Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,66
heard her aunt call out to her. That was when she saw they had both turned and were regarding her.
“I am afraid my head is beginning to feel heavy. Must be all the excitement from having you and Stephen around. I must go and rest now. Be a dear and continue the walk without me, would you? The sunshine is good for the body, I hear.”
Judith was still trying to recover from hearing her aunt address the duke by his given name.
How had that happened so quickly? She glanced at him and saw that he was all smiles.
Goodness, he’s smitten; evidently so. It was quite amusing to see. Pushing aside thoughts of him, she turned to her aunt.
“Of course, aunty. Shall I walk you back inside?”
Aunt Tia was quick to shake her head, holding her hand up. “No, you need not worry, I can manage on my own. I simply want you two to enjoy the fine weather we have been blessed with today. I shall see you both at lunch.”
She winked at Judith before turning to the duke. As she did, she patted him affectionately on the cheeks, further surprising Judith.
Eventually, Aunt Tia walked away, leaving them alone.
Judith watched her go, only giving the duke her attention when her aunt disappeared into the house.
She shook her head as she turned to him.
“What is the matter?” he asked.
“One would think you and my aunt have known each other for ages. You must forgive her; she is quite the free spirit and has no regard for propriety.”
“There is nothing to forgive,” he responded as she went to stand by his side.
“In fact, it is quite refreshing to meet someone like her. I especially admire her because she does not let society’s rules stop her from living freely, fully.”
Judith smiled at that. “If only you knew how true that is.”
His brow cocked. “Oh? Why do I sense an exciting tale?”
This time, a soft chuckle slipped free from her lips.
“Because there is one.”
“Pray tell me, what do I have to do to induce you to share it with me? Shall I slay ten dragons?”
Her chuckle became a giggle. “No. Do not be silly. Seven shall suffice.”
“Very well then, I shall begin my quest at first light tomorrow.”
She lifted her gaze to see him staring into the far distance with a resolute look on his face. She wondered again at his fine figure.
If someone had told her that the dark, brooding man she had met all those weeks ago was capable of such jest and warmth, she never would have believed it.
Yet, there they were.
“May the heavens go with you, Your Grace,” she said, playing along still.
“Thank you, my fair lady. Now that I have your blessings, I am certain I shall return with the prize.”
“Have you ever considered theatrics?” she asked as she recovered from another laugh.
His answer was swift. “Never. Why?”
“I do believe you have quite the talent for it, Your Grace.”
His lips widened then, and a full-fledged grin warmed his countenance.
It made her breath catch in her throat, and she had to remind her heart to beat again. How could any man be so handsome as he?
“Indeed? Perhaps I shall begin to consider it. You do not think it too late for me to pursue that dream, do you?”
Her cheeks were starting to hurt from smiling so hard. She shook her head again.
“Not at all, Your Grace.”
He only nodded, and they paused speaking as they began to walk.
They had not taken three steps when he spoke again.
“May I ask how much longer you intend to remain so formal? Do you not think we have become close enough to discard our titles and call each other by our given Christian names?”
She stopped, quite taken aback by his words; she had never thought he would raise such a matter.
He too stopped. Turning to face her, he said, “I would rather like you to address me by my given name, just like your aunt. If you should grant me leave, I would like very much to address you by yours.”
Her heart beat wildly in her chest. Her stomach squirmed as it flooded with a thousand butterflies, and, for the longest moment, she forgot how to speak.
She had never thought the day would come when she would be able to call him by his name. She had not even dared hope for it.
“Have I asked for too much?” he asked when she did not immediately respond.