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Confronting Alexander
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
LOVING HER DUKE The History Between Them
After a while. "You intend to make her your wife?""Only if she agrees."A pause. "And if she refuses?"He hated Carlisle. Why asked such a negative question? To push him away? He scoffed. His heart was set on the beautiful blond lady the moment they walked into his courtroom. How glad he had been when Carlisle told of his interest in the other sister."Would you force her if she refuses?"He would not. "Brand had better prepare himself for the throne."Surprise flitted across Carlisle's face and Brand choked. He did not give a single mind."Surely, brother, you are in jest." Brand said, wiping his mouth. "For a woman, are you considering the possibility of not bearing sons? Of not bearing heirs?"He turned to his brother. "The future is uncertain."He was not in jest. There was something about her, something that pulled him and like Carlisle, he was unsure if he was making the right decision, but he would nevertheless. It was better to fail than to not try at all. He was not a poltro
LOVING HER DUKE A Letter From Rosethorn Hill
As soon as Beth opened her eyes the next day, she smiled. She woke up tired and free-minded, but greatly satiated. The morning sun shone down on the mansion through the windows, illuminating the room. Her body hummed as she stretched to relieve herself of the vibrations of her nerves, an aftermath of the previous night's activities. Charles had exhausted her greatly and she was quite sure he did not feel any guilt whatsoever. Of course, he would feel no guilt.Her eyes searched about the room. Where was he? Where had he gone to? Was she alone in the room?She turned, bringing the covers higher up her body as her smile became sheepish. There was nothing in particular to smile at, and when she chuckled, there was no humour. Her cheeks turned pink as her thoughts revisited the events of the previous night.His fingers in her, his lips all over her, his command to keep her eyes on him and his look of satisfaction when they raptured together. Her smile broadened. He was making her a shamel
LOVING HER DUKE We Could Get Her Married
Returning her eyes outside, through the window, her gaze fell upon a few sheep and goats grazing on the open plain and her heartbeat increased again. They really were there now. Why was she so afraid to meet her family? Beth closed her eyes and let her head bob against the carriage wall with each uneven drive the Coachman took.She had abandoned Charles's command, Thomas's plea and Anna's fear, and rode out to Rosethorn Hill that morning. Beth had yet to visit her relatives since she was married and it broke her heart that her first visit had to be because she must, not because she had to. Visiting them was socially correct and that she hadn't was socially insulting. And it was even more insulting because they were her relatives.Beth sighed."We are here." Anna informed a few minutes later, drawing her attention to the edifice ahead.The carriage approached Rosethorn Mansion and Beth looked up ahead. The rose bushes and vines had reestablished themselves, growing well upon the walls
LOVING HER DUKE I Will Never Let You Come To Ruin
"What if we got her married in less than a fortnight?" Uncle Fitzwilliam said. Beth turned immediately as did everyone in the room. "We could get her married, then the King would not be able to bring her to the castle.""What?" Aunt Marrily uttered, as shocked as the other women in the room.Father rubbed his chin, thinking. "Mr Richmond did come calling, asking about her."Beth sat up, pushing back her unease. "The travelling merchant?" The same who had been interested in her? Who, before Charles's arrival, had asked for her hand? "Father, why would the travelling merchant ask of her? Why would you even consider this?""He is a good man.""He did ask for my hand once, did he not? And now he is chasing after Gwen, and you still consider him a good man? Is he so desperate to be a part of our family?" She was sitting on the edge of her seat.Her father blinked. "He is a good man because he gave up promptly."Beth scoffed. "No contracts had been drawn and he never could have gone against
LOVING HER DUKE Worries Laid To Rest
Beth remained in the carriage long after they had arrived at Torrence Hall. The carriage had suddenly become so comfortable she did not want to go anywhere else, not even to meet Lady Marjorie who she was calling on.They had been on their way back to Carlisle Crest when she had decided on Torrence Hall. At Rosethorn Hill after Gwen and her parents had set out for the castle, she had bid her relatives goodbye and headed for home, before suddenly asking the coachman, Edgar, to drive towards Torrence Hall. She needed someone else to talk to, someone unaffected by the decree of the king, someone who was as quippy as her Aunt Marrily and as emotional as her mother. But upon arrival, Beth suddenly did not want to converse with anyone. She wanted to sit and stare at perfect nothingness, maybe stare on until her eyes would grow tired and close of their own accord then Anna would order the carriage home. She leaned her head against the velvety wall.She could not tell them. She had not been a
LOVING HER DUKE Caught In A Gossip
***As soon as the carriage stopped at Torrence Hall, Charles waved Gilbert away when he came running to meet him and sent Albert with him, then with as much time in the world, he walked towards his mother's garden where he was sure he would find her. Lady Marjorie spent more time in a garden than he spent away from any party or soiree, tilling the soil or snipping at a flower ripe enough to be put in a vase. There were days she would simply sit with the flowers, breathing in the fragrant air and watching the vibrant colours.Rather than take the simpler path, he decided to walk through the halls. Portraits and memories of his childhood filled the walls. He wished his mother would let go of her undying wish to see him smile. He was not who he once was, that boy was long gone. She should rather focus on her duties as Carlisle's Dowager Duchess and her flowers. When Charles finally reached the threshold where her garden was, his feet stopped of their own accord. He heard a laughter he w
LOVING HER DUKE Then Attend, We Shall
***There was a time when the sky held beauty, but would lack charm, when breakfast would be delicious but would lack the ability to entice, when music created an appealing sound but did not excite, and the brightest smile of the most beautiful debutante would not be enough to brighten the day, nor lift his mood. There had been a time when there was nothing to look forward to.Nothing to thrill, until Beth.The vast land continued out after them and with each step they took, it gained power and its emptiness gave solitude. Winter had made the land dry and brown, but as spring brought itself forward, the dryness gave rise to a flourishing on the grass only the men who worked the land could ever describe. The grass under their feet was slowly regaining its green and welcoming every movement they made. Beth allowed him to lead her without a question nor a doubt, following him as he walked farther down.Her hands were warm in his and he revelled in the feel of it as she trailed beside him
LOVING HER DUKE A Promise Of Love And Marriage?
Beth was in the crowd, talking and laughing with everyone she saw and was introduced to.As soon as they arrived at Stonewall House, his mother barely waited for him to assist Beth down from the carriage before whisking her from his hand. She went about introducing his wife to all who cared to listen and even to those who did not, like they were clueless. Many people bowed to her and lingered a while to converse, while some others accorded her the respect due her title and left without wishing to be held in any form of discussion. As long as they did not become as foolish as Lady Cossington, overlooking her status and vexing him, he would not bother to care. Even fools were entitled to their beliefs.She was smiling brightly as she always did, standing still with his mother speaking now with Lord Witte, Lady Witte and a younger fellow Charles had not seen before. The older man continued to talk, moving his arms in emphasis, gesticulating even with the hand that held his wine glass, pl
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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
