Page 45 of Married to the Rake

“I am surprised you are in Hampshire, Brook. I had thought you might still be in London. I was there last week and was disappointed not to see you.”

“Unfortunately, Mrs. Somerset,” he said with the emphasis on her name, “my father was ill. You might have heard.”

“Oh yes, what a terrible thing to happen.” She laid a hand on his arm. “I wish I could have been here to comfort you.”

Her insincere tone combined with her touch sent a shiver down his spine. He doubted she cared one jot as to his father’s health.

“And here is the pond,” he announced, gesturing to the lily-scattered patch of water. Gray rocks, their edges smooth, surrounded it and the occasional ripple announced the presence of fish beneath the surface. It was a peaceful part of the garden and Judith did not fit in with the surroundings one bit here.

“Hmmm.” She strolled around the edge of the pond, glancing back at him as she tugged off one of her gloves with her teeth. “You know, this is a quiet spot. Very private.” She circled back around until standing in front of him once more. “I have missed you, Brook.” She trailed her bare hand over his chest.

Brook took a step back.

“Do not tell me you have not missed me.”

“I am sorry if I have not made it clear previous, Mrs. Somerset, but I have no intention of rekindling our…relationship.”

“But your mother loves me! Do you not see how perfect it would be? We could marry and she would have a daughter she adores!”

“My mother loves you, but I do not,” he said bluntly.

Judith released a laugh that made him wince. “Does that matter?” She shifted closer. “We are a perfect match, Brook. I am tired of being alone and we look so wonderful together.”

He lifted a brow.

“And you cannot deny that we match wonderfully in bed too.”

“Judith, I am not interested in marrying you and none of those are good enough reasons.”

She made a dismissive noise. “Plenty of people marry for fewer reasons than that. You will not find another woman like me, I promise you that much.”

He fought hard not to slap a palm to his forehead. She was nothing if not determined. He had no desire to bring Chloe into the matter, but she was one hundred times the woman Judith was.

“I think we had better head back. My mother shall be missing your company.”

Her lips pursed. “You do not wish to take advantage of the time alone?”

“No, Judith, I do not. And I never will.”

She narrowed her gaze at him. “You will change your mind soon enough, I am certain of it. You just need reminding…” She stepped toward him and gave a little cry, collapsing forward and splaying her hands upon his chest.

When he tried to step away, she followed him, nearly falling and forcing him to grab her arms.

“Oh no. seem to have twisted my ankle.”

Brook inhaled slowly. She was testing his patience…and his manners. His attempts to disentangle himself from her failed, and she made a whimpering sound.

“I do not think I can walk on it.” She clung to him tighter.

“Perhaps if you lean…”

She whimpered when she put weight on her foot. “It is no good,” she cried. “You must carry me.”

He glanced at the flat ground. Either she had the weakest ankles on earth, or she was toying with him. He suspected he knew which. With a roll of his eyes, he scooped her up, not unaware of the way she beamed at him as she did so. Judith looped her arms around his neck and held herself as close as humanly possible.

His best bet was to deposit her with his mother as swiftly as possible. Brook paced his way back through the rock gardens while Judith clung tightly to him.

“This feels nice,” she said, and he felt her gaze upon him.

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