Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,18
led them toward the house.
He could no longer see them. He wondered if Thomas had let them into the house or if they were simply waiting at the door.
“Yes?” Stephen asked as Thomas stepped into the hallway. He had his back turned to the butler but could sense every movement he made.
“They are lost, Your Grace. They need our help. They have been in an…”
He waited for a moment, but, when Thomas did not complete his statement, he turned his head slightly, showing only the side of his face.
“My senses might be sharp, but I am afraid I cannot yet read minds, Thomas. What is it you wish to say?”
Thomas cleared his throat, nervously adjusting the cravat around his neck.
“Forgive me, Your Grace. They have been in an accident. They were caught in the storm, the lady says. They lost their driver. He died in her arms. The other woman is her lady’s maid. They walked all night long, through the woods. They are hungry, tired, and chilled to the bone.”
Stephen’s eyes closed, and he turned to face the window again.
He had barely heard any word after ‘accident’.
The knife in his heart twisted, and he fought to keep the memories at bay as the pain threatened to overwhelm him yet again.
It returned to him afresh; the anguish, the sorrow, as though he had only just begun his suffering.
He took a moment, gathering his thoughts. There was nothing to be done about the pain. He had learned to live with it and would continue to do so until the day it would finally finish him off.
When he was certain he could talk without his voice shaking, he said,
“Tell me that, as we speak, they are being shown to comfortable quarters, where they may rest, have hot water and dry clothing brought to them. And Cook? Have you asked her to prepare them a hot meal?”
“Your Grace?” Thomas asked, his awe evident.
“Yes, Thomas?”
“Forgive me. I did not know if you would wish invite strangers into your home. I thought first to seek your permission…”
“You have it, Thomas. What shall we do? Turn them away? You say one of them is a lady?”
“Her clothes, manners, and eloquence speak of her noble blood, Your Grace.”
Stephen cut him off before he could finish.
“All the more reason we must be gracious, lest it be heard that the Duke of Sawbrook turned away damsels in distress, who sought haven in his home.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Then you will see to it that they are made comfortable and have all they need. They are welcome to stay until they feel strong enough to continue their journey.”
He turned around and began to walk away from the window. Just as he reached Thomas’ side, he stopped.
“Where did they say they were traveling to?”
“Northern England, Your Grace. On a visit to the lady’s aunt. Their home is in London, I gather.”
“I do not suppose this bad weather will let up soon. Let them know they need not worry about hurrying their departure.”
Thomas simply bowed, saying nothing more.
Stephen gave a curt nod in acknowledgement and continued his way down the hall, leaving his butler standing.
He could understand Thomas’ apparent astonishment and hesitation. It had been a while since he had allowed any guest inside Dunham.
However, this was an exception. The circumstances were different, and he felt inclined to help.
He was uncertain as to exactly why.
Especially when, deep down, he already knew the reason.
For now, all that mattered was that the lady and her companion were safe.
***
Relief washed over Judith as the doors opened and the butler reappeared.
“Ladies, I must apologize for taking so long,” he began. “My master has given his permission for both of you to stay here as long as necessary. Arrangements can be made for your safe return home, or to complete your journey, when the bad weather lets up. Please come with me, and I shall show you to your chambers.”
Judith’s eyes widened, unable to believe her ears.
Of course, she had hoped the butler would return with good news but to actually hear it … it was simply wonderful.
She turned to Amy, smiling widely, but instantly saw her maid did not share her enthusiasm, although she did seem relieved.
Judith decided that would have to do.
Wordlessly, they followed the butler into the house.
Judith thought that as soon as she could change into dry clothes, eat something hot, and was much warmer, she would feel able to take in the extraordinary architecture and furnishings of the place.