Page 31 of Reforming the Rakish Marquess

She shifted in her seat. “Perhaps you wish to take your leave, my lord. I don’t believe there is anything I can do for you.”

He leaned forward and her body tensed.

“That is where you are mistaken, my lady.” His tone sent a chill through her entire body.

She stared at him, attempting to feign indifference. Refusing to give him the satisfaction of asking any questions.

He didn’t make her wait long before he spoke again. “I did some snooping around and learnt some interesting things about my cousin. Things that I am sure you would prefer the rest of the ton remain unaware of.”

“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean,” she lied, fighting the panic that was building in her chest.

“I find it hard to believe you wouldn’t have been aware of who your husband preferred to share his bed with,” he said. The gloating nature of his tone caused her blood to run cold.

She closed her eyes and forced herself to take in a deep breath.

“I don’t think I know what you are talking about.”

“You do, and you will pay me twenty thousand pounds to buy my silence,” he commanded, “or I shall ensure the entire ton knows everything about the personal nature of your marriage to my cousin. Or lack thereof.” His expression shifted into a sinister smirk.

“What have I done to you that you would threaten me so? Edward left me that money to ensure I was cared for, and needn’t remarry if I didn’t wish to.”

“You have done nothing, but it doesn’t change that I need the funds, and getting them from you is the most effective way. I expected to inherit more cash, only to find the remaining sum not to my satisfaction. You will hardly be left destitute and will have income from the estates he left you.”

She huffed. “Do you expect me to thank you?”

“Perhaps you should. If you don’t hurry and make your decision, I might decide to tack on this townhouse to the price.”

“I need some time to think,” she said, attempting to calm herself.

“Because I am a gentleman and a kind man, I will give you a week,” he said. “At such time, I shall return here to collect my funds.”

She nodded slowly, grasping for a way to rid herself of the man. She hated the thought of giving him any of her money. He didn’t even deserve the viscountcy, but there was nothing she could do about that.

“I believe I have said all that is needed for now,” he continued. “I shall take my leave, and I look forward to our next visit.”

The odious man bowed to her and then strolled from the room, chuckling to himself.

A few moments later, she paced her drawing room. He was right that she wouldn’t be destitute if she gave him the funds, but she would have to economize. She would be more secure if she took a husband, but she didn’t want to marry only for convenience again. And she certainly didn’t want to be forced into such a decision due to blackmail.

She clenched her fists and continued pacing. It wasn’t like her to let her emotions get the better of her, but then again, she had never before been put in a situation that was so diabolical. Even worse, there was no one she could seek for counsel.

Juliana stopped in her tracks. Jude. She could at least get his advice and see what he thought she should do about this situation. Even if she gave the man the money he demanded, what would stop him from blackmailing her again and taking her remaining funds and properties?

She reached for the bell pull, and a few moments later Drummond entered.

“Please fetch my bonnet and reticule,” she instructed. “I am going for a walk.”

“Of course, my lady.”

He departed and returned a few moments later with the items she requested. Once she donned everything, she exited her home and started for Jude’s. His townhouse wasn’t far, but she took a risk that someone would see her visiting him in the middle of the day.

There were a few others on the street, so she passed his home the first time so they wouldn’t see what her intended destination was. She doubled back and hurried up to his door once the street was clear. A butler answered, and she urged her way in before anyone else could enter the street.

“Please tell his lordship that Lady Gordon must speak with him immediately. It’s urgent,” she commanded. “Is he home? I know he will see me if so.” She hoped that was the case, but she also couldn’t imagine that Jude would turn her away.

“Allow me to relay your message, and I’ll confirm, my lady,” the butler said. “Follow me to the parlor.”

She followed the man, and he deposited her in a sunny room before going to the staircase. She paced the room, waiting for Jude to attend to her.