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LOVING HER DUKE Decision
Thomas rushed in, bringing light with him. He was surprised. "Why are you sitting in the dark?" He set the lamp down on the centre table. "You should have called for me to attend to you." He walked briskly to the hearth, scurrying around to revive the fire."Let it be." Charles said lowly. He needed the darkness to hide. What from, he could not say.The other man obeyed and stayed. "Yes, Your Grace." He returned to the lamp, and adjusted it. "Is there anything I can do for you?" No one could help him, he alone could aid himself. "Or would you rather I bring Albert?"His valet would prefer to talk, rather than listen, not that he was keen to share his thoughts with him.He lit another cigar and took a drag. Was she really ill, or was it all a ruse to permit her liberty to meet the cad that had been arranged for her? He nearly broke his cigar in half. How dare the Fitzgeralds force a husband upon her when she never wanted to wed? She wanted to be free, why would they not let her be?Why
LOVING HER DUKE Happier Than Usual
They had better stop before things got out of hand, they had agreed. No good would come of this, he had said. But still…Beth could not, for the life of her, contain the joy. She went about the house, prancing like an achieved leopard; like a deer who had finally learnt to walk right. There was never enough for her to do. She was bursting with energy, helping out everywhere, going about her chores without delay, fulfilling them perfectly, and carrying about her day with gusto.Their parents had been glad to have them back. Grace too, she said she needed assistance to keep the manor running, but the girls knew she missed them as much as she was unwilling to tell.Grace was the only household servant they could keep in their employ. She was the butler, cook, cleaner and everything else for the Fitzgeralds. She was any and all things they needed, as hers was the only service they could afford, so they aided her in almost everything.She was a waspishly, strong and sometimes, nastily beha
LOVING HER DUKE Lord Carlisle And I Are Over
Beth grabbed a basket and proceeded to arrange the linens in it. "I know that, Scholar. I saw the note Mother sent Aunt Marrily." She added a pillow cover, but removed it almost immediately. It needed more washing. "Besides, this intention has come to stay in our household. They have been intending to have me wed for ages." They would soon lay it to rest, like they always did.Gwen joined her. "This time, I think they are determined and I think their decision is final." They finished and Beth picked the basket up, supporting the weight with her waist. Gwen added the pillow cover to the other pile and stood to her full height. She was taller than her older sister. "They hope to have an alliance drawn when we return from Lucy's wedding. You are to be affianced to Mr. Richmond."She stopped immediately. "Mr. Harry Richmond? The travelling merchant?"Gwen shrugged her shoulders. "Apparently he wants a wife and has shown his interest in you." She smiled weakly. "So you can finally lay your
LOVING HER DUKE Conversed With Mr. Richmond?
* * *Her parents and her sister returned days later from Lucy's wedding and Gwen could not stop herself from telling of all the excitements and delights they had had; how the groom had been shy, how Aunt Marrily had kept everyone on their toes, commanding here and there, and how Lucy had dropped her ring due to nerve. It was wonderful, she swore. Beth was sorry to have missed it. But she was grateful to Gwen for helping her evade the entire occasion and convincing her parents to leave her behind.Oh, how glad was she that she did not attend.The Duke of Carlisle was at her cousin's wedding!Why had he made himself present? Her Aunt's family was not close to his, so why had he attended? If any invitation had been sent out, it must simply be out of courtesy. Especially since he called her friend before her Aunt's family.She couldn't have been more joyful to have been absent. How would she have faced him, talk to him? She would have been able to evade him anywhere else, but not at her
LOVING HER DUKE Trouble Comes To Westside Manor
Beth was exhausted, too exhausted even to send the needle again through the tired fabrics. She decided to heed her mother's words and save the others for the next day. And she was hungry.Grace was still preparing dinner, and much to everyone's surprise, Gwen had decided to join her – help her, she had said – to make dinner for her beloved family. When would they be done? And when would father return if he left at that hour? She prayed her lies would not be exposed before she had the chance to tell. Maybe she should meet with Mr. Richmond and convince him to annul the contracts.Suddenly Gwen rushed in, pushing hard against her door. Beth jumped, startled. "Sweet Heavens!" She breathed out. "Do slow down, young lady, that door might cost a fortune to fix, and I doubt Father would be happy with you if you destroyed it. It is bad enough already." She ranted.Gwen was wheezing. She collapsed onto Beth's bed, dramatically tapping lightly on her chest. "It is unbelievable, Beth! You would
LOVING HER DUKE Man And Wife At Dawn
She did, in more ways than the obvious. "Yes." "He says he knows you, and claims to have had you compromised." Her father continued. "Is this true?" Beth couldn't answer.Her father's words cut her deeply. What could she say? That it was true? That what she thought was to remain a secret had seen the light of day? She would never be able to overcome the shame it would bring her and her family. It might about kill her parents, not after they had made an alliance on her behalf with Mr. Richmond.She could not refuse either, Lord Carlisle was right in the room, he would expose her lie immediately."Bethany?" Her father's voice startled her. She looked up, shaking slightly. "You are my child, and not minding status and wealth, I would believe you over him." He sat forward and dropped his voice. "Tell me, are his words true?"The tears welled up. Her breathing became unsettled. "Father, I never…" Gwen had been right. Until that moment, she never regretted being with Lord Carlisle. She fina
LOVING HER DUKE Speak With Father Now!
Beth laid her head on her younger sister's laps, unable to do anything else but breath. Her tear glands were empty, her eyes were too tired to cry anymore. Gwen was lightly rubbing down her hair, comforting her as best as she could. Her nose was hurting and so was her heart."What am I to do now, Gwen?"Lord Carlisle had forced his way into her life, into her home and now, into her father's decision. All was in disarray because she had agreed to be his friend.Gwen exhaled. "The choice is no more yours. The decision has already been made." She rubbed on her temple. "Father and the Duke are drawing up the contracts as we speak, with Uncle Fitzwilliam as the witness. And Lord Carlisle says he wants no dowry."How did she come upon this? "Have you been eavesdropping again?" Beth asked, her voice breaking."I am not as patient as you."She had no energy to reprimand her sister. She exhaled too. "How did it go so wrong, Gwen? Father must be ashamed of me."Gwen tapped lightly on her should
LOVING HER DUKE I Will Be Married In The Morning
Her father's hand paused. "You would not be. He has promised to keep you happy.""For how long?"He sighed, exasperated. "Child, it is settled. It would be best you go put your belongings in order. As decided, you leave after the ceremony.""Father_""I am busy." He dismissed her.Beth left the room heartbroken, even more than she was before she stepped in. What had she been expecting? That he would finally heed her words and mind her thoughts and her feelings more than Lord Carlisle's words? That all could be forgiven?She walked on, her feet carrying her until she was outside. Without much thought, Beth removed her shoes and stepped on the grass. It was moist from the dew and cold. And it offered freedom.Lord Carlisle would never bind her, but Beth knew she would never really be free. Her title would bind her; her authority would restrain her. His status would overwhelm her. She raised her eyes to the sky. The stars were out and beautiful, hanging like a thousand diamonds on a dark
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