by Abby Ayles
Judith looked at the coachman, who nodded at her. She gave him a small smile and returned her attention to her mother.
“I shall be back before you know it, Mother.”
“There is no hurry. Take your time and enjoy your adventure.”
Judith nodded, grateful for those words. As she stepped away from her mother, she went to her father.
“Thank you again, Father. For agreeing to this.”
“Seeing the twinkle in your eyes and the spring in your step these past few days have been enough reward and have convinced me that I’m doing the right thing. My heart shall be with you, always.”
“And mine with you.”
The baron nodded and leaned forward to press an affectionate kiss to her forehead as one arm went around her waist, drawing her to him.
They remained like that for a while, before breaking apart.
“Amy, take care of her, will you?” The baron said, his voice a little heavier than usual.
“Rest assured, my Lord,” Amy answered, bowing her head.
Amy’s response must have satisfied him, for he said nothing more.
Judith turned as she felt a presence by her side. It was Edward.
“Come, I’ll help you on.”
Touched once more, she let him lead her by the hand to the carriage. As she started to enter, her mother called out to her.
“Judith!”
She halted, turning around.
“It’s your heart, Judith. That’s what makes you special. Your heart.”
It was not quite what she had expected, but she smiled nonetheless, knowing her mother meant those words with every fiber of her being.
“Thank you, Mother. I shall miss you. I shall miss you all, very much. I love you.”
It was only her mother who responded. The men looked as though they had their throats too clogged with emotion to speak.
“I love you too, my darling girl,” her father finally forced out.
With those words, she got into the carriage. Amy joined her, helped in by Edward.
When they had settled in, she took one last look at her family and gave three knocks.
That was all the cue the coachman needed.
She heard the whipping, the neighing, then, the carriage lurched forward, and the wheels began to roll, taking them out of Charleveaux—and onto a mysterious path they had never before traveled.
There was silence, save for the rolling of wheels.
It wasn’t until they left the great gates of Charleveaux behind that Amy spoke, breaking the spell.
“Now I see why they say goodbyes are the hardest.”
Judith turned to her, a sad smile on her face. “Hm? Indeed.”
She had mixed feelings. So many emotions raged inside of her at once.
Sadness, happiness, longing, impatience. She hadn’t realized how difficult it would be to part from the family she loved with all her heart.
However, it had to happen one day, the maid told herself. Time would fly by, and she would return soon enough to her family.
A short while after, they were well on their way. They had left London behind and entered the countryside. The melancholy that had plagued them that morning was long forgotten.
All that remained was excitement. It was the first time away from London for them both. They spent the entire time looking out of the window, thrilled by trees, the small villages, the unusual terrain.
They chattered endlessly about everything that caught their eyes, and they took time to enjoy the delicious foodstuffs her mother had had the cook pack for them.
As the sun began to set, they entered the village which would be their first stop. The coachman was quick to locate an inn. After they had paid the innkeeper and been allocated their rooms, Judith decided it would be nice to see the village on foot, before settling for the night.
They picked the market as a good place to investigate, as it was nearby.
Eyes wide with joy and awe, they went from stall to stall, picking items for keepsakes, things to remind them of their time there.
They soon reached a flower shop, where they met a beautiful, young flower girl.
“Beautiful flowers for the lovely ladies?” the girl asked, calling out to them.
Judith stopped, turning to her, as her lips spread in a smile. “What do you have, dear?”
“I have roses, lilies, daisies, gardenias, orchids, tulips, dahlias, and peonies. Which would you have, my fair lady?”
Judith pretended to think about it for a while. Then, she asked, still smiling,
“You tell me, which do you think I should have?”
“The orchids. They’re a symbol of love, thoughtfulness, and charm.”
Judith turned to look at the man who had just spoken.
He was tall, with broad shoulders and a sharp chin. His simple clothing made it clear that he was a commoner. Nonetheless, she could not deny that he was good-looking.
“Truly?” she asked, obliging him.
He nodded. “Yes, not to mention, it is quite a beauty. Almost as lovely as you.”
Before she could say anything, he picked one of the orchids and tucked into her hair. Drawing back, he said,
“There. See how it shines, but your eyes shine brighter still.”
He smiled, and she knew then that he must be related to the flower girl; the resemblance was striking.
She tried to speak but no words came to mind. Before she could find her voice, he turned to Amy.
“And you, my dear, I think the sunflower would suit you well. It symbolizes adoration, loyalty, and it dazzles, just like you.”
Judith gave in to the urge to roll her eyes, as she saw Amy’s cheeks flush with a hint of pink.
“Oh why, thank 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 m
aking 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.”
“No, it won’t, my lady. Please, you must 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 say, she must have decided against it.
The silence in the carriage grew loud. Judith could tell that her maid was angry. It wasn’t often that Amy’s face got twisted in a frown, and rarely ever at Judith.
This worried Judith, gnawed at her, but she was too stubborn to admit that she might have been wrong and should take Amy’s advice.
As the carriage continued to sway from side to side, she grew less certain of her assertion that it wouldn’t rain. Instead, she began to pray.
The terrain became rockier and the skies even darker. Every time the carriage moved forward, they climbed a bump or two. They had to shut the windows, as the wind got wilder, almost blinding them.
This left them in utter darkness. Judith could barely make out Amy, who was sitting opposite her.
As if they were not already in enough trouble, the skies suddenly bellowed with thunder and lightning whipped across the sky, brightening the carriage with its garish illumination.
Screams erupted from their throats, and they leapt into each other’s arms, holding on for dear life.
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“My lady, we can still stop now. It’s not too late,” Amy cried, her voice breaking this time.