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
***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
***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
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
"A promise of love and marriage." Charles's eyes remained on the man whose words made no sense. "She said that in time you would put away your wife and come for her. If you are so interested in her, why then did you marry Lady Carlisle? Don't you consider it a crime to have one and make promises to another, building her faith? Or do you suppose you can do as you want because you are Lord Carlisle?"Paul Heathcliff had guts, Charles admitted but he would be damned if he would allow him speak in such a manner to him. He dropped the cigar on the ground and crushed it with the heel of his shoe. "Listen here, young man and pay full attention for I am not one to converse with fools." Paul Heathcliff grimaced but he did not care. "I would say this once and once only. I have not the slightest interest in Lady Cossington. And if you value what miserable wealth you possess and the little honour you have in society, do not stand in my path again, or I shall make known to you the power of my titl
***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
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
***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