Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,64

in front of all those people, and he was glad he had decided to share his music again.

The applause, if anything, convinced him all the more that this was what living felt like.

Full. Free. Without limitations.

All of it was beautiful.

Chapter 24

Judith had a restful night’s sleep. She dreamed of meadows and trees, of rainbows, and riding out into the sunset with the man who stirred her heart by her side.

When she awoke the next morning, there was a smile on her face. She opened her eyes to find golden rays streaming in through the open window. A quick look around told her that Amy had already been there that morning.

Rising to a sitting position, she saw the dress her maid had picked out for her. It was a lovely yellow dress with ruffled sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. It had been a gift from her brother for her last birthday. She felt like a princess whenever she wore it.

She thought about the duke being here in her aunt’s home, and how they would be able to spend the day together again. It was just as well that Amy had chosen this dress.

She would look pretty. For him.

As soon as she got out of bed, she heard three knocks at her door.

“Who is it?” she called out.

“It is me, my lady,” Amy responded, confirming Judith’s suspicions.

“You may enter,” she called out again.

The door opened, and Amy entered with several servants, who carried hot bath water. As soon as they had filled the bath, they stepped out, leaving her alone with Amy. Together, they began to prepare for the day.

An hour and a half later, they descended the stairs for breakfast. Aunt Tia and His Grace were already seated, waiting for them.

After they said their greetings, they settled down and began to eat.

It was a meal of eggs, muffins, and toast. There was also an array of fruit.

When breakfast ended, Aunt Tia rose to her feet and clapped her hands together.

“Now that you are all well rested, I say it is as good a time as any to take that tour, do you not agree? The sun is out, the garden is lush with greenery, the air…” she paused to draw in a deep breath, “...smells heavenly; not that I’d know what heaven smells like, but it can’t be that far off.” Aunt’s face settled into a grin as she finished, and Judith could not help but smile.

She stole a glance at the duke and found that he, too, had his lips lifted at their corners. Their eyes met for a second, and her heart instantly warmed from the intensity of emotions she saw in his.

She looked away quickly, feeling her cheeks heat up. It was hopeless to try to hide her blush. She knew he had seen it, regardless.

“Come now, we shall start with the atrium. It is my favorite part of the house.”

At Aunt Tia’s words, Judith rose to her feet. His Grace did the same. Amy, too.

Together, they left the dining room, following Aunt Tia’s lead around the manor.

As they walked, Stephen drew close to her, leaned in, and said in almost a whisper, “You look particularly lovely today, my lady. That color yellow becomes you. You wear the dress beautifully.”

Heat crept up her neck, and her breaths became shorter.

How could he have this effect when she had barely recovered from the incident in the dining hall?

Every reasonable thought seemed to desert her. Her throat suddenly felt parched and her tongue tied.

Still, she managed to croak, “Thank you, Your Grace. The same to you, I’m sure.”

He had already stepped away from her when she finally realized what she’d said.

The same to you?

Did he wear a dress and was it yellow?

Mortification overtook her, and she willed the ground to open up and take her. Regretfully, that did not happen.

As Aunt Tia had promised, she showed them the atrium first. It was similar to that at Dunham, but not so large.

Next, she took them to the stables.

There were so many beautiful horses, and her aunt took her sweet time, showing them each one, and telling them their names.

When they were done, they walked around the manor. This time, Aunt Tia pointed out which window belonged to which chamber, drawing room, study, library, hall, and the servants’ quarters.

Finally, they went out into the garden. It was only then that Judith recovered from her embarrassment.

“Oh, I really love this garden. Its beauty comes from it being a labor of love. The countess tended