Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,68
was worried when I heard you were staying in his castle. The natives here speak of him in hushed voices. They say he has not left his home in years … since a terrible accident. At some point, they even feared he was dead. I heard all sorts of things; that he was stricken by a horrible malady, and that he had become as cold as ice. He lives in darkness, and all who remain in his household fear him.”
Judith could not help but notice how there was some truth to the gossip. However, she held her peace, letting Aunt Tia continue.
Her aunt went on.
“Imagine my surprise when you told me the fine man who had come all the way with you was none other than the duke himself! Ha!” She chuckled, shaking her head.
“He is nothing like I was told. He is so warm and full of kindness. A proper gentleman, too. Yes, I see in his eyes that he has suffered great loss and has lived in sorrow and pain for a time. However, those days appear to be well behind him.”
Judith marveled at how wise her aunt was. How was she able to tell so much in such a short space of time?
Oblivious to Judith’s thoughts, she went on.
“It is not the only thing I can see, my dear Judith.”
There was something in her voice that made Judith look at her again. Their eyes met and held, and an understanding passed between them.
Her aunt knew. Still, Judith held her silence.
Aunt Tia did not seem to mind. She was happy to speak for them both.
“I saw you two the other morning, after I had retired to my chamber. Arm in arm as you walked.”
Judith spoke then. “Aunt Tia, you were supposed to be resting.”
Her aunt giggled heartily. “And I was, my dear. I rested while I watched.”
It occurred to Judith in that moment what had really happened that morning.
“You did not even have a headache, did you?”
Aunt Tia snickered. “Ah, seeing as you surmised that by yourself, I cannot deny it now, can I? Yes, you caught me. I am guilty as charged. I thought it was best to give you two time alone. I was happy that I did. It appears you have grown even closer. I notice you no longer address each other so formally.”
The memory of that beautiful morning returned to Judith, and her cheeks flushed crimson. She could hardly believe how perceptive her aunt was. Even more so than Amy.
“He suggested we call each other by our christened names,” she explained.
“Ha! It appears I was right. He does nurse affections for you, my dear. Strong affections! Why, I dare say he loves you! I see the way he looks at you. It is the look of a man who is entirely smitten.”
“I could say the same for the way he looks at you,” Judith countered.
However, she could not ignore the fluttering of her heart. Could it be true? Could Stephen truly love her?
This time, Aunt Tia laughed. It was loud, filled with such profound happiness.
Its depth warmed Judith’s heart.
“Oh, my dear child. If I did not know better, I would say you are jealous. The duke likes me, that is all. I still cannot tell if it is entirely because of my person, or if the admiration he carries for the late countess plays a role. Nevertheless, I can assure you he sees me as nothing but a mother, no more.”
Judith knew this was true. “I am not jealous. Why ever should I be?”
It was too weak a protest, and Aunt Tia saw right through it.
“Perhaps because you love him, too? Do not even think of lying to your dearest old aunt, my love. Even a blind man can see it.”
Judith knew when she had been cornered. There was no use trying to deny it. Beyond that, she had always been able to confide in Aunt Tia.
Sighing, she acquiesced. “Very well, Aunty. You are correct: I do believe I have fallen in love for the very first time, and with none other than the Duke of Sawbrook.”
As those words left her lips, it felt as though a weight lifted off her chest.
She felt so free, so light.
“You say it as though falling in love with a duke is a thing to dread.”
“Oh no, not at all. I do not think it is. Nonetheless, I do not see how anything could come of it. I cannot remain in Dunham forever, and shall have to leave