Chapter 15

CHAPTER 15

A s Aaron rode back to his estate, a smile played on his lips. The afternoon with Judith had been unexpectedly delightful. She was witty, entertaining, and thoughtful, a far cry from the persnickety, little girl he remembered from their childhood. He couldn't help but replay their interactions in his mind, the way she had laughed, the spark of resolve in her eyes, and the brief moments of vulnerability she had allowed him to see.

That she'd brought him to so intimate a place, a spot that meant so much to her had touched him more than he'd expected. What did this mean? Did she trust him? Or did she perhaps see something in him he hadn't anticipated?

No, do not be a fool, Aaron.

Still, he was already looking forward to their next encounter, the promenade they had planned. The thought of spending more time with her filled him with an unexpected anticipation. But as the realization settled in, he paused, a sense of caution creeping into his thoughts.

He was not the one looking to court her; he was supposed to help her find someone else to court. His feelings were irrelevant, and he needed to keep them in check.

Still, hadn't his wish to remain unattached been born out of the fear of leading a boring life if he married? With Judith, there was never a dull moment. Sometimes, she was dramatic. Other times, she was hilarious. And other times she was contemplative—but never boring.

Chiding himself for allowing these intrusive thoughts to get the better of him, Aaron tried to refocus. He reminded himself of his role and the importance of helping her secure a good match. His own desires and inclinations were secondary to the task at hand.

With a determined sigh, he nudged his horse into a faster trot, eager to shake off lingering thoughts of her.

As he approached his estate, the sight of a carriage waiting outside the front entrance drew him out of his reverie. His brow furrowed in curiosity and concern.

Visitors were unusual. He was popular, but he hadn't made it a habit of inviting people to his sanctuary. His steward handled most estate-related callers, and his friends knew to arrange meetings elsewhere. The only one who came to visit him unannounced was Oliver. No… indeed that was not true. There was one other. But surely it could not be?

Could it?

He dismounted swiftly, handed the reins to a waiting stable boy, and approached the carriage. The door of the carriage opened, and to his surprise, a familiar figure stepped out.

"Graham?" he called.

Indeed, the person standing there was none other than his friend Graham Baxter, the Earl of Leeds. Aside from Oliver, Graham was his dearest friend, but much like Oliver and Aaron, Graham often traveled, although in his case, it was related to business, not pleasure. They hadn't seen one another since a chance encounter in Spain six months ago, thus seeing Graham now was exhilarating.

He was a striking figure with sandy hair, a broad grin, and a mischievous twinkle in his blue eyes. His presence was always lively and filled with good-natured teasing. Whenever the two of them were together, merriment followed. And if Oliver joined them, the delight was tripled.

Although Graham and Oliver were not as close as Aaron was to either of them, they would enjoy each other's company if Aaron brought them together.

Still, there was a difference in the sort of joy he found with each of his friends. Oliver was as boisterous as Aaron, and they enjoyed drinking, dancing, and visiting taverns together. Graham, on the other hand, enjoyed fine music as much as Aaron did, and they'd visit the opera together. It had been Graham who accompanied him to the opera he'd told Judith about. They attended the theater together or dined in new establishments.

"Aaron," Graham complained playfully, "I thought you'd left me to rot out here."

Aaron rushed to his friend. "Graham! What are you doing here?" he asked, extending his hand in greeting.

Graham shook his hand, his expression one of amusement and mock indignation. "Can't a man visit his old friend without raising suspicion?"

"Of course," Aaron replied, smiling. "Come inside."

As they walked toward the house, Graham couldn't resist teasing him. "You smell like a bouquet, my friend. Have you been keeping company with ladies? Is that why I was left out here to grow roots?"

Aaron felt his face heat up. Judith's perfume must have rubbed off on him during their lesson. He dismissed it quickly, saying, "Just a woman I'm spending time with now and then."

Graham laughed, clapping him on the back. "Some men never change."

Aaron smiled, but inside, he felt bad for having dismissed Judith as ‘just a woman.' She was more than that in many ways. And yet he hadn't wanted Graham to know this. Why? He was entering a slippery territory, and he knew it.

As they walked inside, Aaron's expression turned from amused to serious. "So, when did you arrive in town? I had no idea you were coming."

Graham handed his greatcoat to the butler, mirroring Aaron's action. His demeanor grew serious as he responded. "I just got back yesterday. I almost did not make it back from India. I got on the last boat before monsoon season makes travel almost impossible, but it was time. I needed to come home." He side-eyed Aaron and smiled. "There's something I've been meaning to tell you."

Aaron raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh?"

"I purchased a house in Mayfair," Graham announced with a hint of pride. "I decided it was time to have a proper residence here."

Aaron's confusion was evident. "You bought a house in town? When did this happen?"

Graham hailed from England's northern region of Northumberland, and whenever he came to London, he'd stay with Aaron, since Aaron's estate was close to town. He'd never expressed a need to own a home of his own, as he hadn't had much interest in taking up his parliamentary duties. If he had to be there for votes and Aaron was out of town, he'd still stay at Aaron's home—in fact, Graham had a chamber all to himself, always ready for his occupancy.

Graham chuckled. "It was my mother and sister's doing. They viewed the house with the steward, bought it, and even furnished it. I had barely any say in the matter. Of course, I told them what I wanted before I left for India. But I must admit, I was a little weary, but they did an excellent job. You must come and see it as soon as possible. It's lovely."

"Where is it located?" Aaron asked, still processing the news. "Is it near Brooks?"

"I am afraid not," Graham replied.

"Crockford's? I do hope it is within walking distance of my favorite coffee house," Aaron said. But again, Graham shook his head. "Ah, I have it. It is near Tatterall's. I know how much you love the horse races."

Graham shook his head, smiling. "I do enjoy the horse races, but no, not at all. It's in Berkley Square, close to the parks, a private school, and other family-friendly places. It's a quiet area, perfect for a more settled lifestyle."

Aaron nodded, realization dawning on him. "That sounds… different from what I expected from you."

Graham shrugged, his smile widening. "Well, life takes unexpected turns, doesn't it? And it's not like I'm abandoning all fun and entertainment. It's just… time for some changes."

They moved into the drawing room, where the fire crackled warmly, casting a cozy glow. Aaron offered Graham a seat, and they settled in comfortably.

"So, what prompted this sudden desire for a family-friendly residence?" Aaron asked, genuinely curious.

Graham leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "I suppose I've been thinking a lot about the future. My mother and sister have been hinting—rather strongly—that it's time I consider settling down. And honestly, after years of gallivanting around, the idea doesn't seem so terrible anymore."

Aaron nodded, understanding the sentiment. "It's a significant step. But it sounds like you're ready for it."

Graham smiled, a touch of nostalgia in his eyes. "I am. And having a proper home in Mayfair is the first step. Now, I just need to find someone to share it with. Aaron, I confess, I do wish to be wed. I wish to be a father. I see the other gentlemen with their wives and daughters, and I long for the same. On the boat, I became quite friendly with a Scottish laird and his family, and seeing them…" His eyes sparkled. "It is what I want." He paused, then leveled Aaron with a look. "What about you?"

"Me?" Aaron asked, feigning ignorance.

Graham grinned and wagged an index finger in his direction. "Do not play me for a fool. I know there is a lady. My nose told me as much. Pray, is it serious?"

The question about Judith's presence in his life bothered Aaron because he had no answer that satisfied him, let alone his good friend. Thus, he did what he did best—deflect.

"I do not know what you mean."

"Marriage, Aaron," Graham said with a roll of the eyes. "Are you betrothed? Have you found a lady to settle down with and carry on the family name?"

Aaron's thoughts drifted to Judith, her image vivid in his mind. But he quickly suppressed the impulse to reveal his feelings. Instead, he offered a smile, masking his inner turmoil.

"No, Graham," he replied, his tone neutral. "Marriage isn't for me. I find it rather… dull, to be honest. I don't wish to sacrifice my vibrant lifestyle for a union akin to what my parents had."

Graham's brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of sympathy in his gaze. "Ah, I see you are still ensnared in the grasp of your old convictions. You have not met the right lady to pry you out of them yet. Aaron, my dear friend, you haven't experienced the right kind of courtship. A loving partner can bring immeasurable joy and companionship. It's a bond that enriches life in ways one cannot imagine."

"You sound as though you have experienced it," Aaron quipped, but the regretful look on his friend's face told him that it had been the wrong thing to say.

"I have not, and I regret that I have not looked sooner, but seeing my friends aboard the ship with one another made me understand that it is time. The devotion and love I saw struck something inside me. I want to have a wife—I want to be a husband. You'd find great joy in it also, I am sure of it."

Aaron listened to Graham's earnest words, his heart heavy with conflicting feelings. While he admired his friend's sentiment, he couldn't help but feel the weight of his own dilemma.

"Graham," he began, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "If marriage is what you desire, I'm certain the perfect woman is out there for you."

"I very much hope so. Someone sophisticated, with a love for music, and, above all, kind and loving."

Aaron forced his lips to remain shut, but he wanted to groan.

Graham's eyes brightened, hope evident in his expression. "Do you know someone who fits that description, Aaron? If so, I would be most grateful for an introduction."

Aaron's throat tightened as he fought the urge to say Judith's name. Graham would be perfect for her, and she for him. But the thought of losing her, even to a man as worthy as Graham, was a prospect he couldn't bear to contemplate.

"I'll keep my eyes open, Graham," Aaron replied, his words carefully chosen. "I'm sure the right person is out there for you."

As he bid his friend farewell and stepped out onto the bustling streets of Mayfair, his thoughts were consumed by Judith. He knew he wasn't ready to let go of her, even if it meant denying Graham a chance at happiness. And her a chance of defying her brother.

But no. He would introduce them in time. He would. It was the right thing. But for the time being, he had to… He had to keep Judith's existence and the role he played in her life from Graham.

Deep within, Aaron grappled with the conflicting desires of his heart, torn between his loyalty to his friend and the longing for his own happiness. The truth was a burden he wasn't prepared to bear yet.