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In His Arms
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LOVING HER DUKE Visiting Westside Manor
January 1827Christmas day came and went along as did the New Year's day celebration. It was all a jumble of emotions for Beth that she felt faint a few times. Many families sent them their best wishes and Lady Marjorie sent elaborate gifts and even more elaborate bouquets of flowers.At Charles's request, they declined all invitations and spent the days together. On the eve of the new year, Charles gave her a gift, and at the stroke of midnight, as they stood on the balcony, he kissed her. It was real and equally overwhelming.The few days they had before he left to show his allegiance to the King and the kingdom were filled with duties and preparations. Charles was constantly out of the mansion, preparing for his trip – as he would call it – and Beth worked together with the men at the building site, managing as well as she could before her visit to Westside Manor. They worked hard all day, but the nights were filled with intense and passionate lovemaking.There existed between them
LOVING HER DUKE In The Marble Room
He kissed the crown of her head and she leaned back, coming to kiss him softly on the cheek. Because her tears stained his cheek, she wiped it, as well as hers. He smiled. "I can never begin to tell how much I have missed you. Gwen has been harder to handle without your help."Beth burst into a hearty laughter. "I am certain she has."Her father waved the others forward. Then, he invited. "Come, we should eat. Your mother had guinea hen with apricot stuffing made, and Grace has been fussing even if she would never tell.""God forbid we think her too soft." Beth teased, clinging onto her father's arm.The women at the bottom of the stairs climbed up to join them and they entered the house. Gwen and Lucy held onto their mother on each side.Beth smiled feeling warm and tired but happy. Nothing had changed, she was still the daughter of Radclyffe and Victoria Fitzgerald and would remain so come what may.She had regained her family's love.She had indeed made the perfect circle.* * *"Y
LOVING HER DUKE On Westside Hill
* * *With a gesture, Charles commanded and Albert gave the King a parchment, bowing to him. It was the testament of the Viscount of Lumbridge. The latter topped off his glass. "Is this proof enough?"Alexander slammed it on the table. "Do not gloat. It is not an attractive trait."Charles drank his brandy. He wasn't gloating. He was angry.They sat in a stateroom on Brand's ship, gathered together in discussion. Lord Denney had indeed been in cohorts with the pirates much to Alexander's chagrin and Charles's annoyance. The testament bore the agreement of both parties under the witness of Lumbridge's greedy, yet spineless Viscount. Charles pitied Alexander.Against better judgement, the King had decided yet again, against removing his uncle from his title and rendering him penniless for treason. It was not understandable. He had hoped this to be the final straw on the camel's back but had been wrong.Brand groaned quietly. "I was hoping for it to be a misunderstanding." He groaned aga
LOVING HER DUKE Reminded Of Her Smile
Beth was smiling. She felt different than she thought she would. Climbing up, she thought there would be sadness and pain and regret, but there wasn't, rather there was calm and peace and as she talked, there was company, for it felt like he was sitting across from her, listening."My husband and I get along so well you would be surprised. He is a good man, Eric, and I love him. You would have loved him too." She sighed. She wanted to tell her brother that Charles was incapable of loving her too, not because he did not want to, but because he could not, but she did not. It was no fault of his. The former Duke had hurt him too much and some part of him remained broken. "He makes me happy and I am content." She said rather.She rearranged the flowers over and over again, fussing with the already perfect bouquet. "Lucy is married now too and tending to her own home. In your words, Gwen is a woman now and remains the strong-willed girl who was up to one mischief of the other." She smiled
LOVING HER DUKE Letters
"My Lady!" Anna rushed out to meet them as soon as they returned to Westside Manor, collecting the basket of wares from her mistress. "A messenger is here for you. From His Grace, he says. Mrs. Grace asked him to wait in the Marble Room."Beth's breath caught. From Charles? There was someone for her from her husband. Without any thought whatsoever, she picked up her skirt and hurried to the man.She had accompanied Gwen and Lucy to the marketplace to watch the gipsies. On and on they had moved from one stall to the other, being entertained by the talented crew. A juggler juggling five apples, a girl walking the line held by two other men, the fire dancer who could make fire appear and disappear. She enjoyed her time in town but nothing was compared to the happiness she felt when Anna gave her news of a man from her husband."Beth, do wait for us." Gwen called, but she wasn't listening. Her husband's message was waiting.Was all well? Why was there a message from him? He had told her t
LOVING HER DUKE Gwen's Fears
* * *Dearest Husband,I am glad my note made you glad. Waiting for your note has become the best part of my visit and when I read them, I feel even more alive. Whenever I see the carriage of your messenger even from afar, I become very delighted because I know he has come bearing a missive from you. Jem might just about be an angel.A few days ago, I climbed up Westside Hill, alone. I visited to give a proper farewell to Eric, he deserved that much and I felt relief after. It was a wonderful feeling.I had to let him go so I can only remember the good times.How fares the attack?Beth, your wife.* * *'Wife,Be careful, else I might have to remand Jem. How dare he?You are a constant thought in my mind too, and in my trousers. Everyday I miss you all over again and wish I were there with you. I should have been there with you too when you went up the hill. Bethany, I want you to depend on me completely and I would do all I can to protect you from hurt in and out.I am here for you.'
LOVING HER DUKE It Was The King?!
February 1827The carriage rocked violently as they fell into a pothole and the wind carried the faint apology of the coachman to her. Beth wasn't the least concerned, she was too happy to bother about small mistakes. And she was too satisfied to care.Her husband had returned.Charles had returned the previous day and, not stopping to bother about the servants who were watching, she raced out as soon as she had seen his carriage. She had been eager for his return. The days after his last note had been received had been longer than the weeks she had waited for him.He promised that he would be gone for a month, but had stayed longer. When his note came to her, telling of his return, Beth had been happy and eager for him, but when one week quickly turned into two, her heart became fearful. No further note came and she did not know of his whereabouts. All that kept her company was hope and the memories of him. Until a carriage bearing the Coat Of Arm of Carlisle came, approaching the ma
LOVING HER DUKE I Would Never Hurt You
* * *Charles sat down in discussion with St. James and Willowbrook in the Great Room, requesting and receiving the report on their areas of assignment."This is the last of it, Your Grace." St. James said, giving him some parchments.Charles received it and passed it to Albert. "Any deaths?""None Sir, injuries were sustained but no deaths.""None from my regime either." Willowbrook said.Charles nodded. No one died. Good. "See to it that they are all compensated and make certain they remain tight lipped about this attack.""Yes, Your Grace." The men chorused.Suddenly, the doors flew open. Beth marched forward to stand before him, veering around the low table. "How dare you?"Charles lifted his head to her face. "What?""How dare you? I ask.""Bethany…""How dare you?!" She yelled out, breathing heavily. "You make me look like a fool and now you sit there feigning innocence?"Clueless at her accusations, he looked behind her. Thomas stood at the door with a horrid expression. The ma
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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
