Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,56

Judith. “It is an especially lovely morning, don’t you think? Such fine weather.”

He was his usual self, and Judith and Amy responded just as warmly.

Yet, she could not shake off the feeling that something was going on. Perhaps, it had to do with the letters the duke held in his hands?

“Your Grace,” she greeted, sinking into a curtsy.

“Lady Judith,” he responded. There was a smile on his face. He seemed to always have had a smile for her in these days past, but this time it seemed different.

“You look especially lovely this morning. I believe you are well rested.”

She nodded. “Very much so. My sleep was peaceful.”

“Ah … wonderful. Miss Mitchell, I trust you slept well also?”

“Always, Your Grace, thank you.”

Amy went to take her seat, while the duke pulled Judith’s chair out for her.

She thanked him as she sat, unable to take her eyes off the letters in his hands.

His smile remained wide as he settled into his own chair.

“Is there a special celebration today?” she asked. She could not keep it in any longer.

The duke turned to her, with his brows raised questioningly. “Hm?”

“It’s only … you seem very pleased, Your Grace. I was simply wondering if this is a special day. Has something happened?”

Her eyes fluttered to the letters again and, this time, he caught them straying.

She smiled shyly when he looked back at her.

“Well, I was hoping to break the news to you after breakfast, but it is hardly fair to have you wait another moment, when you’ve waited all this while.”

He paused for a moment before continuing. “Word came today for you and Miss Mitchell, my lady. Three letters. I presume they are from your families.”

Judith’s heart leapt in her chest. She hurriedly took the letters from the duke, who held them out to her.

She recognized the two seals: One belonged to her family and the other to Aunt Tia’s.

“Amy, I believe this one is for you.”

Just as Judith had, her maid eagerly took the letter in her hands. Wasting no time, she began to read.

Judith returned her attention to the letters in hand. Her heart thumped in her chest as she broke the first seal, opening her parents’ letter.

Dear Judith,

Oh, darling. We were both sad and happy to receive news from you.

Happy because when we saw how dangerous the weather had become, we worried endlessly for your safety. We feared the worst, even as we prayed for the best.

So yes, we were glad to know that you had survived and had found shelter where you can keep warm and safe.

Nonetheless, we were overtaken with grief to hear of Mr. Giraud’s demise. His family has received his body and he has been given a proper burial.

His wife sends her gratitude and says that you have her forgiveness.

It is a terrible thing, what happened. Rather unfortunate. My heart goes out to his family. I cannot but feel a sense of duty towards them.

For this reason, I have decided that they shall be my responsibility as long as I live, and beyond.

I have made arrangements to ensure they never want or need for anything for the rest of their lives.

Knowing the kind heart you have, I hope this gives you peace and you cease to hold yourself ransom to guilt.

My dear, I do hope you are safe still and well. Your mother and I would come to you in a heartbeat if we could, but the roads remain treacherous.

I pray you take great care not to continue the journey until the storm is well passed and the paths are safe to travel.

How is Amy? I hope you are taking great care of each other. Stay together and keep your strength.

The Duke of Sawbrook has our utmost gratitude for his generous hospitality. Please let him know that we are in his debt.

Your mother and I have never stopped praying for you. Edward and Rachel also send their love. Heavens be praised, they have been blessed with a son; Nathaniel Edmund Brewen.

He is the most beautiful child ever, and we cannot wait for you to meet him.

With all our hearts, we love you and await your safe return.

Your Father,

Robert Brewen.

Tears filled Judith’s heart as she finished reading those words. She had never known that reading a letter could fill her with such a myriad of emotions.

She only realized then how much she had truly missed home.

As she read those words, she heard her father’s voice echoing in her head. She saw him in her mind’s eye, head bent over