Page 73 of A Troublesome Circumstance

“I trust you have been working diligently?” his father asked.

“I have.”

“Good. Familiarity with our accounts is essential. The more time you spend with them, the more confident you will be in managing the estate.”

“Do we not have two men whose entire purpose is to manage these matters?” Jude asked pointedly.

“We do.” The Duke of Ashmoore folded his hands behind his back. “And yet you must still learn it.”

Jude sighed heavily.

“Did you read the farming report?” his father asked.

“I did.”

“And?”

“It was boring.”

A rare smile tugged at the corners of his father’s mouth. “That is the correct answer.”

Jude pushed to his feet and stalked towards the drink cart. “Is this truly my fate? Ledgers, meetings, accounts, and more ledgers?”

“Not entirely,” his father replied. “One day, you will take your seat in the House of Lords.”

“It just keeps getting better and better,” Jude said under his breath.

His father’s gaze softened. “I was once you, Jude. I saw no purpose in estate matters. No meaning. Until I met your mother. She made it all worthwhile. Made me worthwhile. You will understand when you⁠—”

“If this is another tale intended to pressure me into marriage,” Jude said, lifting his glass, “please spare me.”

His father smirked knowingly.

And Jude took a very long drink.

“I understand there was an incident at the ball last night involving Lady Josephine Tweedale,” his father said, tone deceptively mild as he flipped open a ledger.

Jude didn’t even look up from his glass. “There was no incident.”

“Good,” his father said. “Because I happen to hold her mother, Lady Redden, in high esteem.”

Jude’s head snapped up. That was unexpected. “You do?”

“Yes,” his father replied. “She was a close friend of your mother’s. A fine woman. I have always admired her.”

Jude narrowed his gaze. Something about his father’s tone—soft, almost wistful—caught his attention. “Are you… interested in pursuing her?”

His father’s eyes widened. “Good heavens, no,” the duke sputtered. “I loved your mother.”

“There is no question of that,” Jude remarked. “But she passed away many years ago. You’re still allowed to live your life.”

“No. Absolutely not.” His father shook his head vehemently. “I would never betray your mother like that.”

“There is no betrayal in seeking companionship,” Jude pressed. “Mother would want you to be happy, not alone.”

His father’s entire body stiffened—just slightly, but enough. “Leave it, Jude.”

Jude leaned back, studying him. Why did the mention of Lady Redden unsettle him so much? Whatever it was, Jude was suddenly curious.