“Nothing, just a humorous thought that came to me,” Aaron said and pressed on.
Witty. That was the other quality he liked in Judith. She was witty. He sucked in a lungful of air as he went on. She deserved happiness. And he’d do all he could to make sure she found it.
CHAPTER 14
Judith and Rosy strolled through the garden, the sun filtering through the leaves and casting dappled shadows on the path. It was cold but not unpleasantly so. The chilly wind lent a spring to Judith’s step as she had been recounting the events of the previous evening at Almack’s, her feelings swinging between frustration and lingering shock.
“… and then he tried to kiss me, right there in the garden,” she finished, her cheeks flushing at the memory. “I thought I was going to be ruined. His Grace rushed out at the last moment and planted a facer on him, sending him into the dirt. Otherwise…”
Rosy’s eyes widened in shock. “Good heavens, Judith! How terrible! What a despicable man. And to think, all because of the Duke’s past with his sister.”
Judith sighed, shaking her head. “I know. It’s all so tangled. But, Rosy, what if I end up like Lady Lundgren? Forced into a marriage I don’t want, all because of societal expectations? Matilda said she’d shelter me if I needed to escape, and she’dtalk to Oliver because she feels he misunderstood my father’s letter, but you know my brother—he is stubborn as a mule.”
“I know it. But perhaps you will meet someone in these next few weeks who will suit you. I am in two minds about the Duke, but at least he saved you, though one could argue it was all his fault.”
Judith exhaled sharply. “I know it. It has bothered me for some while. I cannot believe I didn’t know his history. Did you?”
Rosy nodded thoughtfully. “I did hear whispers about the Duke being engaged once. It was a long time ago, and it ended badly. But Lady Lundgren is married to a marquess now. Not the worst outcome.”
Judith frowned. “It doesn’t matter what happened to Lady Lundgren anymore. I’m more concerned about myself and my future. I must do all I can to prevent it from happening to me. I must find someone I like. Someone who is…”
Her thoughts drifted to Aaron and his smile as he spoke of Italy, but she shrugged it off, not wanting to allow herself such thoughts. However, as so often, Rosy had picked up on her thoughts.
“Perhaps you should ask the Duke of Nottingham to pose as your suitor in front of Oliver, to give you more time. It worked for me and Joanna?” Rosy suggested, a playful glint in her eyes. “He’s quite the dashing figure, isn’t he?”
“Aaron would never do such a thing. He adores my brother,” Judith argued.
Her friend’s eyebrows rose. “Aaron?”
Judith felt a blush creep up her neck. “He wants me to call him Aaron,” she explained, trying to sound nonchalant.
Rosy smirked. “Oh, does he now? That’s rather intimate, don’t you think? Perhaps he’d be inclined to do more than pretend.”
Judith’s blush deepened. “It’s just a name, Rosy.”
“Just a name,” Rosy echoed, a teasing note in her voice. “Come now, Judith. You’ve spent quite a bit of time with him at the ball. Anything else to share?”
Judith felt a knot form in her stomach. She wanted to tell Rosy how she felt when she looked into Aaron’s eyes, how strangely hot and flustered she had become when they danced. But it seemed too silly, too impractical. Aaron had broken off a betrothal to remain free and unwed. Thinking of him in any romantic manner was foolish, she reminded herself.
“It’s nothing like that,” Judith said, brushing off Rosy’s teasing. “He’s helping me because of Oliver. That’s all. He’s made it clear he doesn’t want to be tied down.”
Rosy’s smile softened. “Still, it must be nice to have someone like him looking out for you. Even if he is a bit of a rake and almost had you ruined by extension.”
Judith sighed. “Yes, but I have to focus on myself, Rosy. Aaron is helping me, and I need to listen to his advice to find a husband before Oliver returns. I want to avoid a confrontation with my brother, Matilda, and everyone else who wants to see me settled.”
Rosy nodded, her expression turning serious. “I understand, Judith. It’s important to take control of your own fate. But don’t forget to look after your heart as well. Sometimes, the right person is the one you least expect.”
Judith forced a smile. “I appreciate the sentiment, Rosy, but I can’t afford to think like that.”
They continued walking, the garden’s vibrant colors and fragrant blooms providing a calming backdrop. Judith couldn’t help but feel a pang of doubt, though. What if Rosy was right? What if her heart knew something her mind refused to acknowledge?
But there was no time for such thoughts. She had a mission—find a suitable husband and avoid being forced into a marriage she didn’t want. She had to trust Aaron’s guidance and focus on the goal at hand. There was no room for foolish romantic fantasies.
Judith’s fingers glided over the keys of the pianoforte, filling the music room with a delicate, mournful melody. The room, bathed in the soft afternoon light, seemed to resonate with memories. The last time she played here, her father was still alive, and the house was filled with a sense of wholeness she desperately missed. She closed her eyes and let herself slip into the past, imagining the scene as it once was.
Her father sat in his favorite armchair, listening intently, a soft smile playing on his lips. Beside him, Matilda, with her warm auburn hair and gentle demeanor, looked at Judith with encouragement. Her brother John, only ten years old, fidgeted in his seat, trying to sit still but utterly captivated by the music. Even Oliver, who was usually so stern and reserved, seemed touched by the melody, his eyes betraying a rare moment of affection for his sister’s talent.
As Judith continued to play, she felt the comforting presence of her mother behind her, looking over her shoulder. It was as if her mother’s spirit had returned to the room, drawn by the music and the significance of the day.
