Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,33
whom she favors.”
This intrigued Judith and endeared the mare to her even more.
She stared into those big, beautiful brown eyes, flecked with shards of amber, and felt something tug at her heart.
“You feel it too, do you not?” she asked, as Enora leaned into her.
The mare’s response was to rub her jaw against Judith’s cheeks.
Judith broke into a gale of laughter, her heart suddenly filled with joy.
“Yes, Enora. I like you too. What do you say we go for a ride? I can only imagine how badly your legs need a stretch after being cooped up in that stable for days.”
Enora began to paw the earthen floor with her hoof; it was all the answer Judith needed.
She glanced back at Roy Benson. With pleading eyes, she said. “May I ride her?”
His smile faded, and her spirits immediately dampened, expecting a refusal.
He must have sensed the change in her demeanor, for he instantly brightened.
“Are you an experienced order, my lady? I should not like to send you out alone if not.”
“Yes, since I was a small child. I love riding—I have my own horse at home.”
“Then how can I refuse, my lady? Enora knows how to be ridden. She is gentle, and you will be safe. But beware; the fields of Dunham are vast—please do take great care not to wander too far. I should have to answer for it if anything should happen to you.”
“Of course, thank you, Roy.” Judith’s heart beat wildly with joy. The urge to throw her arms around Roy Benson in gratitude almost overwhelmed her, but she fought it back.
“I am very grateful!” she gushed.
“No need, my lady.”
“Oh, Mr. Benson, I will not forget this kindness!”
“Please speak no more of it, my lady. Seeing it makes you so happy is enough for me.” Enora gave a soft snort against Judith’s shoulder. She and the stableman laughed. “And Enora agrees. I’ll have her saddled up at once.”
Judith felt she could have jumped and skipped with delight but reminded herself that she was a lady, for whom neither would be proper.
“Excellent, thank you again!”
She hadn’t ridden in days! The thought of getting on a horse and rising out alone into the freedom of the countryside…
In no time, Enora was saddled and, with Mr. Benson’s help, Judith mounted.
Reins firmly in hand, she gently kicked Enora’s side and they moved off, the powerful beast and the woman as one.
Once out into the fields, Judith took Enora up to a gentle canter. As she rode, she opened herself to the nature surrounding her that called to her senses.
Her riding hat suddenly flew free and bounced against her back as Enora galloped onward.
Over their heads, birds flew, chirping and making sweet, harmonious melodies.
The air smelled as though freshly washed by the rains. The wind was cool against her face, despite the shining sun. The grass and trees offered a vivid mixture of greens that delighted the eye.
The skies were clear and she galloped on, free at last to marvel at the sheer vastness of the Dunham estate.
She could see no boundaries ahead of her; the place was truly enormous and the landscape exceptionally beautiful.
In fact, she mused, everything is beautiful. Ah! It feels so wonderful to be free once more…”
She let her head fall back, smiling with eyes shut, as she reveled in the warmth of the sun against her face.
She felt so alive. Everything was perfect, and she was glad beyond doubt of her decision to ride.
Eventually, when she looked back and could no longer see the stable block, she knew it was time to slowly find her way back.
Roy Benson’s gentle warning rang in her ears, and she knew she must keep her promise to him not to wander too far into the unfamiliar country.
Turning Enora around in a wide circle, she began a leisurely ride back to the stables and, after a while, sighted them off in the distance.
As she rode closer, Judith’s attention was arrested by the fact that there were now three men by the stable, and the new addition looked awfully familiar.
No, it can’t be, she thought to herself. Yet, it was.
She might have only seen him once, but she realized then that she would recognize him anywhere. Especially in daylight, scolding his stableman.
Her face deepened into a frown. She could barely make out the duke’s words, but his tense gesticulations and Roy Benson’s despairing demeanor suggested the kind fellow was getting a dressing down from his master.
Judith spurred Enora forward with her heels, picking up