Beth could hear the crack of static in the air. The fire in the fireplace flickered slowly. She noticed how quickly Lord Cossington held his sister but the damage had already been done. Lord Carlisle's anger must have been stoked again. She was grateful she wasn't the receiver.
"Harriet, keep shut."
"Would you assault me again? Push me to the floor this time?"
Lord Carlisle was quiet, until, "You challenge me?" He questioned.
Lord Cossington stepped forward, shielding his foolish sister. "No, she does not. She would never."
Lady Cossington pushed her way back. "I should be your wife, not her. I waited for years, and while I was waiting, you disregarded my honesty and chased after this tramp." She glared. Beth turned her head, looking at other things in the room, fearing another assault. "She doesn't deserve you."
"Cossington?"
"Harriet?" He implored.
She wasn't listening. "I should be able to_"
