Page 132 of A Troublesome Circumstance

He thrust his reins into her hands. “I will.”

Rupert was already off his horse, watching him with grim readiness.

“I’m going after her,” Jude said.

“I’m going with you…” Rupert started.

Jude spoke over him. “No. Stay here and go find Josie’s uncle.”

Rupert nodded once, then reached to the back of his saddle and drew out a pistol. “Take it. You might need it. I’ll go find Lord Leroy and… have a word.”

“Lord Leroy hasn’t come out of his room yet,” the maid offered.

Rupert swore softly. Then to Jude, he said, “If you’re not back soon, I’m coming after you.”

The maid added, “These men offered to help search⁠—”

But Jude didn’t wait to hear another word. He was already sprinting across the gravel, plunging into the shadowed woods with the pistol gripped tight in his hand. Brambles scraped him, branches whipped across his face, and he barely felt any of it.

“Josephine!” His voice tore through the silent trees. “Where are you?”

Nothing. Then⁠—

A faint crack. A snapped branch.

Jude pivoted sharply, heading towards the sound. His boots skidded on soft earth as he burst into a small clearing. His breath heaved in the cold air.

Had he imagined it?

He turned slowly, listening.

Then—soft, quick breathing.

“Josephine,” he murmured. “Josie, love—it’s me.”

Silence.

A small, trembling voice called out, “Jude?”

Relief nearly dropped him to his knees. “I’m here. Where are you?”

A figure emerged from the shadowed trees—skirts torn, hair disheveled, hands bound before her. Josie had never looked more heartbreakingly beautiful.

He rushed to her, cupping her cheek. “Are you hurt?”

She shook her head, her eyes shining. “No.”

He bit back the urge to kiss her, to fall apart. “We need to get you out of here.”

He quickly untied her wrists, tossing the rope aside. The moment her hands were free, she flung her arms around his neck.

A sob broke from her. “You came for me.”

“Did you ever doubt it?”

“Thank you,” she whispered into his coat.

He wrapped his arms around her, pressing her close, breathing her in.