Loving Her Duke

September 1821

“Beth. Bethany, wake up. It’s morning.” Eric whispered in her ear, shaking her up. She stirred and turned, shoving him away as she did. “Wake up woman, it’s your birthday.” He whispered again, successfully capturing her attention. Beth sat up and glared at her brother who was sitting on the edge of her bed.

The heat from the fireplace had reduced with the dead fire, but Eric held up a candle to her face, smiling sheepishly at her. His face would make anyone think that the survival of the world rested singularly on her birthday. She blinked and started to lie back down.

Eric pulled her legs to rouse her even more. “Stop it!” She whined. “What is it about my birthday that's making you so joyful?”

He placed his finger on his lips, then walked to the table and sat candle down. Whispering, he said. “Quiet down, unless you intend to wake Mother and Father.”

Beth pulled her blanket to her neck and whispered back. “I'm glad you realized that it is too early to be rudely interrupting other people’s sleep.” Then, “What do you want?” He got off her bed and yanked the covers. “Hey!” She protested.

“Quiet down!” He was still whispering.

“Why would you do that?” At the brink of tears, she lamented, hugging herself in her cotton night garment. “Why are you doing this to me? It’s cold. And it’s my birthday!”

“I said to be quiet.” He threw her the cover, rolled up into a messy ball. “Get dressed.”

She angrily pulled the cover to herself, intending to return to sleep. “Why?”

He smiled and pirouetted in a parading manner. Beth noticed that he had shed his nightshirt for outdoor clothes. At the early hours of the day? She wondered. “You always wanted to see the sun rise from the hill at the east side of the manor. Come with me, I’ll take you there.” Then he smiled again.

Beth spared him a look, her eyes shining. “Do you mean your words?” She tested. He nodded the smile widening. “But Mother would never let us get that far out.” Although she said that, half her heart was already on the hill.

“All the more reason to be quiet.” He warned. “She can’t keep us sheltered forever. And you are eighteen now, soon you would have to leave home.” When she hesitated, he said. “I’ll take responsibility.” She squealed and jumped into his hands. He gave her a bear hug and ordered. “Get changed. Let’s escape before anyone wakes up.”

Without a second to lose, Beth shooed her brother out and hurriedly got dressed in an old thick dress. She gathered, secured and abandoned her hair on the top of her head and jumped into the nearest boots. Grabbing her jacket, she rushed out and nearly bumped into Eric. With a gasp, she stopped. “Sorry.”

“Shh.” He reminded, his finger again on his lips. “Let’s be as quiet as church mice.”

Beth gave him a scornful look of unbelief. “Church mice are not quiet, they are poor.” He was strong physically, but she feared for his intellect. How was he so good at saying the wrong proverbs? It always left her amazed.

“Stop being a bookworm and follow me now.” He compelled.

Being referred to as a bookworm always made Beth shy and caved in. She always felt at a loss in the presence of people, save for her family, and her books were how she let herself free. Not being pained as much, surprised her, but she chose not to confront it until after they watched the sunrise. Maybe she was no longer affected by it. Or was it the moment? She would never know. She doubted anything could take away the joy bubbling in her at the moment. They snuck out of the manor through the backdoor and walked briskly towards the hill.

The moment they reached the foot of the hill, Eric gave a loud victory cry and Beth followed suit. They shouted and soon burst into laughter. “I can’t believe we did that. Mother would be horrified if she ever finds out. And she would.”

“She would forgive you, you are eighteen now. A woman now.” Beth smile grew wider. “Happy birthday little sister.” He hugged her.

She returned the hug. “Thank you.” Then he ruffled her hair like he always did. She laughed and tried to slap his hand off.

Still smiling, he prompted. “Come on then, you jolly good fellow. The hill is not going to climb itself.” He looked her over. “Why didn’t you wear the clothes I gave you? It was for this moment.”

“Your old clothes? The ones you said I'm to wear on my birthday?” She inquired sagely, hand on her waist. “Only you would send old possessions as a gift.” And then realization struck her. “You wanted me to wear them for when we go hill climbing?” He mirrored her expression. “I had no knowing. I'm sorry.” He waved it away and motioned her forward. “Well considering I was in a hurry to get dressed, this is quite an outfit.” She posed for him.