Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,32

her favorite spot by the window in her chamber, looking out onto the stables.

The horses had finally been let out. They were beautiful –magnificent beasts. From where she sat, she could see the stables that had kept them sheltered throughout the stormy days.

It was well built, with strong walls and roof. She had no doubt that the beasts had been kept warm throughout the storm. In this, she took comfort.

The duke, though a strange man, was apparently one who not only cared for strangers, but for his animals as well.

After a long spell of staring with longing at the outdoors, she decided she could no longer merely sit there and watch.

It was the second day that the sun had been out and shining brightly. The pools of water were starting to dry, and the grasses and shrubs were alive with vivid green.

Changing into a riding habit, she picked up the scarf that Rachel, her brother’s wife, had gifted her.

She had opened the parcel a few days after they had settled into Dunham, and the very lovely, intricately-designed scarf had been nestled inside the box.

She had fallen in love with it instantly, and every time she wore it, she was reminded of home. She had been right to bring the parcel along as they left the carriage.

Quickly, she made her way below stairs, unconcerned that she did not find Amy about.

Her maid had made fast friends with the servants in Dunham and when she knew she would not be needed by her lady, she spent her time with them.

Judith did not mind in the slightest. If anything, she was glad.

She slipped from the house and made her way to the stables, the gravel crunching between her borrowed riding boots.

There were two men tending to the horses when she arrived. One was a young lad, whom she surmised was the stable boy, and a fellow who looked no more than twenty-five. He was tall with a lean build and seemed to have a permanent smile on his face.

Judith quietly rejoiced—here at last was another person in the household who did not seem so dreary. It was quite a relief.

The man’s eyes brightened as he noticed her, and he was soon crossing the distance between them, meeting her halfway.

“Roy Benson, at your service, my lady. It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”

He dipped into a low bow, and Judith couldn’t help smiling. He seemed a polite fellow.

He smiled back, holding her gaze.

“Now, I see why you have been the talk of Dunham, my lady. Your beauty outshines the sun itself. I would not be surprised to hear of its envy.”

This time, Judith laughed. It was a soft chuckle.

“You are quite the charmer, are you not, Mr. Benson?”

“Please, my lady, call me Roy. Everyone does. I must admit, though, I am not generally known for my charm, not amongst the ladies, at least. I am simply an honest working man saying the truth as he sees it.”

“Yes … I’m certain of that,” she answered.

Just then, her eyes caught one of the mares.

She was a beauty, Judith thought, utterly magnificent, standing tall and proud, its glossy brown coat shone and, although Judith knew very little about horses apart from how to ride them, but even she could sense the strength that lay in those mighty limbs.

Unable to help herself, she drew gradually closer and closer, until she was able to touch the mare without startling her.

Mr. Benson watched her with keen interest.

“Enora,” he said.

She turned to him swiftly. “I beg your pardon?”

“Enora. That’s her name. Named her m’self. Seemed only fitting for the beauty that she is.”

“Enora,” Judith repeated, immediately loving the sound of it. “It is not English though, is it?” she asked.

“No, my lady. It is an old dialect, taught to me by my mother.”

“Enora,” she repeated. “What is its meaning?”

“Why my lady, it means ‘to dazzle’. Like a wonder! When I first set my eyes upon her, I was amazed by her sheer beauty. The name came to me at once from my heart to my lips.”

Judith smiled at this. Mr. Benson seemed indeed, a good man.

“I love it, the name. It is such a lovely word. Its meaning makes it even lovelier.”

“I am glad you approve, my lady.” There was a pause as he continued to watch Judith stroking the horse’s nose.

“It appears she has taken a liking to you. Indeed, she is quite calm in character despite her great strength, but she can be just as picky as to