He started counting but stopped abruptly, a flush of embarrassment creeping up his neck. He knew none of these women were harmed or ruined by their time together; they had all been willing participants in the fleeting romances. Yet, an uncharacteristic sense of shame washed over him.
What would Judith think if she knew about this box? The thought lingered. He imagined her laughing, perhaps even teasing him. She wasn’t prudish like Amelia had been. Still, theidea of her knowing this part of his past unsettled him. If they were to be married, would she still look at him the same way?
“If we were to be married?” he muttered, snapping the box shut. “What is wrong with me?”
The notion was absurd. He shook his head, trying to rid himself of these foolish thoughts. He stood up, straightened his coat one last time, and left his room with determined strides.
Tonight, he would practice dancing with Judith one last time before taking her to the ball. She didn’t really need another lesson—she was perfectly refined as she was. But he’d been unable to fight the desire to be alone with her one more time. After tonight, he knew, there was a good chance she’d no longer need his assistance. He would introduce her to Graham, and he would do everything in his power to make sure they were a perfect match.
No more nonsense, he told himself firmly as he made his way to Worcester House. He had a duty to fulfill, and he would not let his foolish desires stand in the way.
CHAPTER 20
Judith stood before the mirror in her bedchamber, admiring her reflection as Matilda made the final adjustments to her gown.
Her dress was exquisite, a delicate shade of lavender that complemented her fair complexion. It featured a high waistline, cinched just below the bust with a satin ribbon, and flowed gracefully to the floor in soft, billowing folds of silk. The bodice was adorned with intricate lace and tiny seed pearls, adding an air of elegance and refinement. Short, puffed sleeves left her shoulders bare, and a modest décolletage completed the ensemble, striking the perfect balance between sophistication and allure.
Being invited to the Lord Chancellor’s home was a great honor, and she knew she had to look her best. Well, that and of course the fact that Aaron intended to introduce her to someone very promising, indeed.
She sighed, watching her chest rise and fall in the mirror as thoughts of Aaron snuck up on her. She shook her head, chasing them away as Matilda stepped in front of her, helping her with her hair.
Without Marianne, who was still bedridden, Matilda had stepped in, proving surprisingly adept at the task. She gathered Judith’s curls into a loose chignon, securing it with delicate hairpins that sparkled faintly in the candlelight. A few tendrils were left to frame Judith’s face, softening her features and adding a touch of romance to her look.
“You seem nervous, dear. The Lord Chancellor is a grand man, to be sure, but he is mild-mannered, you need not worry. Or is there another reason you are fidgeting?” Matilda asked with a twinkle in her eyes, as if she already knew.
“Aaron is going to introduce me to a gentleman tonight. The one I spoke to at the park, the day we learned about John’s injury,” Judith confided.
Matilda paused, her hands stilling in Judith’s hair. “Oh, I see,” she said, sounding surprised. “Is that what you want, dear?”
Judith nodded resolutely. “It is. I appreciate everyone wanting to help me, but I know I must find a husband now. This gentleman was kind, and he is Aaron’s friend.”
Matilda resumed her task, her expression thoughtful. “I see. Well, if that is what you want, I will not stand in your way, of course. But I noticed the way you and His Grace look at eachother. I had an inkling that perhaps there is something between you two. Am I wrong?”
Judith felt her heart clench. She knew Matilda had seen the truth, even if she couldn’t admit it aloud.
“No, there isn’t,” she replied, though the words sounded hollow. “He is helping me, that is all.”
Matilda met her eyes in the mirror, her gaze gentle but probing. “Be careful when making choices, Judith. You need to look out for your heart as well as your future.”
Judith nodded, though she wasn’t sure how much she could control her heart anymore.
Just then, a footman appeared at the door, announcing Aaron’s arrival.
“He’s here,” Judith said and took a deep breath.
Matilda gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Remember what I said.”
Judith stood up, smoothing down the fabric of her gown. “I will. But I know what I want. Thank you, Matilda.”
She had come to admire her stepmother these last few weeks, but she could not let her influence her now.
She made her way out of her room, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Tonight could change everything, and she had to be ready for whatever came next.
Judith descended the stairs with an ethereal grace, her gown flowing around her like a cloud. Aaron felt his heart thud painfully in his chest as she approached. Her beauty was almost otherworldly, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her.
Lady Worcester, following close behind, glanced at him and remarked with a light smile, “You’re quite early, Your Grace.”
Aaron cleared his throat, tearing his gaze away from Judith. “I wanted to go over the evening with Judith before we departed. And I thought we might practice a few dances.”
