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The Final Dance
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
LOVING HER DUKE The Other Side Of The Adjoining Door
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
LOVING HER DUKE I Want You
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
LOVING HER DUKE Use My Given Name
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
LOVING HER DUKE Waves Of Passion
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
LOVING HER DUKE I Said I Love You
But she was crying."Did I hurt you?" He murmured against her hair, running one hand over her back.She was shaking violently. "No. No, you did not." She said, chuckling, tears in her eyes.Charles felt his heart expand.Beth was a force, and like a ship hit by a massive wave, he was thrown out of balance, cursed to drift upon her feisty waters. He did not hate it.When her convulsion ended, he felt her still pulsing against him. "Bethany.""Charles…" She mewled, giving him the most seductive smile he had ever seen. Red passion blinded him. He was not done and neither was she.Still joined with her, he carried her from the table, placing his hands firmly on her buttocks. She yelped when they crashed onto the bed, his body covering hers."You are the greatest thing to have ever happened to me." He declared.The tears made her eyes glisten. She raised her head and kissed him. He began to move.She gasped with pleasure.His lips tugged against hers.Charles's hand found her breast and he
LOVING HER DUKE The Morning After
Charles opened his eyes to the most beautiful sight he could ever imagine – Beth in his arms.She had her hand flung carelessly over his abdomen and her beautiful face pressed to his naked chest. One of his hands was wrapped around her waist and it felt like the rightest thing in the world.His heart soared.She was here. Beth was here in his arms and he was never letting her go. He would no more ask to touch her, nor wish he could. She was his wife and his lover now. She was his and he was hers.The morning sun was streaming into the room through the tiny opening as best as it could, as no one had dared to come to pull the curtains. The bed cover was up to their waist but no higher. All was suddenly so perfect with the world.'She was the most perfect person in the world.' Charles thought, his heart giddy. He inhaled her scent and felt his heart expanding. Lightly, he caressed her face and played with her hair.Many nights he had laid in bed, sleep driven from him, thinking what she
LOVING HER DUKE Trouble In Paradise?
Beth immediately understood her worries. Lady Marjorie worried she might be leaving Charles. She would never. "Yes, I have, and Charles has agreed to it."A pause. "Charles? You call him affectionately now." Her hand went to Beth's face. She smiled. "I had not mentioned the glow you have as I did not want to pry, but I must now." She leaned forward and whispered, her brows furrowed. "All is well between you and him?"Beth's smile deepened as her heart rejoiced. She had never been happier than she was at the moment. Her husband was the kindest of men and the most patient. He was a wonderful man and a wonderful lover. She was surprised and ecstatic to find that there was a part of him that wanted her. A mighty part."All has never been better, Lady Marjorie." She replied, choosing to indulge the woman. Beth did not think she could call her Mother, but she could do away with the excess civilities.It gladdened the older woman.Lady Marjorie gaped, astonished, then burst out laughing. She
LOVING HER DUKE Reassure Me, Charles
He noticed her hesitation, and how fixed her smile was. His heart was scared. "Evening Beth.""How has your day been?""Good." His morning had been excellent. Charles hoped his night would not become the opposite."Lovely. I would like to have a word with you."He nodded that she continued, but she would not speak, rather, she remained by the door, gaping at him, leaving him to wonder the state of his face.Her expression was odd and she appeared troubled. For a moment Charles didn't recognize her, standing there almost a stranger. She stood as the woman he had met when he came to Westside Manor, not the one who had erupted from intense ecstasy in his arms the night before.Was she about to utter words to ruin their day? Their lives? He wouldn't allow her; he had made a promise to them. He would not stand on the bylines and watch things go up in flames, again. And he would not let her go, even if they disagreed.Charles waited patiently and when he could no more, he beckoned to her. "
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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
