Page 76 of Reforming the Rakish Marquess

“That ought to tell you how angry I am with you that I left my baby at home to ride in a carriage for over an hour to hear what you have to say for yourself,” Marina said through gritted teeth.

Jude glanced at his friend, assessing if he would have any hope of support in this conversation.

Evan offered him a sympathetic smile. “I tried to convince her to stay home and let me come alone. I could have forbidden it, but that would have ensured she departed without me.”

She clucked. “You would have discovered what it would be like to sleep alone.”

There went another pang of jealousy. He had no doubt his best friend had the luxury of holding the woman he loved every single night, something Jude only got a small taste of, but was reminded of Juliana’s absence every evening when he struggled to find sleep.

Jude sank into a chair on the other side of Evan. Better to put even a bit of distance between him and Marina. She had always been spirited, and there was no telling what she might do.

“What is it you wish to know, Marina?” Jude asked. He looked at his hands, afraid to meet her eyes and let her see the shame and pain that lurked there.

“How could you break the heart of one of the kindest, most gentle souls? Juliana is loyal and good. She deserved better.”

He couldn’t disagree with her there. It was precisely the reason he left her the way he did. Well, that and that if he had faced her, he wouldn’t have been strong enough to do so.

“I would never wish for her to suffer a broken heart, Marina,” he said. “I don’t wish for her to experience any pain.”

“So, you just disappear to the country and end things with her?” Marina asked, the hatred in her expression was palpable. She would never forgive him, which didn’t bode well for his friendship with Evan.

“End what things? What are you referring to?” Jude asked. It would be in his best interest to ascertain what she knew, so he didn’t tell on himself if he didn’t have to.

She laughed. “Don’t play coy. I’m well aware of the arrangement you two had.”

“Then you know it was meant to be a temporary arrangement, and one that didn’t involve feelings.” He wasn’t sure he wished to share his feelings with Marina. If she believed he was still in love with Juliana, she would push him to right things with her, and that was something he couldn’t do.

“Why, you… you… If I had known you would treat her so carelessly, I would have never encouraged her to seek you out at all.”

Evan and Jude both gasped and stared at her.

“What?” Evan asked. “You never said anything.”

She patted her husband’s hand. “Juliana asked me not to, my love. She sought my advice, and I gave it.”

“Perhaps you are taking out your guilt on me, Marina,” Jude said. “I assure you that Juliana is better off with minimal association with me.”

She fisted her hands and rose to her feet. “It is you who should ponder your guilt. But I couldn’t agree more that she is better off staying away from you. I can’t even look at you right now. I shall take a stroll in your gardens, so Evan might say whatever he wishes to you before we depart.”

Marina started for the door right as the maid entered with the tea cart. Marina passed her and continued to depart the room and Jude waved the maid away. The tea remained untouched, and Jude shifted his gaze to meet his friend’s. He was relieved not to find anger in Evan’s expression, so perhaps there might be a thread of hope.

“Jude, I don’t know what is going on. Did something untoward occur with Juliana? I knew there had to be a reason my wife insisted on accompanying me, but I certainly never expected this.”

Jude wouldn’t lie to Evan. He valued their close friendship too much for that.

“Juliana approached me and asked to have a physical arrangement between us. Apparently, also supported by your wife.”

“And I assume you took her up on this arrangement?” Evan asked, no hint of judgment in his tone.

“I wasn’t going to, but she was being approached by other gentlemen who might not have shown care for her. At first, I thought I was protecting her, but in truth, I wanted her.” He hung his head.

“Well, you aren’t wrong that as a pretty, young widow, she would have had many offers for arrangements like what you entered with her.” Evan paused, contemplating Jude for a moment. “I take it that, if my wife is upset, things didn’t end well between the two of you.”

Jude wrung his hands in his lap. “I don’t wish to lie to you, but we both had feelings for each other. Strong ones. So, when I ended things and left town, she must have written to Marina, as I assume Juliana is upset over the matter.”

“You didn’t speak with her?” Evan asked.

Jude cringed. “I sent her a note to be delivered after I departed.”