Page 115 of A Troublesome Circumstance

Rupert straightened. “I thought he abducted her?”

“He did. But he’s told an elaborate tale to the newssheets. He’s trying to force her hand to marry him.”

Rupert’s jaw clenched. “What are you going to do?”

“I went to the editor myself. He refused to bury the article. I even offered him an obscene amount of money.”

“And that didn’t sway him?”

“Not even a little.”

Rupert considered him for a long moment. “Let me go speak to him. I have ways of being more persuasive.”

Jude let out a weary breath. “Be my guest, but it won’t help.”

“You are being a pessimist.”

“No. I am being pragmatic,” Jude countered. “I want to marry Josie before the scandal hits—to protect her with my name. But she has this misguided notion that she must protect me instead.”

Rupert nodded his understanding. “That does explain her refusal. She is doing the honorable thing, just as you are.”

“She doesn’t understand that I don’t give a whit about my reputation. I only want her.”

“Because you love her,” Rupert prodded.

“Yes, you idiot.”

Rupert tsked. “Resorting to insults now? You must truly be in despair.”

Before Jude could answer, a familiar voice sounded near the table.

“I have bad news.”

Jude looked up sharply. “I assumed as much.”

Luca sank into the chair beside him, rubbing the back of his neck. “I tried to convince The Morning Post to withdraw the article. They refused.”

“I had the same experience,” Jude remarked. “It is hopeless.”

Rupert rose from his seat. “And now it is my turn.”

Jude lifted his gaze. “Don’t waste your time.”

With a smirk, Rupert said, “My dear fellow, you forget that I argue for a living.”

“Yes, as a barrister,” Jude said. “But we don’t need a barrister. We need a miracle.”

“Then a miracle is precisely what I shall procure,” Rupert declared before striding towards the main doors.

Jude watched him go, shaking his head. “He is too blasted confident.”

Luca chuckled. “He’s earned that confidence. And, fortunately for us, he tends to be very… effective in a pinch.”

Jude reached for his glass and took a slow sip, wishing it did something to numb the ache in his chest. “It won’t matter,” he said. “When Father hears about the scandal, he will demand I distance myself from Josie. Duty over love. Isn’t that what we were taught?”

Luca leaned back in his chair, studying him. “Father might surprise you.”

Jude barked out a humorless laugh. “He is trying to pass his bill through Parliament. Now is not exactly the time to have half the Lords whispering about his son being entangled in some sensational elopement scandal.”