Page 87 of A Troublesome Circumstance

“It is none of your concern,” his father snapped, striding towards the door. “I must return to the House of Lords.”

“Father,” Jude called out.

The duke paused, his hand on the door handle.

“Lady Redden seems like a good woman,” Jude said. “Trust your heart.”

His father turned slowly, eyes narrowing. “And what of Lady Josephine? Should you not take your own advice?”

“My heart has nothing to do with this,” Jude said tightly.

“Shouldn’t it?” the duke asked, his voice quiet but pointed.

Jude clenched his jaw. “We are friends,” he said—though saying it tasted bitter.

His father huffed. “What I witnessed last night was hardly friendship. When you can be honest with yourself, we will continue this conversation.”

Before Jude could muster a response, his father swept from the study.

Jude let out a long breath and pressed his fingers to his forehead. Blast it! His father wasn’t wrong. He had kissed Josephine last night. On the cheek—but it had not been the kind of kiss a friend gives.

It had meant something. Too much, perhaps.

The door opened again. Glover entered, bowing slightly. “My lord, a Lord Leroy Tweedale has requested a moment of your time.”

Jude straightened. “Send him in.”

Moments later, Lord Leroy hurried inside, his hat clutched in one hand. He looked uneasy—deeply so.

“Thank you for agreeing to see me,” he said.

Jude stood and gestured to the chair his father had recently vacated. “Please sit. I admit, I’m curious why you’ve come.”

Lord Leroy sat, shifting nervously. “I wish I came bearing good news, but I fear… I fear for my niece, Josephine.”

Jude’s pulse kicked. He sank back into his seat. “Is something wrong with Josephine?”

“Yes—well—no—but I require your help with a delicate matter.”

“What matter?” Jude asked, his voice steady but tense.

Lord Leroy lowered his voice. “I suspect my nephew is attempting to barter with Josephine’s life.”

Jude’s blood went cold. “Why do you suspect that?”

Leaning closer, Lord Leroy continued, “I believe he gave Mr. Broderick permission to abduct Josephine… to force her into marriage.”

Jude’s eyes narrowed. “Do you have proof that Lord Redden would commit something so vile?”

“That is where it becomes complicated,” Lord Leroy sighed. “I have no proof. Only a gut feeling.”

“That is a bold accusation.”

“I know,” he said earnestly. “But I think you and I have a mutual interest in keeping Josephine safe. Am I wrong?”

“No,” Jude replied without hesitation. “You are not wrong. Have you told Josephine your suspicions?”

“Not yet. But there is more.” He swallowed. “My nephew frequents the gambling hells owned by Mr. Broderick. He is… heavily in debt.”