Charles was in the ninth heavens. Beth was speaking to him like it was the most natural thing between them to do. Her lips as they moved, her hands as she gestured and her voice were exciting him all over. He had no knowledge she affected him so. And her hair, it bounced as she spoke, coming to life with each movement. He almost reached out to touch it. He quickly sent a good amount of peas into his mouth.Breaking out of the trance her hair had put on him, he asked. "Do you want to? If not, you could simply say so." He placed a small piece of cold turkey on her plate. She hesitated but ate it. He released the breath he did not know he was holding. He ate a piece too."Lady Marjorie says it is a family tradition. I suppose I could. I am_ I am Lady Carlisle after all." His heart missed a beat.A family tradition? Charles almost scoffed. The Carlisle Christmas Ball had only been ever since his mother joined the family but he would not tell Beth. He shovelled a hefty portion of mashed po

Charles halted his next step, and turned slowly.Lord Denney, hasting down the steps, rushed to him with a smile. He stopped and stood straight, standing a few inches shorter than Charles, waiting for the latter to bow to him. Charles obliged, unwillingly inclining his head halfway. "It has been a long while. How do you do?""I am fine." Was the simple answer.Lord Denney wouldn't care either way. He sighed. "I had hoped to speak to you in private and when I saw you at The Fox, I thought what luck is this?" Charles's eyebrows rose at the dramatic man. "But it was no luck of course, you were not alone." He signed as though disappointed. "There would be other days, I concluded."Charles sized him up. A balding, old man who the former King had been kind enough to let live after his almost act of treason. He was a selfish bastard who would do all it took to get what he wanted. Too bad what he wanted this time was out of his reach for Alexander would do all it took to keep his crown.It was

It was a great building. Both were, and it was unfortunate, for regardless of the reason for the visit, he would not be giving it back even if Carlisle had come to talk about marrying Harriet. Easton House was his to keep."Carlisle!" He yelled, waving to get the other man's attention. Carlisle turned and walked to him, adjusting his jacket. He closed the stable door and walked to meet him halfway. "I am surprised by your visit. What brings you along?" He stretched out his hand, Carlisle took it reluctantly."Where is Lady Cossington?"Was he right? Had Carlisle truly come to seek his sister for a rematch? Joy bubbled and exploded in Geoffrey. He could perhaps demand other fortunes as an apology before accepting the offer. "She is in the mansion." Carlisle made to turn, he grabbed his wrist. "What is the rush? You can converse with her later, we men should talk." He gestured behind him. "I hope you don't mind me renovating the stables, it does not suit my taste."Carlisle made no othe

For the first time, Lord Carlisle was not behind his desk. He was seated away on the settee, by the wall, wearing a fine cotton shirt to keep the cold away and a grey coloured trousers. His waistcoat lay on the far end of the settee. He had rid himself of it.Lord Carlisle was slouched in the settee. He had his legs crossed as he read a parchment and rhythmically tapped the top of the settee. She had never seen him so relaxed and carefree. It was a beautiful sight. His hair was dishevelled like he had run his hand through it and Beth was momentarily reminded of the feel of it. Her fingers twitched.She permitted her eyes to run the length of his body, admiring him for a split second, studying him again. He was a lot different from the look he carried at breakfast but no matter how he looked, Lord Carlisle could command the breaths of many women as he was commanding hers. He was as powerful and dignified as his title carried.The thought annoyed her slightly that he could make other wo

* * *The King was on the balcony, leaning on the balustrade, watching when Charles finally arrived Mainecroft Castle. He bowed as soon as he alighted the coach, before walking into the main halls, going up to him. Strictly speaking, he stomped in.Charles had gone to his estate, WhistleHall, when he left Carlisle Crest that night, instead of going to an inn as he had wanted to or the castle. He needed the solitude to compose his emotions and get utterly drunk. He could do neither.He was angry; enraged still. The volumes upon volumes of alcohol he had consumed could not drown the dark emotion in him. Beth saw no good in what they had. Was he the only one who thought they were once again on neutral ground?Charles strode into the balcony and was not surprised to find Brand too. The private council meeting with the King should have started hours ago. The young prince sat away from his brother, legs propped up on the small table before him, slowly sliding his thumb over the sharp edge of