Page 69 of Reforming the Rakish Marquess

She patted his arm. “Of course, Nate.”

Drummond entered the room holding a missive. “My lady, this arrived for you.”

Juliana took the missive from him and eyed it in her hands.

“Do you mind if I read this?” she asked Nate, not looking up from the missive.

“Not at all. Go right ahead.”

She broke the seal and began reading to herself.

Juliana,

After all that has transpired between us, I believe it is best that we no longer see each other. You deserve a better man who will give you the life you deserve.

I had purchased all of Gordon’s debt markers. I have written my solicitor, Henry Foulis, to ensure you have full access to them if you need them. He is aware that if Gordon should do anything to upset you, the debts will be called in.

I hope one day you will see that this is for the best.

Sincerely,

Jude

The tears formed heavy in her eyes with each word that she read, and by the end they had begun streaming down her cheeks.

“Juliana, are you all right?” Nate asked.

She closed her eyes and dropped her hands to her lap with the missive. The tears steadily and quietly fell.

“Juliana?” The concern in his voice was evident.

She passed Nate the missive, unable to speak at the moment. Once he read it for himself, he gasped.

“I can’t believe that bastard,” Nate said. He folded the missive and sat it on the table next to the chair, then leaned forward and took her hands in his. “All will be well, Juliana. I’m so sorry he has hurt you so.”

She blinked away more tears and drew a deep breath. “I told him I loved him, Nate. I’m such a fool.”

“You are no fool. He is the fool. He doesn’t deserve you. You will find a man worthy of you, or even decide you wish to remain unwed. You are a strong, wealthy woman.”

“I hadn’t realized how badly I wished for children until I imagined myself building a life with Jude. I must marry to have children, but I can’t imagine letting myself love a man the way I love Jude. I still love him, Nate.”

Nate squeezed her hand. “I would issue a challenge to the bacon-brained man if I thought it would take away any of your pain.”

“Please, no. I don’t wish to see him dead at the hands of my friend.”

He handed her his handkerchief, and she used it to dab at her eyes.

“You will find the match for you,” Nate soothed.

She shook her head. “I shall never love another. So if I wish for children, I have to marry another man I don’t love in that way.” She closed her eyes, the sadness consuming her at the loss of the dream she held in her heart for her life with Jude.

“If you decide one day that you wish to marry for children, I would be honored to marry you, Juliana. I would attempt to give you children if you understand my meaning. If you are agreeable to a similar arrangement you had with Edward,” Nate said.

She knew it was the pain talking and the shock of the situation, but she needed something to look forward to. She needed something to distract her from Jude and how he had broken her heart. Juliana would never love another the way she loved him, so what was the point of trying? If she wanted children and a husband who wouldn’t take her money and control her, Nate was her best chance.

“I accept,” she said.

“I wasn’t asking you to accept such an offer right now. Take some time with your thoughts. There is no need to hasten things.”