Richard did not understand women of that much he was sure, but one woman in particular made him mad with wanting. She looks at him with those huge soulful eyes demanding that he hold her and when he obeys, she seems to respond. In fact he would say she responds quite vigorously. To be honest she gave him a run for his money, and as soon as things get interesting she goes cold. He just did not understand.

She looks to be an innocent and yet the way she touches him, kisses him, holds him tells an entire other story. He had to get to the bottom of this. He was glad to see his bath was not drawn when he returned from his ride and so he rang for it. Soon he would get to the truth he would make her own her feelings for him. The door opened but it was not Anna that he saw but Albert the house butler.

"Albert what are you doing here?"

"Lady Catherine, Sir, has given me orders to attend you."

"And where is my usual chambermaid?"

"Miss Anna is needed elsewhere I am told. Preparations for the party and other overnight guests."

"Damn her," Richard said. She must have asked to be removed from serving him because of what took place this afternoon. His stepmother had no right making that change without consulting him first and he had the mind to make that point quite clear. Anna was his.

Richard stormed from the room leaving Albert behind to wonder at his Master's behavior. Richard wished to waste no time in searching for his stepmother. He was Lord of the Manor now. He will have Anna back. It is time he started taking charge. Storming around the bend he collided right into the help. Knocking over a vase of flowers that came crashing to pieces on the hardwood floor.

"Bloody Hell!" he swore as he tried to stabilize the girl knowing the vase was a lost cause.

Juliana tried to speak but frankly could not. He had plowed into her so hard he took the breath from her lungs. Halting her from her task of lighting the hall lamps.

It took Richard but a second to assess the situation. Obvious he hit the girl with some force but there seemed to be no physical damage done. "Are you all right?" he asked.

She was standing too close to him to get a fully accurate assessment of her. Not being able to speak, Juliana simply nodded her head in affirmation.

"Why do you not speak? Have I injured you in some way?" Richard asked concerned for the girl's well being.

Finally able to breathe Juliana answered him, "No, my Lord. I needed to catch my breath is all."

He pulled her out of the shadows and into the light. It was not just some unsuspecting maid he had nearly run down but Anna herself. Still having a firm hold of her he pinned her against the wall. "Good, now that I have you to myself, perhaps you can answer something for me?" his tone was a malicious one and Juliana felt quite threatened by it. She knew all too well Richard had a temper and she did not want to be on that side of him.

"If I have done anything to offend my Lord I am truly sorry. My behavior has been appalling and for that I am ashamed, but please do not be mad at me," Juliana pleaded.

She was a walking contradiction. Never had he known a more baffling, mind boggling woman than this. "If you wished not to offend me, then why did you ask to leave my service?" Richard asked barely holding his anger in check.

"I did not," Juliana replied. "Those were my orders. Your mother needs my services elsewhere."

"So, I have been informed. I am Master of this house and it is I who will make such decisions. You belong to me, and now that I am home I will be the judge of where your services are most needed. You are mine and in case there is any doubt, here is something to help you remember."

He pressed his full weight against her making it impossible to move. Her hands were trapped at her sides as she was subjected to his brand of torture. He kissed her, but none of the gentle or passionate kisses of before but one that made her realize just how low he thought of her. He branded her as his property as his hands groped at her body and his lips crushed hers leaving them slightly swollen.

When he was through with her, she felt vile. She wished she could shed her own skin. She felt like crying but knew she had no tears to shed. As quickly as his punishment began he stopped. Staring down at her, his gray eyes had turned as cold as steel.

"Let that be a reminder to you. Should you decide to become friendly with any of my Mother's guests as you have me, know this, one man lays a finger on you and you will be seeking employment elsewhere as the harlot you are."

He pushed away from her and stormed down the hall. Juliana's body began to violently shake as she slid down the length of the wall. Unable to weep, she gathered herself up like a small child, rocking herself for comfort that could not be found.

Richard entered the den in a fury. Every muscle in his body was tense, screaming for release. Lady Catherine jumped up from the desk, startled by such an entrance. "Richard, by what manners do you barge in here like this?" she reprimanded him.

"Silence, Mother and be seated." Richard answered her in a low growl.

She had never seen this side of Richard before and found it a bit unnerving. Lording above her, he rested his fists on the mahogany desk not trusting himself entirely. Knowing that at this moment he was capable of wringing her neck. "What right have you to change things without my approval?" he asked his tone telling of his barely controlled anger simmering just below the surface.

Lady Catherine had an idea of which he spoke but played naïve. "What is it I have changed that could have put you in such a mood, Darling? Tell me and whatever it may be I will change it back." Lady Catherine cooed most sweetly.

"Clever woman," Richard thought. She will play dumb knowing he would have to admit to something most unbefitting his own status as Lord of the Manor. How does one say he is upset that the woman he lusts for has been removed from his presence and that he demands her returned immediately? But he was just as clever.

"What have you not changed, woman? Since I have entered this household two weeks ago, you have done nothing but inform me of the events that will take place. I am Lord and this is my Manor. You do not make a decision without discussing it with me first. From here on I am in charge and if you do not like those terms Mother, we can always make other living arrangements for you. A flat in London perhaps, with of course a meager allowance to provide for your basic needs I believe will suffice."

Lady Catherine looked at him with horror. "Surely you can not mean to banish me from my own home?" she asked in true wonderment. It was true she was no fan of the country but here she lived in luxury and a luxury she became quite accustomed to.

"That is just the point, Mother. It is not your home. It is my home and I am graciously allowing you to live here. Make no mistake cross me again, and you will be forever banished from Bentley Manor." Feeling as though his point was quite clear he removed himself from his stepmother's presence slamming the door behind him.

She waited some moments to be certain he was gone. She rose with an anger she did not know herself capable of possessing. She picked up the first object she had seen on her desk and threw the glass inkwell bottle smashing it to bits in the hard marble hearth.

"I had thought him to be as spineless as his father but no matter," she fumed. Lady Catherine knew his little tirade had no effect whatsoever on her event. She knew his temper was over her reassigning Juliana. She knew they shared an attraction to one another. So often Charles, the first Lord Bentley, had talked of the possible match saying it would seem the most natural thing in the world to take place. So she just decided to give nature a little shove.

She knew that pompous brat would never allow herself to be bedded even though she should be grateful that someone as important as Richard even gave her a second glance. And Richard's temper tantrum was all the evidence she needed to know her deduction was correct. Which of course worked perfectly with her plan.

Richard did not know of the family's true financial status. The fact that they were nearly destitute has been a secret kept well hidden with the exception of course, the family accountant. It was he who advised that when Richard returned that a marriage for profit should be made expediently to fill the family coffers again and Lady Catherine quite agreed. So, she invited only the wealthiest of families and of course only those wealthy families that had daughters of marriageable age.

The Bentley title was one much sought over in their province. Most fathers would be delighted about such a match. Should Richard not pick a bride of his own choosing it would not be so hard to compromise his position considering all the pent-up sexual frustration he was carrying over little Miss Juliana. Then a marriage would have to be in order to save both family honors, and the new bride, she was sure, would never allow her gracious mother-in-law to be sent away. Things really could not be more perfect.