February 1827The carriage rocked violently as they fell into a pothole and the wind carried the faint apology of the coachman to her. Beth wasn't the least concerned, she was too happy to bother about small mistakes. And she was too satisfied to care.Her husband had returned.Charles had returned the previous day and, not stopping to bother about the servants who were watching, she raced out as soon as she had seen his carriage. She had been eager for his return. The days after his last note had been received had been longer than the weeks she had waited for him.He promised that he would be gone for a month, but had stayed longer. When his note came to her, telling of his return, Beth had been happy and eager for him, but when one week quickly turned into two, her heart became fearful. No further note came and she did not know of his whereabouts. All that kept her company was hope and the memories of him. Until a carriage bearing the Coat Of Arm of Carlisle came, approaching the ma

She slowly opened her eyes and whispered, placing her other hand over his that still held tightly to her wrist. "You are hurting me now."Her eyes glistened with the tears but he saw fear in them. She was frightened of him. He quickly let go, putting a safe distance between them. With a voice barely audible, he asked. "What would you have me do? He is the King. I cannot question him."Beth turned her face from his, sniffing. "Then do nothing. Absolutely nothing. I would find a way to rescue my sister from becoming a royal mistress." She gently pushed against his chest, sobbing and set herself free.Charles remained by the wall, listening to her footsteps reside. He was aware of his trembling hands and his bruised knuckle. His rage made him breathless, but he was not angry at her. His anger was towards Alexander. How could they discuss with him in the room and make a fool of him? He had never hated Alexander as much as he did at the moment."She has suffered enough. I would not let her

Standing at the main doors, Beth watched Lady Cossington and Lady Dumbray enter their carriage and continued still, watching, until the carriage left Carlisle Crest. Her heart was bursting with joy and her smile did little to hide it. Thomas stood beside her, smiling too.Joyously, she almost pumped her hand in the air.Triumph!She was triumphant!!Beth felt herself soaring above the clouds as the wind blew past her hair and the warm evening sun on her face. She had defended herself against Lady Cossington and her lackey, and she had won. It felt more glorious than when her mother had brought home new linen for clothes. It was more satisfying than a good morning breakfast.She was overflowing with joy and was clueless on how to manage it.Anna came running to them. "Your Grace, I saw a carriage departing."She had noticed the girl's absence. How frightened of Lady Cossington was she? "Yes, the carriage left and they left with it. You never have to fear them again." Anna beamed.Thoma

Charles was frozen in place, as was Beth. He turned and saw the shock in her eyes. She hadn't known. His eyes travelled to rest on her stomach, before he pulled it back to Dr. Lockhart, his hold on hers tightening. "Are… are you certain?"The Physician nodded widely. "If I wasn't, I never would have mentioned it."His brows furrowed but his heart expanded and an unfamiliar feeling flooded him. Charles nodded as the information sank in. Beth pushed herself up to sit and he helped her, his gaze becoming fierce.When she winced, Charles's concerns knew no bounds. "Is she wounded?"Dr. Lockhart shook his head. "She is impeccable, Your Grace. Though I advise her to improve her regime and eat regularly. She would need strength, for her and the child."He was overwhelmed. Pregnant? Beth was with child for him. His heartbeat thundered and the unfamiliar feeling threatened to explode out of him. His throat hurt and his vision was becoming impaired."Congratulations, My Lady." The maid servant

Touching Beth's chest, she continued. "It is easy to let go of here. The harder part is letting go of here." She touched her temple. "If you trust your husband, it is high time you let him know. That is the true definition of love."Beth nodded and smiled. It was bright, bright and true, just like her. "I enjoy spending time with you. You always know the right things to say.""Then pay more visits to Torrence Hall. I have been told I have the spirit of a sage."Beth laughed as Marjorie had intended her to. The sound was beautiful. She had always wondered what it was that made her son let himself go to her, that made him free himself into her control. It wasn't her laughter nor her beauty. It was not fortune nor family status either. It was the woman herself. Beth was true and she gave her truth in her smile."Indeed you do. Thank you."She patted her chin and with affection, pinched her cheek. "You are most welcome." Suddenly the atmosphere was no longer gloomy. Marjorie inhaled and e