The Sweetest Kiss (Brothers of Worthington Series) (28 page)

She pulled away. Tears brimmed in her eyes. Emotion clogged his throat and he wanted to weep. What a fool he was for letting himself become this attached to his mother’s ward.

“Trey, I don’t believe that. Deep inside of you there’s a loving heart. I have seen it.” She placed her fist on her bosom. “I have felt it.”

“You are the one with the loving heart.” He kissed her lips, gently,
then
pulled back. “This is why you will remain innocent until my mother and I find the right man to marry you.”

Anger creased her forehead and in the lines around her mouth. Tears slid down her cheeks as she shook her head. Letting out a groan, she turned and marched out of the room.

His heart crumbled. He hadn’t wanted to hurt her. The truth needed to come out. Maybe now she wouldn’t tempt him and the feelings between them could end.

~*~*~*~

“Judith, you don’t need me there,” Isabelle said and adjusted the blankets over her legs. “Trey is capable of escorting you to Lady Newby’s dinner party.”

Judith frowned, mainly for the dowager’s sake. It wasn’t a good idea to have Isabelle know of the plans swimming in Judith’s head for tonight’s party. For certain, the older woman would have heart palpitations.

“I’ll miss you,” Judith said, trying not to grin. “Will you be all right without us here to take care of you?”

The dowager chuckled and flipped her hand through the air. “Now that I’m home and in my own bed, I will be just fine, I assure you.”

“Then if you will excuse me, I need to hurry to my room and get ready for tonight.”

“Have a pleasant time, my dear. I will enjoy myself by reading a book.” She patted the hardbound lying next to her on the bed.

As Judith exited the room, her smile grew. From what she’d heard about Mr. Pratt from Isabelle’s friends, the man’s family was in hopes of him becoming a man of God and having his own Parish. That told her Lord Henry was very conservative. He wouldn’t want a wife who thrived on wearing the most expensive gowns, not to mention the
most gaudy
.

Taking her time with her toilette, Judith made certain her appearance tonight would tease Trey in more ways than one. She would flirt outrageously, which was definitely something Henry Pratt wouldn’t want in a future wife, and she hoped Trey’s jealous streak would make itself known.

Trey would love the gown she chose for tonight’s entertainment, since it showed more of her womanly attributes than her others. The dressmaker, Mrs. André, assured the dowager this was the latest fashion in France. Instead of a square neck, the bodice dipped dangerously low between the breasts, displaying an ample amount of bosom. The white mull was encased in silver tinsel embroidery. An elegant gown even a princess would wear. Judith’s maid styled her hair the way she did at her coming out ball. Ringlets fell around her head loosely, but the back was curled into a relaxed bun.

From down the hallway, the grandfather clock bonged nine times. Judith grinned.
Time to go.
Before leaving her room, she wrapped her long cloak around her, not showing a hint of what lay beneath. The unveiling would come later.

She was put out with Trey last night, only because she wanted his love desperately. She realized he wasn’t ready to admit he loved her, so she must have more patience. Dominic had mentioned making Trey jealous would do the trick. She would start the
Marquess
’ plan tonight.

Trey met her at the front door. He looked regal in his deep green over-jacket, waistcoat and black breeches. His cravat was perfectly knotted against his throat, and Judith realized she preferred his neck bare so she could touch his skin.

He helped her outside to the coach, took her hand and assisted her inside. Once he was sitting across from her, he rapped on the wall to inform the driver to start their journey to Viscount Newby’s estate. Even in the semi-darkened vehicle, Trey’s warm gaze rested on her as a smile touched his sculptured mouth.

Trey cleared his throat. “Mother tells me Mr. Pratt is interested in courting you.”

“That’s what I hear,” she said softly.

“Has Mother told you about him?” Trey asked.

“Yes, she has, along with a few of her friends. While on Bond Street yesterday, we came across him in front of a shop. Your mother’s friends were playing matchmaker, but not very subtly. They told me how he will have his own Parish someday.”

Trey nodded. “Henry Pratt will make God proud, to be sure. He comes from a respectable family. Any lady would consider herself fortunate to be his wife.”

“Even me?” She cocked her head, keeping her stare on him.

He shrugged. “I don’t see why not. You, my dear Judith, will please most men, I’m quite certain.”

“Except you, correct?”

His smile disappeared and he folded his arms, moving his stare to outside the window. “Judith, I would rather not discuss this again. You know my feelings.”

“Indeed, I do, just as you know mine.”

The remainder of the ride was filled with silence, except for the clip-clop of the horses’ hooves and the wheels crunching on the graveled roads. Occasionally, Trey cleared his throat or shifted in his seat, but he didn’t say another word.

When the coach stopped and their footman opened the door, Trey climbed down first, turned and reached his hand out to assist her. Gently, she slid her fingers against his palm. She held his gaze until she stood beside him. Her heart wrenched with frustration. Would he ever love her and give her a chance to make him happy? Or would his past secrets keep him from the one woman who could love him forever?

He tucked her hand around his elbow as he escorted her inside. The butler stood ready to take their wraps. Trey handed his garment to the older servant, before turning to assist Judith once again.

Holding back her grin, she tightened her mouth as Trey removed her cloak. He must have not noticed her gown at first because he handed her cloak to the butler without acting as if he was stunned by her appearance. But once he turned to her and held out his elbow for her to take, his gaze moved over her in a leisurely sweep. His eyes widened and his mouth hung open.

This was exactly the response she wanted.

Judith held herself from grinning too wide. Victory filled her, and she hoped it would remain throughout the evening.

Trey hitched his breath. “What the devil are you wearing?” he muttered before his gaze bounced up and met her eyes. “Why are you dressed like that?”

It was a good thing he kept his voice lowered for their ears only.

She gave him a shrug of innocence. “What do you mean, my lord?”

His eyes narrowed. “Do not play coy with me, my dear. You know what I mean.” Once again, his gaze moved over her body. “Why are you wearing that gown? It’s so…so…”

“Provocative?
Seductive?”

“Yes.”

She grinned and lifted her chin. “I want to look my best, Trey darling. How else am I going to land a husband?”

Leaving him behind, she walked ahead and into the room filled with dinner guests. Immediately, she spotted Mr. Pratt, so she sashayed toward him. It was hard not to notice the gasps and stares from the others as she passed. Her appearance shocked the older women in the group, and made most of the men stare with open mouths, pretty much the way Trey had when he first noticed her.

When Henry Pratt finally looked her way, his eyes widened and his face flamed a brilliant red. Judith stopped right in front of him and curtsied low. When she finally stood straight and met his eyes, they were diverted elsewhere as he stiffened his body.

“Good evening, my lord.”

He nodded and glanced very briefly at her. “Miss Faraday.”

“I must pass on the dowager duchess’ apologies for not coming tonight. Yesterday afternoon she became quite ill and she has not fully recovered.”

Although she watched his every move, he tried not to look her way at all, and when he did, his gaze dropped to her bosom.

“Oh, I understand.” He quickly looked away again. “I pray she has a speedy recovery.”

From the corner of the room, an older woman with silver hair rushed to Henry Pratt’s side. Judith didn’t need to be told this was the over-protective mother. But before Judith could say anything, someone’s warm hand brushed against her arm. She knew who it was. Her body had become familiar with Trey’s touch by now.

“Mr. Pratt. Lady Newby.” Trey bowed. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

When the older woman looked upon Trey, her smile reached her eyes, making them sparkle. But when the
viscountess
moved her attention to Judith, loathing darkened the depths of her brown eyes.

“Lady Newby,” Trey began, “I don’t think I have introduced you to my mother’s ward, Miss Judith Faraday.”

“No,” the older woman snipped. “You have not.”

Judith curtsied, as was customary, but didn’t dip as low this time. Obviously impressing Henry’s mother wasn’t necessary. “It’s a privilege to meet you, Lady Newby.”

“Likewise, I’m sure.” The lady’s face remained solemn.

“Lady Newby, Mr. Pratt, if you will excuse us, I must have a word with my mother’s ward.”

“Very well.”
The
viscountess
lifted her chin, her gaze still shooting daggers at Judith.

Wrapping his hand around her elbow, he urged Judith to follow, which she did. They passed other couples she recognized, and she smiled and nodded in greeting. Trey didn’t appear
put
out, but the tight grip he had on her elbow proved otherwise. He pulled her to the corner of the room and stopped, facing her and blocking her from the other guests. She didn’t mind. She’d rather have his attention than anyone else’s.

“I’m certain you know you have insulted the hostess tonight.” His voice was low.

She nodded. “A blind man would have been able to see the heated sparks of anger coming from the
viscountess
’ eyes.”

“And yet you continue to smile?” He arched a brow. “Pray, Miss Faraday, does this not worry you?”

“Not at all, my lord.
Everyone has a right to their own opinion.”

He blew out a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Yet now I’m the one who has to repair the damage.”

“Damage?”
She studied his worried expression. “What damage?”

His gaze moved across her bodice again, this time, his eyes darkened with desire. Her heartbeat quickened, and her palms grew moist. She wished they were alone. Because they weren’t, she anticipated his next move. Would he indeed do something scandalous?

“You are not dressed properly, my sweet,” he muttered. “You were told how this family lives, and so you should have dressed accordingly.” He finally lifted his eyes to hers. “Your dress is most daring.”

“I know.” She smiled. “I was in the mood to wear it tonight.”

“Why?
Because my mother is not here?”

She chuckled.
“Perhaps.”

He shook his head. “I don’t know how to repair this.”

“Should we leave?”

“Not yet. That will make it worse. We must remain a little while longer, but then not overstay our welcome. I also want you by my side. I saw the look of lust on some of the men here, and I don’t feel like making any threats tonight or calling anyone out. Is that understood?”

Warmth spread through her and she wanted to sigh aloud. “Ah, Trey,” she whispered.
“Always my rescuer.”

He growled. “And stop looking at me that way.”

“What way is that?”

“That you are enamored with me. You don’t want tongues wagging, do you?”

Her grin widened. “I shall never tell, my lord.” She pushed passed him and
proceeded
to visit with the other guests, ignoring his instructions. He couldn’t call any man out tonight, but she would definitely start gossipmongers in action.

As the night wore on, she accomplished her goal. The more Trey’s forehead creased and his eyebrows drew together, the more she flirted. Dinner went well. She was seated by Henry Pratt, which she gathered was done before they knew what gown she wore, but Judith made the best of an awkward situation.

While chatting, laughing, and batting her eyes at Mr. Pratt, Trey sat down the table from her and glared at her the entire time. She’d hear plenty when they returned home, and she couldn’t wait for their heated debate.

Trey’s hands ached from bunching them into fists, not to mention how his jaw hurt from grinding his teeth. When the proper time came, Trey made excuses to both Henry and the
viscountess
, which they accepted happily.

The little actress he couldn’t keep ogling tonight walked beside him to the coach and he helped her inside without shaking some sense into her. No, he’d do that in private. It wasn’t good to have a scandal with his mother’s health declining.

Once the vehicle started on its way, Trey sat back and folded his arms while he stared at Judith. Her attention was on her fingers as they rested entwined on her lap. A grin touched her beautiful face, and he wanted to scold her behavior tonight. Then after he was done, he wanted to hold and kiss her.