Judith hesitated but nodded, knowing she could not get out of this. “Alright. But I must make haste.”
Oliver got up from his chair, and together they walked toward the carriage just as Aaron stepped out.
“Aaron,” Oliver called in an excited tone. “You are here! I am afraid I made a miscalculation when I told you to have tea with the both of us. It seems my sister already has plans of her own with the Duchess of Wells.”
“What a shame,” Aaron said and looked at Judith. His eyes penetrated her walls, and she felt that familiar rush that had come over her every time he was near. “I’ve been looking forward to talking to you again. It has been a while, Lady Judith.”
Chiding herself for it, she took a deep breath and made herself look at him. Their eyes met for a brief, awkward moment. “It cannot be helped, Your Grace,” she replied softly, avoiding his gaze.
“Your Grace? Lady Judith? Are you telling me the two of you have been calling one another by your titles this entire time?” Oliver sounded genuinely aghast.
Aaron flashed a small smile. “Judith,” he said hesitantly.
“Aaron,” Judith returned, but she said nothing further.
Fortunately, Oliver had taken charge of the conversation, thus breaking the silence that threatened to settle between them.
She nodded once more, then quickly excused herself. “Right, well. I am expected at my friend’s home. Enjoy your tea.”
She slipped away before the tension became unbearable.
As she made her way upstairs to prepare for her visit with Joanna, Judith couldn’t help but reflect on the jumble of feelings that had surfaced upon seeing Aaron again.
She realized that despite everything, her feelings for him hadn’t faded. But with Graham’s impending proposal and the expectations placed upon her, the path ahead felt more uncertain than ever.
CHAPTER 30
Aaron and Oliver entered the grand house, their footsteps echoing in the spacious foyer. The butler took their coats and hats, and they moved toward the drawing room, where tea had been set up.
Aaron couldn’t help but glance repeatedly into the great hall, hoping to catch another glimpse of Judith. Seeing her again after so long was both a delight and a torture. Her beauty and grace were undiminished, but the cold anger in her eyes made his heart ache.
They settled into the plush chairs, the warmth of the tea a stark contrast to the chill in Aaron’s heart. He regretted the kiss that had ruined their friendship, the kiss that had driven a wedge between them. It had been a moment of weakness, a slip that had cost him dearly.
As he sipped his tea, he heard Judith’s soft voice drifting down the staircase. She was speaking to her maid, her tone light andcasual, a stark contrast to the tension he felt. He leaned forward slightly, straining to hear more, his heart pounding in his chest.
Judith…
His hands itched with the urge to go after her, to explain himself, to make amends. The sound of her footsteps descending the stairs filled him with desperate hope, but then hers and the maid’s voices faded away as they walked out the front door.
His opportunity was slipping away again.
Just then, the butler entered the drawing room, his expression one of mild distress. “My Lord, I beg your pardon for the interruption, but it is urgent.”
“What is it?” Oliver asked, looking up at him.
“There has been an accident in the kitchen, My Lord,” the butler explained. “The cook is hurt.”
Oliver immediately rose to his feet. “I must tend to it,” he said, concern etched on his face.
Aaron saw his chance and seized it. “It’s quite alright, Oliver. We can have dinner at the club this evening.”
Oliver nodded, already halfway to the door. “Very well, Aaron. I’ll take care of this.”
As Oliver hurried away to the kitchen, Aaron stood up, leaving his top hat behind in his haste. He rushed to the front door, his heart racing. He couldn’t let Judith leave without speaking to her.
Bursting out into the courtyard, he saw her just ahead, her delicate figure framed by the soft light of the afternoon.
“Judith!” he called out, his voice filled with urgency.
