Aaron hadn’t wanted to tell them that he had any authority over them at all. But Oliver was nothing if not careful. He might have been free-spirited, but he knew that responsibility rested on his shoulders. Should anything happen to him, his sister, brother, and stepmother would be in legal limbo. Thus, he had ensured that—should something happen to him on the road or during his trip—someone was in charge until the situation could be rectified.
And that someone was Aaron.
He hadn’t wanted to tell Judith because he did not like how it would skew their relationship. He didn’t want to be seen as having power over her in any way, but the situation was urgent.
“It means nothing. Not for either of you, only that I can protect you legally if I have to. However, it is different for John. It means that I have the authority to remove him from school,” he explained, looking earnestly at Judith.
“Well, I suppose it is as Oliver planned,” Lady Worcester said.
Judith nodded, although he caught a flash of displeasure in her eyes.
“We will go home,” Lady Worcester continued. “We will ready our carriage and depart promptly once you join us. Then we will travel to Eton together, retrieve John, and bring him home.”
She sounded very much like the boy’s mother rather than his stepmother.
“Thank you,” Judith murmured quietly.
The three parted ways, each with a sense of urgency and purpose. Aaron watched as Judith and her stepmother rushed to their carriage. His mind raced with the urgency of their situation, and a part of him longed to be beside Judith, offering comfort. But just as he was about to turn away, he heard a familiar voice calling to him.
“Aaron!”
It was Graham.
Aaron’s heart sank as he realized it was indeed Graham he had seen with Judith earlier. How had they met? Why was Graham talking to her? Jealousy gripped him, which he knew to be entirely irrational.
Graham approached, his expression bright. “Aaron, there you are!” he said, clapping him on the shoulder. “Do you know the young lady I was just talking to? Judith something?”
Aaron hesitated, his mind racing. “I… I’m not sure who you were talking to.”
Graham’s face fell. “Really? You were standing so close by that I thought you must have seen us. We were feeding geese and ducks over yonder.”
“I was chatting with some of my friends,” Aaron said. “I thought I saw you walking in the other direction earlier, but I did not see you chatting with anyone.”
“After she was called away, I had half a mind to leave, but then I remembered seeing you and thought you might have seen us talking over there.” Graham nodded his chin toward the lake. “I didn’t catch her full name before she rushed away with another woman. I’d hoped to find out who she is and perhaps ask her to go to the opera with me.”
Aaron shrugged, trying to appear indifferent. “I beg your pardon, I don’t know.”
Graham sighed. “That’s a shame. She seemed quite charming. A diamond of the first water, indeed.”
Aaron’s insides twisted with guilt and a touch of something else he didn’t want to name. He should tell Graham that it was Judith he’d spoken to, and that Judith was in need of a decent match—but he didn’t. He didn’t want to introduce Graham to Judith. He knew in his heart why, but admitting it was another matter entirely.
“So, Aaron,” Graham continued, seemingly dismissing the topic, “I’m going to a private ball at the Lord Chancellor’s house next week. Lots of influential people will be there. Are you going?”
Aaron’s vexation deepened. He had planned to take Judith to that ball, knowing it would be a perfect opportunity for her to meet eligible gentlemen. Yet, the thought of her there with Graham gnawed at him. He’d have to introduce them whether he wanted to or not. Graham would recognize Judith, and he’d know that Aaron had been keeping their connection from him.
What was he doing? With every passing second, he was digging a deeper hole for himself…
“I have other plans,” he said curtly.
“Ah, that’s too bad,” Graham replied, looking a bit disappointed. “Well, we should have dinner together soon.”
“Of course,” Aaron agreed, though his mind was already elsewhere. “But I must be off now. Urgent matters to attend to.”
Graham nodded. “I understand. Let’s catch up soon.”
As Aaron hurried away, he couldn’t shake the feeling of doom building within him. The crisp February wind bit at his face, and the barren branches of the trees swayed ominously overhead. The park, usually a place of tranquillity, felt oppressive. He strode quickly, his thoughts in turmoil.
Why had it bothered him so much to see Graham with Judith? Why had he felt a pang of something akin to jealousy? He knew he couldn’t let himself get attached, couldn’t let his feelings cloud his judgment. He was supposed to be helping her find a match, not hoping she wouldn’t.
