Page 73 of Reforming the Rakish Marquess

“Not unless you desire the consequences of continuing with your threats and blackmail.”

Drummond’s voice startled both of them. “My lady, Lord Wilton is asking to call on you.” Before she could decide how to respond, Juliana was surprised to see Matt crossing the threshold, apparently not waiting to be admitted.

Matt eyed Viscount Gordon and then focused his attention on Juliana. “Is everything all right?”

Juliana nodded. “Quite. Lord Gordon was just leaving.”

The man released an irritated growl that only Juliana could hear. “Indeed I was. Good day to you both.”

Lord Gordon hurried past Matt and Drummond followed him out of the room, likely ensuring that the man left without issue.

“Matt, what brings you by?” Juliana asked.

“Can’t a gentleman call on one of his friends?”

She motioned for him to take one of the chairs, and she took her seat on the settee.

“I just realized I have never called on you before,” Matt said.

She laughed, with a nervous edge to it. “I suppose you have had little reason to.”

“No, I guess not,” he said, appearing almost as if he were guilty of something. “Was something amiss with the viscount? He wasn’t bothering you, was he?”

Juliana contemplated how to answer such a question, knowing she didn’t wish to disclose the full story to Matt. “He is a bothersome man, but he shan’t be dropping by again.”

“And you are certain? I can speak with him if you need me to.”

Shaking her head, she replied, “No, that won’t be necessary. He will not return.”

He didn’t appear at first that he would let the matter go, but then surprised her when he changed the subject. “I noticed you haven’t been in attendance at any of the events this week,” he said. “I came by to see that you were all right.”

“I wasn’t feeling well, but I am feeling much better now.” She decided she should stick to the same story she had given her friends in case any of them compared notes.

“Well, I am glad you are feeling better. Does that mean we will see you at the Sheffield’s ball tomorrow night, then?” Matt asked.

She shook her head. “I’m afraid not.”

“Oh, come now, you know I need more friends there as a buffer for Onslow and me.” He laughed and took a sip of his tea.

She also laughed. Their feud was one of the biggest mysteries among the ladies. None of them, not even Hannah, knew why the two of them had a falling out years ago.

“I am sure you do,” she said, “but I am preparing to depart to visit Marina and meet baby Arthur.”

“So, they had the baby? Please send my congratulations.”

“Of course, I would be happy to.”

“It seems Jude also retired to the country for the season,” he said, focusing his attention on her as if to determine her reaction.

She gave a small shrug, as if it were of no consequence to her, which was a lie. “I wasn’t aware.” She was almost certain she didn’t sound very convincing, and yet another lie.

“Oh, I thought you two might have become closer friends this season. He left right around when you got sick, it seems,” Matt said, not looking at her this time and focusing on a piece of art on her wall. There was something questioning in his tone, though.

Juliana hated lying to him, but she promised Jude they would keep their business between the two of them. She was already going to break that by talking to Marina, but Marina already knew given that she encouraged Juliana to enter the arrangement.

After all that had occurred, she could at least spare herself the awkwardness of discussing such things with Matt. He could ask Jude what questions he had, and she might like the answers to those questions, too.

“Indeed, what a coincidence. How do you know he left? Is something amiss?” she asked, hoping she might at least determine what he had told the gentlemen.