Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,61
with the great Lady Rosaline Witherspoon of blessed memory.”
Aunt Tia’s awe grew. “You knew my mother-in-law?”
“Briefly. However, I have heard many tales of her.”
Aunt Tia chuckled at this. “Ahh … She was a great one, she was. She would always say we had a lot in common, and that I reminded her of her younger self. It was why we got along so well. Your Grace, you must forgive my poor manners. I had no inkling I was in the presence of such…”
He did not let her finish. “Please, Lady Witherspoon, it is I who am honored. I must also apologize for coming to your home without notice. It is a decision I only made this morning. I thought it would be unwise to let the ladies travel alone. You must understand, I have come to feel responsible for them.”
Aunt Tia’s eyes twinkled. She was evidently pleased. “You are such a gentleman! Forgive you? There is nothing to be forgiven! You have kept my niece safe and well, all these weeks. You are welcome in my home, at any time. It is no trouble at all, I assure you. In fact, it is a great pleasure. I shall have the servants prepare a chamber for you.”
She took his hand and held it in both of hers.
“You must know, our family is immensely grateful to you, beyond words can say. We cannot hope to ever repay your kindness. That is not to say we will ever stop trying. Dear Judith is so precious to us and, for keeping her safe, you too have become a part of the family.”
She turned to Judith then, grinning from ear to ear.
“You have brought such a handsome man to my home, Judith. Now, my joy is doubled.”
She took a step back, releasing the duke’s hand, to look from Judith to the duke and back again.
Eyes twinkling with mischief, she said, “Oh dear, see how lovely you both are, standing side by side. if I didn’t know better, I would think you were a couple.”
Before any of them could find words to say, she turned to Amy.
“My dearest Amy. You could not possibly think I did not see you there, did you? Come here, my dear! You are family, too!”
Amy wasted no time in stepping into Aunt Tia’s warm embrace. The sight was so beautiful to behold, Judith felt her heart squeeze.
“Sweet child, I am so happy to see you in one piece. I have missed you too. Thank you for all you do. For taking care of Judith as a sister, and friend. My heart will forever bless you.”
“My lady!” was all Amy could say.
As Judith felt tears sting her eyes, she blinked hastily, looking away. She ended up locking gazes with the duke, who had apparently been staring at her.
There was something about the way he was looking at her, a gleam in those eyes that gave her a pause and left her trying to remember how to breathe again.
Aunt Tia’s words echoed in her head, and her cheeks grew warm, filling with crimson.
Not knowing what to say, not even trusting herself to speak, she smiled shyly. The duke smiled in return.
Her stomach squirmed, and she bid her heart be still.
Finally, Aunt Tia and Amy broke their embrace, bringing an end to Judith and the duke’s moment.
“Come, come, let us all go in. There is much to do. You will only be here for a few days, so we must make the most of our time. First, you shall be shown to your chambers. After you have refreshed yourselves, you will come down to dinner. Perhaps tomorrow, I shall give you a tour of the estate. It is nothing grand. Quaint, as I said, but it is beautiful, and it is home. You will love it, you shall see.”
Her aunt was a breath of fresh air. So free in spirit, so bold and dauntless.
She was all that Judith hoped to be and more. She knew now without a doubt that deciding to come to her, all those weeks, ago had been the right thing to do.
“I am sure we will, Aunty. I am sure we will.”
Chapter 23
Two hours later, they were gathered in the dining hall.
They had spent the intervening time settling into their various chambers, resting from the journey, and preparing for dinner.
As they dined, Stephen looked at the faces of everyone in the room, still trying to convince himself that he was not dreaming.