Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,8
you,” she mumbled shyly.
“Anything for the fair lady,” the man replied, tucking a flower into the maid’s hair, as well. “Ah … perfect,” he said as he stepped away.
Amy simply blushed further.
Ignoring the man, for her father had warned her about the likes of him, Judith turned to the little girl.
“I’ll take this bouquet. It will fit in nicely in our room at the inn. May I trouble you for a vase to put it in?”
The little girl grinned at her. “Yes, miss … please forgive my brother. He’s quite the charmer.”
Judith spared the man a look, then returned her attention to the flower girl. “That, he certainly appears to be,” she said sweetly.
The man simply chuckled, before disappearing into the shop to find a vase.
By the time Judith finished paying for the purchases, the sky had begun darkening. Deciding it was a good time to return to the inn, they started to find their way back.
“He is quite handsome, don’t you think?” Amy asked as they left the market.
“Hm?” Judith answered, even though she knew exactly whom Amy was speaking about.
“The man at the flower shop. He was such a sight for sore eyes. Those shoulders, that sharp jaw and those eyes … so blue. And his sister was right. He is quite the charmer.”
“Is that why you were so affected by him? Your cheeks almost turned the red of these roses.”
Amy gasped, feigning dismay. “They did not!” she exclaimed.
“Yes, they did. I saw them, with my own eyes.”
“It was simply the weather, is all,” she huffed, looking away.
Judith laughed, enjoying the situation too much. “Indeed,” she said simply.
Amy turned to her, chin high. “And you? Did you not consider his looks and charm?”
Judith raised her shoulders in a small shrug. “I cannot say, Amy. I do not notice such silly things,” she said sweetly, hiding a smile.
“Hm,” was all of Amy’s response.
Silence reigned for a while, and Judith reveled in it, aware that Amy was recovering from her mortification.
Just as the inn came into view, her maid began to chatter again. Soon, the man at the flower shop was forgotten and they were making plans for the continuation of their trip on the morrow.
Their adventure had only just begun.
Chapter 4
Judith awoke the next morning, feeling different. It was the first night she had ever spent away from Charleveaux, the first night she had slept in a room that wasn’t hers, a bed that was nothing like the one back at home.
As Amy helped her dress for the day, she grew more convinced that this trip was indeed, something she truly needed.
Sleeping on that bed had felt strange. Its small size and the lack of the four posts she was used to had been quite the change but, in no time, she had been seduced by the wiles of sleep.
Her slumber had been dreamless but restful. She felt rejuvenated and strong enough to get on the road again.
When they were ready, they went downstairs to have breakfast. There, they met the coachman, who joined them at the table they occupied.
“Mr. Giraud! Did you sleep well?”
“Like a log. And you, my lady? Did you find your quarters comfortable?”
“It’s quite different from what I’m accustomed to, but it sufficed.”
Mr. Giraud smiled at her, evidently pleased. “I’m glad it was to your liking. This is one of the best inns on this road. I always stay here when I travel.”
“Ah. I did think you seemed on good terms with the innkeeper.”
“Yes, we have become acquainted over the years.”
“I see,” came Judith’s response. “Have you had breakfast, Mr. Giraud?”
“No. Not yet.”
“Then you must eat with us, so we can be on our way as soon as possible. Mrs. James?” she called to the innkeeper.
The woman turned to her from the other end of the room and signaled that she would be there in a moment. Judith nodded and returned to her food.
“Well, about that, my Lady, I fear we may have to remain here one more day. I feel a storm coming. I sense it will be a wicked one.”
Judith’s brow raised at his words.
“A storm, Mr. Giraud? I hardly think so.”
Giraud sighed, as though he had known it would not be easy to convince her.
“I travel all the time, my lady. I know about these things. The weather is already blustery as it is.”
“Just a little windy, Mr. Giraud. Surely not strong enough to raise any concerns? It will blow over before you know it.”