Page 102 of A Troublesome Circumstance

“Oh?” she asked. “And why is that?”

He leaned a fraction closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear. “Because when I eventually kiss you… truly kiss you… you will swoon.”

Her head tilted, blue eyes gleaming with challenge. “You sound rather sure of yourself. What makes you think I will ever allow you to kiss me?”

His gaze dipped to her lips. “I do not think you will allow it,” he murmured. “I know you will.”

Her breath caught. A soft inhale—barely audible, impossibly intoxicating.

“And how do you know that?” she whispered.

He lifted his eyes to hers, letting her see every truth he’d been holding close. “Because, Josie… you look at me as though you already want me to.”

Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and she quickly faced forward again, but he didn’t miss the slight tremble in her exhale.

The knowledge warmed him—dangerous, thrilling, hopeful.

He walked beside her towards the carriage, feeling as though the ground beneath him had shifted. And for the first time in a long while…

He welcomed it.

Once the carriage rolled down the street and disappeared into the night, Jude turned back towards the townhouse, matching his father’s slow stride. Neither of them spoke.

They entered the drawing room, where Luca sat on the settee with Charlotte curled comfortably at his side. Luca’s grin formed the instant he saw Jude.

“Well,” Luca drawled, “that was rather telling.”

Jude tugged off his gloves. “What was?”

“Your interaction with Josephine,” Luca said, sliding an arm more snugly around Charlotte’s waist. Then he shifted his gaze towards their father. “And your interaction with Lady Redden, Father. The real question is: who among you will be married first?”

The duke let out a low huff. “And that is my cue to retire.” He turned to leave.

“Father—wait,” Luca said, rising. “I do not say it merely to tease you. But surely you must recognize what is right in front of you.”

The duke stiffened. “And what is that, precisely?”

“A chance at happiness again,” Luca replied gently, his expression soft rather than mocking.

Something flickered across the duke’s face—something unguarded, vulnerable—but it vanished almost instantly. He inclined his head. “Goodnight, boys. Charlotte.”

Jude watched him go, a heaviness tightening in his chest. He wanted happiness for his father. But he also knew the older man was wrapped in memories he feared letting go of.

Behind him, Luca said, “He’s stubborn, but I do believe he’ll come around.”

Jude turned back to face his brother and sister-in-law. “As do I.”

“And you?” Luca asked, folding his arms. “Have you come around regarding Josephine?”

Jude hesitated only for a moment. If he couldn’t tell Luca the truth, who could he tell? “I have. In fact…” He exhaled. “I offered for her earlier today. During our carriage ride.”

Charlotte straightened, her eyes going wide with excitement. “You offered for her? Why on earth didn’t you say anything when you returned? We could have celebrated!”

“Because,” Jude said, “she said no.”

“She said no?” Charlotte asked, her brow furrowed.

He inclined his head once.