Returning her eyes outside, through the window, her gaze fell upon a few sheep and goats grazing on the open plain and her heartbeat increased again. They really were there now. Why was she so afraid to meet her family? Beth closed her eyes and let her head bob against the carriage wall with each uneven drive the Coachman took.She had abandoned Charles's command, Thomas's plea and Anna's fear, and rode out to Rosethorn Hill that morning. Beth had yet to visit her relatives since she was married and it broke her heart that her first visit had to be because she must, not because she had to. Visiting them was socially correct and that she hadn't was socially insulting. And it was even more insulting because they were her relatives.Beth sighed."We are here." Anna informed a few minutes later, drawing her attention to the edifice ahead.The carriage approached Rosethorn Mansion and Beth looked up ahead. The rose bushes and vines had reestablished themselves, growing well upon the walls

Beth remained in the carriage long after they had arrived at Torrence Hall. The carriage had suddenly become so comfortable she did not want to go anywhere else, not even to meet Lady Marjorie who she was calling on.They had been on their way back to Carlisle Crest when she had decided on Torrence Hall. At Rosethorn Hill after Gwen and her parents had set out for the castle, she had bid her relatives goodbye and headed for home, before suddenly asking the coachman, Edgar, to drive towards Torrence Hall. She needed someone else to talk to, someone unaffected by the decree of the king, someone who was as quippy as her Aunt Marrily and as emotional as her mother. But upon arrival, Beth suddenly did not want to converse with anyone. She wanted to sit and stare at perfect nothingness, maybe stare on until her eyes would grow tired and close of their own accord then Anna would order the carriage home. She leaned her head against the velvety wall.She could not tell them. She had not been a

***There was a time when the sky held beauty, but would lack charm, when breakfast would be delicious but would lack the ability to entice, when music created an appealing sound but did not excite, and the brightest smile of the most beautiful debutante would not be enough to brighten the day, nor lift his mood. There had been a time when there was nothing to look forward to.Nothing to thrill, until Beth.The vast land continued out after them and with each step they took, it gained power and its emptiness gave solitude. Winter had made the land dry and brown, but as spring brought itself forward, the dryness gave rise to a flourishing on the grass only the men who worked the land could ever describe. The grass under their feet was slowly regaining its green and welcoming every movement they made. Beth allowed him to lead her without a question nor a doubt, following him as he walked farther down.Her hands were warm in his and he revelled in the feel of it as she trailed beside him

"A promise of love and marriage." Charles's eyes remained on the man whose words made no sense. "She said that in time you would put away your wife and come for her. If you are so interested in her, why then did you marry Lady Carlisle? Don't you consider it a crime to have one and make promises to another, building her faith? Or do you suppose you can do as you want because you are Lord Carlisle?"Paul Heathcliff had guts, Charles admitted but he would be damned if he would allow him speak in such a manner to him. He dropped the cigar on the ground and crushed it with the heel of his shoe. "Listen here, young man and pay full attention for I am not one to converse with fools." Paul Heathcliff grimaced but he did not care. "I would say this once and once only. I have not the slightest interest in Lady Cossington. And if you value what miserable wealth you possess and the little honour you have in society, do not stand in my path again, or I shall make known to you the power of my titl

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