Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,111
that seems to be missing is…”
She paused, her thoughts turning to Ben. She had thought of him often during the past week, despite the constant distractions. She kept thinking about what he would do if he were there by her side. She wondered if she’d dance with him and constantly be chiding him on how to act.
“You miss Ben, don’t you?” her mother asked, understanding in her eyes.
“I was hoping to have seen him by now,” Annette admitted. “It’s been so long, but it’s almost as if it’s even harder knowing that we will meet soon. I don’t want to wait anymore.”
“I’m sure you’ll see him soon enough. I expect he will be surprised at the fine young lady you’ve become.”
“I doubt he’ll notice.” Annette chuckled. “This is Ben we’re talking about.”
“Yes, and, as you said, he hasn’t seen you in years! He probably still thinks of you as the little girl he played with in the garden. But you are both very different now.”
“Not so different, I hope. I keep hoping that when I see him things will be the same as they always were.”
But her mother was right. It had been nine years, and both of them had grown up. A small part of Annette feared the close friendship they had shared would not last forever.
After tea, they started on their way back to the townhouse. As Annette and her mother chatted, an exclamation suddenly sounded just in front of them.
“Dear me, is that Annette?”
Annette looked up to see Eliza, Ben’s sister, walking toward them with a bright smile. Judging by the beautiful gown and matching bonnet she was wearing, Annette had no doubt she had married well.
“Eliza!” Annette exclaimed. Though she had never been very close with Ben’s sisters, she had always appreciated their company and advice. “How good it is to see you after so long!”
“It has been far too long! And Lady Rutmont, I have not seen you since my wedding.”
Lady Rutmont nodded. “I cannot believe so much time has passed since then! You are living in London now?”
“Yes, with my husband, Lord Kinsley. We have been settled here for a year now, and I find I like living in London so much better than the country. However, I will say that Longford has its merits, and I do miss it.” She turned her attention to Annette. “Are you here for the season?”
“Yes, it has been wonderful so far. I’ve met more people here than I’ve known my entire life.”
Eliza laughed. “I remember that all too well. I imagine you already have a suitor, or you will have very soon, with the way you talk so easily with people. If only Ben were the same,” she sighed. “We really don’t know what to do with him. He cannot find a lady to court because he simply does not know how to act. He will surely benefit from being in your company again, Annette. I hope you will help him when he comes.”
Annette lit up. “Ben is coming here?”
Eliza’s eyes widened. “Oh, yes! I received a letter from my mother just this morning saying that they arrived back at Longford earlier than expected. They should be coming to London within the next week.”
Annette’s heart soared. Ben would be here in less than a week! She would finally see him again after all this time.
“Please tell me you’ll help him,” Eliza continued plaintively. “He needs direction, and for some reason it only works when it comes from you.”
“I will certainly try my best.” It took every ounce of self-control she had not to simply jump up and down. She had already been excited about the rest of the season, but now that excitement was compounded, as she pictured Ben at her side. While most people had found his lack of social skills offensive, Annette had always found it amusing and endearing.
“Thank you. My family owes you our sincerest gratitude. I do hope to see you again soon!”
They said their farewells and Eliza was off. Annette grinned at her mother.
“That was good of you to offer to help poor Ben. I’m afraid his manners haven’t improved much in the years you’ve been apart.”
“Of course, I’ll help him. He’s my best friend.”
She felt as if she could finally breathe a sigh of relief. After all this time being away from him, all this time wondering if their friendship would still be the same, she was finally going to see Ben again.
A Message from Abby
Dear Reader,
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed every page and I would love to hear your thoughts whether it be a review online or you contact me via my website. I am eternally grateful for you and none of this would be possible without our shared love of romance.
I pray that someday I will get to meet each of you and thank you in person, but in the meantime, all I can do is tell you how amazing you are.
As I prepare my next love story for you, keep believing in your dreams and know that mine would not be possible without you.
With Love,
About Starfall Publications
Starfall Publications has helped me and so many others extend my passion from writing to you.
The prime focus of this company has been – and always will be – quality and I am honored to be able to publish my books under their name.
Having said that, I would like to officially thank Starfall Publications for offering me the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful, hard-working team!
Thanks to them, my dreams – and your dreams — have come true!
About Abby Ayles
Abby Ayles was born in the northern city of Manchester, England, but currently lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband and their three cats. She holds a Master’s degree in History and Arts and worked as a history teacher in middle school.
Her greatest interest lies in the era of Regency and Victorian England and Abby shares her love and knowledge of these periods with many readers in her newsletter.
In addition to this she has also written her first romantic novel, The Duke's Secrets, which is set in the era and is available for free on her website. As one reader commented “Abby’s writing makes you travel back in time!”
When she has time to herself, Abby enjoys going to the theatre, reading and watching documentaries about Regency and Victorian England.
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Also by Abby Ayles
The Lady, The Duke and The Gentleman
A Broken Heart’s Redemption
Falling for the Governess
The Lady’s Gamble
The Lady’s Patient
Saving Lady Abigail
Engaging Love
Portrait of Love
A Mysterious Governess for the Reluctant Earl
Loving A Lady
Redeeming Love for the Haunted Ladies
The Secret to the Ladies’ Hearts
Falling for the Hartfield Ladies
Capturing the Viscount’s Heart
The Odd Mystery of the Cursed Duke
Secret Dreams of a Fearless Governess
A Second Chance for the Tormented Lady
The Lady in the Gilded Cage
The Mysteries of a Lady's Heart
A Daring Captain for her Loyal Heart
The Earl's Wager for a Lady's Heart
Melting a Duke's Winter Heart
A Guiding Light for the Lost Earl
A Loving Duke for the Shy Duchess
The Earl Behind the Mask
Freed by The Love of an Earl
The Lady of the Lighthouse
Chronicles of Regency Love
Inconveniently Betrothed to an Earl
A Forbidden Gamble for the Duke’s Heart
A Muse for the Lonely Marquess
Broken Hearts and Doting Earls
A Forbidden Bid for the Lady’s Heart
A Healer for the Marquess’ Heart
A Reluctant Bride for the Baron
A Forbidden Love for the Rebellious Baron
How to Train a Duke in the Ways of Love