"What?!" Her skirt dropped as her eyes popped; he feared they might about fall out of their sockets.
A harsh sound escaped him. "And I did fraternize with her."
She grabbed hold of the table. "I beg your pardon!"
"And she could be with my child." He finally added.
"Charles!" Lady Marjorie collapsed into her chair, then held up her hand to stay whatever he was to say next, but Charles was done. He was now more scared of Beth's reaction. His mother supported her head with her hand and massaged gently on her temple. "If you intend to humour, this is not funny." He made no movement. "You couldn't possibly be serious?! How can you sit still after telling me so much in so little time?!" She exhaled, fanning herself with her hand.
There was a storm inside him, but he would be damned if he let anyone see it. He rose and walked to the other side of the table, only to sit on the edge of it, his hands resting on it. "Mother_"
