Revenge of Duchess

chapter 11- Blurred mind

Hi all
I am posting little late because I was stuck.
With writers block and then natural calamity. For sometime my mind is blurred too.

I could not get connection point between previous chapter and future chapters. What I intended to write for this chapter was not correctly fitting in. It took me for a while to get the connection. This is not important chapter but a connection......

I am restless writer who can't write if I lose connection points in my story.
Thank you all for being patient with me and my writing.

Ben

He was furious.

In fact he was livid.

The way Cassie manipulated his family was unacceptable. But his mother had fallen for the greed of dukedom and wealth. So does his sisters.

"I am not marrying her mother" Ben shouted at his mother.

But Mary Hart seems have developed deaf ears. She refused to listen any reason. In fact she was blinded by glamour of Brimhood. This made Ben angrier. Cassandra game plan is working. Mother had accepted her proposal. It is true he still harbored feelings for Cassie. But he can't fail before her challenge. That too not like this. It hurt his ego. His failure

But now he felt things are going out his hands.

He watched helplessly his family departed to Brimhood for his wedding preparations.

"Bea get ready Lisbeth and Amy in half hour." Mary Hart ordered ignoring Benedict's presence in the room. She is selling him and not even bothered to ask his permission for his own wedding.

You too Bea , ben looked at his sister for sheer betrayal. He has hoped Bea would be with him.
But Bea choose to ignore him. Bea's change of heart made him sad. He hadn't expected this from his ever supportive sister.

May be that is because it is Cassandra not Miss Hardly.

But is Bea aware of her former best friend's vindictive motives. Her changed behavior. Cassie's revenge. But even if he told all that his family no one will believe him now thinking that he is lying to escape from marriage. His truth will considered as lie.

He walked out of home out of frustration. He need some air.

Peace of mind.

An aimless walk to think clearly.

He always consider himself as brave. But unable to talk against his mother. Mary Hart was not always like this. When his father was alive she was different. She was cheerful, less greedy and always loved her children equally.

Now ................

He saw the local bar. Against his will he decided to go in.

He sat in a table in the sideways where nobody noticed him. He saw not many people there. He hoped nobody recognize him there. He closed his eyes. His mind has stopped working for a while now. Cassandra is winning the challenge. And he can't do nothing to stop that.

"My lord your drink"

A voice woke him up.

He raised his head a man or rather boy of 17 or 18 stood there with tray of alcohol filled glasses.

"I didn't order any." Ben said to him.

"This for you my grace. Accept this as our token of gratitude for new duke of Brimhood. It is very rare high society man like you grace our humble abode" Said a gray haired bulky old man behind the boy. Whom Ben assumed owned of the bar.

News travels fast. Cassie had left no stone unturned to get him. He thought grudge fully.

"Take care of him well Caden. He is our privileged guest "

""I don't want". Benedict refused politely.

"Please sir, if you don't accept the drinks little Jonny fire me.' The boy pleaded.

Ben felt sympathy towards the boy who had fear of losing his job due to him.
Something oddly familiar about the boy. As if he knew him before.
But the name Caden doesn't sound familiar.

He accepted the drink for the sake of the boy. As he about to drink,"One for me and put it in new duke's account" said a familiar voice.

Major Donovan

Ben instantly recognized voice of his mentor. But his appearance puzzled him. With rattled face and shabby cloths Major looked like a beggar now. Not like Ben once remembered him. A proud army man who had a distinctive dressing style which had been always talk of his regiment.

"Yes Dony" Caden replied.

Donny.... Major Donovon never tolerate such disrespect. He was once a high ranked official now allows a bartender to address him like that. What had happened to him?

Guessing Benedict amazement Major continued

"When you have no money and beg other for alcohol you tend to have such names.

My wife left me to marry other man. She took my child with her. When I came back she refused to return with me. I gave my all savings to her when she needed. Now I am a penniless man who lost everything. "He said finishing his drink offered by Caden and talking one more glass.

"But you are lucky. Getting money and woman whom you loved once" he ranted.

Ben wanted to ask many things Donovon but he already passed out on table.

Ben sighed and about leave that place then he heard someone whispering in his ears.

"I know you not interested in marry Cassandra Lockhart."

It was Caden.

"None of your business" . Ben replies sharply.

"But I can help you. " Caden's voice sounded urgent yet dubious.

Ben looked at him suspiciously.

"Trust me, I will help you to get rid of that bitch just Follow me." Caden said again

May be someone can help him. Ben began to follow him.

Caden took him out of bar and finally reaching behind bar.

Now what. Ben looked him questioningly.

Then Caden removed his hat and..................

You................

Ben said astonishingly............