Rosy patted her friend’s hand, her expression sympathetic. “You must try to endure the next two months until Oliver returns. Then we can talk some sense into him. I’ll ask George to speak for you—I will do it gladly. He doesn’t stand for such foolishness.”
Judith was about to thank her friend when, from the corner of her eye, she spotted Aaron coming their way.
“Faith, no. There he is,” she groaned and slid down so she was partially hidden beside Rosy, who craned her neck to see what she was looking at.
“Oh, he is handsome,” Rosy noted quietly.
Judith swiftly swatted her arm. “Do not make it worse,” she huffed.
She watched from behind Rosy, trying to remain inconspicuous as Aaron conversed with a few other gentlemen nearby. His laughter rang out, drawing glances from passersby, who seemed equally charmed by his presence.
Judith’s heart sank. It was exactly as she had feared. Aaron Fitzwilliam was the center of attention, as always, and loved every moment.
Rosy turned to her, noticing her discomfort. “Judith, perhaps we should leave. We can blend into the crowd.”
Judith was about to agree when she saw Aaron turn his attention toward them. Her heart skipped a beat as he gracefully excused himself from the conversation and headed their way.
“There’s no avoiding it now,” she muttered under her breath.
“The Duchess of Cambridge, if I am not mistaken,” he said and bowed.
“Have we met?” Rosy asked.
To her horror, Judith saw her friend’s cheeks redden slightly. A married woman! This man managed to charm a married woman who was moon-eyed over her husband just by showing up! It was truly beyond infuriating.
“Duke, it’s always a pleasure. How are you this fine afternoon?”
“Very well, thank you,” he replied, his eyes flicking to Judith, who did her best to appear composed. “I’ve come in search of your friend here, the fine Lady Judith. Lady Judith, I went to your home earlier, hoping we might meet to discuss the next steps now that Oliver has gone. Your stepmother informed me that you were here in the park.”
Curse Matilda.
Judith forced a smile, her irritation bubbling just beneath the surface. “Your Grace, it seems you are always well-informed.”
Aaron’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “I do my best to stay informed, Lady Judith. It’s in both our interests. Now, I do not want to disturb your afternoon, but I thought perhaps I might introduce you to my friend.”
His friend? Judith felt her entire body grow cold. Why would she agree to be introduced to one of Aaron’s friends at a park without a warning? She was dressed for a cozy afternoon with her friend, not for a promenade and certainly not for meetings with gentlemen. Did this fool not know that one needed time to prepare for such things? One could not simply be introduced to gentlemen at a moment’s notice.
“I do not think now is the best time,” she said, but to her horror, Aaron waved a hand and then offered her his arm.
“Nonsense. No time like the present, eh wot? Imagine, if you like him and he likes you, this can all be behind us. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”
Judith looked at Rosy, whose cheeks had returned to their usual hue. Her friend shrugged, and Judith closed her eyes for a moment. Perhaps this was best. If his friend was in the least bit tolerable, maybe she could strike up a conversation, perhaps go to a ball with him—if this was to come to pass, she could pass the time until her brother came back, and she would make him see how ludicrous all of this was.
“Very well, I shall go with you. But let me assure you, I am not in any need of a matchmaker. I am quite capable of managing my own affairs.”
Aaron’s expression softened slightly. “I have no doubt about your capabilities, Lady Judith. But it is your brother’s wish, and I intend to respect it.”
“Very well,” Judith replied. “Rosy, I will meet you and Joanna for tea over by the oak tree in a little while.”
She squeezed her friend’s hand, and Rosy departed. Then she took Aaron’s proffered arm, and together they walked along the wide, sandy path toward where two of his friends were standing next to a statue. She felt her palms grow clammy beneath her gloves and felt heat rising to her cheeks.
This was not ideal by any means, and she wanted nothing more than to run in the other direction, but she was trapped. The closer they came to whoever it was Aaron wanted to introduce her to, the more nervous she became. This wasn’t right. This wasn’t what she wanted.
“Your Grace…” she started, but he interrupted her with a smile.
“I know this is not what you wanted,” he acknowledged. “But I think it is for the best. It is difficult to find a match at any age, particularly at yours. Not that you are old,” he added quickly, but the damage was done. Already nervous, Judith felt her confidence sinking even lower. “You see, Oliver thought that I should select the right sort of gentleman for you from among our peers, but I think it would be better for you to make your own choice. Do you not think so?”
“I did not choose right now,” she fired back.
