round table. It seemed like a perfect place to read, write, and entertain guests.
Just then, the doors opened, and Amy entered, closely followed by another servant carrying a tray laden with food.
The savory aroma wafted through the air, filling Judith’s nostrils and making her belly grumble.
“Please be seated, my lady. Supper shall be served.”
Judith needed no second bidding. She sat, and proceeded to eat her fill with enjoyment.
Chapter 8
It started to rain again that evening and continued to do so through the night. When the next morning arrived and the skies showed no sign of letting up, Judith’s every thought of continuing their journey vanished.
In some way, she was glad they did not have to leave so soon, for she was yet to recover her full strength.
As the weather would not improve, it was impossible to go outside the house and take a tour of the estate.
Nevertheless, Mr. Beauregard was kind enough to take them around the house, just so they would be able to make their way about without getting lost.
She had breakfast and lunch in her chamber with Amy. As the evening began to draw nigh, she realized she had still not set eyes upon the duke.
The day before, she had blamed herself for sleeping through it. However, it later became clear that the duke was simply not ready to show himself.
She was reminded of Mr. Beauregard’s words when she had expressed her wish to offer her gratitude to the duke in person.
Why would anyone not want to show themselves to guests they had so warmly received? Yet, as she moved about, she couldn’t shake off the feeling that she was being watched.
At first, she thought she was simply imagining things, but once, when she turned around, she could have sworn she saw a shadow disappearing down the hallway.
Perhaps it was the master of the house? But why should he lurk in the shadows when he could show himself and see her if he so wished?
“Do you suppose he is hideous?” Amy asked, giving voice to Judith’s thoughts.
“Amy!” she exclaimed. “He is our host. It would not do to be rude.”
“But my lady, I am scarcely being rude. More like saying it as it might be. I mean, what other explanation could there be?”
Judith lifted her shoulder in a small shrug. “Perhaps he is shy. Or mayhap a recluse.”
Amy seemed to think about it for a moment, before shaking her head.
“Shy? I think not. A recluse? Well, it isn’t unlikely. Whichever it is, I do hope we shall see him before we leave.”
“I wonder when that will be, Amy. If this rain doesn’t let up soon, by the time it does, the roads will be too dangerous to travel. We might have to remain here for a while.”
“Lord, I hope not. If your Aunt Tia does not hear from us by tomorrow, she will be worried. Once your Father and Mother receive word from her, they too will be overcome with fear.”
“You know, now that you mention it, Amy, I suppose I must write to them to inform them. Who knows, despite the weather, a messenger might be able to reach them in time and assuage them of their worries.”
“We must speak with Mr. Beauregard and see if that can be arranged,” Amy suggested.
Just then, Judith felt another presence in the room. He spoke before she turned to him.
“If what can be arranged?”
She smiled at the man she was quickly beginning to grow fond of. Mr. Beauregard appeared to be a man of few words. He never smiled, his face was always stern, and his voice firm.
Still, there was an air about him that was simply … warm. Judith wasn’t insensible.
She had heard the hushed whispers of the servants, seen the way they walked around the house, as though on hot coals.
Mr. Beauregard seemed the only one who wasn’t affected in the least bit by whatever it was that bothered the rest. His calm demeanor reassured her a great deal.
“Sending a message to my parents,” she replied. “And to my Aunt Tia. We do not know if it will be possible. I fear if neither of them hears from us soon, they will become frantic and begin to search for us. We must let them know we are safe.”
Mr. Beauregard nodded.
“I shall see to it. Is there anything else you need?”
Judith thought for a moment, wondering if she should ask. Eventually, she decided.
“If it would not be too much to ask…”
“Yes, my lady?”
“Mr. Giraud, our coachman; I made