Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,97

are entirely besotted with Judith. So, I grew even more curious, I asked more questions … deeper questions and I have continued to ask. I had a long talk with Judith last night. She told me many things, confirming some of what I had learned and dismissing others.”

Stephen’s heart broke. It was certainly over now. Her parents knew everything. Of course, they would never give him their blessings.

He would not give up though. He had vowed he would not.

“You have my respect, from one man to another. Losing your family that way could not have been easy. I cannot imagine what I would do if I lost Victoria, or any of my children, they are my world. I look at you and I see a man who has fought a hard fight and won. As a father, I could think of no man better for my daughter. So yes, you have my blessings, Dunham. Judith loves you, that much I know. Seeing as you love her as well, and already know how to care for her, I see no reason to object. I would have you know that I speak for my wife, my son, and I, when I say, we consider you a part of the family already.”

Stephen could not believe his ears. Was this really happening? He could not have heard the words aright, could he?

His jaw dropped and his mouth fell open. Thankfully, he quickly caught himself.

“I … I don’t know what to say.”

“Say that you shall cherish her all your days.”

“I will! I swear it! Goodness! Thank you so much, thank you!”

His chest felt like it would explode from too much joy. It was as though he was floating on air.

The conversation he had dreaded for so many days had finally happened, and he had received nothing but acceptance.

He would never forget this day, this moment. He knew he would hold it in his heart forever.

“Thank you too. For all you have done. I presume you will want to have the wedding soon, before returning to Dunham?”

Stephen bobbed his head. “I would love to return with Judith as my wife. I am willing to bear any responsibility that is required of me from here onward.”

It was obvious the baron was pleased with this response.

“I am glad to hear that. Well, if that is all you wish to say, I believe you are free to take your leave.”

Stephen rose to his feet then and dipped in a bow.

“I do not take this lightly, Lord Davenforth. I promise you will never have to regret this decision.”

When he straightened, the baron held his gaze.

“See to it that I don’t.”

It was a firm warning, one that Stephen would always carry with him.

Nodding, he expressed his gratitude once again and took his leave.

He almost waltzed all the way to Judith.

***

Later that evening, Stephen played the pianoforte for the entire household.

As Judith watched him, she was filled with such pride that she felt her chest swell.

It had been a blessed day, but it was an even lovelier evening. The news of her parent’s blessings had made her very happy. She had spent every moment with Stephen, basking in the joy and bliss that came with knowing they had an entire life to spend together.

Nothing could be compared to the feeling. Nothing at all.

They had also talked about their wedding. Stephen had made it clear that he was committed to giving Judith her fairytale wedding, whatever would make her happy.

It had been music to her ears.

She looked at him, in all his majestic wonder and she knew she could never love another. Ever. He was the only one for her.

Finally, the song ended. They all stood to give him a well-deserved ovation. He too rose, bowing in that regal way that spoke of the power and status he had, despite his humility.

She went to him then, unable to watch from the crowd, any longer.

“I do not think I have ever heard you play so beautifully, and you always play beautifully,” she said as she reached his side.

He smiled down at her. “I believe special times require special deeds.”

“Hmm … I certainly agree. It really is a special evening.”

“It is. We have had good wine, dined well, and been entertained, but it would not be complete without this.”

Her brows furrowed. “What?”

He went on one knee then, bringing out a small box as he did.

Judith gasped, as did almost everyone else in the room. In the box was a sparkling golden ring set with a