Page 129 of A Troublesome Circumstance

“He would be a fool to,” she whispered.

Martha gave her a pitying, all-too-knowing look. “I think part of you wants him to follow you.”

Josephine’s spine stiffened. “And why would I want that?”

“So he might tell you he is madly in love with you,” Martha replied plainly. “Just as you are with him.”

“It would be a lie.”

“No, my lady. It wouldn’t—and you know it.”

A knock spared Josephine from answering. Martha rose and opened the door to find a lanky servant boy holding a tray. She took it and set it upon the table.

“Here is your food, my lady.”

Josephine rose, plucked a piece of cheese, and nearly moaned at the taste. Perhaps she truly had been half-starved.

“I will return later to dress you for bed,” Martha said before slipping out.

Josephine locked the door, then returned to her tray. Once she’d eaten, exhaustion pulled her onto the bed. She closed her eyes only for a moment⁠—

A knock jolted her awake.

She blinked, disoriented. Moonlight spilled through the window; the fire was little more than embers. She stretched stiffly.

Another knock.

“I’m coming,” she called hoarsely. Strange. Martha was rarely so persistent.

She unlocked and opened the door. “I should have just given you the key⁠—”

Her words died.

It wasn’t Martha.

It was Mr. Broderick.

He smirked. “A key would have been nice.”

Her heart leapt painfully into her throat. “What are you doing here?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” he drawled. “I’ve come to collect my bride. We leave for Gretna Green at once.”

Josephine reared back. “I am going nowhere with you.”

He stepped forward. “I’m afraid you don’t have a choice.”

“You cannot be seriously attempting to abduct me from an inn,” she stated, feeling braver than she felt.

“I absolutely can,” he said. “Most everyone is asleep, and I doubt they would care about your screams.”

Josephine shoved the door, but he jammed his boot in the threshold.

He chuckled. “It won’t be that easy to rid yourself of me.”

“I will not marry you!” she cried. “I will say no!”

“Say it all you like. I’ve secured an anvil priest who cares only for coin.”