The moment stretched out, filled with unspoken words and emotions. Aaron opened his mouth to say something, anything, but Judith spoke first.
“Thank you,” she murmured then took a half step back.
Aaron reluctantly let go of her hand, feeling the sudden loss of her warmth. He cleared his throat and forced a smile. “My pleasure. You’re quite ready for the ball now.”
In truth, he wanted nothing more than to continue dancing with her, to keep her close. But he saw the way she stepped back, putting a respectful distance between them.
She nodded, a faint blush on her cheeks. “I think I am.”
She pursed her lips and looked around the empty ballroom while sweat beaded on his brow, not from strain but from nervousness.
“We should get to the carriage,” he said, but she shook her head.
“It is still early. I thought perhaps you might tell me about your friend?”
Graham.
Aaron wanted to groan but, of course, she was right.
“Why don’t I tell you about him as we walk to the carriage? We can ask the driver to drive through the park, it will be pleasant.”
“Very well,” she agreed and took his arm again as they walked out of the ballroom. “So, what is he like?”
Aaron hesitated for a split second. A part of him, the selfish part, wanted to paint Graham in an unflattering light. To be sure, he knew many unpleasant stories about him—they’d known one another for a long time, after all—but he couldn’t do it. Graham didn’t deserve it, and neither did she.
Aaron took a deep breath and spoke honestly. “Graham is a good man. He’s kind, intelligent, and quite accomplished. He has a love for music, much like you do, and a sense of humor that makes him pleasant to be around.”
Judith smiled softly, seeming reassured by his words. “He sounds lovely.”
Aaron nodded, though his heart ached. “He is. You’ll like him, I’m sure.”
They stepped out onto the front porch, where Judith called for the carriage to be brought around. Then, as they climbed in, an uncomfortable silence fell over them.
Aaron cursed himself for ever taking on this horrible task at Oliver’s request. For never in his life had he felt something for a woman as he did now, and never had he been so sure that it would all end in disaster if he followed his true desires.
CHAPTER 21
The Lord Chancellor’s home was an imposing edifice of Tudor architecture, with tall, grand columns framing the entrance and expansive windows that glowed warmly with the light from within. The driveway was lined with meticulously trimmed hedges and ornate lampposts, leading up to a large, elaborately carved front door.
As Aaron and Judith approached, the door opened to reveal Lord Eldridge, the Lord Chancellor himself. He was a tall, dignified man with a stern but welcoming countenance. His powdered wig and formal attire gave him an air of authority and gravitas.
Aaron paused, for it was unusual for a peer to wear this attire to a ball, but Lord Eldridge had always had a reputation for being rather eccentric. A man beside him whispered something in his ear, no doubt their names, and he quickly greeted them.
“Your Grace, Lady Judith,” Lord Eldridge greeted, bowing slightly. “Welcome to my home. I trust you will have a delightful evening.”
“Thank you, Lord Eldridge,” Aaron replied, returning the bow. “It is an honor to be here.”
Judith curtsied gracefully. “Thank you for having us, Lord Eldridge.”
Lord Eldridge nodded, motioning for them to enter. “Please, make yourselves at home. The ballroom is just through those doors.”
Aaron escorted Judith inside, the opulent interior of the house capturing their attention. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a brilliant light over the marble floors. The walls were adorned with rich tapestries and portraits of notable figures, giving the space an air of elegance and refinement.
As they moved through the throng of guests, Aaron spotted Graham standing near the grand staircase, deep in conversation with a group of gentlemen.
“There is my friend. Would you excuse me?” he asked.
“Of course,” Judith said and then made her way toward her friend, Joanna, who was standing by the window.
