Benedict's POV

"Cassie married Henry" I was unable to utter anymore words. As if his mind stopped working. Benedict felt suffocated. She can marry any one. But Henry. It shocked him to core. As if he had been stabbed at heart.

"I know you are shocked. But it is truth. Cassandra is now duchess of Brimwood and her son is next line to duke." His mother said monotonously.

His heart was beating like drum unable to digest the fact. Off all the people Cassandra and Henry. How could Henry do this him? Henry knows well he loved Cassandra. Still he married her. He could not see her with any other man. And that man being Henry interfiled his pain. Henry is the one person who knows how deeply he loved her. He shared every tale of love with his cousin.

His mother continued.

"After a month you went to India with your wife, Cassandra was pursued by many suitors. They know you are off hook. And then in one fine morning Henry announced that he had married Cassandra and she became his new duchess. My sister taunted me and whole society how her son got a beautiful bride at this age. They were toast of town. An ideal couple. A year they honeymooned Europe and come back with his heir. "

"Benjamin Lockhart. That is that brat's name. If only that child was not born you must be duke by now " Benedict felt sadness and jealousy in his mother’s voice. She lost battle to a little kid.

Cassandra and Henry had a son. At that moment Benedict felt vulnerable. He expected Cassie to marry an earl or duke but not is cousin. Why Cassie marry a man who is double her age. She barely knew Henry. That too only through him only.

To became Duchess. The Money power and wealth of Brimwood. That answer angered him. Still his heart refused to believe that.

"There is more which will more interesting to you." he looked at his mother with that sentence. Mary Hart was now excited. Like a seasoned gossiper she began her rant of poison.

"Till Henry's death Cassandra was a good wife. In fact she was most dutiful Duchess. But after his death she become promiscuous. Many men both married and unmarried are linked with her. She is openly sleeping around. " Mary Hart said acidly. And Benedict saw his mother enjoyed his pain sadistically. Mary Hart never spare her rivals. Even if that person her own blood.

"Mother "this time Benedict’s voice was hard and sharp. His heart refused to believe his Cinderella is turned in to a seductress. But his mother was no mood for stopping her rants which worsened his mind more.

"Don't shout on me Benedict. You cannot turn your face from truth. Ask any of your old friends. They all tell same tale. The story of Cassandra Lockhart the new seductress of town. You will see it by yourself by next ball of Winton's. Where she and her admirers will be present "My mother finished her words with disgust."

Before he could say anything Bianca interrupted them and said "You a visitor Ben"

"Who " he asked without much interest. Thanks to his mother.

"Clarisse Greene".

"Don't entrain that woman" his mother warned him. He knows well his mother's intense dislike for his mother-in law. Even though Lady Greene was a good woman she never tolerated his mother's rants.

Benedict walked to meet his mother in law. Clarisse stood by the window watching playing kids. As if she was reliving her memories with her own daughters. She looked old and tired. Her dress looked old but wearable. Ben felt her too suffering from poverty or some mental strain. But Clarisse was a fighter. But now she looked like a failed woman. Something happened. Did Cassandra's new behavior according to his mother bothering Lady Greene. Clarisse equally loved all her children except one occasion that changed all life equations of their lives.

"Clarisse" he called.

She turned back at him. She smiled which didn't reach her eyes. Sadness engulfed in them.

"Do you met Amy" he asked her softly.

"Yes, I am. She is shy just like her mother. And her mother's mirror image"

Mention of Cynthia made him uneasy. It always had been an uneasy subject.

"Your daughter had great life Lady Greene. Her last years were happy ones. She loved India and tropical whether. "Benedict said as he wanted to open the topic with courage. He knew Clarisse was sad not able to see Cynthia for a last time after death. But he was helpless. And more over his wife wished to not return England even after knowing her days were numbered. She refused to see her mother in pain. She believed her mother and sisters would be happy knowing that she died happily.

"I am happy to hear at last Cynthia did find happiness with her husband and kid." Claire said monotonously. Benedict was unsure whether she mocked him or praised him.

Seeing his uneasiness Clarisse decided to change topic and ask another question.

"Are you planning to remarry Ben" That question caught him off guard. Which he never expected from her. At least for now as had just came back.

"Not so soon Clarisse. I have many other responsibilities before I could think about myself. "He said little uncertainty.

"But you have to at some point. Amy needs a mother" Clarisse voice was almost desperate.

"Whom do you want me to marry as your granddaughters step mother?"

"Catharine " her reply come in instant.

"No , Clarisse I will never marry Catherine. Benedict's voice was firm as rock.