Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

J udith sat at the table and stabbed her fork into the carrot before her. It pierced the buttery vegetable with ease, and the sound of her fork hitting the porcelain filled the silence.

"Judith?" Matilda prompted. "Is something the matter? You seem a little perturbed."

Perturbed. Judith snickered at the word, for it was nowhere near a powerful enough word to explain just how she felt.

"I am vexed," she said, looking up from her plate.

"Because your brother left again?" Matilda asked.

It was clear from her tone that she did not like Oliver's departure any more than Judith did, though perhaps for other reasons.

"Indeed. He should not be traveling now—we are in our mourning period. He should be here, with the family, and take an interest in the estate and its needs. But that is not why I am upset," Judith said and turned to Matilda.

She wanted to tell her stepmother everything that truly bothered her. Everything from the way her brother had distanced himself from the family for years only to now swoop in, thinking he could change everything, including the way he'd commanded her to find a husband.

She wanted to tell her how humiliated she'd felt when her brother, whom she hardly knew, had told her that his friend, whom she knew no better but disliked greatly, was to help her find a husband. To teach her ‘tricks,' to ensnare a man. Furthermore, she wanted to tell her stepmother about the argument that had broken out between her and Oliver after Aaron had left. An argument during which she'd made her position clear: She did not want to be forced to court anyone, least of all under the supervision of Aaron Fitzwilliam.

Alas, she knew she could tell Matilda none of these things. They weren't friends. Nor were they really mother and daughter. Theirs was an odd relationship. While she liked her well enough and things had been amicable while her father was alive, she wasn't quite sure where she stood with Matilda now.

Matilda had moved into the dower house some weeks ago but still dined with the family daily, and it was clear she was not going anywhere—at least until she remarried, as was the custom. In any case, the melancholy that had set in with her husband's death continued to plague her, and burdening her with more troubles would not be fair or right.

Thus, Judith shook her head.

"It is nothing. I am simply unhappy that he has left as he did. That is all."

Matilda placed a hand on her arm. "I understand. But do not fret too much, dear. He will find his way. As will you."

Judith sighed and gave a nod before returning to her meal. She wished she had her mother with her still, she'd understand. She'd speak to Oliver and explain how foolish his plan was. No, she would not even have to. If her mother hadn't died, her father probably would not have died either because… because… Well, because everything would have been different.

She didn't know how likely these were foolish thoughts, but she could not help herself. These past few days, all she could do was think how things could have been different, how she longed for things to be different. And yet there was not a thing she could do, for she was powerless. She was literally at the mercy of her brother and his changeable temperament. And at that, of his irritating and handsome friend.

Judith sat on the edge of a wooden bench in Hyde Park, the sun casting dappled patterns through the canopy of trees above. Beside her, Rosy pulled her scarf closer around her, her eyes wide with incredulity.

"I can't believe it, Judith. Your brother has left before the mourning period is over, and now the Duke of Nottingham is to help you find a match and serve as your guardian while Oliver is away?" Rosy exclaimed, her voice reflecting the apprehension Judith felt. "It is ridiculous."

Judith nodded, her expression one of resigned acceptance. "Yes, that's exactly what happened. Oliver has always been so restless. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, but it's still… unbelievable. And to imply I do not know how to find a husband on my own, it is insulting. I know everyone thinks I am on the shelf, but for my own brother to say it…"

"And the Duke of Nottingham of all people. You know I do not like idle gossip, but I know he has a dreadful reputation for debauchery." Rosy wetted her lips. "I will not speak badly of someone simply because he enjoys the company of the ladies. George did as well before we met, but the Duke of Nottingham is a known gambler, and he drinks like a fish and…"

"I know, I know it all," Judith muttered, although she felt worse now that she'd heard her friend repeat the stories she'd read in the scandal sheets.

She shook her head, remembering their childhood days when Aaron had been insufferably arrogant.

"I heard he's the biggest charmer in the realm," she said. "And he tried to charm me. He tried to make it sound as if all was well and we'd have a grand time—right after admitting he did not want to be around me any more than I wanted to be around him."

"And what did you do in the end?" Rosy asked breathlessly.

"I left him to stand where he was and stormed away. I spoke to Oliver, but it was of no use. Can you believe he wants to teach me tricks? To learn to charm a man as if I am utterly useless?"

Judith knew she sounded indignant, but the truth was that she'd worried about her ability to find a husband on her own after her brother had so severely hurt her confidence. Could it be that she had indeed lost her charm? She'd been out of practice even before her father passed away, and now she'd missed out on most of the Season, and all that lay ahead of her were the masquerade balls of winter and?—

No. I must not let these men confuse me. I do know how to charm a gentleman—I simply want to make sure I charm the right one.

Judith's lips pressed into a thin line, her irritation evident. "Who does he think he is? It's outrageous that he's been given any power over my life. I can manage quite well on my own, thank you very much."

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.

It was painfully obvious that all he wanted was to match her up with the first lord he knew so he could wash his hands of her.

"Well, no. But how can you choose if you do not meet anyone? And my friend is a lovely fellow, you'll see. Be yourself, and you will see you'll have yourself a decent gentleman to court in no time at all. And you and I need not bother one another much anymore."

"I do not see how I am bothering you," she huffed. "Seeing how I did not choose any of this. Now, may I at least know the name of the man you intend to introduce me to?"

"Naturally. There's someone I think you'll find particularly agreeable. Henry Wachsman, the Earl of Guernsey. He's just over there, in the velvet top hat with the red stripe."

Judith looked at the Earl, who grinned at her in a way that made her feel all the more self-conscious. What did this man know about her? Had he been told that she was an old maid desperate for a husband?

Her stomach churned, and she thought she might be sick. Judith was about to ask her companion to stop, but she saw the smirk on the Duke's face and realized he was enjoying this, even though he'd assured her he had better ways to pass his time.

No, he enjoyed this torture, didn't he?

Well, she'd not give him the satisfaction of seeing her falter. He wanted to introduce her to someone to comply with Oliver's silly request? Very well, let him. She'd charm his friend and put an end to this stupidity once and for all.