Page 57 of Reforming the Rakish Marquess

Hannah spun on her heel and faced Juliana.

“He told me I’m forbidden to dance with Matt. He’s threatening to give him the cut direct if he remains in my presence at events.”

Juliana gasped. That was a serious threat. One that would divide their entire group of friends.

“What is his reasoning? Does he think Matt would do something untoward?” Juliana asked, her tone was one of jest. There wasn’t a more laughable notion. Matt was far too jovial and kind, the least likely to do so. Although their friends weren’t likely to suspect that Jude would take her to bed, yet there they were.

“He just says since Matt and I would never marry, there is no reason for us to dance.” Hannah plopped back onto the settee before continuing. “None of us would ever marry Jude, but he doesn’t have a problem with me dancing with him.”

Juliana was certain her face was flushed, but with any luck, Hannah’s distraction and frustration with her brother would keep her from noticing.

“If only Mama and Papa were still alive. Then, I wouldn’t have to deal with Hudson as my guardian,” Hannah said, crossing her arms.

They sat silent for a few moments before Juliana shifted to face her friend.

“What are you going to do?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” Hannah replied. “I stormed out and don’t wish to speak to my bothersome brother if I can help it.”

Juliana reached for Hannah’s hand and clasped it. “I am sure all will be well, dearest. He’ll find something to distract him soon enough.”

“Perhaps I can stay here with you tonight. Oh, what fun would that be!” Hannah exclaimed. “We don’t have any events to attend tonight, so it would be perfect.”

Juliana adored her friend and would love her company, but she had to fight her disappointment that it meant she wouldn’t see Jude that evening. She didn’t have a good reason to dissuade her friend from staying without hurting her feelings or confessing the truth.

“That would be so much fun,” Juliana said, ensuring she displayed the expected level of excitement for the idea. “Why don’t you send your maid for the things you will need to stay, and I will have a room readied for you?”

Juliana reached for the bell pull and Drummond appeared a few moments later.

“Will you have a room prepared for Lady Hannah and set two places for dinner tonight? And send Lady Hannah’s maid here, along with a footman, so they can collect a few things from the Onslow townhouse.”

“Right away, my lady.”

Juliana shifted her attention back to Hannah.

“You know you can’t avoid your brother forever,” Juliana said.

“I know, I know,” Hannah replied, waving her off. “I will return home tomorrow. At least I can enjoy a bit of freedom for one evening.”

“You had better pen Hudson so that he knows where you have gone. It will only make things worse if he should traipse all over town looking for you.”

Hannah nodded. “You are quite right. Might I make use of your parchment and quill?”

“Of course, come with me.”

Juliana grabbed the note from Jude that she had tucked between the cushions and held it in front of her while Hannah followed behind. It would be far safer to tuck the note in the study than to risk it being found in the cushions.

Once they reached the room, Juliana slipped the note under a stack of papers without Hannah seeing it. She handed Hannah a blank piece of parchment and sat her ink and quill in front of the seat opposite her desk.

Hannah penned a quick note and by the time the missive was sanded and sealed, Drummond and Hannah’s maid sought them out in the study.

Hannah gave her maid directions for what to pack for her, and the woman left with the footman who hung back just outside the door. Drummond turned to Hannah.

“My lady, allow me to show you to the room we have prepared for you.”

“That is perfect,” Juliana said. “I will finish up a few things here and then meet you back in the drawing room.”

Hannah followed Drummond out of the room, and Juliana moved with speed. She grabbed another piece of parchment and picked up the quill Hannah had used. She needed to pen a missive to Jude to ensure he didn’t appear later at her home. He would cause quite a stir if he snuck in to find Hannah here.