by Abby Ayles
“Oh, my lady, for both our sakes, I do hope this is one of those times you are right.”
“As do I, Amy. As do I,” Judith muttered.
She could not bear it if they suffered any more ill fate on her account.
Not again.
Chapter 7
Stephen Dunham stood at the window in the empty hallway looking down at the gate, the walls, and everything enclosed within them that he could see from his vantage point.
He owned it all. All of it was in his name.
He had been born here and had lived within these walls all his life. It had been home once, but it no longer. It had not been for some while now.
At least, not the home he knew and loved.
The home that had once shone with light and was filled with joy and warmth.
There was a time when he could not walk these halls without hearing laughter echoing in the hallways.
A time when he could scarcely turn a corner without seeing that smile, as bright as the sun, shining at him.
It seemed that eons had passed since then. Yet, the painful memories remained in his heart like a fresh wound, refusing to heal.
No, this was not his home. It was simply a shadow of what used to be.
Now darkness and dreariness clung to the air, cloaking everyone who dared remain by his side in the seemingly unending sadness and gloom.
His ears pricked as they heard footfalls approaching. The light, brisk steps told him it was Thomas Beauregard approaching, his butler and trusted confidante.
He knew why Thomas was coming to him: It was because of the women.
Stephen had seen them first. Even from afar, he had known they were in trouble and needed help. So, he had sent Thomas to assist them.
He had watched as Thomas spoke with them, had the gate opened, and led them toward the house.
He could no longer see them. He wondered if Thomas had let them into the house or if they were simply waiting at the door.
“Yes?” Stephen asked as Thomas stepped into the hallway. He had his back turned to the butler but could sense every movement he made.
“They are lost, Your Grace. They need our help. They have been in an…”
He waited for a moment, but, when Thomas did not complete his statement, he turned his head slightly, showing only the side of his face.
“My senses might be sharp, but I am afraid I cannot yet read minds, Thomas. What is it you wish to say?”
Thomas cleared his throat, nervously adjusting the cravat around his neck.
“Forgive me, Your Grace. They have been in an accident. They were caught in the storm, the lady says. They lost their driver. He died in her arms. The other woman is her lady’s maid. They walked all night long, through the woods. They are hungry, tired, and chilled to the bone.”
Stephen’s eyes closed, and he turned to face the window again.
He had barely heard any word after ‘accident’.
The knife in his heart twisted, and he fought to keep the memories at bay as the pain threatened to overwhelm him yet again.
It returned to him afresh; the anguish, the sorrow, as though he had only just begun his suffering.
He took a moment, gathering his thoughts. There was nothing to be done about the pain. He had learned to live with it and would continue to do so until the day it would finally finish him off.
When he was certain he could talk without his voice shaking, he said,
“Tell me that, as we speak, they are being shown to comfortable quarters, where they may rest, have hot water and dry clothing brought to them. And Cook? Have you asked her to prepare them a hot meal?”
“Your Grace?” Thomas asked, his awe evident.
“Yes, Thomas?”
“Forgive me. I did not know if you would wish invite strangers into your home. I thought first to seek your permission…”
“You have it, Thomas. What shall we do? Turn them away? You say one of them is a lady?”
“Her clothes, manners, and eloquence speak of her noble blood, Your Grace.”
Stephen cut him off before he could finish.
“All the more reason we must be gracious, lest it be heard that the Duke of Sawbrook turned away damsels in distress, who sought haven in his home.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Then you will see to it that they are made comfortable and have all they need. They are welcome to stay until they feel strong enough to continue their journey.”
He turned around and began to walk away from the window. Just as he reached Thomas’ side, he stopped.
“Where did they say they were traveling to?”
“Northern England, Your Grace. On a visit to the lady’s aunt. Their home is in London, I gather.”
“I do not suppose this bad weather will let up soon. Let them know they need not worry about hurrying their departure.”
Thomas simply bowed, saying nothing more.
Stephen gave a curt nod in acknowledgement and continued his way down the hall, leaving his butler standing.
He could understand Thomas’ apparent astonishment and hesitation. It had been a while since he had allowed any guest inside Dunham.
However, this was an exception. The circumstances were different, and he felt inclined to help.
He was uncertain as to exactly why.
Especially when, deep down, he already knew the reason.
For now, all that mattered was that the lady and her companion were safe.
***
Relief washed over Judith as the doors opened and the butler reappeared.
“Ladies, I must apologize for taking so long,” he began. “My master has given his permission for both of you to stay here as long as necessary. Arrangements can be made for your safe return home, or to complete your journey, when the bad weather lets up. Please come with me, and I shall show you to your chambers.”
Judith’s eyes widened, unable to believe her ears.
Of course, she had hoped the butler would return with good news but to actually hear it … it was simply wonderful.
She turned to Amy, smiling widely, but instantly saw her maid did not share her enthusiasm, although she did seem relieved.
Judith decided that would have to do.
Wordlessly, they followed the butler into the house.
Judith thought that as soon as she could change into dry clothes, eat something hot, and was much warmer, she would feel able to take in the extraordinary architecture and furnishings of the place.
In that moment, all she cared about was a hot bath to wash the filth off her skin and to chase the chill away.
“It feels so much warmer in here,” Judith thought aloud, as the butler led them up the grand stone stairway that dominated the large hall.
Servants appeared at their sides and took their valises from them, and Judith was happy to be relieved of the burden.
“Indeed. I am sorry … for the ordeal you must have endured,” Thomas said simply. “But do not worry, you are safe now. My master wishes for you and your maid to be given a proper welcome. Water is being heated for your baths as we speak, and Cook is making some hot food for you. I hope you find your chambers comfortable.”
He paused as the women finished ascending the stairs, then continuing until they turned into a long hallway. “If there is anything you wish for, please, do not hesitate to ask. I have been instructed to fulfil all your needs.”
“He seems a gracious man, your master,” Judith said. “Shall we be making his acquaintance? I should like to offer my gratitude in person.”
“His Grace is … shall we say, a solitary gentleman. I do not know if you shall have the chance of meeting him during your time here. However, if he wishes to see you, he will inform me.”
Judith grew even more curious. The master sounded as mysterious as his home seemed.
“His Grace? He is a duke?”
“Why, yes. The Duke of Sawbrook.”
“So, we are in Sawbrook?” Judith observed loo
king around curiously.
“In a way. Actually, we are in Nordame, a village within Sawbrook. Sawbrook extends over the east of the county. My master’s seat lies here in Nordame.”
None of those place names were familiar to Judith, but she nodded. “I see,” she murmured.
Soon, they came to one of the many doors in the hallway, and the butler came to stop.
“We have arranged for you and your maid to be next to each other. This is your chamber, my lady, and that is yours, Miss.” He indicated toward the neighboring door.
He said nothing more as he opened the door to Judith’s chamber and ushered them inside.
Tears of joy stung Judith’s eyes, and she fought against the urge to cry. The room was far removed from those of the inn where they had spent their first night of the journey. In fact, she had to admit, it was even grander than her chamber back at Charleveaux.
However, the grandeur hardly mattered—they would not be staying for more than a night or two. At least now, she and Amy would have the rest their bodies and souls desperately craved.
“Your bathwater shall be brought soon, my lady. Set your clothes aside, so they can be taken, laundered, and dried. Do you have dry clothing in your valises?”
Judith shook her head. “I am not certain. Our luggage was soaked through in the storm. We were lucky to find any the first time.”
The butler gave a curt nod. “I see. Very well, I shall have the servants find something suitable for you...”
He paused as he looked them both over. Judith supposed he was trying to get their measure for the clothing. She wondered if there were any ladies in the house. Perhaps a duchess? A daughter, or a sister?
Ending his appraisal, the butler went on.
“I am sure we will find something. I bid you welcome to Dunham estate, my lady. Pardon my manners, I have only now realized I have yet to properly introduce myself. I am Thomas Beauregard, butler, at your service.”
He bowed, and Judith nodded her head in acknowledgement.
“I am Lady Judith Brewen, and my maid’s name is Amy, Amy Mitchell. We are from Charleveaux, the home of my father, Baron Davenforth.” Mr. Beauregard seemed to ponder for a moment before responding.
“The title does ring a bell. Lovely names for lovely ladies. Miss Mitchell, if you would come with me, I shall show you to your chamber.”
“Yes, of course,” was Amy’s reply, as she spoke for the first time.
She looked doubtfully at Judith, who smiled at her encouragingly. Judith felt no sense of danger, strange as Dunham might seem.
Nodding, Amy turned to go with Mr. Beauregard.
As they left the room, closing the doors behind them, Judith busied herself getting out of her wet clothes.
With the help of the maid, who was sent to assist her, she quickly divested herself of her soaking gown.
Unable to resist any longer, she fell onto the bed and slipped beneath the covers.
In no time at all, she fell into blissful slumber.
***
Judith awoke hours later and saw from her bed that the skies beyond the window were darkening again.
As she stretched, she turned to see Amy sitting quietly in a chair at the far end of the chamber, a book in hand.
“Amy?” she called out, her voice a mere croak.
Amy looked up and was by her side in an instant.
“My lady, you are awake.”
“That I am, Amy. My goodness. What happened?”
“You fell asleep. I returned as soon as I had been shown my chamber, to help you undress, but found you long gone into the land of dreams.”
Judith covered her face, a little mortified.
“There is nothing to be ashamed of, my lady. I, too, had a good sleep.”
“Really? Did you sleep nearly naked, with hair wet, and an empty stomach?”
Amy paused before answering. Judith could see her trying to stifle a laugh.
“No. After I found you asleep, I saw to it that you were warm. Then I returned to my chamber, had a very hot and satisfying bath, put on the lovely clothes Mr. Beauregard had sent up for me, and crawled under the sheets to get some rest.”
Judith looked her over, admiring the beautiful dress she was wearing that was almost a perfect fit.
“Yet you are up and about as if you have hardly slept a wink.”
“I only awoke an hour ago. I thought it would be nice to keep watch over you.”
Judith groaned, rolling her eyes.
“You might as well have saved the world, while I lay here as still as a rock.”
“You were exhausted. It is only to be expected. You have never had to work a day in your life. Last night was too trying for you.”
Judith realized Amy’s words were true. Still, she did not like the way they made her feel.
“How do you fare, my lady?” Amy asked, her voice softening.
For the first time since Judith opened her eyes, she realized she was no longer cold, or tired. Gladdened by this, she smiled at Amy.
“Well rested,” she answered.
Just then, her stomach growled, and a pang of hunger hit hard, twisting her insides into a knot. A scowl stole over her face as she held onto her grumbling belly.
“And hungry. Very hungry,” she admitted, grimacing.
It was Amy’s turn to smile.
“I shall have them bring up food. Then, you shall have your bath.”
She started to leave, but Judith stopped her.
“Amy?”
She turned; brows raised in question.
“What time is it?”
“Some minutes past the four in the afternoon, my lady. You were asleep for a while. I shall go to the kitchens and tell Cook you are awake and hungry,” she said, departing.
Judith groaned again, covering her face this time.
What would Mr. Beauregard think of her? And her host? The duke?
Deciding she could no longer stay in bed, she got to her feet and started to move around the room.
The chamber was spacious, leaving plenty of room to walk around. The four-poster bed was made from fine, carved wood.
It was strong, yet the delicately carved flora and fauna that twisted around the posts told her it was the work of a great craftsman.
There were two large windows, each draped with fine linen and velvet, while the sheets she had slept so soundly upon were silk.
By the bedside was a large vanity, with a chair set before it.
At the other end of the room stood a large wardrobe, which occupied most of the wall.
She went to it, unable to resist the urge to open it. As she did, she was met by the sight of three beautiful dresses, all in different colors—one of pink, one of blue, and the last of coral.
They looked as though they would fit her perfectly.
The surprising discovery raised more questions in her mind.
Who did the dresses belong to? Who else lived in the house apart from the duke and his staff?
If there was indeed a lady of the house surely, she would have come to welcome the visitors herself?
Judith supposed she would not be staying long enough to satisfy her curiosity—not entirely, at any rate. You must stop wondering and simply continue to be grateful for the blessings you have received from our mysterious benefactor at such a timely hour, she told herself.
She reached out to the dresses, enjoying the silken feel of them against her fingertips. They felt luxurious, just like everything else in the chamber.
After a moment, she shut the wardrobe and walked away.
She went to the spot where she had found Amy sitting earlier.
There were three chairs set around a small, round table. It seemed like a perfect place to read, write, and entertain guests.
Just then, the doors opened, and Amy entered, closely followed by another servant carrying a tray laden with food.
The savory aroma wafted through the air, filling Judith’s nostrils and making her belly grumble.
“Please be seated, my lady. Supper shall be served.”
Judith needed no second bidding. She sat, and proceeded to eat her fill with enjoyment.