Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,79

lady, you’ll see. The Seafarer Inn has stood in this spot for over two centuries,” the coachman began, as he lifted their valises out of the carriage. “It is a particular favorite for travelers who take this path regularly. We’ll sleep her tonight and continue our journey to Yorkland tomorrow. Thank heavens the weather has been kind so far. We are making good progress. If it remains this way, we will be at your aunt’s by nightfall tomorrow.”

There was a smile on Mr. Hanks’ face. He seemed eager to complete the journey.

He was such a friendly person, and Judith could not help liking him. He also reminded her of Mr. Giraud, and that made her sad.

Forcing a smile in return, she simply nodded and began to walk toward the inn, with Amy in tow. Mr. Hanks followed them, and, as they entered, he found the landlady and pulled her aside to speak with her.

Deciding not to trouble herself with the subject of their discussion, Judith busied herself with taking in the inn’s interior.

There was a large open hall and at one end, a wooden stairway leading to the floor above. From where she stood, Judith only had to look up to see what lay there.

There was a wide landing, with several doors leading off it. Stout bannisters were there to keep people who walked those corridors from falling. She supposed those doors led to rooms; one of which she would be spending the night in.

The inn was quaint indeed. It was warm, too, thanks to the enormous hearth that glowed with heat at the other end of the hall.

Below the stairs where she stood was a huge space filled with tables and chairs. There were many people eating and drinking. Evidently, Judith surmised, this was where they would be dining that evening.

If the last inn she had stayed at was anything to go by, during late hours, it must also serve as a tavern for local people.

The sweet aroma of food filled the air, and as it found its way into her nostrils, she realized that she had not eaten anything all day. She must have missed lunch while she was asleep.

This was confirmed by the growling of her stomach that immediately followed the thought.

Mr. Hanks returned just in time to hear it, and her face turned red from embarrassment.

Smiling, he said, “I shall help you to your rooms, so you may wash and change. By the time you’re done, a hot meal will be waiting for you down here.”

“Thank you, Mr. Hanks. How much did it cost for the rooms?” She was already reaching for her reticule.

“Nothing you must concern yourself with, my lady. His Grace gave me more than enough to see to things like this.”

Judith paused as she took in those words.

Stephen had not only hired a carriage, but also made certain she would not have to spend a penny until she arrived in Yorkland.

Her heart fluttered, and she bit her bottom lip, chiding herself. She was supposed to be getting over him, not falling more deeply in love.

Nonetheless, how was she to achieve such a feat when he refused to stop being so sweet, even in his absence?

“I see. Oh well, when you return to Dunham, please do not forget to tell His Grace he has my utmost gratitude.”

Mr. Hanks nodded as he bowed. When he straightened, he gestured to the stairway. “This way, my lady.”

She followed as he led them to their rooms, all the while touched at the thought that Stephen had been so thoughtful, even in his anger.

A noble man, through and through.

Chapter 30

As Mr. Hanks had promised, there was a meal waiting for them when they went back down for dinner.

It was the same the next morning when they graced the dining hall for breakfast.

“This is truly a wonderful place, don’t you think?” Amy asked.

Her pleasure was as clear as day, and Judith was happy to know she found their lodgings agreeable.

“I do, Amy. The water is hot, the meals are delicious. The bed is comfortable, and the rooms are quite generous for an inn. When we return to London, I shall make certain we stop here again.”

“That would be lovely,” Amy replied, grinning.

She still would not ask Judith what had happened with the duke. Judith had decided that when she was ready, she would tell her everything, anyway.

Just then, she caught a loud exclamation from the people at the table next to them, and she turned to find three women heavily