Standing at the main doors, Beth watched Lady Cossington and Lady Dumbray enter their carriage and continued still, watching, until the carriage left Carlisle Crest. Her heart was bursting with joy and her smile did little to hide it. Thomas stood beside her, smiling too.Joyously, she almost pumped her hand in the air.Triumph!She was triumphant!!Beth felt herself soaring above the clouds as the wind blew past her hair and the warm evening sun on her face. She had defended herself against Lady Cossington and her lackey, and she had won. It felt more glorious than when her mother had brought home new linen for clothes. It was more satisfying than a good morning breakfast.She was overflowing with joy and was clueless on how to manage it.Anna came running to them. "Your Grace, I saw a carriage departing."She had noticed the girl's absence. How frightened of Lady Cossington was she? "Yes, the carriage left and they left with it. You never have to fear them again." Anna beamed.Thoma
The rhyming, pounding sound continued and he listened.A paper tore. "His Royal Highness leaves for China in two days, Your Grace." Albert said, reading the letter from Mainecroft Hall.Charles nodded, collecting his thoughts back to the tasks at hand. He needed to settle the loot quickly before Brand left.He would divide the pirates' fortune and account possessions to the King's coffer and the nation's treasury. Whatever could not be explained and ships would be awarded to Brand at his request while half of Lumbridge's Estates and wealth belonged to Carlisle. It seemed to be a fitting arrangement.Charles feared what would have been the outcome if Denney had confirmed his contracts with the pirates before the attack. He sighed. The day Alexander chose to declare Denney a traitor, he would be glad to add the greedy man's wealth to the royal treasury.Alexander had with his wit and sly motions protected the country, but his forgiveness of family had always been an annoyance to Charles
Charles was frozen in place, as was Beth. He turned and saw the shock in her eyes. She hadn't known. His eyes travelled to rest on her stomach, before he pulled it back to Dr. Lockhart, his hold on hers tightening. "Are… are you certain?"The Physician nodded widely. "If I wasn't, I never would have mentioned it."His brows furrowed but his heart expanded and an unfamiliar feeling flooded him. Charles nodded as the information sank in. Beth pushed herself up to sit and he helped her, his gaze becoming fierce.When she winced, Charles's concerns knew no bounds. "Is she wounded?"Dr. Lockhart shook his head. "She is impeccable, Your Grace. Though I advise her to improve her regime and eat regularly. She would need strength, for her and the child."He was overwhelmed. Pregnant? Beth was with child for him. His heartbeat thundered and the unfamiliar feeling threatened to explode out of him. His throat hurt and his vision was becoming impaired."Congratulations, My Lady." The maid servant
"Your Ladyship." The butler, Thomas, ran out to meet her as she alighted her carriage. He bowed fully. "How do you do this beautiful morning?" The man was beaming.Marjorie returned his smile. "After the note your Lord made you send to me, I am doing more than fine. And I see you are as joyous too." His smile brightened."His Grace has left the grounds. He rides for the castle. He has been quite busy since his return.""I came upon him this morning. My carriage met his as he was leaving and he told me your Lady remains abed.""Yes, Doctor Lockhart's said she is well enough to continue her daily activities but His Grace asked that she rest a lot and eat a lot. I am to visit the building site in her stead today."Contrary to people's words, her son was a kind man, only he never let it show. Or was he only kind to his wife? "Take me to her. I can hardly wait."Marjorie walked down the halls of Carlisle Crest, marching briskly to meet her daughter in law as she followed after Thomas. Her
Touching Beth's chest, she continued. "It is easy to let go of here. The harder part is letting go of here." She touched her temple. "If you trust your husband, it is high time you let him know. That is the true definition of love."Beth nodded and smiled. It was bright, bright and true, just like her. "I enjoy spending time with you. You always know the right things to say.""Then pay more visits to Torrence Hall. I have been told I have the spirit of a sage."Beth laughed as Marjorie had intended her to. The sound was beautiful. She had always wondered what it was that made her son let himself go to her, that made him free himself into her control. It wasn't her laughter nor her beauty. It was not fortune nor family status either. It was the woman herself. Beth was true and she gave her truth in her smile."Indeed you do. Thank you."She patted her chin and with affection, pinched her cheek. "You are most welcome." Suddenly the atmosphere was no longer gloomy. Marjorie inhaled and e
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
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
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