Beth wanted to query the maid who was putting up an aura of naivety. She had instructed everyone that she did not wish to entertain and so far only Albert seemed to be adhering. The Butler would send her calling cards the moment they arrived and invitations as soon as they were received. While Anna would, in passing, tell of the ball happening that day, or the luncheon being held at a particular moment. She wished they would let her be."I do not wish to entertain. Tell her I had an engagement to attend to in town and had left the mansion all day." The Dowager Duchess had been by many times and on all occasions she had told them to send her off with the excuse of her being away from home. This would not be different.She was a good woman, maybe too good for the son she had, but Beth did not want to associate herself with her just yet. She would never be able to evade her forever but she would for as long as she could. She seemingly could not face the older woman who seemed to already

He didn't care for her. "You are mistaken. He did it so he would not be humiliated." He had feared her to be with child. It was confirmed now that she wasn't.Lady Marjorie went quiet. When Beth looked at her, she had a soft smile on her lips. "Do you think my son cares about being humiliated or not?"She nearly nodded. He married her, so he does care."He is the Duke of Carlisle. He only need mention it and the talks would cease." Her eyebrows furrowed. She sat up. "Could that be the reason you have avoided social life since the wedding?" Beth was quiet. "You need not torture yourself. I will set the rumour straight."Beth panicked. "Oh please don't, My Lady. I only need to wait it out. Soon they would find another to talk about."The Dowager Duchess held her eyes and she looked away. She was scared, but she did not want anyone to see it.After a while, the Dowager Duchess rose and walked about the room. "I love this wall colour, but I think it is about time to have it changed."Why

Two hours after she waved the Dowager Duchess goodbye, Beth had her letters and her gift sent to Westside Manor, even adding a note for her father. It did not matter anymore if it would be read or not, she simply wanted him to know that she had not intentionally chosen to make him sad. Or as he put it, embarrass the family.She had penned down her reply for Lucy to send the next day. It was succinct – She was fine. She hoped Lucy and Lord D'Averette were too. And she wished them luck on their plans to have a child.She had touched her lower abdomen.Lord Carlisle had married her to save her from any scandal of her being with child outside of marriage, even though she had, without certainty, sworn that she was not with one. Now she was certain, but she did not know if she should be happy or sad.She had always wanted a child. But that was a long time ago, before Lord Cossington had insulted her family and humiliated her sister. She had wished for her own children too when she was young

"Harriet!" Lady Dumbray ran over, pulling her friend back. "Stop this, this instant."Beth reeled back from the slaps. She fell back but quickly caught the arm of the chair so she would not fall to the ground. She could not believe it was happening again. She had feared a reoccurrence, hence her caution around the Lady. It was unimaginable that she would strike her again after the warning Lord Carlisle had given.She breathed repeatedly trying to contain the pain. Unlike before, the ache came immediately after the strike. Lady Cossington's finger had gone into her eye and it turned red immediately. Her neck started to hurt as the force used against her had move her head. She held onto her face, refusing to let the tears flow. She would not be defeated a second time.Still it hurt."We should leave." Lady Dumbray pulled. "We are leaving this instant." She told the other lady who seemed not to be satisfied with her assault."Don't tell me what to do." She pushed against her friend, stru

They were back to the topic. Alexander was like a bloodhound who would never let go of something he was really after. "You asked the last time.""You evaded the last time."This time, it was Charles who exhaled. "It is not so young anymore."Alexander kissed his teeth as he waved. "That is all for show. You are newlyweds, it does not matter. What goes on in the bedroom is all that does matter." Charles turned away. He opened his cigar box that lay on the table. Then he heard Alexander's voice. There was surprise. "You are not sleeping with her?!"Shocked, he quickly looked around to make sure no one heard him. None did. "Perhaps you should raise your voice a bit more, Your Majesty. Most haven't heard you." He said through clenched teeth. His emotions bothering between uneasiness and irritation."What is marriage if you cannot have your wife at will?" He asked, his voice greatly reduced."And her will?""She can have you too." He said matter-of-factly. "I have no reserve with whoever i