The air rushed from Leo’s lungs before he could gather himself under control.
“Juliana,” the duke breathed, rushing to envelop her in his arms.
The two stood in their embrace, murmuring relieved greetings into each other’s shoulders, and all at once, Leo felt out of place.
After several long moments, she stiffened, her jaw hardening as she pulled away. “I’m here with a purpose, Jasper.”
It was then that Leo noticed the travelling writing box that she carried in one hand.What—
Striding to the settee, Juliana perched on its edge and withdrew the writing implements before snapping the lid shut once more and using it as a portable desk. She cleared her throat. “We have business to discuss.”
“Business,” the duke spat.
Juliana nodded, but there was a hint of wariness in her gaze.
“I must ask you some questions, brother.”
“What are you doing, Juliana?” The duke scowled at her.
She took in a deep breath and drew her shoulders back, her gaze defiant. “I’ve taken a runner position on Bow Street.”
CHAPTER24
“The hell you have!” Jasper roared. “You are no more capable of enforcing the laws of the lands and handling the citizens of London than I am of sprouting wings and flying to the moon.”
“I’ll not be required to handle the citizens of London.” The nerves in Juliana’s abdomen intensified. “I gave my word some time ago, and I fully intend to follow through with my promise. It is what I want, Jasper.”
“What does the job entail?” Leo’s question cut across Jasper’s outraged blustering.
Her chest tightened as she turned her gaze on him. Leo appeared ill: pale and despondent. Had something untoward occurred since they had seen each other that morning? Or, perhaps, hadshecaused his change in demeanour? Another wave of despair washed over her, and she gritted her teeth against it.
“It doesn’t bloody matter what it entails,” Jasper growled. “She will resign her post and wed Viscount Rivers directly. I’ll not stand for this, Juliana!”
“I shall be a Bow Street runner among other women. We will—”
“Bah!” Jasper scoffed. “What could you possibly do that the men cannot? Surely you would not count yourselves among the horse patrol?”
Juliana drew herself up in affront. “Indeed not. Women are capable of plenty, I assure you. But our focus will be on women in need of aid, or those who do not trust the work of the men.”
Jasper’s “What a foolish notion!” came at the same time as Leo’s “Capital idea.”
“Whoisthis man to you?” Jasper’s scowl deepened as he turned his narrowed gaze on Leo. “And why do you presume to interfere?”
“This is Leonard Not—”
“I know his bloody name, Juliana!” Jasper hissed. “Why is he here with you?”
Leo cleared his throat. “I came to warn you, Your Grace. Lady Juliana and I encountered a man named Miles Sinclair on our journey to London, and knew him to be in town and intent on doing harm to both of you.”
“Notley…” Jasper’s eyes narrowed further as he thought. “Sodding hell, you’re the Marquess of Livingston!”
The distress in Leo’s stormy blue eyes tugged at Juliana’s heart.
“Thisis the man you travelled with?” Jasper glared accusingly at Juliana. “The former pirate notorious for his philandering and accused of murdering his brother?”
Leo paled further, his shade positively alarming.
“Yes, he is,” Juliana nodded, her spine stiff. “He offered shelter and the healing hand of a doctor when I required aid, and he gallantly provided protection on my journey from Nottingham to London.”
