unknown.
Of course, Amy was ever ready to lend what little strength she had left, holding Judith up, so they could continue their journey, filling her ears with words of encouragement whenever her strength failed her.
After what seemed like an eternity, the skies began to lose their dark cloak and, as they brightened, the girls’ hearts lifted with joy.
Alas, the relief was short-lived, as the clouds soon grew dark again and the downpour returned.
They would have stopped, but there was still no sign of anywhere that could serve as shelter, so they stumbled onward wearily, getting soaked to the skin all over again.
When dawn fully broke, they finally stepped out of the woods and into a large clearing.
Judith feared to hope again, to believe they might have at last arrived at the village Mr. Giraud had mentioned. The rain had reduced to a drizzle, but they were drenched to their bones and shaking like leaves with cold.
Judith felt as though the cold had seeped into every part of her, making her teeth chatter.
She thought of home, of how she would have woken up in a big, warm bed, with thick covers, to the smell of freshly brewed tea waiting for her.
The memory brought her some sort of comfort. Closing her eyes and imagining herself in such luxury for a few moments made her briefly forget the present dire situation.
She was brought back to reality by Amy’s soft nudging of her arm.
“My lady, do you reckon we have reached the village? It’s strange—I see no houses yet.”
A sigh broke free from Judith’s lips as she opened her eyes and looked around. Indeed, there were no houses. There were no trees or grasses either. That counted for something.
“I think we must be very close. Let us continue, Amy. I have a feeling we shall find shelter soon.”
“I hope the people here are kind enough to offer us their hospitality. I have heard Mother say that not everyone is kind to strangers.”
“We are two ladies, who have obviously been through a great ordeal!” Judith snapped. “It is only by sheer luck we survived the night. Look at us, shivering and miserable. Who would have the heart to turn us away?”
It was Amy’s turn to sigh. As she did, Judith felt something twist in her heart.
Indeed, she was frustrated by their circumstances. Only now was the fear in her heart beginning to fade, for they had survived the walk through the woods without any attacks from robbers or wild beasts.
Still, it did not mean she should make Amy suffer the exasperation she felt.
If anything, she should be lauding her maid and friend with profuse apologies. Amy, too, would have been safe at home if Judith hadn’t all but dragged her along.
“I suppose you are right, my lady. We must be grateful. There is naught to fret over,” Amy said after a while.
Judith stole a glance at her and caught the sadness in her maid’s eyes. It was also in the tilt of her lips and the way her shoulders drooped, as though defeated.
“I must apologize, Amy. I had no right, speaking to you in that way.”
Amy was quick to respond this time. “Oh no, my lady. There is no need … truly ... I understand. It has been a long night. I cannot fault you for your emotions. Think nothing of it.”
“It was my emotions that brought about this misfortune in the first place. I must learn better control of them,” Judith stated, once more seared by guilt.
“Only if you wish to,” Amy said simply. Judith took small solace from knowing that the girl meant it.
She couldn’t help a small smile. Amy was precious, indeed; kind, slow to anger, full of common sense, tolerant, and willing to serve.
Judith was suddenly aware that Judith had so many good qualities she herself lacked. Perhaps, she mused, it is time I started to learn a thing or two from Amy.
“Do you suppose Mr. Giraud’s body would be easily found?” Amy asked after a moment.
Hearing his name again, being reminded of his pain and suffering during his last moments, made Judith’s heart sink.
She was afraid that was a memory she would not forget easily; indeed, it would live with her forever. She was sure it would always be in her thoughts, both when she was awake and, in her dreams, when she slept.
It seemed a small price to pay, considering what Mr. Giraud and his family had lost on her account.
“I shall do whatever is necessary, Amy. I made