Page 13 of A Troublesome Circumstance

A small smile tugged at his lips. “Most were. My mother believed a person should be well- read. She loved a good argument about a book’s meaning, especially if her opponent was ill-prepared.”

Josephine smiled at the image. “I daresay I would have liked her immensely.”

He set his book down on the side table. “And she would have liked you, particularly when you threatened me with that pitchfork.”

Color rose to Josephine’s cheeks. “I am truly sorry about that,” she said quickly. “Had I known⁠—”

He raised a hand, cutting her off with a teasing glint in his eyes. “I am only jesting, my lady. I found it rather brave that you were standing your ground against a man holding a rifle.”

“Brave or foolish?” she countered lightly.

“I prefer brave,” he said. “I’m far too much of a gentleman to insult a lady.”

She gave a soft laugh. “Then you are already far superior to most men of my acquaintance, sir.”

His gaze shifted towards the window. “It seems the rain has finally stopped.”

Josephine turned her head to look. The clouds were breaking apart, the faintest hint of a rainbow arcing over the distant trees. “So it has,” she murmured, setting her book aside. “Perhaps we should depart for the Duke of Ashmoore’s estate while there’s still light?”

Jude shook his head. “The ground will be too treacherous, and the woods aren’t safe after dark. We’ll travel at first light.”

“Are you quite certain? I should think you’d be eager to rid yourself of me by now.”

He chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “I’ll admit, it’s been rather nice having company for a change.”

“Well,” she said with mock gravity, “I’m relieved my presence alleviates your boredom. Tell me, will you be serving the same stew as this morning?”

“Indeed,” he replied, his tone equally dry. “Rabbit again. I do hope you won’t object.”

“Not at all,” she lied. “I find I rather enjoy rabbit stew.”

“Liar,” he said, his eyes dancing.

She laughed outright. “Very well, you’ve caught me. It is not my favorite dish since rabbit is rather tougher than I prefer.”

“It’s an acquired taste.”

Josephine folded her hands in her lap. “Do you enjoy living here alone, in the middle of the woods?”

His expression changed, growing thoughtful. “I don’t always live here,” he said. “But when I need peace to think… this is where I come.”

She tilted her head. “And what do you think about?”

“This and that.”

Realizing she might have trespassed on something private, she flushed. “Forgive me. I did not mean to pry. I was only making conversation.”

“You’ve done nothing wrong,” he assured her. “I’d simply rather not speak of it.”

She nodded. “Then we shall speak of something else. Do you have siblings?”

His expression softened. “A brother. He married recently a lovely girl. I wasn’t sure of her at first, but she’s surprised me.”

The fondness in his voice made Josephine’s heart squeeze. “You’re close, then?”

“We are,” he said. “He’s done well for himself. Better than I expected, perhaps better than me.”

“You clearly admire him.”