Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,43
away from her.
Judith stood there, watching him go as she tried to recover from her daze. Eventually, when he turned the corner at the end of the hallway, disappearing from her sight, she felt her legs working again.
Not wanting to linger any further, she picked her skirts and went into her chamber. She rested against the door as she closed it, taking time to catch her breath.
It was not long before she realized she was not alone.
“Amy! How long have you been in here?” she asked.
“Not too long. I stepped in a little while ago to help you prepare for dinner. When I saw you had not returned, I was going, but I heard footsteps, then voices.”
“How much did you hear?” Judith asked, alarmed.
“Not much. When I ascertained it was you and the duke, I came to sit here, by the window,” Amy answered.
Judith heaved a sigh of relief. Of course, she was going to tell Amy what had happened. She simply would rather she had the chance to choose how much to say.
“I suppose I now know where you have been all day.”
Judith scoffed as she began to walk further into the room. “You’re one to talk. You are hardly ever by my side these days.”
“Only because I have been busy helping the other servants as a way of showing my gratitude,” Amy responded swiftly.
“Well, you are here as my maid and escort; you should be helping me.”
“And I do. Am I not always here whenever you need me?”
“Only after I have gone through the trouble of looking for you,” Judith retorted.
“Come now, my lady, do not tell me you are at odds with me? Very well, I have heard all the words said, and unsaid, and I shall endeavor to serve you better. Will you forgive me?”
Judith stared at Amy’s adorable face and those enchanting amethyst eyes. How could she ever hope to stay angry?
She gave into the smile that had been tugging at her lips. “I was never offended, Amy, but it felt wonderful to tease you...”
Amy’s eyes narrowed as she bobbed her head slowly. “Ahh … I see. Teasing me now, were you? And such a clever way to avoid the question I asked. Come, come, we must get ready for dinner. In the meantime, I want you to tell me all about your day.”
“You seem very concerned,” Judith murmured.
“And why ever would I not be? As you have rightly pointed out, my lady, I am your maid. It is my duty to be concerned about you.”
Judith knew there was genuineness in Amy’s words. She also knew her maid was simply eager to know what had ensued between herself and His Grace.
“I see,” she answered, saying nothing more as she started to undress.
“So?” Amy asked again.
Judith gave her no response. She took her sweet time, preparing what to say. It wasn’t until after she had put on her evening dress and was sitting by her vanity that she began to confide in Amy.
Judith told her of how she had found the duke on the pianoforte and how they had spent the entire day playing together.
She told of his wish to escort her back to her chamber and the kiss as he bid her goodnight. The shine in his eyes, his mesmerizing words, and all the ways he had made her feel.
“I don’t know what to think, Amy,” she said as she ended her tale. “I cannot entirely explain these feelings he stirs in me. What do they mean? Why him?”
Amy heaved a deep sigh. It was like releasing a breath one had held for too long.
For a moment, she said nothing.
When Judith would have called out to her, she finally spoke.
“My lady, if you would permit me, I must say, from all that you have told me, it is easy to see what malady has befallen you. I also believe it would not be too hasty of me to presume it is the same malady that plagues the duke.”
Judith’s brows furrowed in a frown.
“And since when did you begin to speak in riddles, dearest Amy?”
Amy smiled. “Not riddles, my lady. No, not at all. As you know, my years are well beyond yours.”
It was Judith’s turn to sigh as she gave in to the urge to roll her eyes. “Only two years, Amy.”
Amy’s response was quick. “Which is enough to know better.”
Judith could not deny the truth in that, so she said nothing.
“I do believe, my lady,” Amy continued, “That you care deeply for His Grace.”