* * *Her shoes pounded lightly on the marbled floor as she made her way to the kitchen. The railing had been cleaned and as she slid her hand past it walking down the stairs, Beth appreciated the maids. They always did a fine job.The Christmas Ball was in two days, she needed to ensure all was perfect, and that the Ball would be a success. It would be her first Ball as Lady Carlisle. She did not wish to fail and set the wagging tongues loose.The halls were alive with activities and outside the gardeners were busy snipping and packing away. She had been so engrossed with the geography book she had found in the library, time had slipped by. She always knew the world was vast but she had never guessed how much. Beth couldn't wait to be done with her chores for the day and return to it. But there was so much to do.She had to ensure all invitations had been sent out, finalize the food list – which she was on her way to do – select the drinks, and meet with her dance instructor. Beth wa
She met with Thomas on her way to the Ballroom."Your Grace, I was wondering where you were." He was always searching for her.Beth sidestepped, avoiding the men carrying the miniature stature meant for the Ballroom. The Dowager Duchess had insisted on it. "What is wrong?""Have a care with that." Thomas yelled to the men when they stumbled. They apologized. "The last invitation has been sent out, and this letter came from your Aunt."She received it. "Thank you. Have you asked the tables to be put close to the wall, by the windows?""I supervised it myself." His lips pulled slightly. "Do not worry, Your Grace. Your Ball would be grand."She nodded. She did not need it to be grand, it should not be a flop. But he was right. There was nothing to bother about. "My instructor should be arriving soon, prepare for him. For now, ask Anna to come to my bedchamber.""Of course, Ma'am."Beth made for her room.From the top of the stairs, she took a moment to look at the preparations that were
She had been stupid enough to see only how his actions affected her, but blind to how her words affected him. Beth sighed."Will this do?"Beth turned and studied the dress Anna held up. It was the simple grey dress she had seen the other day with frilly pleats at the bottom and extra pleats at the hand and neck. A couple of buttons were added to fasten it properly. She thought it to be beautiful. "It will, very much."Anna laid it on the bed and proceeded to help her unzip. "My Lady, if I may.""What is it?" She stepped out of the dress."This morning…"Beth turned immediately. "Did you speak of it to anyone?""No, no, My Lady. I would never."Her eyebrows rose. "To Thomas?""It is not mine to speak of.""It is no one's to speak of." Beth corrected.Anna held her hands together. "That moment has not visited my lips, Your Grace. No one else knows."She breathed down. "It should stay that way.""Of course.""Thank you." Beth was sorry she had raised her voice at her.Anna removed her g
Beth must be a younger version of his mother.That was the conclusion Charles arrived at when the carriage pulled up at Carlisle Crest. He took his time getting out of it, positively marvelled at how much the mansion had changed in the short while he was away.The hedges had been trimmed to another pattern, the main door had a wreath on it, the windows were all opened and the fountain had a vine twined around the statue. She must possess his mother's spirit when preparation was involved.A neighing horse drew his attention and he turned to the mare being led out into the fields. Clover. She was a calm, obedient horse who was as spirited as a freeman. She would accord you control until she felt you no longer deserved it. She took off running as soon as she was let off her leash, sprinting through the open fields, glad to be free.Beth wanted to be free. Like the mare she must feel caught on a leash. She must want her freedom as desperately too, he thought.Thomas rushed out of the hous
Charles felt the impulse to go to her, to go search for her, but instead, he walked over to the adjoining door and stood there. His hand grabbed onto the doorknob and stayed. He would not turn, he only stared at it.For how long he was there, he did not know. Was this how close he could stand to her? Would he ever always stand by her with an obstacle repelling him? This time, it was a door. What would it be next time?He removed his hand and sent it to his pocket, his cigar wasting away. He did not want to go anywhere else. If this was how close he could stand to her, he would accept it. For now.She did not need him by her anyways and he had promised to give her freedom to be whoever she wished. He would not go back on that oath."My Lady, Mr. Winston is here."Charles raised his head. She had been in the room all along? While he was standing there pondering about their relationship and useless things, she had been there? Charles almost decided to go to her, but he wouldn't. His oath
* * *As he made a bend, the light tapping on the piano reached him. It was fast and upbeat and it left Charles with curiosity. Was Beth dancing to such fast music? He wanted to see how she was going about it. Subconsciously, he hastened towards the room.There she was, standing metres away from the piano, hands posed in the air, as though she held onto someone. She was wearing a dark-coloured dress that gave a bit of colour to her pale skin. His inside did a weird flip. Oh, how beautiful she was.She had her hair down over her shoulders, and even though Charles loved it that way, it made him curious about her wound. Had it healed yet? Was it why she still had her hair down? He was getting angry, but he searched for control and found her voice. He found control. Charles huffed, breathing down, trying to control himself. He couldn't afford to be a monster, not after the last time.The pianist continued to pluck on the keys, increasing the tempo and Beth danced to it. She moved her feet
Charles could feel her nerves. Her pulse was jumpy under his thumb and her eyes raced between the instructor and him. He could feel her trying to step away from him, but he would be damned if he let her. He tightened his hold on her waist. She has been far away for long.If her presence in his life would cause his past demons to return, then they should gallop back in, but he would annihilate them before they could hurt her. He twirled her again and pulled her even closer at the end, placing his hand lower than before. If she noticed, she did not mention."His Grace is an excellent dancer as well. Oh, this is beautiful." Mr. Winston praised. "Martha, are you seeing this?"Charles wanted to tell the man to stop talking. His voice was a distraction, and an annoyance. A third time, he twirled her, but this time she fell on him. He let her, catching her to himself as the music ended.Everyone clapped.Beth slowly looked up to him, bringing her head away from his chest. His large hand move
He took her waving hand in his and held it tightly and held her gaze, then he did what he had never done before. He pulled her closer to himself, and kissed her cheek, startling her. "Friends."* * *She woke up the next morning energized and ready for the day. She was spending it with Lord Carlisle.Over dinner, the previous day, he had proposed they spend the day together, and Beth had agreed without hesitating. They would forsake all of their duties and dilly-dally the hours away, going horseback riding.The day would be cold, but Beth did not care and agreed as soon as Lord Carlisle suggested. She had been so surprised at his preposition that she had jumped at it. A thick dress and an even thicker shawl should be enough to keep the cold at bay.A quick, warm bath was all it took to prepare her for the cold outside. At the vanity table, Anna brushed down her hair while she smiled uncontrollably. She could not help it. It was the happiest she had been in a while.Lord Carlisle h