Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,36

about making certain she had not cost Roy his livelihood, that she had failed to notice the effect her host had upon her.

However, as she thought about it, she realized that she had indeed been affected by his presence then, also.

Her breath had become shorter, her skin had burned, and her stomach had churned. Even her heart had begun to beat as Enora had moved; in a swift gallop.

Why is that? What it about this dark lord that he should affect me so?

As he returned to his seat, she found her voice again.

“I did not know you would be joining us tonight, Your Grace. We apologize for having kept you waiting.”

“Please, Lady Judith, there is no need. I was not waiting. Besides, you and Miss Mitchell here, arrived perfectly on time; it was I who was early. Thomas would have informed you of my joining you, but he, too, was unaware of my intention until a few moments ago.”

“Oh, I see,” was all Judith said.

Dinner was served, and the silence in the room soon became oppressive, filling Judith’s ears.

It was such an uncomfortable experience. She could barely enjoy the meal, as she couldn’t stop thinking about him.

His presence overwhelmed her senses but, after the incident at the stables, she was wary of him too, and rightfully so.

This time, she did not look at him. She could not risk being found out and embarrassing herself any more than she already had.

When they had finished their meals, she was thankful.

As their plates were cleared away and were all preparing to leave, she expressed her gratitude.

“Thank you for company at dinner, Your Grace,” she said. The duke nodded.

She made to rise but, as she did, he stopped her.

“My lady, please…”

She paused, her mind beginning to move in circles, wondering what it was that he wanted of her now.

“Is anything the matter, Your Grace?”

“No… Yes…” A sigh broke free.

“I must apologize to you, my lady, for my behavior at the stables. It was untoward and ungentlemanly. I understand I must have hurt your feelings, caused you fear, even. I assure you that was not my intention. I make no excuses. I can only beg your forgiveness.”

Judith’s eyes widened with awe, and suddenly she saw the man in another light. Sudden warmth suffused her, and her heart tingled in her chest.

She hadn’t expected an apology and certainly not one so genuine and heartfelt. As she overcame her astonishment, she replied, “I assure you, my lord, all is forgiven. In fact, I there was no offence.”

He held her gaze then, and what she saw in those dark pools made her heart ache for him. How could one ever fault a man like him?

Yes, she had been hurt by his words, but the thing that had affected her more was the fact that he had been afraid … for her. She saw it now, and it filled her with amazement.

“Thank you. You have no inkling of how much peace your graciousness gives me,” he said.

She wished it were peace enough to drive away all his pain, heal his hurt, and quell his fears. Sadly, she did not think peace would ever be enough.

So, she smiled and nodded. “That gladdens me so.”

There was a pause.

“Have you been in an accident, my lord? Is that why you were so … upset?”

Her heart beat wildly in her chest as she awaited his response, not knowing what to expect.

There was a long silence, and she almost wished she could take back her words. Bu then he said, “Yes, I have. It is why I know better than anyone, how easily they happen, and how much pain and suffering they leave behind.”

She would have probed his meaning further, but he rose to his feet.

“Thank you for finding it in your heart to forgive my behavior, my lady. I bid you a good night’s rest.”

Judith watched his retreating back as he walked away from her for the second time in one day.

She wished she knew the truth behind it all. She wished she knew what had truly happened and the terrible loss he had evidently suffered.

More importantly, she wished she could ease him of his pain and teach him to smile again.

But was that even possible?

Chapter 14

The days grew longer, and time seemed to fade away. Judith found herself settling nicely into Dunham, so much so that it began to feel like home.

With her cheerful manner, she endeared herself to the entire household. Even Mr. Beauregard didn’t seem so cold towards her anymore.