Chapter 1
'Don't you understand Tony? I don't love you.'
'But Mary, how can you love Charles. He is just a commoner'
'Don't call him that...' she shook her head in disapproval whilst she spoke. He interrupted her.
'He is a lawyer, a damn good one, yes. You deserve better. He has little land, Mary. He is not one of us... you hated him a few months ago.' Tony Gillingham's voice was full of spite as he said this.
'Tony... He is... ' once again she was cut off by him.
'We have known each other for years; does that mean anything to you, at all?' Mary exhaled, slowly. She paused and responded
'We knew each other till we were seven, and didn't meet again till 6 months ago. That is 13 years Tony.' He opened his mouth to protest, she continued 'Charles, in all his right should be a marquis. He is heir to the Dukedom of Somerset.'
'So you care for titles and money now?' he replied in degust. Mary was losing her patience, but it did not show in her face. Well she rolled her eyes, perhaps.
'I don't, and if you insist on knowing me that well, then you should know that. He told me once I had accepted him.' Tony looked at her, and she could help being pitiful 'Alas Tony, I am cold with you. Charles makes me laugh, I cannot help but love him' she gave him a half smile and began to walk down the stairs in silence.
She was greeted by Charles walking in with Evelyn behind him. Charles stopped at the foot of the stairs and waited for her, smiling. She could not help returning the smile. She said before she began to speak. 'I told Gillingham, he didn't take it well' the three began to walk in the direction of the library, Charles chuckling at the thought of Mary's conversation with Gillingham. Charles spoke as they reached the door, 'I'm not surprised, he doesn't like it when he doesn't get what he wants.' She laughed in agreement; Charles continued 'I might take a walk before dinner. Do you want to join me, I'll tell you all the thrilling details about the case' She shook her head ' I never thought you would say thrilling and case in the same sentence, I would like to but I must help Mama control Rose on the preparations for papas birthday surprise.' She said dryly. He laughed at her tone 'you could be more enthusiastic.' He kissed her on the cheek, and turned to go back outside. Mary called after him 'White tie for dinner, Granny will be there. Though she ought to get used to the real world'