Chapter 10

CHAPTER 10

J udith floated across the dance floor with Lord Pembroke, the strains of the orchestra's music filling the grand ballroom. The chandeliers above cast a soft glow over the elegantly dressed couples twirling around them. She found herself enjoying the conversation about music, Lord Pembroke proving to be both charming and knowledgeable.

From the corner of her eye, she spotted Aaron conversing with a beautiful woman. Her curiosity was piqued, and she couldn't help but steal glances in their direction.

Lord Pembroke noticed her distraction and raised an eyebrow as he followed her gaze, only to let out a surprised ‘Huh.'

"I hadn't thought I'd see those two talking to one another again," he remarked.

Judith returned her attention to him. "What do you mean?" she asked, trying to keep her tone casual.

"How well do you know the Duke?" Lord Pembroke inquired, leading her into a graceful spin.

Judith hesitated, considering her answer. "He is my brother's best friend, but I do not know him well at all. He is only doing my brother a favor by looking out for me while Oliver is away."

"Ah, I see," Lord Pembroke said, nodding in understanding. "The woman he's talking to is Lady Amelia Cornell—Lady Lundgren now. She and His Grace were once betrothed."

Judith's eyes widened in shock. "Betrothed?" she echoed, unable to mask her surprise.

Lord Pembroke nodded solemnly. "Yes, it was quite the scandal when the engagement was broken off."

Judith's mind raced as she processed this revelation. Aaron and Lady Lundgren were engaged? She glanced back at them, their intense expressions and body language hinting at a complicated history. She felt a pang of curiosity and something else she couldn't quite name—something unsettling.

The dance continued, but Judith's thoughts were far from the music and the elegant steps. The revelation about Aaron and Lady Lundgren's past lingered in her mind, casting a shadow over the pleasant evening.

"I did not know he was once engaged," Judith murmured, her voice tinged with surprise.

"It was years ago," Lord Pembroke explained. "From what I heard, it all ended terribly, and Lady Lundgren was left to marry someone far older than her. I suppose one could have expected it, seeing how his reputation is not exactly stellar."He nodded his head toward a young man dancing nearby. "That is Lady Lundgren's brother."

Judith glanced over, recognizing the tall, lanky man from earlier. Her mind raced as she continued to dance with Lord Pembroke, her movements now more mechanical than graceful.

Aaron was engaged, and he'd ruined the lady he was meant to wed, leaving her to make a bad match. Yet, he was supposed to help Judith make a good one. Was Oliver aware of all of this?

The revelation echoed in Judith's mind, and she found it hard to focus on anything else.

Her dance partner continued to engage her in civil whiskers, but she forgot his questions as well as her answers almost the moment the exchange was completed, her thoughts consumed by this new piece of Aaron's history.

How could she not have known about something so significant?

She was shocked that Aaron, someone she had begun to see in a different light, could have been so callous as to put a woman in such a position. Yet, as her mind spun, she couldn't help but wonder if there was more to the story.

Was she grasping at straws? Perhaps. But the Aaron she had come to know seemed complex, capable of both charm and aloofness.

Judith knew of Aaron's reputation as a rake, but she had started to see beyond that superficial image. He'd been so charming during their dance, and then when he'd told her stories of his travels, she'd felt almost at ease with him. Had she been foolish to allow herself to be drawn in?

He was known for being the man who could get any lady he wanted, after all.

As the dance continued, Judith's eyes occasionally darted to Aaron and Lady Lundgren, their intense conversation still ongoing. Her curiosity mingled with an inexplicable sense of unease, and she realized how little she truly knew about Aaron's past and the complexities that shaped him.

The dance came to an end, and Lord Pembroke offered his arm to Judith, escorting her back to the edge of the ballroom.

"Well, you are an angel indeed when you dance," he praised and winked at her.

"You are too kind. I stepped on your foot at least once," she said, and he let out a chuckle.

"And yet I would be remiss if I did not ask if you would do me the honor of dancing with me again next Wednesday. I assume you will be here?" he asked with a warm smile.

"I would be delighted," Judith replied, smiling back.

"Very good, I look forward to it. Perhaps we could even dance twice?" he suggested and then shook his head as she searched for an appropriateanswer.

Two dances indicated serious interest… Was she ready for that?

"I did not mean to be forward, but a man must ask, lest he loses out. I see your dance card is quite full tonight."

He winked at her and then departed, leaving her to make her way toward Aaron, though she felt a strange sensation in her stomach.

The revelation about his past engagement weighed heavily on her mind. She had seen a different side of him recently, but now she was unsure what to think. She spotted Lady Lundgren speaking with her brother, their animated conversation contrasting sharply with the tension she felt.

Aaron approached her, his expression softening as he drew nearer. "Judith, how did it go?" he asked, his tone light.

"Lord Pembroke is lovely," she replied, her voice slightly distant. "He asked to dance with me again next week."

"That's wonderful," Aaron said, though his tone and expression contrasted with his words.

Silence fell between them, the unspoken tension thickening the air. They looked at one another, and Judith's thoughts raced. She wanted to ask about Lady Lundgren but couldn't bring herself to voice the question.

Instead, she forced a smile and said, "I'm quite hungry now. I think I'll have a piece of cake."

Aaron's teasing grin appeared. "The cake and lemonade here are dreadful, you know."

She laughed lightly, though it felt hollow. "I'm so famished, I don't care."

"Let me go with you," he offered, stepping closer.

Judith shook her head quickly. "No, thank you. I need a moment alone."

Aaron's expression turned into one of confusion, his brow furrowing slightly. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, absolutely," she replied, trying to keep her tone light. "I'll be back shortly."

As she walked away, she could feel his puzzled gaze on her back. Her mind was a whirl of conflicting emotions, and she needed a moment to gather her thoughts.

The lively atmosphere of the ballroom seemed distant, the laughter and music muted as she approached the refreshments table. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but the unease in her stomach remained.

The banquet room was a quieter, more subdued space compared to the bustling ballroom. The soft clinking of glasses and the low murmur of conversations provided a stark contrast to the lively music and laughter outside. The room was adorned with rich, dark wood paneling and velvet drapes, creating an intimate atmosphere. A large table laden with various pastries, cakes, and lemonade stood in the center.

Judith sat at a small table in the corner, staring absentmindedly at a slice of cake on her plate. Her mind was a whirlwind of confusion and unease. The revelation about Aaron's past engagement had unsettled her more than she cared to admit. As she tried to make sense of her thoughts, a young man entered the room.

It was the one Lord Pembroke had pointed out as Lady Lundgren's brother. He was tall and lanky, with a serious expression.

Approaching her, he bowed politely. "Lady Judith?" he inquired.

Judith looked up, surprised. "Yes, I am Lady Judith," she confirmed, her curiosity piqued. "May I ask how you know who I am?"

"I saw you speaking with Aaron Fitzwilliam, the Duke of Nottingham," he admitted, his tone polite but firm.

Judith grew uncomfortable, her grip tightening on her fan. "And you are?"

"Thomas Cornell," he introduced himself with a slight bow. "Lady Lundgren is my sister."

Judith felt a knot form in her stomach. "I see," she muttered, trying to maintain her composure.

She began to fan herself, the motion more an attempt to gather her thoughts than to cool herself.

Thomas seemed to sense her discomfort. "Please, Lady Judith, I mean you no harm," he said softly. "I am simply concerned. Do you truly know the Duke of Nottingham?"

Judith's evasiveness became more pronounced. "He is a friend of my brother's," she replied, her eyes darting around the room.

Just then, someone else entered, momentarily breaking the tension.

Thomas took a step closer, lowering his voice. "I understand, but I urge you to be cautious. He is not the man he appears to be."

Judith's heart raced, the mix of curiosity and dread making her pulse quicken. "Why do you say that?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Thomas looked around the room, then back at her. "Would you step outside with me? I can explain more, but not here."

Judith hesitated, glancing at her maid, who had just walked into the room and was waiting nearby. "My maid would have to come with us," she said, her voice firm.

"Of course," Thomas agreed immediately. "I understand completely."

Judith stood up, signaling to Marianne.

They made their way through the banquet room, the heavy air of murmured conversations following them as they stepped into the garden. The cool night air was a welcome relief, the quiet of the garden a stark contrast to the overwhelming atmosphere inside.

The moon cast a pale light over the manicured hedges and blooming flowers, creating an almost surreal atmosphere. Judith walked alongside Thomas, feeling both curious and apprehensive. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves as he prepared to speak. Marianne followed closely behind, her presence a small comfort.

"Lady Judith," Thomas began, his voice low and urgent. "I need you to understand that Aaron is not a good man. He has caused my sister immeasurable heartache. She is trapped in a horrible marriage because of him. He ruined her."

Judith felt a chill run down her spine. "Why are you telling me this?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. "Why do you feel the need to warn me about Aaron?"

Thomas sighed, his frustration evident. "Because I don't want to see another woman suffer the way my sister has. Aaron is a rake of the worst order. He hides many secrets, and you won't be safe with him."

Judith felt a surge of defiance mixed with doubt. "With all due respect, Lord Thomas, I don't know you at all. My brother trusts Aaron. I appreciate your concern, but I will follow my brother's lead."

They had made a turn about the small garden and had arrived near the door again, and she had hoped they would part ways and she would return inside. She had been foolish to come out here in the first place. Of course, there were a few others wandering through the garden, but still.

Alas, Thomas's face turned red with anger. "You are foolish," he snapped. "I'm trying to warn you, and you choose to side with Aaron? You are making a grave mistake."

"I'm not choosing Aaron," Judith said firmly, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'm simply not going to let a stranger tell me what to do."

Thomas's expression darkened, his eyes flashing with rage. "Aaron ruined my sister's life forever. If you are going to side with a man like that, then perhaps you deserve to have your life ruined too."

Judith felt a surge of fear as his tone grew menacing. She glanced at Marianne, who looked equally alarmed. They had known one another for so long that they did not need to exchange words for the maid to understand what had to be done.

Marianne rushed back into the ballroom. As she left, Thomas grabbed Judith's arm, pulling her closer.

"Let go of me!" she cried, struggling against his grip.

"Don't be a fool," Thomas hissed, his face inches from hers. "You need to understand?—"

But before he could finish, he pulled her forward, clearly trying to make it look like they were in a compromising position for anyone watching from the ballroom windows. Judith's heart pounded in her chest as she realized the gravity of the situation. If they were seen like this, she would be ruined.

"Stop it!" she shouted, pushing against him with all her strength. "Let me go!"

Thomas's grip tightened, and he leaned in to kiss her, but she turned her head away, her terror mounting. Just then, the door to the garden flew open, and heavy footsteps rushed toward them.

A fist flew through the air, connecting with Thomas's jaw with a sickening thud. He staggered back, releasing Judith, who stumbled away from him. She spun around, her breath coming in ragged gasps, and saw Aaron standing there, his eyes blazing with fury.

"Are you all right?" Aaron asked, his gaze never leaving Thomas.

Judith nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "Yes, I think so."

Aaron stepped forward, his body tense and ready for a fight. "If you ever come near her again, I will make sure you regret it, Cornell," he growled.

Thomas glared at him, clutching his jaw. "You have no idea what you've done," he spat, his voice filled with venom. "You'll pay for this, Aaron."

"Get out of here," Aaron said coldly. "Before I make you."

Thomas hesitated, then turned and stalked away, his posture rigid with anger and humiliation.

Judith watched him go, her legs trembling with the fear coursing through her.

Aaron turned to her, his expression softening. "Judith," he said gently, "I'm so sorry you had to go through that."

Judith shook her head, trying to steady her breathing. "Thank you, Aaron. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't come."

Aaron took a step closer, his concern evident. "Are you sure you're all right?

"I'm fine," she replied, though her voice wavered. "Just… shaken."

Aaron nodded, his eyes full of empathy. "Let's get you back inside. We'll find a quiet place where you can sit and catch your breath."

Judith nodded, leaning on his arm for support as they made their way back into the ballroom. Her mind was still reeling from the encounter, and she couldn't shake the feeling that the evening had changed everything.