Chapter 1 #3
Jude hoped they could discuss “things” without her present, for she was certain she would be excluded from any and all talks of punishment due her.
“I shall be canceling my trip,” Marce said when Jude seated herself across from her. “There is something afoot and I will not let this family go to ruins in my absence.”
There was certainly something happening, but it was far more concerning than Sam’s and Jude’s antics.
“It is one week, Marce.” Garrett entered the carriage, his own transport forgotten as he motioned Jude to scoot over and allow him room to sit.
Their sister left her siblings for only one short week every year.
Sometimes it was immediately following the holiday season, other times it was during the summer months, but she always returned a bit lighter in nature.
They’d come to relish the short time Marce was gone, never asking her destination.
But Payton—Jude’s youngest sister—had assumed for years that Marce traveled to Bath for several days of rest before returning to her obligations.
Jude’s sisters envied Marce’s travels, thinking they were excluded from something enjoyable, but Jude could only imagine the weight on her sister’s shoulders.
She cared for so many—receiving nothing in return.
If she sought a few days to live a normal, carefree life then Jude could not blame her for taking it.
Many days, Jude wished she had the fortitude to do the same.
Take her life and future into her own hands, provide for herself instead of partaking in what Marce worked tirelessly to provide for them.
Instead, she’d been told continually that at her tender age, she was still to be taken care of.
Far too young and innocent to take on any further responsibilities.
And that had led to finding another way around Marce’s ban on Jude being anything more than a debutante—protected, sheltered, and treated as a delicate thing.
A way to help support their large household and push the debt collectors back. One time. That was to be the end of it, but when they’d been unable to sell the stolen vase, they’d had to alter their plans slightly, which included Jude taking the Bible leaves.
Another failure and setback for them.
“I can handle things at Craven House in your absence.”
Garrett’s declaration snapped Jude back to the present.
“That is not necessary,” Jude snapped. “We are of an age to care for ourselves.”
“In a fashion similar to last night?” Marce asked. “I think not.”
“Then it is settled—“ Garrett started.
“Nothing is settled,” Marce refuted, turning a sharp look on the pair. “I no more trust you to keep Craven House from burning to the ground than I trust the twins. It’s bloody insane, but I think Payton has a better handle on herself than the lot of you.”
“Payton?” Jude and Garrett said at the same time, once again.
“Do stop doing that,” Jude hissed at her brother. “People will think you and I are more closely related than Samantha and me.”
“Is that so awful?” he teased. “I am undoubtedly more attractive than she.”
“We look identical, you cad!” Jude felt her temper rising as it did on most occasions when she and Garrett were in the same place.
“Then I will be the pretty twin.” Garrett fluttered his eyes, his long lashes being one of his most notable features—if not as manly as he’d like. “I am certain to have many offers for my hand. Our dear eldest sister will be fighting off my hungry suitors!”
Jude swatted at him and he hurriedly scooted out of her reach on the bench seat, fluttering his hand as if fanning the heat from his face.
His actions were at odds with his purely masculine, deep chuckle at his lark.
It only took a moment for her annoyance to fade and a smile to appear.
He jested with Jude constantly. She should feel honored to have their only brother’s undivided attention so regularly when he rarely noticed Payton or Sam, but that also meant he kept better watch over her.
He loved his sisters, but Jude especially. Though he was a man about town, he never went long without visiting Craven House, no matter how often Marce insisted she did not need his concern over their well-being.
“You two will certainly send me to an early grave with your mischief,” Marce declared, her voice thin with exhaustion.
The trio settled into a companionable silence as their carriage traversed the bustling morning streets. A footman followed with Garrett’s mount. Each was lost to their own musings as the carriage found its way quickly home.
Mr. Curtis opened the carriage door with a flourish befitting a man half his age.
“M’lady.” He bowed to Marce as she exited, his back creaking with his effort. “This missive came for ye when ye was out.”
“Not another one,” Jude heard Marce mumble. “This has to stop.”
“You will rectify this shortly, will you not?” Garrett asked as he stepped down and turned to assist Jude. But she rebuffed his assistance and he turned back to Marce. “I do hope this is the last time.”
“For all of our futures, I certainly hope so.”
Jude hopped down from the carriage, snapping a quick glance at the letter before it disappeared into the folds of her sister’s gown. The envelope was labeled as clearly as the others Jude had seen: Notice: Delinquency—Funds Due!
She couldn’t help but feel she’d been privy to a conversation that was not meant for her ears.
In that instant, Jude regretted her decisions for the night, yet at the same time, knew the ends justified the means.
She must remember she was, indeed, helping Marce and everyone who called Craven House their home.
Though she needed to focus more on not getting caught if her great measures were to help and not hinder everything her family had worked so hard for.