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

Charles's blood boiled and he became impatient as well. Keeping his eyes on hers, he sent his hand between them to stroke his erection and slowly eased it into her swollen sex. She gasped, welcoming him with a smile. He was maddened.Her hands remained on his shoulders and her grip became tight when he pulled her closer, helping her take all of him and stretching her, filling her to the brim.Charles waited for her to become used to the invasion before he encouraged her to move. Shyly, she moved at first, then purposefully, then with vigour. His hands held her waist, stationing her. Her bobbing breasts dangled before his face and he was torn if to favour them with his tongue or simply watch them. He gave in.Claiming one nipple with his mouth, he sucked hard. Beth tightened her hold on him, crying out softly. She arched her back and he felt her spiralling towards rapture. There was so much pleasure and so much urgency he could not stand it.Her walls clenched and she quivered. Charles

He kissed the crown of her head and she leaned back, coming to kiss him softly on the cheek. Because her tears stained his cheek, she wiped it, as well as hers. He smiled. "I can never begin to tell how much I have missed you. Gwen has been harder to handle without your help."Beth burst into a hearty laughter. "I am certain she has."Her father waved the others forward. Then, he invited. "Come, we should eat. Your mother had guinea hen with apricot stuffing made, and Grace has been fussing even if she would never tell.""God forbid we think her too soft." Beth teased, clinging onto her father's arm.The women at the bottom of the stairs climbed up to join them and they entered the house. Gwen and Lucy held onto their mother on each side.Beth smiled feeling warm and tired but happy. Nothing had changed, she was still the daughter of Radclyffe and Victoria Fitzgerald and would remain so come what may.She had regained her family's love.She had indeed made the perfect circle.* * *"Y

Beth was smiling. She felt different than she thought she would. Climbing up, she thought there would be sadness and pain and regret, but there wasn't, rather there was calm and peace and as she talked, there was company, for it felt like he was sitting across from her, listening."My husband and I get along so well you would be surprised. He is a good man, Eric, and I love him. You would have loved him too." She sighed. She wanted to tell her brother that Charles was incapable of loving her too, not because he did not want to, but because he could not, but she did not. It was no fault of his. The former Duke had hurt him too much and some part of him remained broken. "He makes me happy and I am content." She said rather.She rearranged the flowers over and over again, fussing with the already perfect bouquet. "Lucy is married now too and tending to her own home. In your words, Gwen is a woman now and remains the strong-willed girl who was up to one mischief of the other." She smiled

* * *Dearest Husband,I am glad my note made you glad. Waiting for your note has become the best part of my visit and when I read them, I feel even more alive. Whenever I see the carriage of your messenger even from afar, I become very delighted because I know he has come bearing a missive from you. Jem might just about be an angel.A few days ago, I climbed up Westside Hill, alone. I visited to give a proper farewell to Eric, he deserved that much and I felt relief after. It was a wonderful feeling.I had to let him go so I can only remember the good times.How fares the attack?Beth, your wife.* * *'Wife,Be careful, else I might have to remand Jem. How dare he?You are a constant thought in my mind too, and in my trousers. Everyday I miss you all over again and wish I were there with you. I should have been there with you too when you went up the hill. Bethany, I want you to depend on me completely and I would do all I can to protect you from hurt in and out.I am here for you.'