Page 5 of Reforming the Rakish Marquess

Hannah patted her hand, and they rode in silence the rest of the way until they reached the Southam townhouse.

Hudson handed both of the ladies down and escorted one on each arm to the receiving line. Tabitha’s parents, Lord and Lady Southam, greeted Juliana with a warm welcome, and before she knew it, she was being announced and ushered into the ballroom. She was the Dowager Viscountess Gordon. She still hadn’t grown used to being addressed as such. She closed her eyes thinking of Edward for a moment, then blinked them open, ready to face the watchful eyes of society. After so many months of quiet, part of her was excited for the noise and chatter of the ton.

They each grabbed a drink from the tray of a passing footman and found a place at the side of the ballroom to watch the other dancers. Their friend, Matt, the Earl of Wilton, found them and joined in the conversation. Along with Hudson, he was among the gentlemen who looked after their group of friends. With some married now and remaining in the country for the season, the group was smaller than it used to be.

Matt was the most jovial of their set, and almost always wore a smile on his face. “Juliana, might I have you first dance back out with us?” he asked.

“I’d enjoy that,” she responded, flashing him a wide grin.

He escorted her to the dance floor just as the first strains of a country dance rang throughout the ballroom. “Are you feeling all right being back out among the rest of society?” he asked in between the lively steps.

“Indeed. I’m so looking forward to the season.” That was an understatement. She had already felt more like herself being out among her friends.

“I’m glad. We were all quite worried about you.”

She smiled at him. “That’s kind of you all. I am quite all right, I assure you. It was tragic, indeed, and I will never stop mourning Edward, but it is time that I get on with my life.”

He nodded, and they continued on with the dance. Once it ended, he escorted her back to their group of friends. With her hostess duties complete, Tabitha had joined their group.

“Have you heard the new Viscount Gordon is in town?” Tabitha asked, leaning close to her and lowering her voice. “I’m told he’s nothing like dear Edward. Rather cold and cruel, actually.”

Juliana’s stomach tightened at the mention of Edward’s title passing to another. “I haven’t met him yet. I suppose I shall have to at some point.”

With any luck, she would never have to see the man. She was in possession of her own funds, so she needed nothing from him.

“Well, let’s hope he leaves you be. It sounds as if he is a horrid sort,” Hannah said, linking arms with Juliana. “You will let us know if you require assistance, right? I hate that you are alone now.”

A gentleman approached before she could reply and focused his attention directly on Juliana.

“My lady. Might I have your next dance?”

Baron Lygon stood before her with his hand extended. He had never asked her to dance in her first season. The baron was a bit older, around thirty, and had a reputation for avoiding marriage. He was quite handsome, with his rich black hair and deep chestnut eyes. His muscular frame didn’t go unnoticed by many women of the ton, either. His breeches were currently not hiding the shape of his taut legs. What was perhaps a bit more surprising, was how she had noticed such things.

“Of course, my lord. I would be delighted.”

Once they reached the center of the ballroom floor, he wrapped his arm around her back and pulled her closer than he should have. “I am glad to see you back in society, my lady.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

The dance began, and she noted that he was a graceful dancer. She had always enjoyed dancing and quickly fell into a comfortable rhythm with the handsome man.

“I hoped we might become better acquainted if you are open to such an arrangement. You must be quite lonely after your mourning period for Gordon.”

“What arrangement would that be, my lord?” She wasn’t certain what the gentleman was asking of her, but his expression was almost wolfish.

He flashed her a wide smile. “A pleasurable one.”

Her cheeks flushed, and she knew she must have turned several shades darker. “I see.” She knew widows engaged in such entanglements, but she hadn’t considered doing so herself.

“Forgive my forwardness, my lady. I only hoped to gain your attention before one of these other bumbling fools crossed your path. As a widow, you shall have many choices. I hope you will consider my offer. I am nothing but discreet.”

She hadn’t expected to be propositioned her first night out back in society and wasn’t quite sure what to say to the man. She would be lying to herself if she said she wasn’t curious about what occurred between a man and woman, and the men of the ton would expect she had already experienced such acts. Who would think that a widow was still a virgin?

“I shall consider it, my lord.” She wasn’t certain that she would, but she also wasn’t certain that she wouldn’t. It was something to think on as she considered her future.

“If you are agreeable, all you need to do is send a note to my home and I shall call on you.”

She nodded. The dance ended, and he escorted her back to her friends. He flashed her another wide grin before departing into the throngs of guests.