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 Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 6:38 pm
The earl looked up suddenly, his eyes full of concern. "Emily, am I cursed?" He was never one to believe in superstition, so this was out of place for him to say.
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 6:46 pm
"Cursed?" repeated the Duchess, surprised. Surely he didn't think it was his own fault his wives had died. "Well, I--no, no. Of course not, Arvin. You have done nothing to deserve a curse."
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 6:51 pm
He sighed, slouching in his chair. "I would hope not. But Emily, I have lost two sons and two wives in the past ten years. My daughter, who for the longest time has been my only real comfort, has now run off and is God knows where getting married. Am I meant to be alone?"
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:01 pm
"Heavens, no." The Duchess tried to think of something comforting. "You must realize that Terryn is still your daughter. She cares for you deeply. And you have almost certainly already gained a son. And I'm sure that grandchildren are soon to come."
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:08 pm
"Grandchildren..." The earl sighed, runing his hand through what was left of his hair. "I fear Terryn is too scarred to consent to that."
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:17 pm
"We feared that Terryn would never consent to a number of things," the Duchess reminded him. "Love and marriage, amongst others. And look what's happened now."
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:29 pm
The earl nodded, but didn't look convinced. "I do not know. Marcus is only one person she must love, and even that took quite some time."
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:41 pm
"But it did happen." The Duchess looked significantly at her friend. "As much as it pains me to say this, I really think that being patient will yield the best results."
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:44 pm
"Emily..." The earl stared at her plainly. "You and I both know that we can not afford to be patient much longer."
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:53 pm
The Duchess raised her hands as though to shield herself. "You should not say such things." Of course, she knew that his words were true. "You are much younger than I. You have many years ahead of you, Arvin."
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:56 pm
"I am not so young." The earl sighed and rubbed his forehead. "And I am cursed, do not forget."
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:59 pm
The Duchess looked dismissive. It seemed that the worst was over. "You are being overly dramatic." She rose up, assuming her usual expression. "I am fetching tea. Perhaps then you will be able to think rationally."
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:06 pm
"Perhaps." Tea always did him good. He had practically overdosed on it after Arianna and the boys died.
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:17 pm
A few minutes later, the Duchess returned bearing a tray with a full kettle. "Help yourself," she said gently. It was unladylike to drink anything alcoholic, and the Duchess had always found solace in tea.
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:24 pm
"Thank you." The earl did help himself, to about five cups of tea. It helped relax his muscles considerably, and allowed him to breathe without getting choked up.
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