Arabella was a proud woman, but this was one thing she was not proud of. She had bullied one of her most loyal and trusted servants into sinful behavior. And for what? In reality for a chance at saving her own life. For the first time in her life, she was truly disgusted with herself. No, it wasn't driving not one but two women to their deaths, but this here right now, taking advantage of her power and even more over she had betrayed her vows of marriage, and the man she loved more than she had loved anyone else.
When the whole thing was over, the Duchess wiped away the tears that had fallen and put herself back together. "Thank you, John..." The Duchess spoke softly, finding herself, at least at the moment unable to look at him. "You can never tell a soul, not even your bride." It was clear, though it would not make matters better, than she felt terribly, but the edict was clear.
Give me children, else I die.
"Go to his Grace... you are the only one who can be trusted to help care for him. There is to be no awkwardness between us." Arabella issued commands, as though she could somehow push his feelings away, just as she pushed her own feelings down never to see the light of day.
--
"Forgiveness would imply you've done something wrong, something that requires such an act." The Prince smiled happily as they went. "You should be free to speak your mind, and with me you are perfectly safe. It is other listening ears that you must be careful of." He was for all of his status, a simple man who preferred honesty about all. Life was simply easier without all of the games, however, the Prince was aware he was often afforded luxuries that others would not be.
"As for rumours and this or that, I pay them little mind. I prefer to make my own decisions. I find that people are often unreliable." It was just before they were about to turn to the Royal box, did Alexandra make her offer. "Ah! How wonderful! You shouldn't have, but I thank you anyway." The Prince was then peering at pastries as Alice held out the open basket before the royal. "These are my favorites, how did you know?" He truly was nothing more than a very happy man at this moment in time. Save for the fact strangers were about to die before him in the name of God and his father.
"Please join me as my guest. You'll have to tolerate the Marquess Townshend, but, we've all survived a lot worse than him!"
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