Page 61 of Reforming the Rakish Marquess

“I believe you are known as the most notorious rake of the ton, and while I don’t believe everything they write about you, I am well aware you have mistresses.”

“Had, my good man,” Jude said. “I had mistresses. And if you read everything in those gossip sheets, you are also aware it’s widely known I have never dallied with a woman in the ton.”

Matt’s brow furrowed. “Until now, it seems.”

“I am not dallying with anyone, I assure you,” Jude said.

Jude was quickly losing patience with Matt’s questioning. Even if it was warranted, it was still blasted annoying.

“I’m glad to hear it,” Matt said, softening his tone. “For what it’s worth. I hope you find happiness and settle down.”

Based on the constant thoughts and nagging from within, Jude began to admit to himself that he shared those same hopes. At least with one woman.

He refilled each of their glasses and pushed Matt’s back towards him.

“That remains to be seen,” Jude said, before taking a long drink from his glass.

Another half hour passed. Jude shifted Matt’s focus to the matter at hand and told him of all the different debts the viscount had run up all over town.

“I supposed you wish to go and inform Juliana about what you have learnt,” Matt said.

“Indeed.” Jude would love nothing more than to do so.

Matt rose. “Well, I must take my leave. Do let me know if you need my assistance.”

Once Matt left, Jude glanced at the clock on the mantle. He was eager to tell Juliana that the new Lord Gordon would never bother her again, but it was still several hours until he might sneak into her home.

He paced his study and then started towards the door. Society could hang. He had to see her right away and let her know that they possessed what they needed to rid her of the vexing viscount. Why couldn’t her friend call on her for tea? No one else needed to know that if he had his way, their tea would be served in her chamber.

Chapter Nineteen

The sleepover with Hannah had been quite fun. Not as much fun as if Jude made a late-night visit, but it gave Juliana a bit of time to think while not distracted by the man’s perfect form and piercing eyes. She mustn’t forget those dimples, too.

She and Hannah talked about all the latest on dit, played the pianoforte and sang together, and discussed the latest romance novel they had both recently read. Before they knew it, it was after midnight, and they retired for the evening.

Hannah returned home after they shared a late breakfast together, in a far better mood than when she had arrived. Hopefully, that meant she wouldn’t argue with her brother as soon as she returned.

“My lady, Lord Demming has arrived,” Drummond said, showing Nate into the room. “I shall have the tea brought in directly.”

“Thank you, Drummond.”

Juliana rose to greet Nate, who bowed over her hand. She looked forward to filling him in on the dramatic change of mood she’s had since their last encounter.

“You appear in my better spirits today, my lady. I am quite delighted to see a smile on your face.”

She motioned for him to take a seat in the chair next to the settee.

“Things are much improved, indeed.”

A maid brought in the tea cart, and Juliana poured out for each of them.

“Does that mean your gentleman friend has come to his senses?” Nate asked.

“It appears he doesn’t wish to end things after all,” Juliana said, not bothering to hide a wide grin.

Nate clapped his hands together. “I believe I won our wager, my lady.”

She laughed. “It would appear so. Too bad we never declared the terms.”