Page 44 of Reforming the Rakish Marquess

Nate shifted in his seat, and his eyes darted as if he were buying time to answer her questions.

“I know of him, yes,” Nate finally said.

“What do you know? I must know.”

“Why are you so curious about the man?”

She bit her bottom lip. “He’s blackmailing me.”

The color drained from Nate’s face. “Why is he blackmailing you?”

“He knows about Edward,” she replied, closing her eyes for a few moments. “And about my evening visitor.”

“The blackguard,” Nate ground out through clenched teeth. “Did he tell you how he learnt about Edward?”

She shook her head. “He told me nothing.”

Nate ran his hand down his face. “He lives the life of a libertine, with anyone and everyone, if you understand my meaning.”

Juliana gasped and brought her hand to her mouth. “Are you saying he also enjoys the company of men?”

“Men and women.”

“And you know this for certain?”

Nate nodded. “I do.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Have you had…relations…with him?”

“No. Of course not. I would never.”

Juliana sighed with relief. “Was he really so foolish to blackmail me for the very ruin that he could face if his secrets came to light?”

“He hoped you wouldn’t have the means of finding out.”

“Well, we did hire a runner.”

“We?” Nate asked, arching an eyebrow.

She waved him off. “I simply mean that it is possible that the runner will uncover such information.”

“Perhaps, but most in the circles that would know of such things would never speak to a runner. But the knowledge of his activities may be enough to get him to back off.”

“I shall think on it. I still have almost a week until he shall return, and want to hear what the runner comes up with.”

Nate nodded in agreement. “Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist.”

“I appreciate that, Nate.”

He rose to his feet. “I shall take my leave. Might I call on you again? I’d like to check on how things progress, with all of your concerns at present.”

“Why don’t you come for tea in a couple of days?” she suggested. “I’ll do my best to keep from crying during your visit next time.”

“Don’t hold back on my account. I already consider you to be a dear friend. As long as your gentleman friend will allow me to do so once he proposes.” He took her hands in his and kissed her knuckles.

“Nate,” she said, almost as if giving him a warning.

He shrugged. “Very well. I’d be delighted to come to tea.”