Page 78 of Reforming the Rakish Marquess

“Juliana! I am so glad you made it,” Marina called to her, hurrying down the steps.

A footman handed her down from the carriage and she hurried towards Marina, wrapping her arms around her in a tight embrace.

“It’s so good to see you,” Juliana said. “Where is little Arthur? I can’t wait to meet him.”

“He’s taking a nap,” Mariana said, taking Juliana’s hand in hers and leading her up the stairs towards Evan. “We shall catch up for a while, and I asked Nanny to bring him down once he’s awake.”

“Glad you had a safe journey, Juliana,” Evan said. Juliana thought she noticed a glint of remorse or sympathy in his expression, but if so, it was gone as quickly as she saw it.

“Thank you, Evan. I hope I am not an inconvenience. Your wife was quite insistent that I visit,” she said, nudging Marina with her shoulder.

Evan released a hearty laugh, and they all continued inside the house. “Well, I am quite aware of how persuasive my wife is. I find it’s easier to give her what she wants,” he said, winking at Marina, “Most of the time, anyway.”

Marina waved him off. “Surely you have some business to tend to. I should like to catch up with Juliana without you lurking around.”

“That’s my cue,” he returned. “I shall be in my study, should you decide you require my presence again.”

Evan kissed Marina’s temple, and the pang of jealousy hit Juliana harder than she cared to admit to herself. From the expression Marina wore, it was evident to anyone she was smitten with her husband, no matter how feisty she may be towards him.

Like a feather-brain, Juliana allowed herself to imagine such a life with Jude and what it might be like to experience simple daily interactions in a marriage to a man she loved as more than a friend. Folly that would never come to pass, but her heart grieved something that she never even had.

“Come, Juliana. I’ll ring for tea, and we can catch up,” Marina said, casting a knowing glance at her before reaching for the bell pull. “I expect details.”

After the butler appeared and Marina requested that tea be prepared for them, the pair settled in beside each other on a settee. Juliana glanced out the nearby window, steadying herself to determine how much she would share with her friend.

“Out with it. What on earth happened?” Marina asked, pulling at Juliana’s attention.

“I already told you in my letter. I was a fool and fell in love with Jude. Then he ended things,” she responded, fighting to keep her tone even.

“And he said nothing to you? Only a note?” Marina asked, her questioning calmer than Juliana might have expected.

Juliana nodded. “And when I went to call on him to determine why, he had already departed.”

Marina grabbed Juliana’s hand and held it between them. “Do you still love him?”

“Fool that I am, I do. I’m not sure I will ever love another how I love him. And I might have been able to live with that if I also didn’t long to have children.” Tears filled her eyes and threatened to fall. She turned her head to assess Marina’s response, which was one of contemplation, and never boded well when it came to Marina.

“I think you must go see him,” Marina said.

Juliana couldn’t believe her friend’s reaction or that she would suggest an action that would only add to the hurt and embarrassment Juliana was already forced to live with. She expected Marina to offer to do something drastic, like burning his house down, perhaps.

“What? I cannot. I will not.”

Marina squeezed her hand harder. “You must, dearest.”

What was going on with her friend? “Absolutely not,” Juliana started. “I have thought about it over the last few days, and I have another option. I have received an offer of marriage and a chance for children. I may never love him, but I will be content with my children and will avoid further heartbreak. Many marriages of the ton are built on far less.” Her first marriage had been comfortable, and Edward had been her dearest friend. Nate was proving to be the same. She would be perfectly content with such a marriage, especially if she had children to focus her attention on.

“Who offered marriage to you?” Marina asked, the shock clear in her tone.

“Lord Demming.” Juliana felt a sense of ease and contentment with what Nate had offered her, even if there would never be love or passion. He would allow her to retain control of her funds and properties, and he would attempt to give her children. At least she knew he wouldn’t treat her poorly or leave her stranded in the country with no say in her life.

Marina huffed. “You are not marrying Lord Demming.”

A maid entered the room, interrupting the conversation. Juliana breathed a sigh of relief, appreciating the few extra moments to prepare for what Marina might say next. She must make her friend understand. It would all work out for the best. Marina would have to accept things as they were.

Once the maid left the room, Marina reached for the teapot and prepared them each a cup. Juliana sipped her tea and waited for Marina to return to their conversation. Knowing her friend, it wouldn’t take long.

“Lord Demming is not for you, Juliana,” Marina said, wasting no time. “You don’t love the man, and you deserve someone who loves you.”