Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,6
two.
“We shall.”
By the time they had walked down the stairs, the carriage and coachman were ready for them. So were her parents, and her brother.
“Edward!” she exclaimed on seeing him there. She stepped into his open arms, so he could wrap her in a warm embrace.
“I did not know you would come.”
“Father sent word. I knew I could not let you leave without saying goodbye.” He released a sigh. “I cannot believe you’re doing this. I cannot believe Father is letting you.”
She might have been offended if she could not clearly hear the affection in his voice.
“He had to. He knows how important this is to me.”
He placed a lingering kiss on both her cheeks, and they pulled apart.
“You know I would have taken you myself, if I could.” Edward said.
“You would be gone at least a fortnight. You cannot leave Rachel, not now. I understand.”
He gave a curt nod. “You won’t be here when my first child is born.”
“I shall send lots of letters and make up for lost time when I return. You must know, I already love him so dearly.” She could not be certain the baby would be a boy, but the midwife was convinced it was.
“I have no doubt. He will love you from the moment he’s born. Rachel sends her love, and this…”
The butler, Jared, stepped forward with a parcel. Her brother took it from him and handed it to her.
“I have no idea what she has packed. She says you must think of her whenever you wear it.”
Judith’s lips curved in a smile as warmth suffused her whole being. Her eyes stung, but she managed to keep the tears at bay.
“I’m sure whatever it is, it will be beautiful. Please tell her I truly appreciate it.”
“I also have something for you,” Edward said.
She passed on the parcel to Amy, so she could receive the small pouch Edward held out to her.
“I know father has given you enough money, but you cannot have too much.”
She jiggled the pouch, feeling the weight of the coins inside. A gasp broke free and she quickly covered her mouth, stopping the rest of it.
“Edward! This is too much. Whatever would I do with all of this money?”
“That is for you to decide, my dearest sister. I’m certain you will find something.”
This time, she was the one who hugged him tightly, as though she had no intention of letting go. Eventually, she pulled away.
“You are the best brother in the whole world! Thank you so much!”
“Anything to see you happy and well, dear Judith.”
He stepped aside then, and she went to her mother. Her mother’s eyes were filled with tears, and Judith felt herself losing the grip on her emotions she thought she had by the minute.
“I cannot imagine being away from you for so long. It’s never happened before.”
“She’s becoming a woman, Arabella. One day, she will leave for good and never return. You may see this as practice,” her father said.
They all ended up chuckling, but, when Judith spared him a glance, she saw that he, too, was struggling to control his tears.
She turned to her mother and hugged her.
“May the roads be kind to you, dear one. Travel safe. Give Tia my love. Let her know I miss her very much, and that we are thankful to her for accepting you.”
Judith nodded as she pulled away. “I will, Mother.”
“I had Diane pack you a basket. It should take you through the day and keep the hunger at bay until you find an inn to rest. We have told Mr. Giraud here what he must do. All you need to do is trust him.”
Judith looked at the coachman, who nodded at her. She gave him a small smile and returned her attention to her mother.
“I shall be back before you know it, Mother.”
“There is no hurry. Take your time and enjoy your adventure.”
Judith nodded, grateful for those words. As she stepped away from her mother, she went to her father.
“Thank you again, Father. For agreeing to this.”
“Seeing the twinkle in your eyes and the spring in your step these past few days have been enough reward and have convinced me that I’m doing the right thing. My heart shall be with you, always.”
“And mine with you.”
The baron nodded and leaned forward to press an affectionate kiss to her forehead as one arm went around her waist, drawing her to him.
They remained like that for a while, before breaking apart.