Benedict' POV

Life was not easy when it begins again from same point where you left everything behind.

You need to start again. Like before.

House was same as he left eight years ago. Nothing changed. It was never home after his father died. His mother Mary Hart is same as ever. She was loving woman to her children yet her greedy and jealousy nature remains the same. Her tongue was still razor sharp which could cut anybody's throat still now. She wanted good life for her daughters. In that process she ruined them altogether. Beatrice is a living example for that. His younger sister is sewing dreams of marrying a fine gentle man. And he the first victim. Sometime his mother was too caring other times too distant and Benedict often ask this question to himself do he really knew this woman whom he call mother.

His missed his home with his father not this house. He walked downside to have breakfast. Mary Hart still cooks tasty food. Which she always prided herself that one thing she is better than her elder sister, Duchess of Brimwood. As his mother placed food on table Benedict inhaled deeply. Bea and Bianca are yet to arrive. His daughter Amy sat there with grim face. Something was bothering her. Seeing him her face brightened. But her eyes seem dull.

"Papa, it is cold here." his five year old daughter Amy complained. He looked at his daughter with pity. She is still adjusting to cold weathers of England. He hoped Amy will fit soon here. She still misses her friends in back India. And the warm weather which made her happy.

"Your daughter is not adaptable just like her mother. Hope she did not inherit her mother's sickness too" My mother said sarcastically. Amy looked at her grandmother and then him. He know she was expecting him to react.

"Mother" I said warning. Mary Hart ignored his warning and began to eat her food.

He looked at Amy lovingly and said.

"Don't worry, Darling you will get used to it. Have patience. You will love here. Time will heal everything." I assured her.

Amy smiled wildly and hugged me and went outside to play with her cousin Lisbeth.

He sighed and asked "how much longer Bea and Lisbeth is staying here?"

"Eager to get rid of your sister. It's not happening unless you pay until Andrew's losses" my mother said mockingly. His mother will never lose her touch in laser sharp words.

"Why should I pay for my brother in law's losses? We paid a good dowry at her wedding" I said little angrily.

"Don't rise your voice Ben that was eight year old news. That money is gone forever. Your sister's husband is a low life. He expected us to pay for whatever losses occurring happening due to his own foolishness. He left his wife here and gone. If you don't Beatrice stays here with her children pay off Harrison. Anyway your sister is pregnant again. I don’t know how we are going to cope all expenses. Andrew’s debts, Beatrice’s pregnancy expense and Bianca’s debutante ball money "My mother said sadly.

How I am supposed to pay for this. He expected troubles but not this much. And his hard earned money is not enough for all these.

He cursed himself silently.

He had made money from his military career in India. But his money won't be enough for his family.

Bea and her family

Bianca's wedding and her dress

Household expense s

And lastly his daughter Amy.

Soon he will run out of money. What he supposed to do. Where to knock for help.

"If only Henry's alive." he said in low voice.

He knew my cousin help him. He loved me in spite of my mother's cold war with his mother. He was always his favourite little brother. He was like blood brother to Henry Lockhart. The late Duke of Brimhood.

"Will his wife help us" I asked with little optimism.

"She is a bitch Ben. If only his hadn't married her you would be duke by now. There was no direct blood relatives to Lockhart’s than us. “His mother said in sudden anger.

"Mother if we explain our situation may be she will help us. Henry's wife can't be that much heartless. I am her husband's favourite cousin. And I want it as loan not as charity. I will return each penny." I said with some hope.

"I highly doubt your pleas will effect on that woman. And do whom your late cousin Duke of Brimwood married." His mother said with an evil grin

"It's Cassandra Greene"