"You know, in the years since the accident, I have not seen my son truly happy, until you became a part of his life." Beth turned to her. She was smiling, looking at a jolly couple, dancing vibrantly to everyone's amusement. "It is an amazement how you do it.""I do nothing."She scoffed. "You do not know what cosmic power you have over my son. When you do find out, use it to the uttermost. You have my blessing." She patted her hand.Beth was dumbfounded. Cosmic power over Lord Carlisle? There was none. On the contrary, he was the one whose breath commanded her heart. "My Lady…" She was interrupted."I have known Harriet since the moment my late husband declared her Charles's betrothed." Beth's heart slammed. "But I have never seen her elicit any emotion from him." She met her gaze. "You are a beautiful woman with an even kinder soul, Beth. I am glad you are his wife."The words warmed her over."You are a loving mother and as kind as your words. Lord Carlisle is fortunate to have you
She held footsteps and a voice, it came from the other side of the shrub."She is very bold I tell you, walking around as though she belonged here."Beth put her hand over her mouth. She did not know others would venture this far into the yard. She would quietly depart so as not to unwillingly eavesdrop. "I am as stunned. Lady Carlisle? Quite the jest!" Beth went still. They were talking about her."I heard her family is far from poor. They are destitute."A chuckle. "Maybe not anymore. She has made the perfect fool of Lord Carlisle. Surely, they must enjoy his generosity now.""How dare they refer to Lord Carlisle with such disrespect?!"How could he have ever believed she was pregnant? This is the fourth month of their marriage, is it not? She is still not showing." They were keeping count? Beth leaned on the wall.The voice lowered. "Maybe she lost the child?""What great fortune then."Beth was aghast. Her hand involuntarily went to her stomach to protect the child that wasn't th
Lord Carlisle was the greatest of men, else she wouldn't have fallen in love with him, but what was she to do with her love? She was certain that if he knew, there was nothing he could do. She could not force the man to love her."Your Grace? His Grace is waiting."Beth nodded. She allowed herself a deep breath and followed him. The corridor was as scary as it was revolting and the memory of Lord Morton's misbehaviour remained. After the ball, she would have the servants clean every single area. They reached the ballroom.Lord Carlisle, who had been standing with his back to the door, turned as soon as she reentered the room. Their eyes met instantly.Clad in a green jacket that shared the same colour as the forest, he was dashing. Her heart leapt for joy. She was in love with him. She was unrepentantly in love with her handsome and powerful husband.He passed his wineglass to a gentleman and without breaking stride, manoeuvred his way to her as the music changed. It became the slow n
"Your Grace." She bowed, seductively, allowing him a perfect view of her bosom, he was nauseated. "It is a surprise to see you." She chuckled. "I thought you abhor these sorts of gatherings. It is lovely though, she has put a great amount of effort into its preparation." He was quiet. "Although, I wouldn't say it is up to par as the ball your mother held in my honour. Remember? The one she held right in that ballroom."Charles said nothing. Lady Cossington planted herself beside him, smiling too brightly. The seductive glint in her eyes was hard to miss. He doubted she would want him to miss it."My brother thinks I must apologize for vexing you, so here I am." He cast her a sidelong look. She had offended Beth, but would apologized to him? She sighed, her voice losing the annoying seductive edge. "Are you still angry with me? You should not be. I am indeed sorry." She smiled sheepishly, her eyes widening with the scheming innocence of a debutante. "Do you realize this is the first ti
Beth stood before the adjoining door wearing just her night garment and her dressing robe. Anna had helped her out of the dress she had worn at the ball, and she had been most grateful, almost as grateful as when she bade the last guest goodbye, and hugged her aunt and the Dowager Duchess goodnight.Both women had been ecstatic and almost reluctant to leave. Aunt Marrily did remember to assure her that the ball would be the talk of town for many days. Beth should hope so, after all, the balls at Carlisle Crest were always profoundly beautiful.Lord Carlisle had left the ballroom as soon as their dance was over though.After he had kissed her.She had sat on her bed for a while, wondering why he had left in such a hurry. He had endured the greater part of the evening, why not dwell more for a few more minutes? Some of the guests had been unbearable, but they had survived.In the past, she would retire for the night, worried, seeking answers but never going after them. She was a changed
She kept her eyes on him too. "I do not mean to, but you kissed me in front of so many people and left. Why?"Something in his gaze shifted. "I left to speak with one of my men." She knew immediately that he was telling the truth."I…" He let go of her wrists and stepped away. In that instant, she realized she had hurt him. She would give anything to return to what they had. No! She would give it to attain more.She missed the warmth his hands provided her wrist, missed his closeness and she missed him. He was standing before her and she missed him. Her love for him was overwhelming and it was starting to frighten her. She would never demand him to love her, still she wished he would.His hands returned to his pockets. "Did you come to quarrel? As charming as it is to always quarrel and reconcile, Beth, I am not in the mood to entertain it." His voice was unkind. He started away, back to his table.There had been pain when Eric died, pain so great and paralyzing she could still not fo
Those were not the words but he would make do. Charles kissed her softly, testing and she replied accordingly. It satisfied the barbarian in him. She wanted him.He kissed her face, her cheek, the side of her mouth and her neck. When she responded to each with a sigh, he bit his lips. He pushed her robe off her shoulders and let it drop to the floor, pooling by their feet.Charles's eyes travelled the length of her body. Her soft skin was heated underneath his touch and her heaving breasts threatened to undo the seam of her nightdress.She shrugged her shoulders shyly. "The night garment is pretty."His lips tugged. Did she think he cared for her night garment? "You are prettier." He held himself say. Her smile stole his breath. He kissed her again and carried her away from the door. Beth wrapped her legs around him, holding onto him.Walking in the general direction of the table, Charles continued to kiss her until he sat her down on the table.Beth was small against his larger frame
Charles pulled his shirt over his head and Beth was privy to his bare body. He was well-built and she again was reminded of how much his clothes hid away.. Her hands lifted of their own accord and came to rest on his chest.Beth had seen him before but she had been under the influence of alcohol, she was not sure she had studied him so intently. He was so masculine and firm.Her hands travelled his body and he waited, standing evenly still as her gaze moved slowly over him and her hands did the same. She touched the square of his muscles and tendons of his stomach, surprised he had no fat to spare.Beth was admiring him as he had admired her. She was completely mesmerized by him and was unashamed. His chest was broad and dusted with dark hair. Her trip ended by the tip of his trousers and returned to his chest. She dared herself and kissed him on his left breast.He moaned.Surprised by the sound, she glanced up and found that he had closed his eyes. The invitation was clear and compe