Page 4 of Good Duke Gone Wild

“Join our ship then,” the words slipped out. Although Jude was thinking them and had planned to make the offer, he hadn’t intended to make it so cavalierly. But he was in it now, and there was something about the man that—incidentally—didn’t wreak of reckless violence.

“How do you know I won’t kill you in your sleep?”

“You mean for money?”

“Aye.” The oaf tilted his chin defiantly to the tavern ceiling.

“Here,” Jude said and passed the man his knife. “Give it your best shot.” And he turned his back on the man, perhaps in the most asinine gesture he had ever taken. And just to make sure it was the most addle-pated, bacon-brained action he had ever done, he added a “Stand down,” to his men, and a “The loot’s in the attic. It’s all yours.”

And then he waited.

And waited.

And waited.

He really had hoped it wouldn't have been that hard of a decision, but when the acquiescing puff of air was finally expelled, Jude could smile again. Sort of. The closest thing to a smile that he’d known the past few months, anyway.

When he turned around to face the oaf, he was greeted by a most curious expression.

“So that’s the deal then? Pledge loyalty to you?”

“Or not.” Jude shrugged. “You can also go out the door and traipse after…” Jude wiggled his fingers in replication of scurrying rats.

“I’m in.” He stuck out his hand, “Bruno.”

“Ah…that’s fitting.” Jude shook the man’s hand. “Now, we might run things slightly differently than what you’re used to. But don’t worry. It’s all for profit and in good fun.”

“I’m definitely in for the profit. The fun part we’ll have to see about,” Bruno said.

“It sounds like you’ve found another good one, Captain,” Sprat, Jude’s first mate slapped the new addition on his back. “You’ll come around to the fun part. I’m sure of it.”

Fun. They had all said it now, but that was definitely not the right word. Adventure? It didn’t feel that way anymore either. Obligation? That was more suitable, but still not perfect. It was all just status quo. Always doing what they’ve always done, and always getting what they’ve always gotten.

The only thing really different was the masquerade ball he needed to attend this evening. Thank God nothing more damaging had happened to his face. Though…he supposed if ever there was a time to look a touch beaten up, a masquerade ball might be the event most likely to work in his favor.

Ugh. Another ball. He hadn’t been to one for ages, and this was supposed to be his last one. If he could just run this last job, then he could be free.

Chapter 3

“WHAT A CRUSH,” CLARA murmured to Agatha while swishing her skirts about. It was obvious she wanted to dance, and was just biding her time waiting for an invitation. Clara was wearing a gorgeous, angelic gown making her look like a goddess while Agatha was dressed to match the sea. A mermaid skirt, of all things, was what her mother had decided upon. At Agatha’s suggestion of a seashell covered bosom, her mother had nearly fainted. The funniest part was that even Agatha wasn’t sure if she had been jesting or not.

“You look lovely in your gown, Aggie. Are you happy with it?”

“So long as our mother is happy, I’m happy.”

“Was she horrendous this morning?”

“More than her usual.”

“Oh dear. I should have been there.”

“No, you shouldn’t have been. Then we would have only both suffered. When it comes to Mother, you should always save yourself.”

The sisters chuckled at the all too truthful encouragement.

“Did you hear back about your book?” Clara asked innocently.

And really, Agatha should have already told her. What did she expect? That her sister would just never ask about her secret lifelongdreams that only the two of them knew of? Of course, she would ask. She loved her and wanted Agatha’s dreams to come true almost as much as Agatha herself did. Clara was her biggest supporter, and she didn’t know what she would do without her.

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