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

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

Beth seemed intrigued. She asked. "Well, was he able to?""How silly of me! Of course, he wasn't. There was more blood that day than the day he was born, I think." Beth gave a short laugh and quickly controlled herself, putting her hand over her mouth, but her eyes were smiling. "He couldn't cry, of course. Although, I cried enough for the both of us.""He must have been scared of horses for a while, I bet." Beth said softly and slowly, her face showing so much enjoyment. She sent a glance his way. Did she think he couldn't hear them? Or see her?His mother scoffed. "You would think so." She rolled her eyes. "He was clamouring for the horse the very next day. But I obviously did not permit him. I decided that that much blood was enough for one week." They turned to the gravel road leading to Torrence Hall – his mother's home, but the women were deeply engrossed in their conversation to notice. After the long trip, they seemed to have finally relaxed. The sun was setting with a nice hu

"What does it say?" Lord Carlisle's voice rang with nonchalance."'What does it say?'" Lord Cossington repeated with disdain. "Unbelievable." A small chuckle. "It says here that you move to end, might I add, your long engagement to my sister, with compensation." He scoffed. "You end your engagement with us for her." He pointed at Beth. "For your mistress?"Mistress! Beth pressed her lips together. She knew the life that awaited her and the unkind things would be said about her, but to have such things said while she was in the room, it was agonizing. But it was not untrue. She had indeed had an affair with Lord Carlisle, she had been his mistress even for the shortest of time."I thought we agreed," Lord Cossington continued. "that you can keep her as your mistress even after your wedding to Harriet. We_""Keep her as a mistress?!" Lady Cossington exploded. "I would never share him with the most noble of women, let alone with that tramp!"Beth swallowed. It was upsetting to hear how s

December 1826Beth sat at the table finishing up the embroidery she had promised Gwen for her eighteenth birthday. It would be done in enough time to have it sent to Westside Manor. She had promised to finish it in six days, just in time for her sister's birthday. If she couldn't be present for their traditional family dinner, the least she thought she could do was finish up her gift and send it along.It wouldn't be the same as when she was with her family. Who would assist Grace with the cooking? Who would distract Gwen so the gifts could be well hidden? Who would listen to her mother's tale of womanhood and family ties? She sighed. How greatly she would be missed. She hoped the day went well.Gwen had wanted her there. She had sent letters to that effect, inviting Beth to Westside Manor. But Beth knew better. She couldn't. The ton were making fun of her and Lady Cossington spared no time telling her how she was a thief and a seductress. She couldn't let Lord Carlisle come to know o