Page 126 of A Troublesome Circumstance

“Says the man drowning in debt,” Luca replied.

With a tilt of his chin, Redden responded, “That is a lie. It is simply a streak of bad luck, and my estate can bear the cost.”

Jude studied him carefully. “And what of Josie?”

Redden’s eyes snapped to him. “What about her?”

“She believes you might have offered her to Mr. Broderick,” Jude said.

Redden’s mouth fell open. “How could you accuse me of such a thing? I would never do something so dishonorable.”

“She overheard you speaking with him,” Jude said. “She heard him say you promised her to him.”

Redden deflated, his shoulders drooping. “This is all a misunderstanding.”

“Is it?” Jude asked with skepticism in his voice.

“Yes.” Redden pushed a hand through his hair. “Broderick approached me, requesting Josephine’s hand. I declined since I wanted better for her than a second son of an earl.” He drew in a tense breath. “He grew angry and insisted he was in love with Josephine. I merely replied that if she felt the same, I wouldn’t stand in their way. Then I learned they had eloped. What else was I supposed to think?”

Jude’s jaw clenched. “Josie was abducted.”

Redden lifted both hands helplessly. “Yes, but it was his word against hers. I’ve known Broderick since Eton.”

“You should have believed your sister,” Jude snapped.

“I did… eventually.”

“A little late,” Jude muttered under his breath.

Redden rounded on him. “Broderick is my friend and my business partner. I couldn’t think so ill of him.”

“And now?” Jude demanded.

Redden released a long, weary sigh and rubbed the back of his neck. “I… I don’t know.”

Those four words did nothing to ease the knot forming in Jude’s chest. He turned to Rupert. “I’m going after Josie. Will you come with me?”

Rupert was already rising to his feet. “Of course. I’ll ride with you.”

Redden shook his head quickly. “There is no need to rush. My sister is perfectly safe with my uncle. He would never allow harm to come to her.”

“Are you quite sure about that?” Luca asked. “The man has clearly been lying to you about the state of your estate.”

Silence fell like a stone.

Redden swallowed. “There are… a few matters I have questions about,” he admitted. “But my uncle is a good man.”

“Are you trying to convince us—or yourself?” Luca asked.

Redden’s bravado faltered. “Perhaps I should accompany you.”

“No,” Jude said sharply. “You’ll only slow us down. Rupert and I will go after her and bring her home.”

Redden leveled him with a calculating look. “And what if she refuses to return to Town?”

Jude held his gaze. “I won’t force her, if that is what you’re implying. But I intend to convince her to marry me.”

“Good,” Redden said.