Warring Intentions

She held footsteps and a voice, it came from the other side of the shrub.

"She is very bold I tell you, walking around as though she belonged here."

Beth put her hand over her mouth. She did not know others would venture this far into the yard. She would quietly depart so as not to unwillingly eavesdrop. 

"I am as stunned. Lady Carlisle? Quite the jest!" Beth went still. They were talking about her.

"I heard her family is far from poor. They are destitute."

A chuckle. "Maybe not anymore. She has made the perfect fool of Lord Carlisle. Surely, they must enjoy his generosity now.""

How dare they refer to Lord Carlisle with such disrespect?!

"How could he have ever believed she was pregnant? This is the fourth month of their marriage, is it not? She is still not showing." They were keeping count? Beth leaned on the wall.

The voice lowered. "Maybe she lost the child?"

"What great fortune then."