Page 79 of A Troublesome Circumstance

Jude held no bitterness towards Lady Gwendolyn. Neither affection nor resentment. Only the resigned knowledge that he had once been a fool. And gratitude that he wasn’t anymore.

Josephine let out an irritated huff. He glanced at her, his curiosity piqued. Why did she bristle whenever Gwendolyn’s name was mentioned?

Before he could ask, a footman entered with a tray carrying five flutes of champagne.

Josephine immediately reached for hers and took a long swallow.

Jude chuckled. “I would slow down.”

“Why?” she muttered. “I am hoping to forget this night ever happened.”

“Then by all means, drink away, my lady.”

She made a face at the title.

“What is it?” he asked.

In a hushed tone only he could hear, she said, “It sounds strange when you call me ‘my lady.’”

“I feel the same when you ‘my lord’ me.”

A small smile tugged at her lips. “Then let’s promise each other we won’t do that.”

His heart lifted. It was hardly anything—a smile, a shared secret—but it was a start. A crack in the wall she’d built between them.

Perhaps… just perhaps… all was not lost.

Lady Redden clapped her hands lightly. “We like to play a family game during dinner.”

Alexander groaned. “Mother… not now.”

The duke leaned forward, amused. “I am quite interested in this game. Please continue, my lady.”

She smiled gratefully. “We each say something we are grateful for.”

“I’ll start,” the duke offered. “I am grateful to dine with all of you. It has been a long while since I have had a family dinner.”

“I am grateful for Lady Gwendolyn,” Alexander declared proudly.

Lady Redden raised her glass. “And I am grateful for my two beautiful children.”

Jude turned to Josephine, softening his voice. “Dare I ask what you are grateful for?”

She set her spoon down. “Books.”

Alexander looked heavenward. “Not with the books again,” he said, exasperated.

“I find it wonderful that Lady Josephine is grateful for books,” the duke said warmly. “My wife was the same. She had a small nook in our cottage filled with her favorites.”

Josephine’s expression softened. “I think I would have liked your wife very much.”

“I believe she would have liked you, too,” the duke replied, his eyes crinkling.

All eyes turned to Jude.

He wiped the corner of his mouth. “I am grateful for good friends.” Then he added, “Especially new ones.”

Josephine held his gaze longer than he expected… before looking down.