Page 96 of A Troublesome Circumstance

He snorted. “But I have seen you shoot. It is not very impressive.”

She laughed, just as he had intended. “But Mr. Broderick doesn’t know that. Besides, I shall make my one shot count.”

He slumped back slightly. “I just want to ensure you are safe.”

Josephine’s smile softened. And in that moment, Jude knew that he wanted to see that smile every day of his life.

“I know. And that is why you are the best of men,” she said.

“Is there no way I can convince you to marry me?”

Her smile flickered, dimming. “Jude… you are making this nearly impossible. But in my heart, I know I must say no.”

He could hear the tremor beneath her resolve. She was wavering. And Jude knew he had to convince her. Not just out of duty. Not just to protect her. But because she was the first woman who didn’t care about his title… only him.

The carriage picked up speed.

“It appears we are leaving Hyde Park,” he noted.

“Good,” she sighed. “What were we thinking going during the fashionable hour? Everyone was staring.”

“They were merely admiring how beautiful you are.”

She shot him a look. “You are resorting to flattery now?”

“Is it working?”

Her smile returned. “It just might.”

Josephine studied her reflection in the looking glass, tilting her head slightly as the candlelight caught the diamond bandeau nestled in her blonde hair. She allowed herself a small smile, knowing she had taken extra time on her person this evening for Jude.

“Do you like it?” Martha asked from behind her.

“I do.” Josephine smoothed her palms over the rich blue silk of her gown. “I believe you may have outdone yourself this evening.”

Martha beamed and reached for the long white gloves lying on the dressing table. “I want tonight to be perfect.” She handed them over with exaggerated care.

Josephine raised a brow as she slid the gloves on. “And why is that?”

Martha gave her a pointed look. “No reason at all—other than you will see the very handsome Lord Pendryn.”

“How do you know he is handsome?”

“I may have seen a glimpse of him when he collected you for your carriage ride this afternoon,” Martha admitted with a smile. “Do you deny he is handsome?”

Josephine shrugged, though warmth crept up her neck. “He is not entirely unfortunate to look upon.”

“Such high praise, my lady!”

Josephine suppressed a laugh as the door flew open.

Her mother swept in, worry etched into every line of her face. “This is a mistake.”

Josephine turned, startled. “What is?”

“This dinner.” Her mother threw her hands into the air as if the ceiling might collapse atop them. “With the Duke of Ashmoore. We only just dined with him last night. What will people say?”

“Does it matter what they say?”