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
"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
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
'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
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
Adopting a soothing voice, like the one she always used on Gwen, Beth said. "There is no disrespect here. She is sore and hoping to let out a bit of anger."His lips quavered. "On you?!" He shouted and hit his fist on the table. Beth jumped, becoming afraid. What had come over Lord Carlisle? He had never raised his voice before, or at least not in her presence. Before that day in the Blue Room she had doubted he could be angered. He always seemed so in control of his temper.Lord Carlisle breathed down. Folding his arms again, he calmly ordered. "Leave."Against better judgement, Beth did not heed. She had not come to quarrel with him. They had only recently fixed their relationship and were friends once more. Things could not go wrong again.And she was not so below him, why should he command her like a servant or a lackey. She was neither and was as stubborn as he was. Beth was determined to have her way.With Lord Carlisle still fuming, Beth sent her hands through her hair not mindi
* * *The King was on the balcony, leaning on the balustrade, watching when Charles finally arrived Mainecroft Castle. He bowed as soon as he alighted the coach, before walking into the main halls, going up to him. Strictly speaking, he stomped in.Charles had gone to his estate, WhistleHall, when he left Carlisle Crest that night, instead of going to an inn as he had wanted to or the castle. He needed the solitude to compose his emotions and get utterly drunk. He could do neither.He was angry; enraged still. The volumes upon volumes of alcohol he had consumed could not drown the dark emotion in him. Beth saw no good in what they had. Was he the only one who thought they were once again on neutral ground?Charles strode into the balcony and was not surprised to find Brand too. The private council meeting with the King should have started hours ago. The young prince sat away from his brother, legs propped up on the small table before him, slowly sliding his thumb over the sharp edge of
What was the need to be so vexed over his protection? Why was she depriving him the right to protect her? Charles felt the unexplainable urge to smoke. He was her husband! How dare she question that? His breathing became intense.She refused his protection. She denied their marriage. Many women of the ton would give an arm to be affiliated with him in marriage. She teased him with a false hand of friendship, and now she thought the worst of him?! How could she ever think he would use his hand harshly on her?Charles was beyond livid. He only wanted to protect her. He had wronged her in the greatest way possible that night on the hill, and even though he had almost never regretted it, he did sometimes for her sake.She had been drunk that night, but his mind had been clear as the sky on the finest day. He should have stopped her. He should have been sensible enough. Maybe he shouldn't have believed when she promised not to regret it. She left before he awoke and her action meant one thi