Page 118 of A Troublesome Circumstance

“Once I ensure you are safe, I will return. But not a moment before.”

Her mother pressed her lips together. “I think this is madness. Josephine should stay here… with us.”

“I find that I agree with Josephine,” Uncle Leroy said. “I heard about the article from Alexander. It will no doubt ignite a scandal.”

“Yes, but⁠—”

He held up a hand, effectively stopping her. “I will keep her safe, Diane. You need not worry.”

“I am a mother,” Lady Redden responded. “Worrying comes with the title.”

Dupree stepped forward and bowed. “Your trunks have been packed on the coach, my lady.”

Her mother’s eyes instantly filled with tears. “I should be the one escorting you to our country home.”

“It will be all right, Mother. I promise,” Josephine said, though even she wasn’t entirely convinced. She prayed her voice didn’t betray her.

Her mother pulled her into a tight embrace. “Make sure you take two grooms with you when you go on your morning rides.”

“I will.”

“Be sure to eat everything on your plate. You are far too thin.”

Josephine released a soft laugh, her own eyes stinging. “I promise.”

“And send word when you arrive.”

“I will write the moment we reach our country home,” Josephine assured her.

“Don’t forget you get sick when you try to read in the coach.”

“I remember, Mother.”

Lady Redden’s hand rose to Josephine’s cheek, her thumb brushing away a tear. “I still think this is a terrible idea.”

Before Josephine could respond, another voice cut in.

“She will be fine,” Alexander said, stepping into view with a tight, reluctant expression. “Uncle Leroy will take good care of her.”

Josephine turned towards her brother. “Thank you for seeing me off.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he answered, though frustration crept into his tone. “But I wish you had waited until morning to start this journey. It will be dark soon, and it will be hours before you reach a respectable coaching inn.”

“I don’t want to wait another moment,” Josephine said.

He studied her for a long moment, then nodded. “I can respect that.”

Josephine hesitated, then stepped closer. “Don’t marry Lady Gwendolyn. I do not believe she will make you happy.”

Alexander stiffened. “She loves me.”

“No,” Josephine countered, shaking her head. “She loves your title.”

He looked away, his jaw clenching. “You know not what you are talking about.”

“She claimed to love Lord Pendryn, but her affections shifted to you the moment he left Town.”

“You are reading too much into that,” Alexander insisted.