Caught in the Storm of a Duke’s Heart: A Clean & Sweet Regency Historical Romance Novel

by Abby Ayles

  It was a wonder to behold. As warmth seeped into the walls, the golden rays slipping in through windows and glass roofs, Judith came to the realization that the mansion didn’t seem so eerie any longer.

  Even Amy agreed.

  They would have stepped out immediately, but Mr. Beauregard insisted that they gave the ground another day to dry.

  The next afternoon, Judith sat at her favorite spot by the window in her chamber, looking out onto the stables.

  The horses had finally been let out. They were beautiful –magnificent beasts. From where she sat, she could see the stables that had kept them sheltered throughout the stormy days.

  It was well built, with strong walls and roof. She had no doubt that the beasts had been kept warm throughout the storm. In this, she took comfort.

  The duke, though a strange man, was apparently one who not only cared for strangers, but for his animals as well.

  After a long spell of staring with longing at the outdoors, she decided she could no longer merely sit there and watch.

  It was the second day that the sun had been out and shining brightly. The pools of water were starting to dry, and the grasses and shrubs were alive with vivid green.

  Changing into a riding habit, she picked up the scarf that Rachel, her brother’s wife, had gifted her.

  She had opened the parcel a few days after they had settled into Dunham, and the very lovely, intricately-designed scarf had been nestled inside the box.

  She had fallen in love with it instantly, and every time she wore it, she was reminded of home. She had been right to bring the parcel along as they left the carriage.

  Quickly, she made her way below stairs, unconcerned that she did not find Amy about.

  Her maid had made fast friends with the servants in Dunham and when she knew she would not be needed by her lady, she spent her time with them.

  Judith did not mind in the slightest. If anything, she was glad.

  She slipped from the house and made her way to the stables, the gravel crunching between her borrowed riding boots.

  There were two men tending to the horses when she arrived. One was a young lad, whom she surmised was the stable boy, and a fellow who looked no more than twenty-five. He was tall with a lean build and seemed to have a permanent smile on his face.

  Judith quietly rejoiced—here at last was another person in the household who did not seem so dreary. It was quite a relief.

  The man’s eyes brightened as he noticed her, and he was soon crossing the distance between them, meeting her halfway.

  “Roy Benson, at your service, my lady. It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”

  He dipped into a low bow, and Judith couldn’t help smiling. He seemed a polite fellow.

  He smiled back, holding her gaze.

  “Now, I see why you have been the talk of Dunham, my lady. Your beauty outshines the sun itself. I would not be surprised to hear of its envy.”

  This time, Judith laughed. It was a soft chuckle.

  “You are quite the charmer, are you not, Mr. Benson?”

  “Please, my lady, call me Roy. Everyone does. I must admit, though, I am not generally known for my charm, not amongst the ladies, at least. I am simply an honest working man saying the truth as he sees it.”

  “Yes … I’m certain of that,” she answered.

  Just then, her eyes caught one of the mares.

  She was a beauty, Judith thought, utterly magnificent, standing tall and proud, its glossy brown coat shone and, although Judith knew very little about horses apart from how to ride them, but even she could sense the strength that lay in those mighty limbs.

  Unable to help herself, she drew gradually closer and closer, until she was able to touch the mare without startling her.

  Mr. Benson watched her with keen interest.

  “Enora,” he said.

  She turned to him swiftly. “I beg your pardon?”

  “Enora. That’s her name. Named her m’self. Seemed only fitting for the beauty that she is.”

  “Enora,” Judith repeated, immediately loving the sound of it. “It is not English though, is it?” she asked.

  “No, my lady. It is an old dialect, taught to me by my mother.”

  “Enora,” she repeated. “What is its meaning?”

  “Why my lady, it means ‘to dazzle’. Like a wonder! When I first set my eyes upon her, I was amazed by her sheer beauty. The name came to me at once from my heart to my lips.”

  Judith smiled at this. Mr. Benson seemed indeed, a good man.

  “I love it, the name. It is such a lovely word. Its meaning makes it even lovelier.”

  “I am glad you approve, my lady.” There was a pause as he continued to watch Judith stroking the horse’s nose.

  “It appears she has taken a liking to you. Indeed, she is quite calm in character despite her great strength, but she can be just as picky as to whom she favors.”

  This intrigued Judith and endeared the mare to her even more.

  She stared into those big, beautiful brown eyes, flecked with shards of amber, and felt something tug at her heart.

  “You feel it too, do you not?” she asked, as Enora leaned into her.

  The mare’s response was to rub her jaw against Judith’s cheeks.

  Judith broke into a gale of laughter, her heart suddenly filled with joy.

  “Yes, Enora. I like you too. What do you say we go for a ride? I can only imagine how badly your legs need a stretch after being cooped up in that stable for days.”

  Enora began to paw the earthen floor with her hoof; it was all the answer Judith needed.

  She glanced back at Roy Benson. With pleading eyes, she said. “May I ride her?”

  His smile faded, and her spirits immediately dampened, expecting a refusal.

  He must have sensed the change in her demeanor, for he instantly brightened.

  “Are you an experienced order, my lady? I should not like to send you out alone if not.”

  “Yes, since I was a small child. I love riding—I have my own horse at home.”

  “Then how can I refuse, my lady? Enora knows how to be ridden. She is gentle, and you will be safe. But beware; the fields of Dunham are vast—please do take great care not to wander too far. I should have to answer for it if anything should happen to you.”

  “Of course, thank you, Roy.” Judith’s heart beat wildly with joy. The urge to throw her arms around Roy Benson in gratitude almost overwhelmed her, but she fought it back.

  “I am very grateful!” she gushed.

  “No need, my lady.”

  “Oh, Mr. Benson, I will not forget this kindness!”

  “Please speak no more of it, my lady. Seeing it makes you so happy is enough for me.” Enora gave a soft snort against Judith’s shoulder. She and the stableman laughed. “And Enora agrees. I’ll have her saddled up at once.”

  Judith felt she could have jumped and skipped with delight but reminded herself that she was a lady, for whom neither would be proper.

  “Excellent, thank you again!”

  She hadn’t ridden in days! The thought of getting on a horse and rising out alone into the freedom of the countryside…

  In no time, Enora was saddled and, with Mr. Benson’s help, Judith mounted.

  Reins firmly in hand, she gently kicked Enora’s side and they moved off, the powerful beast and the woman as one.

  Once out into the fields, Judith took Enora up to a gentle canter. As she rode, she opened herself to the nature surrounding her that called to her senses.

  Her riding hat suddenly flew free and bounced against her back as Enora galloped onward.

  Over their heads, birds flew, chirping and making sweet, harmonious melodies.

  The air smelled as though freshly washed by the rains. The wind was cool against her face, despite the shining sun. The grass and trees offered a vivid mixture of greens that delighted the eye.

  The skies were clear and she galloped on, free at last to marvel at the sheer va
stness of the Dunham estate.

  She could see no boundaries ahead of her; the place was truly enormous and the landscape exceptionally beautiful.

  In fact, she mused, everything is beautiful. Ah! It feels so wonderful to be free once more…”

  She let her head fall back, smiling with eyes shut, as she reveled in the warmth of the sun against her face.

  She felt so alive. Everything was perfect, and she was glad beyond doubt of her decision to ride.

  Eventually, when she looked back and could no longer see the stable block, she knew it was time to slowly find her way back.

  Roy Benson’s gentle warning rang in her ears, and she knew she must keep her promise to him not to wander too far into the unfamiliar country.

  Turning Enora around in a wide circle, she began a leisurely ride back to the stables and, after a while, sighted them off in the distance.

  As she rode closer, Judith’s attention was arrested by the fact that there were now three men by the stable, and the new addition looked awfully familiar.

  No, it can’t be, she thought to herself. Yet, it was.

  She might have only seen him once, but she realized then that she would recognize him anywhere. Especially in daylight, scolding his stableman.

  Her face deepened into a frown. She could barely make out the duke’s words, but his tense gesticulations and Roy Benson’s despairing demeanor suggested the kind fellow was getting a dressing down from his master.

  Judith spurred Enora forward with her heels, picking up their pace.

  She soon arrived to discover what was happening.

  As she dismounted, she heard the duke shouting at Roy, and her eyes widened in horror on hearing his angry words.

  “You have proven to be extremely irresponsible. If I cannot trust you with the safety of my guests, then I have no use for you! As from this moment, you cease to be under my employment. Clear your things out and leave by the end of the day!”

  Shocked, Judith could hardly believe her ears were not deceiving her. Surely, the duke had not just dismissed Roy Benson from his post? If she had heard aright, whatever could be the reason?

  She approached them, coming to a halt when the duke heard her footsteps and turned to her.

  She froze as the gaze from those cold, obsidian eyes fell upon her.

  Fear crept into her heart. True, she had first met him in the dim lighting of the dining room, but she was nevertheless certain that then he had not looked so … dangerous.

  He was evidently furious and looked as though he would punish anyone who dared defy him.

  “Your Grace,” she forced out, breaking both his gaze and the silence between them.

  It appeared that her speaking had some effect upon him, for he suddenly shook his head, as if troubled by a fly, and when he regarded her once more, all trace of the former anger had vanished.

  She breathed more easily, glad that she need no longer fear her kind host.

  “My lady, you have returned!” the duke exclaimed, with evident surprise.

  She nodded. “Yes. I simply took a short ride out into the fields for exercise, you know.”

  “Are you hurt?” he asked.

  She was taken aback by his question. “Why not at all, Your Grace.” She indicated herself. “As you see, I am perfectly well.”

  “Lady Judith, it is inadvisable to ride out so soon after a storm. The grounds are still wet and, therefore, dangerous. Anything could have happened. Enora might have slipped and fallen, taking you down with her. If you became pinned beneath her, you would be crushed!”

  Judith’s bewilderment at his agitation grew.

  “We kept to the higher ground, which seemed dry enough, Your Grace. I have ridden since childhood, and Enora is careful as well as gentle. I was never in any danger.”

  He barely let her finish before snapping. “You should know better after the accident you have had. Riding is no proper sport during or after a storm. Roy knows better and he should not have let you go. For that reason, he is dismissed from his post.”

  Judith’s jaw dropped. She found herself as confused as she was hurt by his words.

  What have I done to deserve such anger? Is this to do with my stupid question at dinner the other evening? Is that why he is being so inconsiderate?

  It did not matter: Her own feelings must be put aside. The only thing that mattered in that moment was making certain Mr. Benson did not lose his employment because of her.

  He had only been kind toward her and did not deserve such an ill reward.

  “May I speak to you privately, Your Grace?” she said. He nodded sharply, and they moved away from the stables, and the distraught-looking Roy. Judith approached the duke, stopping mere inches away from him.

  “Your Grace, punish me if you must, but it was upon my insistence that Mr. Benson let me ride Enora. He was reluctant at first, concerned for my safety, but, you see, I assured him that no harm would come to me. In the goodness of his heart, he could not bring himself to refuse me. I take responsibility for everything. Blame me, send me away. Please, I only ask that you let Mr. Benson retain his position.”

  All the while she was speaking, she kept her head bowed, not daring to look into his eyes. Only when she had finished did she raise her eyes, holding his gaze and searching those black, impenetrable depths to see what she could read there.

  There was nothing. Nothing, save conflict.

  It was evident that the duke was at war with himself.

  He said nothing for a very long moment, his jaw working furiously. She held her breath, waiting for him to respond.

  Eventually, he spoke in a controlled voice.

  “Mr. Benson has indeed served me well all these years. It would seem wicked to dismiss him over such a small oversight. As for you, my lady. You are my guest. I gave my word that you shall not leave here until it is safe for you to continue your travels. I do not think it is safe just yet. Many roads have been destroyed by the storm and must now be rebuilt. Until then, not many people will be traveling. Certainly not you and your maid. Good day, my lady.”

  Then, smartly turning his back to her, he marched off toward the house.

  Judith heaved a sigh of relief, glad that the misfortune had been averted.

  She approached Roy Benson, who was pale, her eyes filled with remorse. Before she could speak, he held up a hand.

  “Please, my lady, say nothing. What troubles His Grace’s and makes him act so is far beyond our knowing. He simply acted in good faith and with good reason. You mustn’t blame yourself.”

  More riddles, Judith thought. Well, no matter. Calamity was averted.

  “You are a good man, Mr. Benson. Even now, you remain faithful and kind to your master.”

  Roy shook his head sadly. “His Grace has suffered greatly. Kindness is the very least he deserves.”

  Judith nodded, even though she did not entirely understand.

  “Bless your soul, Mr. Benson. I suppose I shall be seeing you, and Enora, again very soon.”

  “Thankfully, you shall. And my lady? Please, do call me Roy.”

  She smiled then, returning his. “It was lovely meeting you, Roy.”

  His smile widened into a grin. “The pleasure is all mine, my lady, I assure you.”

  She left the stables then, and, when she stepped into the house, she found Amy, looking curiously subdued.

  “Ah. The maid finally returns to her lady’s side,” Judith teased as she stopped beside her.

  “Forgive me, my lady. I didn’t realize so much time had gone by.”

  As remorseful as Amy tried to sound, Judith could see that she was fighting a smile.

  Shaking her head, she chuckled and nudged her.

  “Come now, let it all out.”

  Amy broke into soft laughter, and Judith found herself doing the same, soon forgetting about the strange incident at the stables.

  Chapter 13

  He remained restless through the rest of that evening.

  After
he had all but stormed out of the stables, following his outburst, he had returned to his chamber. There, he had thought of what had happened over again and realized his foolishness. He had acted and spoken out of turn.

  He had almost lost a loyal and good member of his staff. What was more, he had frightened his guest; the one he was meant to be giving refuge and protection to.