Page 1 of Reforming the Rakish Marquess

Prologue

Mayfair, London

Spring 1811

Juliana Fyfe watched Jude, Marquess Sandon, approach across the Fletcher’s ballroom. And she had come to know that look well. The devilish man had every intent of teasing her, as many of her friends had done as of late.

“Lady Juliana.” He bowed with exaggerated formality. “Might I have the honor of this dance before Lord Gordon finds himself on one knee?”

Edward, Viscount Gordon, stood at her side laughing. “By all means, dance with the man, Jules. I am quite certain the marquess isn’t marriage-minded.”

“Quite right.” Jude smirked, revealing the dimple in his left cheek that half the ladies of the ton sighed over. He offered Juliana his arm and led her onto the floor as the musicians struck up a country dance.

They moved through the opening figures before Jude leaned closer. “So, when is poor Gordon going to make good on a proposal? The entire ton is laying wagers.”

“Are they?” Juliana forced herself not to react, though she flushed. She’d known Jude long enough not to be shocked by his directness, but sometimes his green eyes held a wicked gleam that made her wonder about things a proper young lady shouldn’t.

Things like what it might be like to be ruined by a rake. Not that she had any intention of finding out. Jude was a friend, and Edward was… well, Edward was also a friend. But what they had was different.

“Don’t pretend your Mama hasn’t already started embroidering your children’s christening gowns.” He spun her through a turn. “I’ve wagered on next month. Perhaps I’ll influence Gordon to aid in my good fortune.”

She should scold him for being presumptuous. Instead, she found herself studying the sharp line of his jaw, wondering idly why some men seemed built for sin and all things wicked. While others, like Edward, were comforting and…friendly. Not that any of those traits were problematic in a match. God knew she’d had enough of dangerous charm after Lord Peel.

“You’re quiet,” Jude observed. “I’ve overstepped.”

“No.” She met his eyes. “You haven’t. I simply don’t know what Edward intends. We’ve never discussed the matter.”

“But you’d say yes if he asked?”

Would she? Edward was handsome, kind, one of her dearest friends. When he’d pulled Lord Peel off of her when he’d attempted unwanted advances after luring her from a ballroom a couple months ago, he’d sent the blackguard running. At that moment, she’d seen something in Edward’s face that made her feel protected. Not protected as one might protect a helpless baby bird, but protected as one might guard something precious. And he’d been a fixture in her life ever since.

“I think I would,” she said.

Jude’s expression softened. “He’s a good man, Jules. Better than most of us.” The dance ended, and he bowed over her hand. “We had better return. I’m certain he must be waiting for you.”

“You’re a good man, too, Jude.”

The subtle shift in his expression appeared as if he might argue, but then he urged her back toward their friends.

She gave Jude a small smile as he rejoined his friends nearby, and then she returned to Edward’s side. He immediately offered her his arm. “Shall we take some air? It’s grown rather warm.”

She nodded, grateful for his thoughtfulness. They made their way to the terrace, where the night air cooled her flushed cheeks. Several other couples strolled about, so they weren’t entirely alone.

Edward guided her to the balustrade, standing close enough that she caught the scent of his cologne.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked.

“I am, though Jude was rather ridiculous just now.”

Edward’s laugh was quiet. “Jude’s always ridiculous. What did he say?”

“He wanted to know when you plan to propose.” She watched his face for any reaction. “Apparently the ton is taking bets. Jude included.”

“Are they?” He didn’t seem surprised. “And what did you tell him?”

“That I didn’t know your intentions.” She paused. “Though I suppose everyone else seems quite convinced they do.”

He was quiet for a moment, tapping the stone. “Would it trouble you? If I did have such intentions?”