Page 62 of Reforming the Rakish Marquess

“Your continued friendship is enough,” Nate said.

“What about you? Have you found anyone special?” She asked. “I know you loved Edward, but perhaps love will strike twice.”

He grinned. “Well, there may be someone of interest. But we shall see, as courtship is rather different given the situation.”

He looked at her wistfully, and his eyes glazed over with unshed tears.

She reached for his hand and clasped it. “Edward would have wished for both of us to be happy. I am sure of it.”

“You are one of a kind, Juliana. Truly.” He squeezed her hand. “What about your other matter?”

“I intend to discuss it with my gentleman friend when I see him, so we can make a plan to deal with the matter. I appreciate the information you have shared with me.”

“My lady, Lord Sandon, to see you,” Drummond said from the doorway.

Jude came strolling into the room.

“Juliana,” he said, before noticing she wasn’t alone. “I mean, Lady Gordon. I didn’t realize you already had company for tea.”

She watched his gaze land on their hands, and she released her hand from Nate’s.

“Lord Sandon, I didn’t realize you were going to stop by for tea. Please, come and join us.” She motioned to the seat next to her on the settee and instead, he took the chair on the other side, facing Nate.

The men greeted each other. She caught Nate’s gaze, offering him an apologetic smile, and he only smirked. It appeared her friend was quite aware of who Jude was and why he was calling.

“I just remembered that I have some business that I must attend to. Please forgive me, my lady.” Nate rose.

“I hope you will come to tea again soon,” she said.

Nate bowed over her hand and nodded to Jude. On his way to the door, Jude’s back was to him, and he turned and nodded his approval to her with a wide grin. Juliana smiled and shook her head, watching him depart.

When she shifted her gaze to Jude, he was watching her, wearing a deep scowl.

“Is something amiss?” she asked.

He clasped his hands in his lap. “I just came to tell you that you no longer have to worry about Viscount Gordon. The runner came through with information that will be helpful in ridding yourself of him.”

“What? How?” she asked. “Jude! That is wonderful news. I have also received information that will ensure he leaves us alone.”

He looked at her with curiosity. “What did you learn?”

“Well, the hypocrite also enjoys the company of men in his bed. And women.”

Jude’s expression shifted to one of genuine surprise. “That was a bold move to blackmail you.”

“Indeed. What did you learn?” she asked.

“He has numerous gambling debts. He spent practically all of his funds, believing that he would receive a much larger inheritance.”

Juliana huffed. “Well, that wasn’t very smart of him.”

“Seems he’s not the brightest among men. I think you have what you need to ensure he doesn’t bother you again.”

She gave Jude a wide grin. “Thank you for coming to tell me. Nate will be glad to hear of this, too.”

“Nate, is it?” Jude asked, the hurt and jealousy evident in his tone. “I apologize for interrupting your time with your gentleman caller.”

“Jude…” she started, before he cut her off.