Page 142 of A Troublesome Circumstance

His voice—warm, familiar—wrapped around her like a blanket. She undid the latch and opened the door, her heart lifting at the sight of him: wind-tousled hair, cheeks flushed from the ride, and that smile—the one she felt in her chest.

“Welcome home, my love,” she murmured.

Jude leaned across the threshold and kissed her, slow and claiming. “Dare I ask if you missed me?”

“I did,” she said, tipping her chin playfully. “But only because I was hungry.”

“Is that so?” Amusement softened his eyes. He stepped aside to gesture to the two footmen behind him, both carrying baskets stacked nearly to their chins. “Then you will be pleased to know that Mrs. Littleton sent enough food to sustain an army.”

Josephine stepped back to let the footmen pass. They set the baskets near the table and departed with a polite bow. When the door was shut once more, Jude slid the latch into place.

“We are alone again,” he remarked as he waggled his eyebrows.

“That we are,” Josephine said, though her attention drifted to the baskets. “Did Mrs. Littleton pack any biscuits?”

“I made certain of it.”

Josephine lifted the lids of several baskets, letting out a soft gasp. “She truly outdid herself.”

“Well, when I told Mrs. Littleton that you were growing desperately tired of rabbit stew, she decided drastic action was needed.”

Josephine pressed a hand to her chest. “I love your rabbit stew, but⁠—”

“Liar,” Jude cut in, stepping closer. “It was awfully convenient that the pot tipped over directly into the fire.”

Her mouth fell open. “It was an accident!”

He arched a brow. “Mm-hmm. And I suppose it was also accidental that you ‘mistakenly’ loosened the snare and let the rabbits escape before I could check the traps?”

“I refuse to apologize,” Josephine sniffed. “They were sweet, cuddly rabbits.”

“They were supper.”

She huffed. “Perhaps I shall keep one as a pet instead. I could put a tiny leash on it and take it for walks.”

“You cannot walk a rabbit.”

“Challenge accepted,” she said brightly.

He laughed and slipped his arms around her waist, drawing her against him. “There was no challenge issued.”

“I heard one.”

“Then you heard incorrectly.” He brushed his lips over her temple. “It is a pity we must return to Town in a few days. I have greatly enjoyed having you here… alone… with no interruptions.”

Josephine looped her arms around his neck. “This cottage has become my favorite place in the whole world because you are in it. What if we stayed? What if we didn’t return at all? Do you think anyone would miss us?”

“I suppose some might,” he teased. “But I like the way you think.” He paused. “Speaking of people who might miss you… I nearly forgot. A letter arrived for you.”

“A letter?” She frowned. “From whom?”

“Your brother.” He reached into his coat and withdrew a folded envelope.

“It can wait,” Josephine murmured, lifting onto her toes to press a kiss to his stubbled jaw.

“Are you not the least bit curious?” Jude dangled the envelope between two fingers.

Josephine sighed. “I am,” she admitted, taking it from him. “But I would rather kiss you.”