Page 92 of A Troublesome Circumstance

Jude’s smile faded into something more tender, quieter. “My father has been very lonely since my mother died. He hides it easily enough, but I know the loss has taken a toll on him.”

Josephine’s heart tightened. “My mother, too. She claims she doesn’t need anyone, but… she has seemed so very sad these past months. She tries to be strong for Alexander and me, but…” Her voice faltered.

“I do think that is the price for loving someone so deeply.”

“I think it is rather sweet,” she admitted. “What is life without love?”

Jude stared at her then—really stared—as though searching her face for something hidden beneath her words. “Do you think it is possible that your brother promised you to Mr. Broderick?”

Josephine blinked at him. “Why would you ask such a shocking thing?”

Jude exhaled. “Your uncle came to me this morning. He fears your brother may have had some involvement in your abduction.”

Her stomach knotted. “I am concerned about that, as well,” she confessed, surprising herself with her own bravery. “I overheard a conversation between Mr. Broderick and Alexander last night. Alexander denies giving Mr. Broderick permission to marry me, but…” Her voice wavered. “I have my doubts.”

“Did you speak to your brother?”

“Yes. After Mr. Broderick left. I confronted Alexander, but he dismissed me—and my concerns—as though they were beneath his notice.” She swallowed against the sting that still lingered. “It only made me more suspicious.”

Jude leaned forward slightly. “What exactly did Mr. Broderick say?”

She forced herself to meet his gaze. “He said that Alexander gave me to him.”

Jude went completely still. “And who do you believe—your brother or Mr. Broderick?”

Her shoulders sagged under the weight of truth. “I wish I could say I believed my brother wholeheartedly. But Mr. Broderick was so adamant. So deliberate. As though he truly believed he owned the right.”

“That is precisely what your uncle fears,” Jude responded. “That’s what he expressed when he came to see me.”

“Why did he come speak to you, of all people? He should not have troubled you.”

“I’m glad he did, Josie.” His voice carried a fervent edge that pulled her attention sharply to him.

She turned to face him fully. “There is nothing that you can do to help me. This is my fight.”

Jude covered her hand with his. “I want it to be our fight.”

“You are kind, but⁠—”

He spoke over her, his voice firm. “Marry me.”

She reared back. “I beg your pardon?”

“Marry me,” he repeated, more insistent this time. “If you marry me, I can protect you from Mr. Broderick.”

Ah.

There it was.

Jude did not speak of love. Instead, this proposal was born from danger. From obligation. From a desire to save her—again.

And her heart twisted in a way she was wholly unprepared for.

15

Jude watched the way Josephine’s spine stiffened. He knew he had taken her by surprise with his offer. Still, he had confidence in her. She was sensible, thoughtful. She would understand once she thought it through.

All she needed to do was say⁠—