Page 72 of A Troublesome Circumstance

“A promising start. But she strikes me as a woman who requires more than flowers.”

Jude dragged his hand through his hair, tugging slightly at the ends. “I planned to call on her this afternoon, but I keep imagining her turning me away at the door.”

“You will never know until you try.”

Before Jude could respond, the butler stepped inside, holding a silver tray. “A letter for you, my lord.”

Jude straightened. “Bring it here.”

The butler offered the tray, and Jude plucked up the sealed envelope. His brows furrowed as he recognized the handwriting. Breaking the seal, he read—once, twice—before looking up.

“It’s from Lord Redden,” Jude revealed. “He invites me to dine with them this evening.”

“That is excellent news,” Luca said. “A very good sign, indeed.”

“Perhaps. But the invitation is from her brother. Not Josephine—or even her mother.”

Luca sipped his drink. “Still. An invitation is an invitation. What do you intend to do?”

“Go,” Jude said without hesitation. “I must go.”

A slow smile spread across Luca’s face. “I suspected you would.” He set his empty glass down. “Per your request, I looked into Mr. Broderick’s dealings.”

Jude’s attention snapped sharp. “What did you find?”

“More than I anticipated.” Luca crossed his arms. “He owns a collection of properties in the rookeries—taverns, gaming hells, and houses of ill repute. He is a man with… questionable ethics.”

Jude cursed under his breath. “And Josephine said her brother does business with him.”

“I will continue investigating,” Luca promised.

“You have my gratitude,” Jude said.

Luca grinned. “If you will excuse me, I wish to return home to my wife.”

“How is the new townhouse?” Jude asked.

“Smaller than I am accustomed to, but Charlotte loves it. She’s already redecorating every inch of it.”

Jude chuckled. “I, for one, am grateful I am not living under the same roof as a newlywed couple.”

A new voice cut through the room.

“You should already be married, Jude.”

Jude stiffened as his father strode inside, his arms full of books.

Luca gave Jude a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. “And with that, I shall take my leave.”

“Coward,” Jude muttered before his brother departed from the study.

The duke ignored their exchange entirely. “Good afternoon, Jude.”

“Father.”

He dropped the stack of ledgers onto the desk. “I brought more work for you to see to.”

“Wonderful,” Jude muttered again.