any belonged to the Worthington family. The wind picked up and teased the curls by her ears. Soon her arms grew cold, but she had to keep looking for him, so she rubbed her hands on her skin to keep herself warm.
Suddenly, the hairs on the back of her neck rose as the distinct feeling of being watched came over her. Fear inched its way up her spine, stilling her heartbeat. Slowly, she glanced around the area, searching for anyone with his or her gaze on her. Many people had looked her way, but they weren’t the cause of the fright lodged in her throat. Her head warned her to hurry back inside and wait for Trey. Yet her stubbornness kept her outside in the cooling temperature.
Her name whispered through the wind and she swung around to see who was behind her. Once again, she didn’t recognize anyone. So why did she hear her name being called?
The cool air turned chillier, and she rubbed her hands over her arms quicker. But the cold dread in her chest didn’t disappear. In fact, it grew.
Looking from one person to the other, she searched every face that passed by, hoping to find the root of her worry. Heavy footsteps came up behind her and a strong hand clasped her shoulder.