Page 42 of A Troublesome Circumstance

“Would that be such a terrible fate?”

“I’ve no wish to parade myself before the ton,” Jude snapped.

Luca arched a brow. “Because of Lady Gwendolyn?”

The name struck like a blade. Jude’s hand clenched around the letter. “I tire of the ton’s games and the women who play them.”

“It’s a game you’d do well to master,” Luca replied. “Ignoring it won’t make it disappear.”

Jude crossed to the drinks cart, poured himself a generous measure of brandy, and took a long sip. “I see no purpose there. I serve no function that matters.”

“And hiding here does?” Luca countered. “You’re avoiding life, Jude. Avoiding responsibility. Is this what you mean to do—rot away in that wretched cottage until the world forgets you exist?”

“I am fulfilling my responsibilities,” Jude said through his gritted teeth. “Just not the ones Father prefers.”

“You always were stubborn.”

“You wouldn’t understand my reasons.”

“Try me,” Luca said, setting his glass aside and leaning forward. “I have been told I am an excellent listener.”

Jude stared into his drink. “Father wants me to manage the accounts so he can spend more time in Parliament. He says it’s time I step into my role.”

“Reasonable enough.”

“Perhaps. But is that all I am meant for? Ledgers and meetings?” Jude’s voice hardened. “I should be grateful, I know—but every day I feel as though I am suffocating.”

Luca tilted his head. “You sound like a man in need of purpose. Or perhaps… a wife.”

Jude groaned. “Not you, too. Father says the same.”

“Because he’s right.” Luca’s grin returned. “A good woman gives a man direction. Look at me—before Charlotte, I had nothing but duties and frustration. Now, I can’t imagine a day without her.”

“I’m glad marriage suits you,” Jude said dryly, “but spare me your sermons. A wife would only add to my misery.”

“As you wish. I’ll drop the subject.” Luca’s tone softened. “But I’d be blind not to notice how you looked at Lady Josephine.”

Jude’s head snapped up. “It’s not affection.”

“No?” Luca’s smirk turned sly. “Interesting, since I overheard you ordering riders to follow her coach.”

“Merely a precaution,” Jude responded.

“Of course,” Luca said. “Yet here you are, brooding over her departure like a lovesick poet.”

“Leave it.”

Luca rose, unruffled. “I’ll say only this—you’ll return to Town whether you like it or not. Father will insist. The only question is what happens when Lady Josephine learns who you really are.”

“She won’t,” Jude said. “I won’t be attending any social events.”

Luca chuckled. “Do you truly think Father will let his heir hide away?”

Jude’s lips pressed into a grim line. “He doesn’t control every aspect of my life.”

“No,” Luca agreed, stepping closer. “But he’s a good man. He wants what’s best for you—even if he goes about it the wrong way.”

Jude looked away. “I know.”