Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,63
to make the journey to Nordame, informing you of my presence here, until I was certain that the roads had become safe again.”
She heaved a sigh. “It nearly drove me mad. Every day spent here, knowing that you were so near, yet I could not send word nor come to you. I imagine your parents must have been wracked with even more worry than myself. Have you received word from them?”
Lady Judith nodded. “Yesterday. It came along with yours. I hear the roads to London are nearly impassable, but there are now paths safe enough for horses.”
“So, you have written to them again?”
“Yes. To calm their fears further.” Lady Judith answered.
“Ah. That is excellent. Perhaps I, too, shall send word. Let them know that I have seen you and testify that you are indeed well.”
“I am certain they would be happy to hear from you.”
Lady Witherspoon’s face transformed with a smile.
“They will, won’t they? Ah, indeed. I shall send word at first light tomorrow.”
There was a pause as she turned to Stephen. “Your Grace, I hope your chamber is to your liking.”
Stephen nodded. “It is perfect. I have received such a warm welcome. I thank you.”
“Oh, believe me, the pleasure is all mine. It is not every day your favorite niece brings home a nice, young man. And a man who has proven himself worthy of our affection, nonetheless.”
Stephen flushed. He could only smile, overwhelmed by her high praise.
Pretending to be oblivious, Lady Witherspoon turned to Lady Judith.
“Judith, I have always known you take after me more than you do your mother. You might be the child of her womb, but you are mine at heart. It is why our choice of men is so alike and so very excellent, I must say.”
Stephen flushed even harder.
It was easy to tell that Lady Witherspoon approved of him. This pleased him no end.
Nothing might come of whatever was brewing between himself and Lady Judith, but, at the very least, he could revel in the fact that her aunt had taken a liking to him.
“Aunt Tia!” Lady Judith cried. Her face was as red as a berry, and she would not look him in the eyes.
Lady Witherspoon simply snickered, apparently enjoying herself too much.
She allowed a moment of silence, so they could recover. Then, she broke the spell.
“It is so quiet in here. It would be lovely to have some music, do you not think? Judith, the last I remember, you could play the pianoforte. Be a dear and play us a tune, would you?”
Lady Judith turned to the duke, finally meeting his gaze, and once again, he knew what she was thinking.
He saw the question in her eyes and, for the life of him, he could not bring himself to refuse.
He had ridden a horse for her. He had shared his music with her. He had traveled in a carriage, half the time willing his mind not to be held petrified with fears from the past.
Why would he not play with her, in front of an audience?
She only had to ask, and in her way she had.
And his answer was yes.
He nodded slowly and, if he had any doubts, they floated away when he saw her eyes instantly light up, twinkling brighter than the stars.
“I would love to play you a tune, Aunty, but I would not be playing alone. You must hear His Grace play. I have never heard anyone make melodies more beautiful.”
Lady Witherspoon looked at him. “Truly? You are a man of art? Ah … I grow even fonder of you, Your Grace. Please, do honor me with your music.”
She did not have to ask again.
Stephen rose to his feet. Bowing, he said, “It would be my pleasure.”
Together with Lady Judith, he walked to the pianoforte.
He waited until she had seated herself before joining her at the piano.
Then, he started to play. It was one of the tunes they had played together. She soon joined him, and they played as though they had been duetting for years, so much so that they were now as one, making sweet, harmonious melodies together.
By the time they finished playing, their audience had increased, as the servants, drawn by the music, peeked through the open doors.
The song’s end drew a standing ovation.
Holding Lady Judith’s hands, the duke rose to his feet, causing her to do the same.
He bowed low to their audience and she sank into a curtsy.
The cheering continued and, slowly, Stephen found that he liked it.