Page 137 of A Troublesome Circumstance

Her mother blinked. “You… hit him?”

Jude stepped forward, pride warming his tone. “You would be very proud of your daughter, Lady Redden. She saved me from being shot.”

“Shot?” her mother repeated, her eyes widening. “My heavens, it sounds as though you two have lived an entire lifetime of danger in one evening. Come, let’s get you some tea⁠—”

“Josephine.”

She turned. Alexander stood in the corridor, his expression tight with worry.

“You are home,” he said.

“Yes,” she replied. “I just returned home. It has been a long night.”

He approached her, stopping only when he stood directly before her. “I was dreadfully worried. When I learned Uncle—” His voice cracked. “I wanted to go after you, but Pendryn insisted I stay behind.”

“It all worked out,” she assured him.

He swallowed hard. “Pendryn told me you believed I had a hand in your abduction. Josephine, I swear—I would never do such a thing. You are my sister. I love you.”

Her eyes stung instantly. “And I love you, Alexander.”

For once, her ever-composed brother stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her. She clung to him, all tension melting.

When he stepped back, he sent Jude a firm nod. “Thank you for bringing my sister home.”

“It was my pleasure,” Jude replied.

Alexander cleared his throat awkwardly. “I’m needed in Parliament. If you will excuse me…” He slipped out the door.

The moment it closed, her mother exhaled shakily. “Now, about that tea.”

But Jude had other plans.

“I was hoping for a moment to speak with Josie privately,” he said.

Lady Redden studied him, then Josephine. “I believe you have earned that right. Take a turn in the gardens. I will see to the tea.”

Jude offered his arm. “Shall we?”

A flutter of excitement raced through her. She placed her hand on his arm, allowing him to lead her towards the back of the townhouse. A footman opened the back door leading to the veranda.

They stepped outside, descending onto the stone terrace. A path wound ahead, lined with rose bushes heavy with blooms. The air held the crisp freshness of morning, mixed with the faint perfume of petals.

Josephine’s pulse thrummed so loudly she was certain Jude must hear it. She wanted—achingly, desperately—to tell him she loved him. That she could not imagine a life that did not include him.

But when she opened her mouth, no words emerged.

How could she strike Mr. Broderick with a branch without hesitation, yet be rendered speechless by three simple words?

Jude’s voice broke the silence. “I keep thinking about something your brother said to me.”

Her head snapped up. “What exactly did Alexander say?”

Jude kept his gaze fixed ahead, as though choosing his words with care. “He told me you were in love with me.”

Heat flooded her face. “He… he said that?”

Jude nodded slowly. “He did. And I have been wondering ever since… if it is true.”