Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,60
you certain of it?”
She was absolutely certain.
“Of course. The more, the merrier.” She paused to clear her throat. “Aunt Tia will not mind; I am certain of that. She enjoys having company. In fact, I am quite confident she will be delighted to see you.”
His face dissolved into a grin. It was one that stole her breath away.
“So, it is settled.”
“That it is.”
“Let us not tarry any longer, then. The day grows old.”
He nodded at the footman, who immediately lifted his valise onto the carriage.
Then, he turned to Mr. Beauregard.
“Thomas, in the time that I am away, Dunham is in your care. I trust you entirely.”
Mr. Beauregard dipped into a bow. “I shall do my best, Your Grace.”
The duke gave his butler a fond pat on the shoulder.
“Of that, I have no doubt, Thomas. None at all.”
Judith watched as Mr. Beauregard straightened and the two men exchanged a meaningful look.
She could not tell if the butler had known of his master’s spur of the moment decision, or if he was just as surprised as anyone else. If he was, he did not show it.
Their wordless conversation soon ended, and the duke turned to her.
“Shall we?”
She glanced at Mr. Beauregard and bowed her head in acknowledgement. He did the same. Then, she returned her gaze to the duke and nodded.
They had to leave soon if they hoped to make it to Earlshire before nightfall.
“After you, my lady,” he said as he held out his hand.
She took it, and he helped her into the carriage. When she had settled in, he helped Amy up.
Then, he climbed in himself and sat opposite Judith, facing her and Amy.
As the doors closed, the duke gave three knocks, and the carriage began to move.
As the wheels rolled, taking them out of Dunham and toward Earlshire, Judith found herself reliving the events of the last few minutes in her mind.
She still could not quite believe it.
The duke was in the same carriage as her, escorting her to her aunt’s.
More than anything, she did not know what to make of it. However, beyond the confusion and uncertainty, there was delight.
Much delight.
***
They arrived at Earlshire just as the sun was starting to set. It was easy to find the Witherspoon estate.
As they reached the gates, Judith found they were expected and they were immediately admitted.
The carriage finally rolled to a stop just outside the beautiful manor that was her aunt’s second home.
The duke was the first to get out, before helping the ladies down.
Aunt Tia was waiting outside, with a smile so warm and genuine, Judith realized then how much she had missed it.
“Goodness!” Aunt Tia chimed, coming to Judith as soon as her feet touched the ground, arms wide waiting for an embrace.
“Would you look at you! You have grown even taller since the last time we met!”
Judith stepped into her arms, chuckling. The joy she felt suffused her. It was certainly wonderful to see her precious aunt again.
“Aunty, I have missed you very much.”
“Not half as much as I have missed you!” Aunt Tia chimed, holding on to her tightly. “I am so happy you are finally here safely. I have waited all day for you, counting the hours until I saw you again.”
They remained in the warm embrace for a while longer before pulling away from each other. Still, Aunt Tia’s hands would not leave hers.
She reached for Judith’s face, her pleasure evident.
“By heavens, you have become a woman! Oh, Judith, I am so very happy to finally see you. How are you? Have you been well? Did you take ill? I hope you have been eating well? Yes, you look healthy, very much so. You have been well taken care of, my child, this much I can see. I am pleased.”
Judith accepted Aunt Tia’s fussing happily, refusing to be embarrassed by the fact that her host for the past month was standing by her side.
“I am glad of that, Aunt Tia. I have been well, I promise you. I have been more than well, actually, all thanks to the duke.”
She stepped away from her aunt then and turned to him.
“Your Grace, as you must have surmised, this is my Aunt, Lady Letitia Witherspoon, Viscountess of Yorkshire. Aunt Tia, I present His Grace, Stephen Dunham, the Duke of Sawbrook.”
Her aunt’s eyes widened and, before she could find her voice, the duke dipped in a bow.
“My lady, it is an honor to meet you. Not only are you family to lady Judith, but you also share kin