Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,9

trust me about this. It would be dangerous to continue…”

She cut him short. “There is no time to waste, Mr. Giraud.”

The innkeeper arrived then, and Judith turned to her.

“A plate for the good man here, ma’am. A large serving, please. He shall be doing a lot of driving today.”

Once again, Mr. Giraud sighed. Sensing his reluctance, Judith sought to reason with him.

“I understand your fears. However, we cannot afford to wait here one more day. The journey is four days long as it is. We must reach my Aunt’s as soon as possible. Say a storm truly does come—I am certain it will be nothing we cannot weather.”

“It would be wise to remain here. With shelter, where it’s safe. We will only be delayed for another day. Better that than to get caught in the storm out there, with no refuge in sight.”

Judith dropped her spoon then, terribly displeased.

As much as she enjoyed traveling, she was aware the true adventure would not begin until she arrived at her Aunt’s. She did not want to have to wait a day longer.

She was impatient, anxious to start her new life.

“I insist, Mr. Giraud. After all, my father has paid you handsomely. If it is more money you wish for, I shall give it to you. I only ask that you do your duty and bear me to my Aunt’s place in four days as agreed.”

“You shall pay more?” Mr. Giraud asked, his voice mellow.

“If you so desire. How does fifty pounds sound?”

His eyes widened. “My Lady, that is…” he paused to swallow. “It’s well, my lady. I am ready to leave whenever you are.”

Satisfied by his words, Judith brandished a charming smile.

“A most wise decision, Mr. Giraud. Now, eat up. As soon as you’re done, I would like us to get on our way.”

They soon finished breakfast, and, after paying Mrs. James for the meals, Mr. Giraud carried their valises out to the carriage.

“It is quite windy. Are you sure we shouldn’t listen to Mr. Giraud?”

Judith tried to catch her scarf from being blown away. When she succeeded, she wound it more securely around her neck and rolled her eyes at Amy.

“Not you, too. What are you two so afraid of, anyway?”

“I have heard of accidents, my Lady. Carriage accidents caused by storms; they never end well. I am simply saying it would not hurt to be cautious. We can always wait another day. We have waited this long.”

“Precisely, Amy. We have waited for too long, and I cannot wait any longer. All will be well, you’ll see. Father and mother gave us their prayers, did they not?”

Amy’s amber eyes told Judith she was not assured in any way. Still, she nodded in reluctant agreement. When the wind tugged at her scarf, she tied it firmly around her long dark hair.

In no time, Mr. Giraud was out of the inn. As he reached them, he announced he was ready to go. He helped the ladies into the carriage, before taking his seat above them

As the carriage lurched forward, Judith felt a sense of achievement.

The ride continued smoothly, and, as they moved onward with little disturbance, she began to feel terribly pleased with herself for insisting, despite the warnings.

It appeared she was the only one who had spine amongst her company.

Alas, it was not long before she noticed the skies were starting to grow heavy with dark storm clouds. The winds grew stronger, and their carriage began to sway from side to side.

At first, Judith brushed it off as nothing, telling herself the turbulence would be over soon. However, it only seemed to get worse.

When it steadily increased over the next hour, she began to grow apprehensive.

For the first time since breakfast, Judith started to understand Amy and Mr. Giraud’s fears.

It was as though Amy could hear her thoughts, for when she spoke, she said, “Perhaps, we would stand a better chance if we stopped now, see if we can find shelter. Maybe a cave or something. Keep warm and wait until the storm passes.”

Judith heard Amy’s words. She knew they were sensible. Still, she insisted.

“It has not even begun to rain yet. For all we know, this might be all noise, nothing more. How many times have we witnessed the likes of this and, at the end of the day, there isn’t even a drizzle?”

“My lady…”

“Please, Amy. Have some spine. No harm shall come to us, you’ll see.”

Amy opened her mouth and shut it almost instantly. Whatever it was she wanted to