Page 105 of A Troublesome Circumstance

“Good.”

Uncle Leroy interjected. “Now that that is settled, perhaps we should enjoy breakfast.”

Alexander rose. “I have lost my appetite,” he muttered before striding out of the room.

Josephine exhaled slowly, then reached for her cup. She knew she’d wounded Alexander’s pride… but she had spoken nothing but the truth.

And the truth was simple.

She loved Jude.

She suspected she always had—ever since the day he had pulled her away from death itself.

Reaching for his teacup, Uncle Leroy peered at her over the rim. “Do you truly love Lord Pendryn?”

Josephine’s breath snagged for the smallest moment, but she lifted her chin. “I do.”

A bright, delighted smile spread across his face. “That is wonderful news. Do you think he intends to offer for you?”

She met his gaze squarely. “He already has. But you knew that already… didn’t you?”

Uncle Leroy pressed a hand dramatically to his chest. “Guilty as charged,” he said with a warm chuckle.

Josephine took a sip of her chocolate. “I turned him down because he only offered to keep me safe.”

“That seems like a very good reason,” he mused.

“Not to me,” she replied. “I want love. Real love. And to be loved in return. It is something both of us deserve.”

Uncle Leroy watched her, thoughtfully. “And you don’t believe Lord Pendryn could love you in return?”

Her fingers fussed with the edge of the white linen napkin spread across her lap. “It doesn’t matter what I think. Lord Pendryn and I… are merely friends.”

“Ah, yes,” Uncle Leroy responded. “Friends who go on private carriage rides and delightful outings to Gunter’s. My apologies. I must have misunderstood the nature of this… friendship.”

Before he could tease her further, the door swept open and her mother entered, radiant in a green morning gown.

“Good morning,” her mother chimed, her tone cheerfully bright.

Josephine let out a quiet breath of relief. “Good morning, Mother.”

Her mother bestowed a gracious smile on Uncle Leroy. “What a delightful surprise to see you here so early. What brings you by?”

“I needed to speak to Alexander about the accounts,” Uncle Leroy replied.

Her mother took her seat at the table, smoothing her skirts. “It is kind of you to assist him.”

“I made a promise to my brother,” Uncle Leroy said, “and I intend to keep it.”

“And you are—most emphatically.”

Uncle Leroy sighed, glancing towards the doors Alexander had stormed through earlier. “You are kind, but I could do more. Especially for Alexander. I worry about him.”

Josephine couldn’t help herself. “That is because he is being beguiled by a seductress.”

“Be nice,” her mother chided lightly. “Alexander believes himself to be in love with Lady Gwendolyn.”

“Can you talk some sense into him?” Josephine asked her uncle. “He seems to listen to you.”