Page 84 of A Troublesome Circumstance

Josephine nearly gasped aloud.

Alexander waved him off. “You failed. Go home. Lick your wounds. She’ll marry someone else.”

“But you promised⁠—”

“No.” Alexander straightened. “You misheard. Leave. And do not come back.”

A tense silence filled the room.

Then Broderick pivoted sharply and stormed for the door.

Josephine darted away, nearly tripping over her own feet as she fled into the parlor and closed the door behind her, her breath coming fast and uneven. She pressed a hand to her chest, trying to swallow her panic.

Bootsteps thudded past. The front door slammed.

Silence again.

She opened the parlor door carefully and collided with Alexander.

He crossed his arms. “Eavesdropping? Truly?”

Her cheeks burned. “I was awoken by your shouting. Do you care to explain yourself?”

“No.” He spun and returned to the study, leaving her no choice but to follow.

“Did you tell Mr. Broderick I would marry him?” she demanded.

“No.”

“But he said⁠—”

“I know what he said,” Alexander snapped, turning abruptly. “He is wrong. I never gave him permission.”

“Do you believe he abducted me now?” she pressed.

“I do.” His jaw tightened. “Can we leave it at that?”

“No, we cannot.” She placed her hands on her hips. “Why didn’t you believe me before?”

“It’s complicated.”

“I am your sister. You should have believed me.”

“I’ve known Broderick for years⁠—”

“And I’ve been your sister for twenty,” she fired back.

Alexander ran a hand through his hair before sinking into his chair. “I didn’t think him capable of such underhandedness.”

“And I?” Josephine whispered, her voice trembling with pent-up hurt. “Why did you think so little of me? Why believe I would run off with one of your friends?”

“Leave it, Josephine.”

“No.” Her voice cracked. “I demand the truth.”

He looked up sharply. “The truth? You think you’re entitled to it?”

“Yes,” she said, her chin lifting.