Page 70 of Reforming the Rakish Marquess

“I mean it. I accept,” she said, again.

He assessed her, tilting his head to the side. “Let us both think about things. This is a surprising revelation for us both, as I didn’t come here to propose. We’ll keep this between us for now, and we can continue to discuss the matter over the next few weeks.”

She just wanted to be done with it and not think about how her heart had shattered into a million pieces. She wasn’t certain it would ever be whole again.

Juliana drew a deep breath. Nate was right. She was being rash and needed to think more about the situation. Everyone in her life would think she was insane if she jumped right into marriage with Nate. Although she was ready to jump into marriage with Jude, they may have found her just as insane if their friends knew about their time together.

Juliana fought the tears that threatened to fall again. “You are right. There is no need to hasten things. I appreciate the offer. I will continue to give it thought.”

“His letter mentioned Gordon’s debt markers. So I take the man is under the hatches?”

She nodded. “Yes. With the knowledge of his bed partners and control of his debts. I shall soon be rid of him.”

“I shall be happy to stand by your side if you need support when you face him.”

“I appreciate that. I shall let you know.” At least if she lost Jude, she still had Nate as a friend whom she could talk about all of her troubles with.

“I have an appointment. Will you be all right on your own?” Nate asked.

She nodded. “I shall be fine. I should like to be alone with my thoughts.”

He brought her hand to his lips and placed a soft kiss on her knuckles. “You only need to send me a note if you need me to come by. Otherwise, I will visit you in a couple of days and see how you are faring.”

“Thank you, Nate.”

He strode out of the room and Juliana picked up the missive again, rereading it several times. Something about it didn’t sit right with her. The missive didn’t even sound like Jude. The words couldn’t be from the same man who left her chamber that morning. Something was amiss, and she needed to know what it was.

Venturing to her chamber, she selected a bonnet and pelisse. Fortunately, Bonnie was in her chamber. It would be best to bring Bonnie with her, since anyone could see her entering Jude’s home. She hoped Bonnie accompanying her would dissuade any gossip.

“Bonnie, will you escort me on a stroll?” she asked.

“Of course, my lady.”

Bonnie handed Juliana her reticule. They departed the chamber and exited the townhouse after telling Drummond where they were going. The pair walked in silence as Juliana attempted to gather her words and what she would say to him when she faced him. If he thought he could get away with sending a note and never facing her, he was mistaken.

Once she reached his townhouse and knocked on the door, Abbott greeted her.

“I would like to see his lordship. You can tell him Lady Gordon is here, and I won’t depart until he sees me.”

Abbott frowned. “My lady, his lordship isn’t here.”

“Is he truly not here, or is he just avoiding speaking with me?” she asked, unwavering in her resolve to face Jude for herself.

“Truly, my lady. He departed for his country estate almost an hour ago.”

She wrapped her arms around herself. “Do you expect him to return in a couple of days?”

He shook his head. “I don’t believe so, my lady. He wasn’t certain when he would return.”

She noticed the empathy in the man’s eyes, and she knew he had already shared with her more than he ought.

“Thank you for telling me so,” she said.

“You are most welcome, my lady.”

She turned away from the door and started back down the road. The tears almost entirely blocked her vision, so she blinked to allow them to fall. He ran away. He couldn’t even face her and explain why he said the things he did. How could he do that to her? She had never misjudged someone as badly as she had misjudged Jude.

“Are you all right, my lady?” Bonnie asked.