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Amassing Gossip
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LOVING HER DUKE The Carlisle Christmas Ball
"I heard a rumour in town today that you are to oversee the Duke's new project.""Lord Carlisle is so amazing." She drawled.Beth sent her a glare she wasn't sure she was capable of. "Yes, it is true." Was the lady acting coy thinking about her husband?"You work?" One asked."How belittling!" They exclaimed. "Still I understand. You must earn your keep."Beth scoffed. They were despicable! Their words hurt as soon as they left their mouths and their smiles made it even more annoying as they insulted her in subtle ways. She had since grown tired and could no longer indulge them. What was the upper-class revulsion for 'work'? If allowed, she would work as much as she could. It was better than sitting around whispering about people.And did they dismiss her family as poor and out of fortune? They were right, but how could they say such to her face? The gentry was beyond harsh."It is a pleasant ball, by the way.""Do enjoy it to the fullest." She said and left them, having had her fill
LOVING HER DUKE Your Power Over My Son
"You know, in the years since the accident, I have not seen my son truly happy, until you became a part of his life." Beth turned to her. She was smiling, looking at a jolly couple, dancing vibrantly to everyone's amusement. "It is an amazement how you do it.""I do nothing."She scoffed. "You do not know what cosmic power you have over my son. When you do find out, use it to the uttermost. You have my blessing." She patted her hand.Beth was dumbfounded. Cosmic power over Lord Carlisle? There was none. On the contrary, he was the one whose breath commanded her heart. "My Lady…" She was interrupted."I have known Harriet since the moment my late husband declared her Charles's betrothed." Beth's heart slammed. "But I have never seen her elicit any emotion from him." She met her gaze. "You are a beautiful woman with an even kinder soul, Beth. I am glad you are his wife."The words warmed her over."You are a loving mother and as kind as your words. Lord Carlisle is fortunate to have you
LOVING HER DUKE Warring Intentions
She held footsteps and a voice, it came from the other side of the shrub."She is very bold I tell you, walking around as though she belonged here."Beth put her hand over her mouth. She did not know others would venture this far into the yard. She would quietly depart so as not to unwillingly eavesdrop. "I am as stunned. Lady Carlisle? Quite the jest!" Beth went still. They were talking about her."I heard her family is far from poor. They are destitute."A chuckle. "Maybe not anymore. She has made the perfect fool of Lord Carlisle. Surely, they must enjoy his generosity now.""How dare they refer to Lord Carlisle with such disrespect?!"How could he have ever believed she was pregnant? This is the fourth month of their marriage, is it not? She is still not showing." They were keeping count? Beth leaned on the wall.The voice lowered. "Maybe she lost the child?""What great fortune then."Beth was aghast. Her hand involuntarily went to her stomach to protect the child that wasn't th
LOVING HER DUKE A Repulsing Company
Lord Carlisle was the greatest of men, else she wouldn't have fallen in love with him, but what was she to do with her love? She was certain that if he knew, there was nothing he could do. She could not force the man to love her."Your Grace? His Grace is waiting."Beth nodded. She allowed herself a deep breath and followed him. The corridor was as scary as it was revolting and the memory of Lord Morton's misbehaviour remained. After the ball, she would have the servants clean every single area. They reached the ballroom.Lord Carlisle, who had been standing with his back to the door, turned as soon as she reentered the room. Their eyes met instantly.Clad in a green jacket that shared the same colour as the forest, he was dashing. Her heart leapt for joy. She was in love with him. She was unrepentantly in love with her handsome and powerful husband.He passed his wineglass to a gentleman and without breaking stride, manoeuvred his way to her as the music changed. It became the slow n
LOVING HER DUKE The Final Dance
"Your Grace." She bowed, seductively, allowing him a perfect view of her bosom, he was nauseated. "It is a surprise to see you." She chuckled. "I thought you abhor these sorts of gatherings. It is lovely though, she has put a great amount of effort into its preparation." He was quiet. "Although, I wouldn't say it is up to par as the ball your mother held in my honour. Remember? The one she held right in that ballroom."Charles said nothing. Lady Cossington planted herself beside him, smiling too brightly. The seductive glint in her eyes was hard to miss. He doubted she would want him to miss it."My brother thinks I must apologize for vexing you, so here I am." He cast her a sidelong look. She had offended Beth, but would apologized to him? She sighed, her voice losing the annoying seductive edge. "Are you still angry with me? You should not be. I am indeed sorry." She smiled sheepishly, her eyes widening with the scheming innocence of a debutante. "Do you realize this is the first ti
LOVING HER DUKE The Other Side Of The Adjoining Door
Beth stood before the adjoining door wearing just her night garment and her dressing robe. Anna had helped her out of the dress she had worn at the ball, and she had been most grateful, almost as grateful as when she bade the last guest goodbye, and hugged her aunt and the Dowager Duchess goodnight.Both women had been ecstatic and almost reluctant to leave. Aunt Marrily did remember to assure her that the ball would be the talk of town for many days. Beth should hope so, after all, the balls at Carlisle Crest were always profoundly beautiful.Lord Carlisle had left the ballroom as soon as their dance was over though.After he had kissed her.She had sat on her bed for a while, wondering why he had left in such a hurry. He had endured the greater part of the evening, why not dwell more for a few more minutes? Some of the guests had been unbearable, but they had survived.In the past, she would retire for the night, worried, seeking answers but never going after them. She was a changed
LOVING HER DUKE I Want You
She kept her eyes on him too. "I do not mean to, but you kissed me in front of so many people and left. Why?"Something in his gaze shifted. "I left to speak with one of my men." She knew immediately that he was telling the truth."I…" He let go of her wrists and stepped away. In that instant, she realized she had hurt him. She would give anything to return to what they had. No! She would give it to attain more.She missed the warmth his hands provided her wrist, missed his closeness and she missed him. He was standing before her and she missed him. Her love for him was overwhelming and it was starting to frighten her. She would never demand him to love her, still she wished he would.His hands returned to his pockets. "Did you come to quarrel? As charming as it is to always quarrel and reconcile, Beth, I am not in the mood to entertain it." His voice was unkind. He started away, back to his table.There had been pain when Eric died, pain so great and paralyzing she could still not fo
LOVING HER DUKE Use My Given Name
Those were not the words but he would make do. Charles kissed her softly, testing and she replied accordingly. It satisfied the barbarian in him. She wanted him.He kissed her face, her cheek, the side of her mouth and her neck. When she responded to each with a sigh, he bit his lips. He pushed her robe off her shoulders and let it drop to the floor, pooling by their feet.Charles's eyes travelled the length of her body. Her soft skin was heated underneath his touch and her heaving breasts threatened to undo the seam of her nightdress.She shrugged her shoulders shyly. "The night garment is pretty."His lips tugged. Did she think he cared for her night garment? "You are prettier." He held himself say. Her smile stole his breath. He kissed her again and carried her away from the door. Beth wrapped her legs around him, holding onto him.Walking in the general direction of the table, Charles continued to kiss her until he sat her down on the table.Beth was small against his larger frame
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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
