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It Was The King?!
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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
LOVING HER DUKE Hating The King
She slowly opened her eyes and whispered, placing her other hand over his that still held tightly to her wrist. "You are hurting me now."Her eyes glistened with the tears but he saw fear in them. She was frightened of him. He quickly let go, putting a safe distance between them. With a voice barely audible, he asked. "What would you have me do? He is the King. I cannot question him."Beth turned her face from his, sniffing. "Then do nothing. Absolutely nothing. I would find a way to rescue my sister from becoming a royal mistress." She gently pushed against his chest, sobbing and set herself free.Charles remained by the wall, listening to her footsteps reside. He was aware of his trembling hands and his bruised knuckle. His rage made him breathless, but he was not angry at her. His anger was towards Alexander. How could they discuss with him in the room and make a fool of him? He had never hated Alexander as much as he did at the moment."She has suffered enough. I would not let her
LOVING HER DUKE Fighting For My Family
How much cruel could fate be?How much more must they endure?!Someone knocked carefully. Beth sent a lazy glance to the door. Anna slowly walked in, face turned to the floor making Beth feel sorry. "Your Grace, you have callers."She was not in the mood. "Send them away. I do not wish to meet anyone.""They insist. Explicitly stating they must meet with you.""Who are they?""Lady Cossington and Lady Dumbray."She blanched, tension roiling in her stomach. She could not stand a minute with the wicked ladies, not after her argument with Charles. She could have them sent to him."Where is Charles?""He rode out. I hear it still relates to his trip."Beth suddenly became grim. Were they deteriorating back to the days he would leave and she would have no knowledge of his whereabouts? Had they taken that wrong turn again? If they had, she was the driver.With a sigh, she rose to her feet. If they could not be sent away, they might as well be attended to. "Where are they?""I had them wait
LOVING HER DUKE She Fainted
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
LOVING HER DUKE Beth Was Unwell?
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
LOVING HER DUKE Pregnant!!!
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
LOVING HER DUKE Love Is Trust, Dear Child
"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
LOVING HER DUKE Confronting Alexander
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
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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
