Judith nodded, feeling a new sense of confidence. “Thank you, Aaron. This has been… enlightening.”
Aaron squeezed her hand gently. “Anytime, Judith. And remember, I’m here to help you.”
As they continued to walk, Judith felt a sense of contentment she hadn’t expected. The awkwardness had melted away, replaced by growing ease and contentment in Aaron’s company. Of course, as they walked, she had to remind herself that it wasn’t Aaron she was doing this for. And yet he was the only one whose opinion she cared about, the only one she wanted to charm—but it was futile.
She had to remember that he didn’t want a wife—not her, not Lady Lundgren, not anyone. He wanted his freedom, and there was nothing she could do to change that fact.
CHAPTER 15
As Aaron rode back to his estate, a smile played on his lips. The afternoon with Judith had been unexpectedly delightful. She was witty, entertaining, and thoughtful, a far cry from the persnickety, little girl he remembered from their childhood. He couldn’t help but replay their interactions in his mind, the way she had laughed, the spark of resolve in her eyes, and the brief moments of vulnerability she had allowed him to see.
That she’d brought him to so intimate a place, a spot that meant so much to her had touched him more than he’d expected. What did this mean? Did she trust him? Or did she perhaps see something in him he hadn’t anticipated?
No, do not be a fool, Aaron.
Still, he was already looking forward to their next encounter, the promenade they had planned. The thought of spending more time with her filled him with an unexpected anticipation. But asthe realization settled in, he paused, a sense of caution creeping into his thoughts.
He was not the one looking to court her; he was supposed to help her find someone else to court. His feelings were irrelevant, and he needed to keep them in check.
Still, hadn’t his wish to remain unattached been born out of the fear of leading a boring life if he married? With Judith, there was never a dull moment. Sometimes, she was dramatic. Other times, she was hilarious. And other times she was contemplative—but never boring.
Chiding himself for allowing these intrusive thoughts to get the better of him, Aaron tried to refocus. He reminded himself of his role and the importance of helping her secure a good match. His own desires and inclinations were secondary to the task at hand.
With a determined sigh, he nudged his horse into a faster trot, eager to shake off lingering thoughts of her.
As he approached his estate, the sight of a carriage waiting outside the front entrance drew him out of his reverie. His brow furrowed in curiosity and concern.
Visitors were unusual. He was popular, but he hadn’t made it a habit of inviting people to his sanctuary. His steward handled most estate-related callers, and his friends knew to arrange meetings elsewhere. The only one who came to visit him unannounced was Oliver. No… indeed that was not true. There was one other. But surely it could not be?
Could it?
He dismounted swiftly, handed the reins to a waiting stable boy, and approached the carriage. The door of the carriage opened, and to his surprise, a familiar figure stepped out.
“Graham?” he called.
Indeed, the person standing there was none other than his friend Graham Baxter, the Earl of Leeds. Aside from Oliver, Graham was his dearest friend, but much like Oliver and Aaron, Graham often traveled, although in his case, it was related to business, not pleasure. They hadn’t seen one another since a chance encounter in Spain six months ago, thus seeing Graham now was exhilarating.
He was a striking figure with sandy hair, a broad grin, and a mischievous twinkle in his blue eyes. His presence was always lively and filled with good-natured teasing. Whenever the two of them were together, merriment followed. And if Oliver joined them, the delight was tripled.
Although Graham and Oliver were not as close as Aaron was to either of them, they would enjoy each other’s company if Aaron brought them together.
Still, there was a difference in the sort of joy he found with each of his friends. Oliver was as boisterous as Aaron, and they enjoyed drinking, dancing, and visiting taverns together. Graham, on the other hand, enjoyed fine music as much as Aaron did, and they’d visit the opera together. It had beenGraham who accompanied him to the opera he’d told Judith about. They attended the theater together or dined in new establishments.
“Aaron,” Graham complained playfully, “I thought you’d left me to rot out here.”
Aaron rushed to his friend. “Graham! What are you doing here?” he asked, extending his hand in greeting.
Graham shook his hand, his expression one of amusement and mock indignation. “Can’t a man visit his old friend without raising suspicion?”
“Of course,” Aaron replied, smiling. “Come inside.”
As they walked toward the house, Graham couldn’t resist teasing him. “You smell like a bouquet, my friend. Have you been keeping company with ladies? Is that why I was left out here to grow roots?”
Aaron felt his face heat up. Judith’s perfume must have rubbed off on him during their lesson. He dismissed it quickly, saying, “Just a woman I’m spending time with now and then.”
Graham laughed, clapping him on the back. “Some men never change.”
Aaron smiled, but inside, he felt bad for having dismissed Judith as ‘just a woman.’ She was more than that in many ways. And yethe hadn’t wanted Graham to know this. Why? He was entering a slippery territory, and he knew it.
