Page 53 of Reforming the Rakish Marquess

Juliana climbed out of the bed. “Follow me.”

“Last time I did that, I ended up in this situation.” His tone was one of mirth, and she playfully swatted at his arm.

“You are much more broad shouldered, so nothing of Edward’s will suit, but,” she paused for a moment, rummaging in her late husband’s dressing room, “ah, here it is.”

She held out a banyan to him. “Put that on. At least if a servant sees you, you won’t scandalize them with your bare chest, as delightful as it is.”

He laughed as she ran back into her chamber and grabbed his boots.

“You can put these on in here,” she said, handing him his boots. “I’ll ring for Bonnie, and while she’s busy attending to me, you can sneak down and find Drummond. He’ll help you with the rest.”

“You are a clever one, my lady,” he said, pulling her to him for another quick kiss.

For a man who wasn’t one to kiss, he certainly appeared to be over the aversion.

“Among other things,” she said.

His expression turned much more ravenous, in a way that excited her to no end.

“You had better walk away now,” he said, eyeing her form from head to toe.

“Will I see you soon?” she asked, hoping she might see him later tonight.

He flashed that lopsided grin again, and she was unsure how she kept from throwing herself into his arms.

“I would count on it,” he replied.

She blew a kiss at him and crossed back into her chamber, closing the door behind her. She gave him a few moments to don his boots and then reached for the bell pull.

Bonnie joined her in a matter of moments and set about readying Juliana for the day. So much had occurred in the last twenty-four hours. She hardly had a moment to take it all in. So much had changed between her and Jude, and she couldn’t wait to see what their future might hold.

She hadn’t been certain if she wished to marry again, but now she did. She wanted to be married to the man she loved. They deserved a life together. And she longed for children. His children, and the family they could build together.

He was beginning to heal from decades of hurt, but was he willing to change his stance on never marrying?

Chapter Sixteen

Drummond cast Jude a more brazen glance than most butlers might be brave enough to issue to a peer of the realm when Jude sought him out. In the butler’s defense, Jude was wearing the banyan of his deceased friend, and the man’s previous employer, over his breeches and boots. Given the situation and the loyalty the man had for Juliana, he couldn’t blame him. This was a most peculiar turn of events, and they may hope for too much to think the servants weren’t aware that he stayed over.

“Here is your clothing, my lord,” Drummond said, handing him a bundle with his coats, shirt, and cravat. On top was the vial of solution the doctor had left for him.

“Might you send someone to my home to fetch my carriage?” Jude asked. “I might draw less notice in a carriage.” Jude couldn’t have anyone see him leaving the townhouse and especially in his current state of dress. The ton would sink their razor-sharp teeth into even a whisper of such gossip.

“If you will follow me to the mews,” Drummond replied, “I think it best you make use of one of our unmarked carriages, so your carriage isn’t seen near the house.”

The man was right. That was a much better plan. Drummond must have given the matter some thought.

“Of course. I don’t wish to bring any scandal to her ladyship,” Jude said, wanting her butler’s approval for some reason. “I am also handling the other matter, and I hope to hear from my runner today.”

“The lord has not returned here, nor have we noticed anyone lurking around or watching the house. I have footmen on the lookout.”

Jude found he was quite impressed with Juliana’s butler. “Thank you for seeing to that, my good man.”

He was ushered into a black carriage and dropped off at his own mews to draw less notice to his disheveled appearance. He hopped down and thanked the driver. His own staff eyed him warily, which amused him. Waving at them, he hurried into his own home.

Carter was pacing the landing, blocking the staircase.

“Something amiss, Carter?” Jude asked.