Chapter Twenty-Six
Juliana tossed and turned most of the night.
She repeatedly played out in her head what she would say to Jude.
She tried to imagine what his reasoning for leaving was, and what else that Marina knew but wasn’t willing to share.
There was something that her friend kept from her, and it had Juliana’s stomach in knots.
She didn’t bother attempting to get it out of Marina.
She knew her friend well enough to know that she wouldn’t share any further information.
Juliana also trusted her friend enough that if she believed Juliana needed to speak with him, there was a reason.
It was the final deciding factor that led to her decision.
Sitting in her carriage, she continued to play out the various ways that the conversation might go. She tried to keep from hoping that he might sweep her into his arms and kiss her senseless. It was the outcome she most desired, but she knew she would be devastated when it didn’t come to pass.
The ride to Jude’s estate would take just over an hour, but it seemed far longer. She did her best to focus on the rolling countryside, attempting to clear her mind, but her thoughts always raced right back to him. She contemplated asking the driver to turn around at least ten different times.
Memories of his tender touch and the way he made love to her that last time flooded and consumed all of her thoughts, encouraging her to continue the journey.
She couldn’t have imagined the intensity between them, and it made her even more certain that something else caused him to give up on what they had shared.
Her entire body became heated, and she fanned herself. She couldn’t show up to see him in such a state. She needed her wits about her to focus on resolving whatever it was that drove him to run away to his country estate.
Finally, her carriage pulled up in front of his grand country home.
It was a beautiful, sprawling estate, and what she would have expected for a marquess.
The shrubbery around the brick home was perfectly manicured, with a large circle drive in front.
When her carriage came to a stop, her footman handed her down, and she took in the size of the expansive three-story home.
The door swung open as soon as she reached it, before she even had a chance to knock.
“Are you here to see his lordship?” the butler asked.
“I am. Will you please tell him that Lady Gordon has come to call?” She attempted to sound calmer than she was.
“Unfortunately, his lordship is out on the estate right now. I am not sure when we expect him to return.”
She didn’t bother to fight her frown. “Might I wait for him?” she asked.
He opened the door wider and held his arm out to invite her inside. “Of course, my lady. I will show you to the drawing room and will alert him of your arrival as soon as he returns.”
Juliana followed the man. He stopped at the doorway of an opulent drawing room and motioned for her to enter.
“I shall send in tea for you if you wish,” he said.
“That would be appreciated, thank you.” At least she might ease her nerves with something warm to drink.
A few minutes later, the tea was brought in, and she poured herself a cup. She paced the room with her cup, glancing out each window as she did. Part of her hoped she might see him walking or riding up with each glance.
After at least a half hour of pacing, voices outside the drawing room caught her attention.
“I don’t think he has returned,” a woman’s voice said. The voice sounded as if the woman were older, but it was enough to cause Juliana’s heart to sink. Why would Marina send her here if he had a woman in residence?
“But I must show him,” a child’s voice whined. What was a child doing in Jude’s home? Perhaps he had relatives visiting. He never mentioned any of his relations, but it’s not like she knew him as well as she believed she had.
She thought to peek outside of the doorway to catch a look at who was speaking, but before she could do so, a young girl of around three years old came barreling into the room. As soon as the girl saw Juliana, she stopped and stared at her.
Juliana gasped and gulped. This little girl was beautiful, but what stood out the most was that she was the picture of Jude. Her eyes were the same color, with the same mischievous glint. The deep dimples in her cheeks were unmistakable. Realization washed over her that Jude had a daughter.
How long had he known? To her knowledge, he had never been married, so this sweet young girl was likely born out of wedlock. Something society would be scandalized by. She closed her eyes, suddenly realizing why he left the way he did.
“Who are you?” the child asked, full of curiosity and kindness.
“My name is Juliana, poppet. What is your name?”
“Rose. My papa calls me ‘poppet,’ too. Are you here to see him?” the girl asked.
Her nanny entered before she could answer and noted Juliana’s presence. “I apologize, my lady. I wasn’t aware his lordship had a caller. She wished to see him.”
Rose nodded. “I wanted to show Papa this. I drew a picture of my pony.” She held up the piece of parchment, the pride radiating from her. Juliana couldn’t help but smile, seeing the man she loved in the sweet girl’s expression.
“This is quite good,” Juliana said. “I am sure he will love it. Do you already ride?” she asked the girl. Rose was the sweetest little thing, and Juliana found she already adored her.
Rose shook her head. “No. Papa said I could soon. He’s getting me a pony, so I drew the one I want.”
Juliana’s eyes welled with tears from such a sweet, earnest girl.
“Juliana, what are you doing here?” A familiar, rich baritone called out from inside the doorway. It caused her heart to somersault in her chest. She had been so focused on Rose, she hadn’t noticed him enter.
“Papa!” Rose ran to Jude, and he scooped her up into his arms. The simple action warmed Juliana’s heart, and one tear escaped. She quickly wiped it away. “This lady came to see you,” Rose continued. “She’s pretty and nice, Papa. I like her.”
“Yes, she is, poppet,” he said. “I like her, too.”
Juliana noted his voice was thick with emotion from his words.
“Mrs. Jones, might you take Rose to the nursery so that I can see to our visitor?” he asked.
“Of course, my lord. Come along, Rose.” She held out her hand to the girl as Jude set her on her feet.
Rose clasped it but turned back to Juliana. “I hope to see you again,” Rose said, before waving at Juliana and then skipping off with her nanny.
Juliana shifted her attention to Jude, who stared down at his feet. The silence hung between them. Her chest rose and fell as she awaited what he would say to her.