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A Surprising Invitation
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
LOVING HER DUKE Breakfast With Beth
The maids quickly finished, and with endless bows to him, left the room, leaving it almost as empty as when he first arrived. He was getting impatient. Where was she? Why was she late? He had caught from her conversation with her maid that she was headed into the kitchen. If the maid had prepared the table, then where was she?Charles scoffed, mocking himself. He had gallantly kept away from her for months, what was a few minutes more to wait? He could wait for her all day, he thought and realized it was true.Knowing she would finally come, he could wait for her for a lifetime.When the doors again opened and closed with a light bang, Charles turned to look and his heart did an unnatural flip.She had come.Beth strolled into the dining hall wearing a yellow dress, with a black shawl over her shoulders. The dress was simple and gorgeous, just like the lady who wore it. She walked to the table, smiling at the lilies she held, repeatedly sniffing them. Flowers? Had his mother come call
LOVING HER DUKE Who Dared?
Charles was in the ninth heavens. Beth was speaking to him like it was the most natural thing between them to do. Her lips as they moved, her hands as she gestured and her voice were exciting him all over. He had no knowledge she affected him so. And her hair, it bounced as she spoke, coming to life with each movement. He almost reached out to touch it. He quickly sent a good amount of peas into his mouth.Breaking out of the trance her hair had put on him, he asked. "Do you want to? If not, you could simply say so." He placed a small piece of cold turkey on her plate. She hesitated but ate it. He released the breath he did not know he was holding. He ate a piece too."Lady Marjorie says it is a family tradition. I suppose I could. I am_ I am Lady Carlisle after all." His heart missed a beat.A family tradition? Charles almost scoffed. The Carlisle Christmas Ball had only been ever since his mother joined the family but he would not tell Beth. He shovelled a hefty portion of mashed po
LOVING HER DUKE Bickering Men
* * *His solicitors sat before him in their office defining how the cost of the project was not worth the funds he intended to invest. They and the head of builders argue to and fro the amount, quality and quantity of each material to be used.Jack hit his hands repeatedly on the table. "Even if they are to pay rent, it would be ages before His Grace would get back the money for the project. And here, there is no rent to be collected." He harrumphed. "I reckon the prices for the materials to be cut down. Drastically."Henry, the head of builders yelled. "And how would you manage the mishaps that would occur, because a number of them are sure to.""Do you intend to cause mishaps on purpose? For extra funds?"Henry gasped. "That is absurd. Are you bringing ridicule to my work? Or do you want to perhaps think I glory in the misfortune of others?"The men argued on and on but Charles did not listen to their annoying voices. Would they be done with their quarrel and let him know how much
LOVING HER DUKE Lady Cossington Had Dared?
Charles halted his next step, and turned slowly.Lord Denney, hasting down the steps, rushed to him with a smile. He stopped and stood straight, standing a few inches shorter than Charles, waiting for the latter to bow to him. Charles obliged, unwillingly inclining his head halfway. "It has been a long while. How do you do?""I am fine." Was the simple answer.Lord Denney wouldn't care either way. He sighed. "I had hoped to speak to you in private and when I saw you at The Fox, I thought what luck is this?" Charles's eyebrows rose at the dramatic man. "But it was no luck of course, you were not alone." He signed as though disappointed. "There would be other days, I concluded."Charles sized him up. A balding, old man who the former King had been kind enough to let live after his almost act of treason. He was a selfish bastard who would do all it took to get what he wanted. Too bad what he wanted this time was out of his reach for Alexander would do all it took to keep his crown.It was
LOVING HER DUKE Set Him Straight
"I had thought your haste was as a result of pressing matters of states? Is it not concerning the letter you had received? Is Lord Cossington to be in attendance too?"He ignored. "What happened to Beth?""Your Grace?"He turned to the talkative man. "The bruise on her face? How did she come about it?"Albert shook his head. "I was with you all day yesterday, My Lord. I have no knowledge of that.""No word from Thomas?" Charles's eyes returned to the parchment."None at all. Whatever it is, Your Grace, I doubt it should cause you to worry. She can very much handle her affairs." Charles ignored him, turning to the parchment the King had sent alongside the letter. "She is Lady Carlisle after all." The coach rocked sideways and Albert cussed under his breath. "Take care, would you?!" He yelled. "We are not sacks of potatoes!""Forgive me, Sir!" The coachman yelled back. "A squirrel ran across the road!""We are more important than a bloody squirrel!"They were still on the route to Carli
LOVING HER DUKE A Second Warning
It was a great building. Both were, and it was unfortunate, for regardless of the reason for the visit, he would not be giving it back even if Carlisle had come to talk about marrying Harriet. Easton House was his to keep."Carlisle!" He yelled, waving to get the other man's attention. Carlisle turned and walked to him, adjusting his jacket. He closed the stable door and walked to meet him halfway. "I am surprised by your visit. What brings you along?" He stretched out his hand, Carlisle took it reluctantly."Where is Lady Cossington?"Was he right? Had Carlisle truly come to seek his sister for a rematch? Joy bubbled and exploded in Geoffrey. He could perhaps demand other fortunes as an apology before accepting the offer. "She is in the mansion." Carlisle made to turn, he grabbed his wrist. "What is the rush? You can converse with her later, we men should talk." He gestured behind him. "I hope you don't mind me renovating the stables, it does not suit my taste."Carlisle made no othe
LOVING HER DUKE Confused Thoughts
'Dearest whispers,Lady Cossington came calling yesterday. Yes, I have always dreaded her visit, and I have my wound to show for it, but I survived and lived to tell the tale.I left Carlisle Crest today and rode with Lord Carlisle, sharing his carriage. It was pleasing as was the breakfast I shared with him and although he remained quiet as always, it was nice for I am becoming quite acquainted with his silence. It gives a surprising sense of comfort.The marketplace was so amazing that I forgot the reason for visiting and got carried away with other activities. I shall visit again on the morrow and hope this time I pay better attention to my proper engagements.It is late and Lord Carlisle is yet to return, if he would at all. I hope he does, it would be nice to talk with him, even if I end up being the only one who talks.I have missed our conversations.I have missed him.'* * *Beth stood at the door of Lord Carlisle's study for a long time, contemplating. Should she or should sh
LOVING HER DUKE They Have No Right!
For the first time, Lord Carlisle was not behind his desk. He was seated away on the settee, by the wall, wearing a fine cotton shirt to keep the cold away and a grey coloured trousers. His waistcoat lay on the far end of the settee. He had rid himself of it.Lord Carlisle was slouched in the settee. He had his legs crossed as he read a parchment and rhythmically tapped the top of the settee. She had never seen him so relaxed and carefree. It was a beautiful sight. His hair was dishevelled like he had run his hand through it and Beth was momentarily reminded of the feel of it. Her fingers twitched.She permitted her eyes to run the length of his body, admiring him for a split second, studying him again. He was a lot different from the look he carried at breakfast but no matter how he looked, Lord Carlisle could command the breaths of many women as he was commanding hers. He was as powerful and dignified as his title carried.The thought annoyed her slightly that he could make other wo
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LOVING HER DUKE Epilogue 3
She knew he truly cared for her too. Why would he not tell her he loved her? He had cried when he came to know of their child. He protected her from the scorn of the ton and stayed from her when he thought she wanted freedom from him. To Beth, these were all forms of love. Why then would he then not tell her he loved her? His gaze lifted and their eyes locked. "If I do," he whispered. "I'm afraid I would end up losing you." Her heart slammed, filling once more with love for him. she was absolutely breathless now. She never thought she could love him more. He was broken, broken by the tragedy of his parents. Scared that if he admitted aloud to loving her, she would be lost. But Beth knew better, she knew she would not be, she could never love another nor leave him. She loved the Duke of Carlisle and nothing could change it. He was the one she loved. She saw his fear, that he would become like his father, who gave up love to protect his power and title, leaving behind another importa
LOVING HER DUKE Epilogue 2
* * *Beth gasped as Charles's lips took hers, the familiar sensation sending shivers over her body and a known heat to the core of her being. Her eyes closed. He brushed his mouth back and forth against hers as his hands came to her cheeks. Her nostrils tinged. Surprisingly, he smelt like flowers and tasted like the best sunrise.The pebbles dropped and she clasped his shoulders, pulling closer. The pressure increased. His hand held the back of her head as he fought to pry her lips open. She gave in, the kiss was one of hunger and need and longing. He kissed her as if he had sworn his life to it, never wanting to let go.But when air failed her and she protested. He released her mouth.Beth was reeling from the pressure of the kiss and Charles shared her sentiment. His breathing complimented hers as her lungs fought for enough air to keep her alive, while her head fought for thoughts to keep her sane and in place."Darling?" Charles asked as soon as he could breathe naturally.It had
LOVING HER DUKE Epilogue 1
April 1827The rain had finally given up the challenge and let up to a drizzle, but not before creating obstacles in the form of puddles and broken branches, and hiding the moon from sight. In a bid to destroy, the wind had brought down branches and uprooted trees. The workers and the men who catered to the trees would be quite preoccupied in the days to come.The Carlisle coach pulled through, hurtling down the road at the request of its master, bringing itself home. It struggled against the rocks and branches flung about. In the sky, the flashing lightning and cracking thunder gave a promise of the rain's return. It would again storm terrifically, it said.Albert properly held the flowers picked from Torrence Hall when they had made a brief stop, and the cigars Mr. Danbury had given him at Lanhandron for his Lord. Although he had refused, many times, the man did not adhere to him. Did he think there was another merchant who they went to?Charles held freely onto the safety strap as
LOVING HER DUKE I'll Be Here For You
***Charles had finished with his work and was going to his room, walking the dark halls alone. As soon as Albert had finished attending to him, assisting him change his clothes and putting out his documents in his study, he had sent the man away, needing to remain with his ledgers and work without the hovering presence of an overzealous servant.Over the weeks after his return, he had been sitting with his documents, checking and ascertaining to a fault the works of his solicitors and confirming the progress of his estates.Beth and the builders had, to a large extent, established an edifice and he couldn't be more proud of her. The materials needed for the windows and the doors had already been purchased. On a later day, he would pay the site a visit, but he knew there was nothing to worry about.The bank statements and cheques his solicitors had sent were beautiful. The farms were progressing, the lands had been cleared and prepared for planting. The other estates had been renovate
LOVING HER DUKE A Final Goodbye
Beth searched for his emotion, searching to see if he truly was not angry. He wasn't. She turned her away, letting her eyes wander around. The sky was dark and save for the fire, it was all darkness. The wind blew, whispering to the fire, troubling it, and against her skin, causing goosebumps to rise. She sighed. It was warmer at the foot of the hill.How were they on the hill?!"We were standing by the foot of the hill." She mumbled to herself.Eric heard her. "Now, we are here, atop it. Isn't life wonderful?"It was. Wonderful and unpredictable. The grim feeling rose again, and Beth felt uncertain about the future, but she was almost sure of the disaster waiting to happen."Eric, we should not be here." She held his wrist. "This hill_"He cut her off. "What about the hill?" When his smile surfaced, it was one of melancholia. Beth had the silent feeling that he knew of what was to come but would not prevent it. Was he not afraid of it? Was he not scared for the future?If he was not,
LOVING HER DUKE Seeing Eric Again
"Beth. Beth!" Someone was whispering, calling out to her. The voice was close by, as though the caller was by her side, but also like they were afar off. It was a familiar voice. Beth stirred in her sleep, refusing to pay attention to the call, choosing rather to dive deeper into the world of sweet subconsciousness and unawareness."Bethany wake up, it's morning." The voice called again. She turned, pulling the covers higher as she allowed the darkness continuous hold on her tighten. The comfortable sleep carried her and she liked it. She enjoyed it.But the familiar voice would not relent. "Wake up, sister." It called again. She turned away from it, drowning it out. The bed covers wrapped perfectly around her, helping her remain where she was, far from the voice.Again, it called. "Wake up!!!" The caller shook her, forcing her to regain consciousness. She refused but he was as stubborn as her, finally she gave in. Annoyed enough, Beth forced her eyes open.The room was dark at first,
LOVING HER DUKE The Perfect End To The Perfect Night
***Beth stayed with Lady Marjorie who was as excited as a church mouse and the group, laughing gaily at the jokes of Lord Witte. When it broke, she walked with Peter Sinclair, Lord Witte's son-in-law, before excusing herself, telling that her feet were tired and she needed to sit. She walked away to the fountain and sat herself down.The water was beautiful and golden due to the lamps set up about the place. It beckoned and she answered. Her fingers played lightly over the surface of the water and her contact with it caused ripples, distorted and obedient to the slow movement. The lines formed and swept silently by, but before they could scatter she would create yet another set of lines. It was a nonsensical act but it was fun for her, at least for the moment.The Willowbrook sisters had scared her with their words but it had made her receive a promise from Charles, a promise that everyday made life beautiful. Her words to their mother had been true. There was nothing to forgive. The
LOVING HER DUKE She Is Brave
Beth shook her head. "No." She giggled. "Not too long ago, they saw me as a seductress and a thief. Soon they would see me as Bethany, and even if they don't, I am satisfied with being Lady Carlisle, after all Lord Carlisle is my husband, is he not? I would no more care for how people see me, it is their choice but I would demand my honour, it is my right."She was different. She was bolder. What had happened to the timid woman who was angry at the too quick a marriage and the new home she was to own and manage? The same who would always turn her away at every visit? Marjorie liked this woman. She was good for Charles. She was good for the Duchy. She was good for herself. Like this, she could face society and win even though many people still held contempt against her.She was brave."You are braver than I am and I consider myself quite brave. Marrying John was one of the greatest joys of my life, but there were days I was forced to regret it."The same people who bowed to her now, se
LOVING HER DUKE Seen Only As Lady Carlisle Now
***Marjorie turned her head at every approaching carriage, hoping it to be the one from Carlisle Crest. They had not promised to be in attendance but she hoped they would, seeing as they had not rejected the invitation either. She wanted them to be more aligned with the ton and her ways, even if just a little bit. It was alright to have one's dealings, but society had some rules and breaking so many of them l might lead to not being accepted or worse invited to its norms and functions ever again. She knew Charles didn't care for societal rules but she did, and perhaps Beth might too and it would be cruel to steal it from the young woman.Mrs. Blackwell, Jacob Blackwell's new and older wife, waved to her and she waved in return. They did not run in the same circle but she was a nice woman who, like her, had defiled society and married the man she loved. When Mrs. Blackwell invited her in with a gesture, she refused and gesticulated back, saying she would be in the open area in a matte
