Page 9 of Reforming the Rakish Marquess

“I don’t run from the yoke, just must ascertain who the right bride is.”

Jude laughed and patted him on the arm. “I’m sure she’ll make herself known to you soon enough. You’ll be the next of our set to marry, I wager.”

“Well, if you and Onslow are the competition, the odds are certainly in my favor,” Matt said.

The man wasn’t wrong about that.

“Elias had to go and shock us all by marrying first. And now he’s a father. I never thought I’d see the day,” Jude remarked. Elias had been his partner in crime. He had similar rules for his dalliances as Jude and had sworn to never allow himself to fall in love. All that changed when he met Lydia, and he had become the besotted family man. Jude envied his friend and his ability to find happiness. Unfortunately, Jude’s demons weren’t the same as Elias’s, and through the love of his wife, Elias beat his. Jude wouldn’t be so fortunate.

Then his best friend, Evan, also went and married and was expecting his first child, too. Matt and Hudson would also marry, and Jude would one day find himself alone, while all of his friends focused on their growing families.

Sure, he’d be invited to holidays and celebrations, but he’d be the awkward uncle to his friend’s children who even the ton would eventually tire of talking about. His life had already become quite boring, not that he’d admit that to anyone but himself.

“Indeed. Graham and Evan followed in his footsteps,” Matt said.

“Have you been to see Graham and Diana?” Jude asked.

Matt beamed. As always. “I have. I take my responsibility as Oliver’s godfather seriously. He’s such a sweet babe and looks just like Graham. They won’t be in town for the season, but I plan to visit them again soon.”

“Evan stated in his most recent letter that Graham and Diana would join him and Marina at their country estate after Marina gives birth to their babe.”

“Perhaps this season will be as eventful as the last. Juliana is sure to catch a lot of attention,” Matt said, then took a quick sip of his coffee.

Jude narrowed his eyes at Matt. “Why would you say that?” Jude eased his expression, unsure where that reaction came from. There was something about her. Some goodness and light drew him to her, and he didn’t care to ponder the thought any further than that.

“Don’t misunderstand me. I have no interest. But she had a line of suitors waiting to dance with her last night.”

“I told her to let me know if they should make advances,” Jude said. He only hoped she would listen. She was such a kind soul, and it might be far too easy for one of those men to take advantage of her.

Matt nodded. “Good call. It’s only a matter of time before her name appears in the betting books here.”

Jude sipped his coffee to hide his frustration. His friend was right. The men would place bets on who would be the first to bed her. He would need to watch her more closely than he originally thought.

Chapter Three

Juliana spent the next few days chastising herself for sending the letter to Marina. Her friend would think she had lost her mind, and any day now, she expected the reply telling her so. At least she could be sure Marina would keep it to herself, so only the two of them would know about her lapse in judgment.

There had been no social events since the Southam ball, so she had plenty of time alone with her thoughts. Too much time. Hannah and Tabitha called on her the day prior, but she could never discuss the topic of lust and desire with them. Ironically, they were all on an even playing field regarding the level of experience with intimacy they each possessed.

She could only imagine the look of shock and pity on her friends’ faces if they knew she and Edward had never been intimate.

“A letter has arrived for you, my lady.” Drummond entered the drawing room and handed her the missive. His appearance pulled her out of her muddled thoughts. He departed from the room, leaving her to inspect the missive in private.

Juliana read the outside and saw it was from Marina. She drew a deep breath and released it in a long puff, preparing herself for the words of her spirited friend. Marina was sure to tell her what a fool she was, and likely ask a slew of questions that Juliana didn’t wish to answer. She passed the letter between her hands, delaying the inevitable before finally opening the missive.

Juliana,

You sound just like Evan telling me to take it easy. I am afraid you shall both get your wish as it becomes more uncomfortable for me to move around much. But fear not, I am well-tended to by my adoring husband, and will send word as soon as the babe is born.

You are far from mad, my friend. I am delighted you are thinking of doing something for yourself. I support your endeavor to solicit Jude for this arrangement. He will ensure you are well tended and safe.

My only request is that you tell me all about it! One can’t help but be a bit curious about the most desired man of the ton. Well, not desired by me, of course.

I do hope you will visit soon. You know you are always welcome!

Yours,

Marina