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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
LOVING HER DUKE Trouble Comes To Westside Manor
Beth was exhausted, too exhausted even to send the needle again through the tired fabrics. She decided to heed her mother's words and save the others for the next day. And she was hungry.Grace was still preparing dinner, and much to everyone's surprise, Gwen had decided to join her – help her, she had said – to make dinner for her beloved family. When would they be done? And when would father return if he left at that hour? She prayed her lies would not be exposed before she had the chance to tell. Maybe she should meet with Mr. Richmond and convince him to annul the contracts.Suddenly Gwen rushed in, pushing hard against her door. Beth jumped, startled. "Sweet Heavens!" She breathed out. "Do slow down, young lady, that door might cost a fortune to fix, and I doubt Father would be happy with you if you destroyed it. It is bad enough already." She ranted.Gwen was wheezing. She collapsed onto Beth's bed, dramatically tapping lightly on her chest. "It is unbelievable, Beth! You would
LOVING HER DUKE Man And Wife At Dawn
She did, in more ways than the obvious. "Yes." "He says he knows you, and claims to have had you compromised." Her father continued. "Is this true?" Beth couldn't answer.Her father's words cut her deeply. What could she say? That it was true? That what she thought was to remain a secret had seen the light of day? She would never be able to overcome the shame it would bring her and her family. It might about kill her parents, not after they had made an alliance on her behalf with Mr. Richmond.She could not refuse either, Lord Carlisle was right in the room, he would expose her lie immediately."Bethany?" Her father's voice startled her. She looked up, shaking slightly. "You are my child, and not minding status and wealth, I would believe you over him." He sat forward and dropped his voice. "Tell me, are his words true?"The tears welled up. Her breathing became unsettled. "Father, I never…" Gwen had been right. Until that moment, she never regretted being with Lord Carlisle. She fina
LOVING HER DUKE Speak With Father Now!
Beth laid her head on her younger sister's laps, unable to do anything else but breath. Her tear glands were empty, her eyes were too tired to cry anymore. Gwen was lightly rubbing down her hair, comforting her as best as she could. Her nose was hurting and so was her heart."What am I to do now, Gwen?"Lord Carlisle had forced his way into her life, into her home and now, into her father's decision. All was in disarray because she had agreed to be his friend.Gwen exhaled. "The choice is no more yours. The decision has already been made." She rubbed on her temple. "Father and the Duke are drawing up the contracts as we speak, with Uncle Fitzwilliam as the witness. And Lord Carlisle says he wants no dowry."How did she come upon this? "Have you been eavesdropping again?" Beth asked, her voice breaking."I am not as patient as you."She had no energy to reprimand her sister. She exhaled too. "How did it go so wrong, Gwen? Father must be ashamed of me."Gwen tapped lightly on her should
LOVING HER DUKE I Will Be Married In The Morning
Her father's hand paused. "You would not be. He has promised to keep you happy.""For how long?"He sighed, exasperated. "Child, it is settled. It would be best you go put your belongings in order. As decided, you leave after the ceremony.""Father_""I am busy." He dismissed her.Beth left the room heartbroken, even more than she was before she stepped in. What had she been expecting? That he would finally heed her words and mind her thoughts and her feelings more than Lord Carlisle's words? That all could be forgiven?She walked on, her feet carrying her until she was outside. Without much thought, Beth removed her shoes and stepped on the grass. It was moist from the dew and cold. And it offered freedom.Lord Carlisle would never bind her, but Beth knew she would never really be free. Her title would bind her; her authority would restrain her. His status would overwhelm her. She raised her eyes to the sky. The stars were out and beautiful, hanging like a thousand diamonds on a dark
LOVING HER DUKE Entertaining Words Of A Proud Mother
Beth seemed intrigued. She asked. "Well, was he able to?""How silly of me! Of course, he wasn't. There was more blood that day than the day he was born, I think." Beth gave a short laugh and quickly controlled herself, putting her hand over her mouth, but her eyes were smiling. "He couldn't cry, of course. Although, I cried enough for the both of us.""He must have been scared of horses for a while, I bet." Beth said softly and slowly, her face showing so much enjoyment. She sent a glance his way. Did she think he couldn't hear them? Or see her?His mother scoffed. "You would think so." She rolled her eyes. "He was clamouring for the horse the very next day. But I obviously did not permit him. I decided that that much blood was enough for one week." They turned to the gravel road leading to Torrence Hall – his mother's home, but the women were deeply engrossed in their conversation to notice. After the long trip, they seemed to have finally relaxed. The sun was setting with a nice hu
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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
