Page 2 of Reforming the Rakish Marquess

She studied his profile—the straight nose, the strong jaw, the way his mouth quirked when he was thinking. He was handsome, certainly. Any woman would think so. And since that awful night with Lord Peel, he’d become so much more than just handsome. He made her feel safe after what could have been traumatic and ruinous. He never failed to make her laugh. Surely that was a foundation for something deeper.

“No,” she said. “It wouldn’t trouble me at all.”

His hand covered hers on the railing, and she didn’t pull away. His touch was warm, steady. She wondered if, once they married—if they married—these friendly touches might become something more. Perhaps affection could grow into passion, given time.

“You’ve become very dear to me, Juliana.” His thumb traced a small circle on the back of her hand. “These past weeks, getting to know you… I count myself fortunate.”

“As do I.” Edward had reminded her that not all men were as dreadful as Lord Peel. More than that, he made her smile. Made her feel seen in a way she hadn’t expected. “You’re one of my dearest friends.”

“And you are mine.” He turned to face her fully, and there was something vulnerable in his expression. Something almost hesitant. “Might I call on you tomorrow? I have something I’d like to discuss in private.”

This was it, then. The question everyone expected him to ask. And she was almost certain she wanted him to ask it. Not with the desperate, all-consuming passion she might have once imagined for her future husband, but with something that felt more solid. More real. Affection and friendship—surely that was enough to build a marriage on. It was better than most ton marriages. And surely love would follow.

*

Juliana sat by the drawing room window, pretending to embroider while her mother chattered about the ball. Every time she glanced at the clock, only minutes had passed. Edward was coming today. And she suspected it was to ask her to marry him.

“Juliana, dear, you’re distracted.” Her mother set down her teacup with a knowing smile. “I wonder why that could be.”

“I’m simply tired from last night.”

“Mmm.” Her mother’s eyes sparkled. “Lord Gordon looked quite striking, didn’t he? And so attentive to you all evening.”

He had been attentive. He always was. When Edward smiled at her, she felt at ease. It was difficult to explain. She supposed it was love in a sense, but not what she had always thought love would be.

“Lady Juliana, Lord Gordon is here to see you.” Their butler’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

Her mother stood immediately. “Please show him in, and have the tea cart brought.”

Juliana set aside her embroidery, smoothing her hands over her skirts. She couldn’t quite identify whether she felt nervous or eager.

Edward entered the room, and she took note of him as she had many times before—the way his coat fit well across his shoulders, how his blond hair caught the afternoon light. Those blue eyes always held warmth when he looked at her. He was attractive. And lately she’d been paying closer attention, studying the details as one might when trying to imagine a future.

“Lady Morley, Lady Juliana, how lovely to see you both.” He greeted her mother first, bowing over her hand before turning to Juliana. When he took her hand, his touch was gentle, polite as always.

Her mother caught her eye and raised her eyebrows as if she’d already planned the wedding breakfast. “Please take a seat, my lord. There is room for you just there by Juliana.”

Juliana bit back a smile. Her mother’s matchmaking efforts could hardly be more obvious if she tried.

Edward sat beside her, close enough that his thigh pressed against her hip. She thought the touch might have stirred something, but it was curiosity more than anything.

Once the tea was brought in, her mother poured for each of them. Juliana tried to focus on the conversation. Her mother chattered on about Edward’s family and the latest gossip, but Juliana wasn’t truly listening as her mind kept wandering to what might happen next. Would he ask to speak with her privately? Would he truly propose? And if he did, what would married life with Edward be like?

She thought of her parents, who still held hands when they walked through their gardens. They still looked at each other as though they were the only two people in the room. That was love. A real, deep, lasting love. What she felt for Edward wasn’t that. Not yet. But couldn’t it grow? He was kind and good, and she knew he always meant every word he said. Surely affection and friendship and respect were enough to build on. Surely love could follow, in time. That was the way of things, wasn’t it?

She could hardly sit still any longer.

“I thought we might take a stroll through the gardens, my lord,” she said, setting down her teacup.

“That would be delightful, assuming your dear mama doesn’t mind.” Edward flashed her mother his most charming smile.

“Of course. It’s lovely this time of year.” Her mother wasn’t even trying to hide her smirk now.

Edward rose and offered his arm. Juliana took it, acutely aware of the muscle beneath his sleeve. They walked through the terrace doors and down into the gardens, neither of them speaking until they were well away from the house. The roses were in full bloom, their scent heavy in the spring air.

“Your mother is not subtle,” Edward said, amusement in his voice.

“She’s never been one for subtlety.” Juliana glanced up at him. “She’s ready to have the banns read.”