Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,106

was a rather chilly morning, but Annette fully enjoyed the weather as she took the path to Longford. It wasn’t too far, but the walk was long enough to give her good exercise.

She grinned as she caught a glimpse of Longford from far off. Though she had still visited the estate after Ben had left, she had missed it almost as much as her own home while she’d been away.

She slowed as she neared the entrance, her thoughts turning somber, as she remembered walking to the estate dressed in mourning black. Ben’s father, the Duke of Longford, had passed away four years ago, and Annette and her parents had arrived the day after to console Lady Longford.

Though Ben hadn’t been able to take a respite from his studies to visit his grieving mother, he had written to Annette of his overwhelming sorrow. She had wished she could be with him more than anything, thinking of how much he was suffering. Ben’s father had always been so kind to her, and he had been one of the most important figures in Ben’s life.

Shaking off the gloomy thoughts, Annette approached the door and knocked. An elderly butler answered, smiling as he saw her.

“Lady Annette.” He bowed.

“Fletcher!” Annette grinned, the butler’s face reminding her of her childhood spent between home and Longford. “It is so good to see you again.”

“And you, my lady.” He paused. “Unfortunately, the dowager duchess and the young duke left for Wales last week. Lady Montagu had her second child and they went immediately to visit her. I don’t believe they’ll be back for a fortnight at least.”

Annette’s spirits fell. When Ben came back, she would be in London. However, she didn’t despair. She looked up at Fletcher. “Can I leave a message for Ben?”

“Of course, my lady.” He invited her inside to the study, where there was a desk with all the necessary writing equipment. Annette sat down, wondering how to begin her note.

Dear Benny,

How could you choose the worst possible time to be away from home? Couldn’t your sister have waited a little longer to have the baby?

Annette paused, smiling as she imagined Ben reading her note and laughing.

It is no matter; now you owe me a proper welcome. The season is upon us, and, therefore, I will have gone to London before you return. I do hope to see you there. I have missed you dearly, and home is not quite the same without you.

Your friend,

Annette

Annette looked over her note and nodded to herself, satisfied with what she had written. She gave the note to Fletcher and thanked him before leaving.

Though she was disappointed not to have seen Ben, she didn’t let it dampen her spirits too much. She had waited this long to see her best friend, and could surely wait a little longer.

Chapter 2

Excitement made Annette tap her foot incessantly, as the servants packed her trunks onto the carriage.

In only a few hours she would be in London for the start of the season! Her mother had told her that the first ball would be held in only a few days’ time, meaning they had quite a bit of shopping to get done before then.

“Are you excited to be leaving so soon after coming home?”

Annette turned to see her father watching her with a small, sad smile. She ran into his arms and embraced him tightly.

“I will miss you while we’re gone, Father.”

“You are certain to charm everyone you meet, my dear. I have no doubt you will, as your mother said, return home with a husband by the end of the season.”

Annette laughed. While she was looking forward to meeting lots of fine young gentlemen, she didn’t want to rush into anything. Her parents had always insisted that love took time.

Before she knew it, it was time for them to go. Annette hugged her father one more time before getting into the carriage beside her mother. Her father waved as they departed, and, for a moment, Annette’s mood sunk as she keenly felt she was leaving her home once again.

Soon enough, however, the scenery outside the carriage window began to change as they approached London.

Annette’s mother began talking of what Annette would wear to the balls and the type of people she would meet. She listed all the items they needed to purchase before the first ball and Annette grew excited at the prospect of shopping.

When the carriage finally arrived in London, Annette couldn’t tear her eyes from the window. Though she had