Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,7
said, his voice a little heavier than usual.
“Rest assured, my Lord,” Amy answered, bowing her head.
Amy’s response must have satisfied him, for he said nothing more.
Judith turned as she felt a presence by her side. It was Edward.
“Come, I’ll help you on.”
Touched once more, she let him lead her by the hand to the carriage. As she started to enter, her mother called out to her.
“Judith!”
She halted, turning around.
“It’s your heart, Judith. That’s what makes you special. Your heart.”
It was not quite what she had expected, but she smiled nonetheless, knowing her mother meant those words with every fiber of her being.
“Thank you, Mother. I shall miss you. I shall miss you all, very much. I love you.”
It was only her mother who responded. The men looked as though they had their throats too clogged with emotion to speak.
“I love you too, my darling girl,” her father finally forced out.
With those words, she got into the carriage. Amy joined her, helped in by Edward.
When they had settled in, she took one last look at her family and gave three knocks.
That was all the cue the coachman needed.
She heard the whipping, the neighing, then, the carriage lurched forward, and the wheels began to roll, taking them out of Charleveaux—and onto a mysterious path they had never before traveled.
There was silence, save for the rolling of wheels.
It wasn’t until they left the great gates of Charleveaux behind that Amy spoke, breaking the spell.
“Now I see why they say goodbyes are the hardest.”
Judith turned to her, a sad smile on her face. “Hm? Indeed.”
She had mixed feelings. So many emotions raged inside of her at once.
Sadness, happiness, longing, impatience. She hadn’t realized how difficult it would be to part from the family she loved with all her heart.
However, it had to happen one day, the maid told herself. Time would fly by, and she would return soon enough to her family.
A short while after, they were well on their way. They had left London behind and entered the countryside. The melancholy that had plagued them that morning was long forgotten.
All that remained was excitement. It was the first time away from London for them both. They spent the entire time looking out of the window, thrilled by trees, the small villages, the unusual terrain.
They chattered endlessly about everything that caught their eyes, and they took time to enjoy the delicious foodstuffs her mother had had the cook pack for them.
As the sun began to set, they entered the village which would be their first stop. The coachman was quick to locate an inn. After they had paid the innkeeper and been allocated their rooms, Judith decided it would be nice to see the village on foot, before settling for the night.
They picked the market as a good place to investigate, as it was nearby.
Eyes wide with joy and awe, they went from stall to stall, picking items for keepsakes, things to remind them of their time there.
They soon reached a flower shop, where they met a beautiful, young flower girl.
“Beautiful flowers for the lovely ladies?” the girl asked, calling out to them.
Judith stopped, turning to her, as her lips spread in a smile. “What do you have, dear?”
“I have roses, lilies, daisies, gardenias, orchids, tulips, dahlias, and peonies. Which would you have, my fair lady?”
Judith pretended to think about it for a while. Then, she asked, still smiling,
“You tell me, which do you think I should have?”
“The orchids. They’re a symbol of love, thoughtfulness, and charm.”
Judith turned to look at the man who had just spoken.
He was tall, with broad shoulders and a sharp chin. His simple clothing made it clear that he was a commoner. Nonetheless, she could not deny that he was good-looking.
“Truly?” she asked, obliging him.
He nodded. “Yes, not to mention, it is quite a beauty. Almost as lovely as you.”
Before she could say anything, he picked one of the orchids and tucked into her hair. Drawing back, he said,
“There. See how it shines, but your eyes shine brighter still.”
He smiled, and she knew then that he must be related to the flower girl; the resemblance was striking.
She tried to speak but no words came to mind. Before she could find her voice, he turned to Amy.
“And you, my dear, I think the sunflower would suit you well. It symbolizes adoration, loyalty, and it dazzles, just like you.”
Judith gave in to the urge to roll her eyes, as she saw Amy’s cheeks flush with a hint of pink.