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LOVING HER DUKE Meeting With Lord Carlisle
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
LOVING HER DUKE Horseback Riding
* * *Beth was as excited as her mare who was eager to cover more ground and would canter ahead of Lord's Carlisle's black gelding. Her reins had to be pulled multiple times to stay her so Beth and Lord Carlisle could ride side-by-side. Lord Carlisle did not seem to mind.The horizon was perfect, the sky was beautiful and the path had been recently cleared. Even though the trees stripped naked by the winter did not compliment it enough, the view was wonderful to behold. Some evergreen laid to the right of their path and Beth could smell them from where they were.The day was cold as expected, but the sun was warm on her face. Winter was kind to Carlisle and she enjoyed it greatly. Her horse tried to increase its pace again but Beth declined with a quick pull of the reins."She is eager." Lord Carlisle said from beside her. He directed his horse and bumped into hers. The mare neighed, complaining. Beth laughed."Well, I intend to enjoy every moment of this day. She should be my ally."
LOVING HER DUKE A Different Lord Carlisle
The trees were now naked and the hill dry and devoid of grass, but from where they stood, it did seem familiar. It couldn't be. It was… She spun to him at once, excited. "This was the hill I ended up on the morning we first met!" His lips twitched. "How can this be? I do not remember this path.""That was the path you took." He pointed through the evergreens.Beth searched through. She couldn't make it out but he said it was, it had to be. She did remember seeing a bolder as she climbed after ridding herself of his presence. Unsatisfied, she ambled closer to the path he had pointed and saw the bolder. "You are right! It is the path!" She yelled out to him. Then, "The estate can be accessed through here too?!" She returned to the ledge."It is pretty far, don't you think?""Not if I were a bandit or a poacher." She shook her head. "What silly words I have uttered. I am sure Carlisle Crest is well secured." Beth adjusted her hat. It did not need adjusting."I came here that day hoping t
LOVING HER DUKE Start Overs
He studied it for a moment. First his palm then the back of his hand. "No. This was an accident."Beth smiled. "You are very loyal to him.""He is loyal to me." He took a heavy sip."And to his brother." She drank from her glass. "Loyalty? Is that why he refuses anyone calling the Prince his half-brother?Lord Carlisle shrugged. "Perhaps it is for Brand's sake. Perhaps not. He wouldn't tell." He reached out his hand, feeling the strands of her hair. It took the entirety of her will and her nerve not to flinch or lean from him.He moved closer to her, lying on one elbow. Tension caused the hair on her nape to rise. Lord Carlisle looked up slowly. "Why was that day sad?" His voice was soft like silk and the tone impossibly intimate."What?" Her gaze skidded to his face and darted away. Surely he must know how he was affecting her. He couldn't be oblivious to it. It felt like it was what he intended. "What day?" She breathed out.He twisted a few strands around his fingers. "The day you
LOVING HER DUKE I Want To See Your Smile
If all could be well as this, why had they spent months away from each other? Why had he spent time brooding and she locked away in the library? If she could, Beth wanted to tell him all the truth about her and be done with it, so no dark cloud could ever ruin their perfect days.She had left Westside Manor with a heavy heart, scared for her life here at Carlisle Crest that she had hidden away in her books and from the ton and their social gatherings. And from Lord Carlisle.But now, her heart felt light and the world floated with a wonderful ambiance. Lord Carlisle made her feel wonderful. He had asked if she preferred books to him. Few minutes ago, she had not been certain, she was now. Beth realized she would rather stay with him than live in any library.…tell him what troubles you.Anna's voice loomed close. Beth allowed her eyes to go to Lord Carlisle but he was looking elsewhere. He was looking at her hair. The man seemed to be obsessed with her red locks.…you say he would lis
LOVING HER DUKE Let Me Protect You, Bethany
It was almost a command but Beth didn't dare disobey. She rushed to the chair adjacent to his. "You are here.""You promised to spend the day in my company. The day is not over."Beth was overwhelmed with shame. She had acted without culture, acted like a terrible drunk who would overindulge at the sight of good wine. "I am terribly sorry. I do not know what came over me." She dropped her head, biting her lips. "I behave so badly."It was a good thing she could not see his face. It must be filled with scorn if not downright disappointment.A switch and a small light came on. A small flickering fire. "I thought your behaviour was endearing." Beth raised her head. "It was adorable." He put out the light.Was he drunk too? "You_ you think my behaviour ad_adorable?" Every word was laced with unbelief."Is it so unbelievable?"It was! "I would think you would detest it.""That is a stupid thought." The light flickered on again and he blew it out. "Tell me, do you mumble in your sleep?"Tak
LOVING HER DUKE He Was In Command Of Her
At nine o'clock the next day, Beth went with Lord Carlisle to the administration office to meet with the solicitors, the head builder and the architect. She was eager to begin management of the project he let her in charge.She sat at the head of the table while Lord Carlisle resigned to a seat at the corner of the room.The head builder, Mr. Henry, was a kind man who was not prejudiced to her being a woman unlike the solicitor who had thought she had come for more money for the ball, or the architect who subtly told that she was not refined enough to understand his drawings on paper.Lord Carlisle remained silent in the corner, quietly smoking his cigar though his eyes remained on them.Regardless of their judgmental eyes boring into her flesh, Beth went ahead to make a number of changes she deemed for the project. She countered and rejected whilst agreeing to as many as possible."My Lady, this is not a ball. This is a building."She felt insulted. "I am well aware of that fact, Mr.
LOVING HER DUKE Amassing Gossip
Beth was in dismay, uncertain how she had spoken the words she had only of recent admitted to herself.Anna shrieked, laying her hand over her mouth to hush herself. She was graciously joyful. "My Lady, that is great news!"Beth clasped her hands. "You mustn't tell anyone. Do you hear me, Anna? No one must learn of this." She must trust her more than she knew. Still, she should have kept her mouth in better inspection.Anna became sober. "No one?""No one." Beth reiterated."Lord Carlisle too?"Especially Lord Carlisle! She would not have him bothered by her emotions. She wished he would, but he need not reciprocate it. She would not receive untrue affections from him."Even if he must, Anna I…"A knock interrupted them. Hesitantly, Anna strode to the door and opened it to let in Albert. He entered and bowed.She acknowledged him. "Albert.""His Grace has asked for your presence. Her Ladyship, the Dowager Duchess, and your aunt, Lady Gallagher, have arrived. They are in the Red Room."
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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
