about was a hot bath to wash the filth off her skin and to chase the chill away.
“It feels so much warmer in here,” Judith thought aloud, as the butler led them up the grand stone stairway that dominated the large hall.
Servants appeared at their sides and took their valises from them, and Judith was happy to be relieved of the burden.
“Indeed. I am sorry … for the ordeal you must have endured,” Thomas said simply. “But do not worry, you are safe now. My master wishes for you and your maid to be given a proper welcome. Water is being heated for your baths as we speak, and Cook is making some hot food for you. I hope you find your chambers comfortable.”
He paused as the women finished ascending the stairs, then continuing until they turned into a long hallway. “If there is anything you wish for, please, do not hesitate to ask. I have been instructed to fulfil all your needs.”
“He seems a gracious man, your master,” Judith said. “Shall we be making his acquaintance? I should like to offer my gratitude in person.”
“His Grace is … shall we say, a solitary gentleman. I do not know if you shall have the chance of meeting him during your time here. However, if he wishes to see you, he will inform me.”
Judith grew even more curious. The master sounded as mysterious as his home seemed.
“His Grace? He is a duke?”
“Why, yes. The Duke of Sawbrook.”
“So, we are in Sawbrook?” Judith observed looking around curiously.
“In a way. Actually, we are in Nordame, a village within Sawbrook. Sawbrook extends over the east of the county. My master’s seat lies here in Nordame.”
None of those place names were familiar to Judith, but she nodded. “I see,” she murmured.
Soon, they came to one of the many doors in the hallway, and the butler came to stop.
“We have arranged for you and your maid to be next to each other. This is your chamber, my lady, and that is yours, Miss.” He indicated toward the neighboring door.
He said nothing more as he opened the door to Judith’s chamber and ushered them inside.
Tears of joy stung Judith’s eyes, and she fought against the urge to cry. The room was far removed from those of the inn where they had spent their first night of the journey. In fact, she had to admit, it was even grander than her chamber back at Charleveaux.
However, the grandeur hardly mattered—they would not be staying for more than a night or two. At least now, she and Amy would have the rest their bodies and souls desperately craved.
“Your bathwater shall be brought soon, my lady. Set your clothes aside, so they can be taken, laundered, and dried. Do you have dry clothing in your valises?”
Judith shook her head. “I am not certain. Our luggage was soaked through in the storm. We were lucky to find any the first time.”
The butler gave a curt nod. “I see. Very well, I shall have the servants find something suitable for you...”
He paused as he looked them both over. Judith supposed he was trying to get their measure for the clothing. She wondered if there were any ladies in the house. Perhaps a duchess? A daughter, or a sister?
Ending his appraisal, the butler went on.
“I am sure we will find something. I bid you welcome to Dunham estate, my lady. Pardon my manners, I have only now realized I have yet to properly introduce myself. I am Thomas Beauregard, butler, at your service.”
He bowed, and Judith nodded her head in acknowledgement.
“I am Lady Judith Brewen, and my maid’s name is Amy, Amy Mitchell. We are from Charleveaux, the home of my father, Baron Davenforth.” Mr. Beauregard seemed to ponder for a moment before responding.
“The title does ring a bell. Lovely names for lovely ladies. Miss Mitchell, if you would come with me, I shall show you to your chamber.”
“Yes, of course,” was Amy’s reply, as she spoke for the first time.
She looked doubtfully at Judith, who smiled at her encouragingly. Judith felt no sense of danger, strange as Dunham might seem.
Nodding, Amy turned to go with Mr. Beauregard.
As they left the room, closing the doors behind them, Judith busied herself getting out of her wet clothes.
With the help of the maid, who was sent to assist her, she quickly divested herself of her soaking gown.
Unable to resist any longer, she fell onto the bed and slipped beneath the covers.
In no time at all, she