Chapter Seven
Jude awoke the next morning, delighted to find that he had slept through the night. Only waking up a few times, but no nightmares or memories plagued his ability to sleep. He sat up in his bed and extended his arms out in a wide stretch.
He laughed to himself at the recollection of his escape from Juliana’s home last night.
When he crept out of her house, he would have likely sent a poor maid into hysterics if he hadn’t backed into the shadows in time to let her pass.
Fortunately, he remained undetected and escaped down to the terrace, before he departed through the mews.
It was convenient that he only lived a block from Juliana, so he could make the dash to his own mews on foot. Thankfully, his staff was used to him coming and going in the middle of the night, so he had no reason to sneak around once he arrived.
Carter knocked and entered the room. He assessed Jude.
“Smiling this morning, my lord? I can only assume you visited one of your women.” He smirked at his employer, but there was a smidge of disdain in his tone.
Carter has been Jude’s valet since he was eight-and-ten, and they had grown comfortable with each other, almost friends even.
“Have you ever known me to kiss and tell, Carter?” Jude asked.
“Kissing, no, but telling, yes.”
Jude swung his legs over the side of the bed to the floor. “Oh, come now. The gossip sheets do that for me.”
“So I’ll await the latest issue to see what has you in such a good mood this morning.” Carter quipped as he went about readying Jude’s clothing. “I have a bath coming up for you.”
“The scandal sheets won’t report anything this time if I can help it,” Jude said.
Carter laughed. “I hope I get to meet this woman.”
“Don’t start planning my wedding, Carter. You know it shall never happen, but I can still enjoy other intriguing aspects of a beautiful woman’s companionship.” If Carter had his way, Jude would take a wife, and soon. Unfortunately, his poor valet would remain disappointed.
Carter looked up from the Hessian boots he was polishing. “I’m just glad to see you smiling, my lord. Whatever or whomever is the cause.”
Once the tub had been filled with hot water, Jude submerged himself and leaned back against the tub. As much as he tried not to, he replayed each and every tantalizing moment from the night before in his mind. He only hoped he could keep his body under control until he’d see Juliana that evening.
He found he didn’t just recount her naked form or the way her body moved when she reached her climax.
Jude also imagined her touch, her smile, and her giggle that sounded like the tinkling of bells.
Ducking his head under the water, he attempted to drown out the thoughts, because he could not allow himself to think on such things.
*
After a full day of business and correspondence, Jude descended the stairs into the ballroom at the Abery’s townhouse.
Carter ensured he was well turned out that evening, and it appeared that many of the women in attendance took note.
He nodded and smiled at each of them as he passed.
He must give the public what they expected of him, as he had done for years.
Jude played his role to perfection. He was and would forever be the rake of the ton in their eyes.
A young debutante looked as if she may swoon when he flashed her a toothy grin, but her mother grabbed her shoulders and ushered her away.
He appreciated the meddlesome mamas of the ton.
Very few wanted their daughters to risk getting caught up with him, especially given that he would never marry.
They’d change their tune quickly if he expressed a desire to take a wife.
None of the eager mamas would miss out on the opportunity to snag a marquess, regardless of his reputation.
Jude nodded at a couple of acquaintances and their wives, continuing to scan the ballroom.
He told himself he was looking for his friends, but deep down, he knew he was looking for Juliana.
He spent more of his day wool gathering than he cared to admit.
It took twice as long to get through his correspondence because his thoughts drifted to all the things he could teach her, and how her body would respond when he did so.
He even wondered what she did that day to pass the time, and then chastised himself for doing so.
It had nothing to do with feelings, of course, only lust and how even without bedding her, he felt more himself than he had in a while.
He contemplated the guilt he might feel over desiring her as much as he did, but she asked for their arrangement.
Besides, he was determined to keep her safe from any man who might disregard her welfare and desires.
The thought of another man touching her sparked something within him he hadn’t felt before. He mentally shook it off. No man wanted to compete for the attention and affections with a lady, even if they were only bed partners and nothing more. His reaction was just that.
Finally, he spotted her on the dance floor. Her caramel-colored hair took on a slight reddish tint under the candlelight, and she was radiant. The deep blue satin gown teased at what hid beneath it. Jude puffed out his chest, knowing he was the only one who knew such delights.
She was dancing with Lord Knight, a viscount who was frequently found hovering around young widows.
That fire deep within his chest returned as he balled his hands into fists.
The man’s hand dipped far lower on Juliana’s back than was proper, and it took every ounce of Jude’s control to stop himself from storming across the ballroom floor and breaking the man’s hand.
He forced himself to glance away from where they danced and sought Matt.
Approaching his friend, he glanced back to where Juliana was and willed Lord Knight’s hand to move to a proper location.
“I’m quite glad to see you, friend,” Matt said.
“Oh?” Jude asked, hoping Matt didn’t note his desire to murder a certain viscount.
Matt nodded towards where Hudson, Hannah, and Tabitha stood. “I need a second if I’m going to join the group. It was much easier when all the other gentlemen were in town.”
“What is it with you two?” Jude asked.
Waving him off, Matt urged them towards the group. “It does not signify. Onslow just being his disagreeable self.”
“Aren’t you friends with Hannah?” Jude would have to weasel the story from either Matt or Hudson one of these days.
“Much to Onslow’s annoyance,” Matt said, his smile one of mirth. They reached the rest of their friends, and Matt took Hannah’s hand. “Good evening, my lady.”
Jude laughed to himself at the way Hudson scowled at the interaction. Not that Hudson was known for being a man who smiled much, anyway. He had always been far too serious for his own good. The complete opposite from Matt. It’s no wonder they didn’t get along.
Jude greeted the group and positioned himself so he could watch the remainder of the dance.
He fixed his gaze on Juliana and watched the lord escort her towards them.
Studying her face, he tried to ascertain if she welcomed his attention.
She wore a polite smile, which wasn’t enough to predict her thoughts on the matter.
“Thank you for the dance, my lady. And remember what I said,” the devil of a man said, unaware that Jude could hear him. He kissed Juliana’s hand before taking his leave.
Jude edged his way closer to Juliana. “My lady.”
“Jude,” she said, “what a pleasure to see you this evening.”
She smiled up at him through her lashes, and something stirred within him. He disregarded the reaction. She was a beautiful woman. It was only natural that she filled him with desire. Surely, there wasn’t a man in this room that would be unaffected by her.
“Was he propositioning you?” he asked more harshly than intended.
She glanced in the direction Lord Knight departed in and then back at Jude. “Yes, and he has wandering hands.” She scrunched her nose. “Hopefully, I can avoid dancing with him again.”
Jude sighed. He couldn’t help but be a bit relieved to learn she had no interest in the man. But the realization turned to ire when he pondered what they wanted from Juliana.
She spoke again. “I wouldn’t say the same for you, though.” Glancing towards their friends to see if they were listening, she spoke again. “You will still come tonight?”
“I shall.” He winked at her, but immediately felt self-conscious about doing so.
He couldn’t have her believing her harbored affection or that their arrangement was more than for physical enjoyment.
“I’ll spend some time in the card room and then take my leave after you do.
” Separating from her presence might have almost been as much for his benefit.
She nodded and then shifted towards Hannah and Tabitha to join their conversation.
Jude caught Matt’s attention and motioned towards the card room. Matt bowed to the ladies and joined him at his side as they both started in that direction. The pair reached the room and Jude spotted Lord Knight standing off to the side of the room, sipping a drink.
“Claim us a table,” Jude said. “I’ll be there in a moment.”
Jude continued forward and stopped in front of the viscount.
“Knight.”
“Sandon. What can I do for you?” the man asked.
“You can stay away from Lady Gordon,” Jude said, his tone brokering no opposition to the demand.
The man scoffed. “Because you want her? I didn’t consider her to be to your usual tastes.”
Jude grabbed the man by the collar of his coat. “Because she is a friend to me and my friends. She is respectable and isn’t for dallying with.”
“You don’t have a say in the lady’s private matters,” Knight challenged him.