Page 29 of A Troublesome Circumstance

“I am not undone,” Jude shot back, a little too forcefully.

Luca’s smirk deepened. “No? You’re pacing about, defending her honor, glowering at me as though I’d insulted the queen. Forgive me if I doubt your objectivity.”

“Josephine and I are friends,” Jude said, forcing calm into his voice. “Nothing more.”

Luca leaned back in his seat. “Friends, you say? Yet you won’t even tell her who you truly are.”

Jude exhaled and sank into a chair across from them. “It’s better this way.”

“Better for whom?” Luca asked.

Jude glared at him, then turned towards Charlotte. “How do you put up with him?”

Charlotte’s eyes sparkled. “Isn’t he remarkable?” she teased.

“No, he’s blasted annoying,” Jude muttered.

Luca laughed outright. “You seem to forget that this entire situation is of your making.”

Jude stiffened. “What was I supposed to do? Leave her in a stable to freeze to death?” His voice rose despite himself. “She was terrified and hurt.”

Luca’s expression softened slightly. “You did the honorable thing, as I knew you would. But honor has consequences. You can’t hide forever.” He cocked his head. “Why are you here, rather than at the cottage?”

Jude hesitated. “I thought it best to remain at the manor for a time.”

“With Lady Josephine?” Luca asked.

Jude shot him a warning look. “No. Not in that sense.”

“Mm,” Luca murmured, clearly unconvinced. “Still, you’ll have to explain why a supposed gamekeeper is housing with the family. Servants gossip, you know.”

“I’ll think of something,” Jude said.

Charlotte rose gracefully, smoothing her gown. “Well, I do believe I shall retire for the evening so you two may continue your… informative discussion.”

Luca stood and kissed her cheek. “Goodnight, my love.”

“Goodnight,” she replied with a smile before departing the room.

Jude watched her go, unable to ignore the quiet affection between them. The simple ease of it made something twist inside his chest—an ache he didn’t want to name. Would he ever have that?

Once Charlotte was gone, Jude lowered himself back into the chair. “I’m happy for you, truly,” he said quietly.

Luca gave a faint, contented sigh. “I never thought happiness like this was possible. Charlotte surprises me every day.” He glanced towards the door. “But soon enough, we’ll have to return to London. Responsibilities wait for no man.”

“Will Charlotte truly write for The London Gazette?” Jude asked.

“She will,” Luca said with obvious pride. “The world is only just beginning to see what she’s capable of.”

Jude tilted his head. “A lady journalist. Father must be beside himself.”

“Oh, he’ll voice his opinion eventually. But I’ll manage him. It’s easier for me, being the second son. You, on the other hand…”

“Yes,” Jude said dryly. “The heir. Forever bound by duty.”

“Is that such a terrible fate?” Luca asked, though there was no judgment in his tone—only curiosity.

Jude’s shoulders sagged. “Perhaps not. But I would have liked the chance to live freely, even for a while. To see the world beyond our estates and ledgers.”