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A Warm Hill
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LOVING HER DUKE She Left Him
"You egocentric, half-witted man in heat!" Alexander cursed."Save it. There is nothing you could possibly say to me that I haven't said to myself." Charles drawled.Alexander scoffed. "I highly doubt that, you self-absorbed heartless bastard.""Enough with the name calling, Alexander." He asked of him, already a room away from rage.Charles was angry. He was beyond angry. There was tranquillity on the surface, but underneath, he was going berserk. How could she leave like that? How could it have easily ended for her? How could it end when he was only beginning? She regretted him when she had told that she didn't want him to regret her. It had been two days.Charles sat opposite the King in the study in his home, whilst Brand leaned against the wall by his brother. They were getting on his nerves, Alexander with his words, and Brand with his smile. Waking to find himself alone was surprising and upsetting enough, he couldn't entertain the patience for Alexander to further taunt and pr
LOVING HER DUKE She Is With Child?
"Did you force your thoughts on her?" He heard from a distance.Charles was disgusted and he couldn't hide it. "She asserted." He held back. "She was a mutual participant.""Which is why you still live. If you had forced yourself on her," they held their glares. "we would not be having this conversation."Through clenched teeth and controlled anger, he said. "I am not a monster.""But one you most certainly will be, if you marry without the littlest of affections. Our parents were proof enough." Brand said."Father loved your mother." Alexander countered.Brand returned. "And hated yours who was his wife and Queen.""Father never shared any emotions whatsoever with my mother, but Carlisle is friends with the Lady in question here. Unlike Lady Cossington who he has not spoken to since the marriage contracts were drawn." The annoying smile returned.Silence reigned.A knock. Then the door opened. "Your Grace, your cigars have arrived." Thomas strode into the room and placed the box of c
LOVING HER DUKE There Is Such A Lady
Alexander disdainfully gave him a onceover. "How should I have the knowledge?"He had been played again. Charles grounded his teeth. "Alexander!" He called, getting up, totally enraged. He was being mocked. He stopped breathing, the rage choking him. With a deep exhale, he said. "I am not in the mood to be mocked!" He heaved. "If that is all you are going to do, I would rather you leave."Alexander's head tilted. "Are you asking your King off your Estate?""I am asking my friend, my very annoying friend, off my land."Brand was frozen in place, staring, anticipation in his gaze. He was waiting, bidding the moment they would come to blows, but Charles refused him the entertainment. The latter walked away, wondering why he was enraged. Nothing, no one could faze him so why was the very idea of Beth being ridiculed annoying to him?"Shame. I was expecting a duel." Brand said. Charles turned furious to see Alexander sparing the young Prince a mean look as well. "Alright then. Best we all
LOVING HER DUKE Restless
"What?!" Her skirt dropped as her eyes popped; he feared they might about fall out of their sockets.A harsh sound escaped him. "And I did fraternize with her."She grabbed hold of the table. "I beg your pardon!""And she could be with my child." He finally added."Charles!" Lady Marjorie collapsed into her chair, then held up her hand to stay whatever he was to say next, but Charles was done. He was now more scared of Beth's reaction. His mother supported her head with her hand and massaged gently on her temple. "If you intend to humour, this is not funny." He made no movement. "You couldn't possibly be serious?! How can you sit still after telling me so much in so little time?!" She exhaled, fanning herself with her hand.There was a storm inside him, but he would be damned if he let anyone see it. He rose and walked to the other side of the table, only to sit on the edge of it, his hands resting on it. "Mother_"She put her hand up to stop him. "Let me a minute, would you?" She tap
LOVING HER DUKE Decision
Thomas rushed in, bringing light with him. He was surprised. "Why are you sitting in the dark?" He set the lamp down on the centre table. "You should have called for me to attend to you." He walked briskly to the hearth, scurrying around to revive the fire."Let it be." Charles said lowly. He needed the darkness to hide. What from, he could not say.The other man obeyed and stayed. "Yes, Your Grace." He returned to the lamp, and adjusted it. "Is there anything I can do for you?" No one could help him, he alone could aid himself. "Or would you rather I bring Albert?"His valet would prefer to talk, rather than listen, not that he was keen to share his thoughts with him.He lit another cigar and took a drag. Was she really ill, or was it all a ruse to permit her liberty to meet the cad that had been arranged for her? He nearly broke his cigar in half. How dare the Fitzgeralds force a husband upon her when she never wanted to wed? She wanted to be free, why would they not let her be?Why
LOVING HER DUKE Happier Than Usual
They had better stop before things got out of hand, they had agreed. No good would come of this, he had said. But still…Beth could not, for the life of her, contain the joy. She went about the house, prancing like an achieved leopard; like a deer who had finally learnt to walk right. There was never enough for her to do. She was bursting with energy, helping out everywhere, going about her chores without delay, fulfilling them perfectly, and carrying about her day with gusto.Their parents had been glad to have them back. Grace too, she said she needed assistance to keep the manor running, but the girls knew she missed them as much as she was unwilling to tell.Grace was the only household servant they could keep in their employ. She was the butler, cook, cleaner and everything else for the Fitzgeralds. She was any and all things they needed, as hers was the only service they could afford, so they aided her in almost everything.She was a waspishly, strong and sometimes, nastily beha
LOVING HER DUKE Lord Carlisle And I Are Over
Beth grabbed a basket and proceeded to arrange the linens in it. "I know that, Scholar. I saw the note Mother sent Aunt Marrily." She added a pillow cover, but removed it almost immediately. It needed more washing. "Besides, this intention has come to stay in our household. They have been intending to have me wed for ages." They would soon lay it to rest, like they always did.Gwen joined her. "This time, I think they are determined and I think their decision is final." They finished and Beth picked the basket up, supporting the weight with her waist. Gwen added the pillow cover to the other pile and stood to her full height. She was taller than her older sister. "They hope to have an alliance drawn when we return from Lucy's wedding. You are to be affianced to Mr. Richmond."She stopped immediately. "Mr. Harry Richmond? The travelling merchant?"Gwen shrugged her shoulders. "Apparently he wants a wife and has shown his interest in you." She smiled weakly. "So you can finally lay your
LOVING HER DUKE Conversed With Mr. Richmond?
* * *Her parents and her sister returned days later from Lucy's wedding and Gwen could not stop herself from telling of all the excitements and delights they had had; how the groom had been shy, how Aunt Marrily had kept everyone on their toes, commanding here and there, and how Lucy had dropped her ring due to nerve. It was wonderful, she swore. Beth was sorry to have missed it. But she was grateful to Gwen for helping her evade the entire occasion and convincing her parents to leave her behind.Oh, how glad was she that she did not attend.The Duke of Carlisle was at her cousin's wedding!Why had he made himself present? Her Aunt's family was not close to his, so why had he attended? If any invitation had been sent out, it must simply be out of courtesy. Especially since he called her friend before her Aunt's family.She couldn't have been more joyful to have been absent. How would she have faced him, talk to him? She would have been able to evade him anywhere else, but not at her
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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
