Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,34

their pace.

She soon arrived to discover what was happening.

As she dismounted, she heard the duke shouting at Roy, and her eyes widened in horror on hearing his angry words.

“You have proven to be extremely irresponsible. If I cannot trust you with the safety of my guests, then I have no use for you! As from this moment, you cease to be under my employment. Clear your things out and leave by the end of the day!”

Shocked, Judith could hardly believe her ears were not deceiving her. Surely, the duke had not just dismissed Roy Benson from his post? If she had heard aright, whatever could be the reason?

She approached them, coming to a halt when the duke heard her footsteps and turned to her.

She froze as the gaze from those cold, obsidian eyes fell upon her.

Fear crept into her heart. True, she had first met him in the dim lighting of the dining room, but she was nevertheless certain that then he had not looked so … dangerous.

He was evidently furious and looked as though he would punish anyone who dared defy him.

“Your Grace,” she forced out, breaking both his gaze and the silence between them.

It appeared that her speaking had some effect upon him, for he suddenly shook his head, as if troubled by a fly, and when he regarded her once more, all trace of the former anger had vanished.

She breathed more easily, glad that she need no longer fear her kind host.

“My lady, you have returned!” the duke exclaimed, with evident surprise.

She nodded. “Yes. I simply took a short ride out into the fields for exercise, you know.”

“Are you hurt?” he asked.

She was taken aback by his question. “Why not at all, Your Grace.” She indicated herself. “As you see, I am perfectly well.”

“Lady Judith, it is inadvisable to ride out so soon after a storm. The grounds are still wet and, therefore, dangerous. Anything could have happened. Enora might have slipped and fallen, taking you down with her. If you became pinned beneath her, you would be crushed!”

Judith’s bewilderment at his agitation grew.

“We kept to the higher ground, which seemed dry enough, Your Grace. I have ridden since childhood, and Enora is careful as well as gentle. I was never in any danger.”

He barely let her finish before snapping. “You should know better after the accident you have had. Riding is no proper sport during or after a storm. Roy knows better and he should not have let you go. For that reason, he is dismissed from his post.”

Judith’s jaw dropped. She found herself as confused as she was hurt by his words.

What have I done to deserve such anger? Is this to do with my stupid question at dinner the other evening? Is that why he is being so inconsiderate?

It did not matter: Her own feelings must be put aside. The only thing that mattered in that moment was making certain Mr. Benson did not lose his employment because of her.

He had only been kind toward her and did not deserve such an ill reward.

“May I speak to you privately, Your Grace?” she said. He nodded sharply, and they moved away from the stables, and the distraught-looking Roy. Judith approached the duke, stopping mere inches away from him.

“Your Grace, punish me if you must, but it was upon my insistence that Mr. Benson let me ride Enora. He was reluctant at first, concerned for my safety, but, you see, I assured him that no harm would come to me. In the goodness of his heart, he could not bring himself to refuse me. I take responsibility for everything. Blame me, send me away. Please, I only ask that you let Mr. Benson retain his position.”

All the while she was speaking, she kept her head bowed, not daring to look into his eyes. Only when she had finished did she raise her eyes, holding his gaze and searching those black, impenetrable depths to see what she could read there.

There was nothing. Nothing, save conflict.

It was evident that the duke was at war with himself.

He said nothing for a very long moment, his jaw working furiously. She held her breath, waiting for him to respond.

Eventually, he spoke in a controlled voice.

“Mr. Benson has indeed served me well all these years. It would seem wicked to dismiss him over such a small oversight. As for you, my lady. You are my guest. I gave my word that you shall not leave here until it is safe for you