Page 43 of Reforming the Rakish Marquess

“There I go, upsetting you again. I’m sorry,” he apologized.

“No. No,” she said, “Edward was such a good man. If I’m honest, not all of these tears are for him. I miss him, but as you know, we weren’t a love match and didn’t have…marital relations.”

His brow furrowed, and he tilted his head to the side. “Then what is the matter? You should know you can tell me anything.”

She inhaled deeply, and audibly released the breath. “I have fallen in love.” She paused, looking up from their hands where he still gripped hers and met his eyes. “To someone who will never marry or love me in return.”

“Are you certain?” he asked, his tone nothing but genuine sincerity.

She nodded, several more tears spilling from her eyes. “I am quite sure.”

He squeezed her hand. “And have you been intimate with this man?”

She froze and wiped her tears with her free hand, unsure how she wished to answer the question.

Finally, she decided. “Yes.” She hung her head.

“Come now,” he said, still holding her hand. “You have nothing to be ashamed of. At least not with me.” He contemplated her and then forced her to lift her chin with his other hand. “Did this man take advantage of you?” he asked. “You must tell me if he did. I will not allow any man to treat such a kind soul as yourself poorly.”

“No,” she assured him, shaking her head. “It’s nothing like that. We agreed going into this that there was to be no affection between us, but…”

“But you fell in love,” he finished for her.

She nodded her head.

“Perhaps he shares your feelings.”

“He ended things,” she said. “This morning, in fact. I believe he was letting me in, and it scared him. It is clear he doesn’t want anyone to get close to him.”

Nate smiled at her. “I think that is a sign that he might feel something for you, Juliana.”

“I don’t believe so.” She could not allow herself to get her hopes up. She had to accept the situation for what it was. One that would send Jude into the arms of a mistress and leave her heartbroken and alone.

“I believe you haven’t heard the last of him yet.” He gave her hand another squeeze and pulled his back.

She laughed and blotted her eyes. “I am sure I will see him around, but not for the reasons you imply.”

“I may be willing to place a wager on that, my lady.”

“You’d lose,” she said flatly.

He just shook his head. “I appreciate you letting me call on you, and I apologize for not doing so sooner, but I didn’t feel right coming forward and discussing my relationship with Edward with you while you were in mourning. I just wanted to pay respects to his lovely wife I heard so much about.”

“No apologies needed, Nate,” she assured him. “If anything, I feel better knowing that he at least had true love in his life. Everyone deserves that, do they not?”

“Indeed,” he agreed. “You deserve that, too, Juliana. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.” Sadness washed over his face, and he appeared to choke down his own emotion.

“I am sorry you lost him, Nate,” she said softly.

He squeezed her hand, and gave her a small nod. “I hope your gentleman comes up to scratch.”

“I’m afraid I may have lost my heart forever, and that shall never come to pass.”

“I hope he surprises you. Whomever this mysterious gentleman is. Then you shall have nothing left to trouble you so.”

Her thoughts flashed to the new Viscount Gordon and the threat that lingered over her head. She had been so caught up with her heartbreak over Jude that she almost forgot that she still faced social ruin in more ways than one.

“Nate, do you know anything about the new viscount?”