‘My child, what are you still doing up at this late hour?’

Sybrina smiled at the gentle, pot bellied man. Life had been good to him, the deep creases around his eyes, reflected a man, who’d lived a happy life. He’d aged well. He still looked fit as a fiddle. Whilst most men half his age started losing their mane of hair, he still had a full crop, though completely grey.

‘Father Timothy, sorry did I wake you?

‘I saw the reflection of the candle light and wondered who was in the church. Are you troubled my child?’ Father Timothy smiled compassionately.

Yes. I’m troubled about the feelings I have for a certain rake. A man I know you’d think is Lucifer’s twin.

‘I couldn’t sleep. It’s so peaceful here,’ she put on a happy smile.

‘Is your parent putting more pressure on you my dear?’

‘Not more than the usual Father,’ she avoided looking at his eyes. Not wanting him to know the true reasons for her troubled state.

‘This orphanage is no place for you my dear. It is not right that you walk away from what’s yours.’

‘All I own will just go to the man I marry in any event Father. There’s no justice in it.’

‘It is not the will of the good Lord that you perish away here child.’

‘Do you not want me staying here Father?’

‘You know Agnes and I love you, like you were our very own,’ he smiled, ‘you deserve so much more dear.’

‘I am happy here Father, truly I am.’

‘It is almost the hour for the sun to rise, yet you have not been to bed. That is not the sign of one who is happy.’

Sybrina had not gone up to her bed. She knew she would toss and turn and sleep would not come. So she sought solace in their little church. When she’d wanted to leave from the Duke and Duchess of York’s home, the Earl had insisted on taking her home. She had categorically refused, even though every fiber in her wanted to go with him. He had pinned her in a corner in the shadows and demanded to know why not. She wanted to lie to him, like she was lying to herself, eventually no words would come, so she’d pushed him aside and escaped, returning with Lady Claudia and Lord Ralph.

‘I think I will rest for a few hours. Good morning Father,’ Sybrina escaped.

The Earl paced around his library in frustration. Damn it ! What game was Sybrina playing with him? He knew she wanted him, as he wanted her? He could see it in her eyes. Why else had she so unreservedly kissed him that way when they’d dined together. He will just have to employ a more persuasive tactic that’s all. He observed the way he just had to touch her, and all Sybrina’s resistance melted away. Whatever her game was, he was onto her. She will be his no question about it.

Another thing that perturbed him was, why nobody was able to find any information on the Lady Artemis? It was more than a month and nobody could find her, let alone any information about her. It’s as if she had vanished off the face of the earth. It’s like she’d come to the masked ball and then just left the earth all together. The Earl was loathed to use under handed tactics, but it seemed he had to play the only remaining hand he had left. He had learnt who her partner was. The Earl was a determined man, he knew just how to persuade the man in question. He was well informed that the man was not averse to a bag of gold coins. The Earl could afford to lose a few gold coins. Hell he was prepared to offer the man ten bags of gold coins. The information he wanted was of greater value to him than a small quantity of gold. He had plenty of that. It would not dent his purse even in a small way. Alexandra rubbed his hands together. He could smell victory. Infact he could taste it.

A week later Lady Claudia and Lord Ralph convinced Sybrina to join them for a picnic at the Tilly Manor Lake Gardens. They were relaxing under a shady tree, enjoying the nuncheon that Lord Ralph’s chef had prepared and were sipping on delicious chilled white wine.

‘I love this place,’ Sybrina exclaimed excitedly twirling around like a little girl, ‘all the flowers are in bloom and the good rains have filled up the lake.’

‘I’m wish I could to get my own garden to look like this,’ Lord Ralph complained.

‘Well darling perhaps if you spent more time on our estate than in the city, it will look better,’ his wife gently chided.

‘You know work keeps me busy there,’ he playfully tugged her to him, and kissed her cheek.

‘Don’t embarrass Sybrina now,’ his wife blushed.

‘Oh don’t be silly,’ Sybrina started to say, when a carriage noisily stopped nearby. The horses vocally decried being stopped from the brisk run they were thoroughly enjoying.

‘What is he doing here?’ Sybrina questioned in alarm, perturbed that this was ingeniously arranged without her knowledge.

‘I did not know Alexander was joining us,’ Claudia looked questioningly at her husband.

‘Well I might have told Alex we were picnicking here,’ the baron looked sheepishly at his wife.

‘Ralph you know Sybrina does not approve of Alexander’s __’

‘Nonsense, he’s a gentleman. Sybrina you just need to know him better,’ the baron defended.

Gentleman he might be. How much more should she get to know the rake? He’d already taken the liberty of kissing her. She won’t dwell on the fact that she had enjoyed every second of it.

Did his friend know of the Earl’s ungentlemanly behaviour in demanding Sybrina spend the day with him unchaperoned?

Did the baron know of the Earl’s blatant insistence to know her in the biblical sense of the word? Surely an honourable gentleman restrains himself from such forthright behaviour. Yet as Sybrina sat there, her heart pounded excitedly at the sight of the him, immaculately adorned in casual carriage riding gear. She had been happy to be out in the sun, enjoying the fresh air, relaxing with her favourite friends. Now all her senses were on high. She could hear the carefree birds chirping. She could inhale the different floral scents of the bouquet of blossoms in full bloom. In her mouth, was not the taste of the delicious wine, she’d just sipped, but the fusion of desire when that man’s tongue was inside her mouth. As he hopped of his carriage and gallantly strode towards them, Sybrina was unable to tear her eyes away from his handsome face, those hypnotizing eyes, and that sensuous smile that could melt an ice pack.

‘Alex,’ the baron and the earl greeted each other warmly with a hug.

‘Lady Claudia,’ the earl greeted her with a hug as well.

Is he going to hug me? I don’t want him to.

Sybrina lowered her head, looking into her glass. She watched as the bubbles fizzed and rose to the surface inside her glass. Her wine was no longer chilled, it felt warm.

‘Madam, it’s a pleasure to see you again.’ His eyes stared mockingly, as he lifted her hand, briefly kissed her wrist and released it almost immediately.

What no flirting today my Rake?

‘My lord, it’s a pleasure to have your company,’ she replied truthfully, although the way she quickly turned away, had the Earl thinking, it was just her good manners that made her offer that answer.

‘Care for some wine Cavendish?’ Ralph offered.

‘Love some, thank you. What about the ladies?’ He looked at Sybrina.

Her glass was empty. When did she drink the remaining contents of her glass?

‘Not for me, thank you.’ She would have appreciated more of the chilled drink, just to take away the dryness she felt in her throat, but best she refrain from drinking more. She needed her wits about her when this man was so dangerously near to her.

‘I would have got here sooner. The lamb took me that much longer to grill,’ the Earl spoke with a trace of irritation.

‘You cook my lord?’ Sybrina asked unbelievingly, meeting the Earl’s gaze boldly.

‘Oh wait till you taste his grilled lamb,’ Ralph laughed, clicking his tongue. ‘It is magnificently delicious.‘

‘Another of Alexander’s gourmet dishes is his roast duck Sybrina,’ Claudia added. ‘You have not tasted the likes of it ever.’

‘Clearly I have not lived,’ Sybrina’s eyes met the Earl’s challengingly.

That annoying, mocking, teasing, flirting glint was there again, but he hid it from the others.

‘You know madam,’ Alexander drawled, she found that lazy tone so seductive, but best she keep her wits about her, ‘I can’t remember when I last enjoyed, truly enjoyed a meal prepared by one of your gender?

‘Indeed?’ Sybrina was taken aback.

‘You would not know this Sybrina, Ralph laughed, ‘Cavendish here has himself two male chefs.’

‘Two__male?’ she repeated with difficulty.

‘Many years ago on one of my trips to the continent,’ Alexander informed her, ‘I met these two young French chefs with amazing talent. They were looking to leave their country and searching for greener pastures. I offered them employment, until they were ready to leave. They seem to have planted roots, one here in my country estate and the other in my London home,’ he grinned.

‘So you’re intimating women can’t cook?’ Sybrina challenged.

Ralph and Claudia exchanged a knowing look. They could see a debate about to begin.

‘I believe your gender are able cooks madam.’

‘But you think men are better,’ she thought she was finishing is incomplete sentence.

‘Are you putting words in my mouth madam?'

Sybrina watched Ralph and Claudia bow their heads as they busied themselves with the fare on their plates.

When she did not respond the Earl spoke, ‘I find women go about cooking, as a chore that needs to be hastily completed. They don’t like experimenting. They don’t take risks,’ his brazen eyes met hers full on.

How could he be so arrogant? Why, she loved cooking. She loved experimenting with different herbs and spices. She even made her own sauces that both her father’s and Mother Agnes’ cooks loved and swore by.

‘Women don’t like to follow instructions, even from a simple recipe,’ he goaded her further.

‘My wife makes the most delicious muffins from the recipe she follows,’ Ralph tried to soothe the waters.

Claudia just smiled, not bothered to be baited by the Earl, but not Sybrina, she was biding her time.

‘Men are greedy, they love good food. They want the best three times a day,’ the Earl was on a roll.

I believe he is not talking about food!

‘I am off the opinion, cooking is a chore women don’t perform well,’ the Earl concluded, downing his glass of wine.

‘I believe my lord, ‘ Sybrina replied acidly, ‘the kitchen is not the only place where performance counts,’ she promptly rose to her feet and stormed away before the Earl could respond.

Sybrina heard Claudia’s shocked gasp, she felt embarrassed at her below the belt rebuttal, that’s why she hurriedly escaped before the Earl could respond. Not that Sybrina was any expert in gauging a man’s performance in any sphere whatsoever. Whatever possessed her to make that tacky comment? She cringed silently, just thinking about it. She needed to apologize to Claudia and Ralph about her unladylike comment. She’d do it on the way back home.

‘So when can I put your performance to the test?’ the question came from just behind her.

Sybrina was so busy chastising herself, she was not aware the Earl had sneaked up behind her.

She dare not turn around, he was close, way too close, instead she shifted slightly to her right.

‘My lord, I don’t know what possessed me to be so forthright.’

‘I think I goaded you too far,’ he grinned.

‘You did that deliberately?’

‘I thought you would have deduced that from Claudia’s non participation.’

‘She knew too? Oh you’ve put me to my rights, have you not?’

‘My grandmother is an excellent cook. She would disown me, if you repeat what I said earlier,’ he murmured in a conciliatory tone.

‘You have a grandmother? When can I meet her?’

‘You think I popped out of a rain cloud? Where do you think my parents came from?’

Sybrina laughed and insisted, ‘so when can I meet her?’

‘You haven’t answered my first question madam,’ his fiery eyes challenged.

He wants to put my performance to the test.

Sybrina dragged her eyes away from the Earl’s. She looked across at Claudia and Ralph. They were so engrossed with each other. Ralph was murmuring something to her, Claudia was blushing like a school girl.

‘I__should not have spoken so,’ Sybrina whispered.

‘Oh but I’m glad you did. I relish the opportunity infact,’ he teased.

‘My lord__please may we put that behind us.’

‘Walk with me,’ he bargained, offering his arm.

She should have known, he would not allow her comment to go unchallenged, or unpunished.

‘I’m hardly in a position to accost you in broad daylight Sybrina.’

‘I know that my lord,’ she tucked her arm into his.

‘Won’t you call me by my name when we are not with company?’ he entreated.

‘I’ve been brought up __.’

Sybrina held her tongue. She was not going to speak about the gentlemen her father entertained in their home, nor the protocol that was expected of her in her father’s house.

‘It matters not how you were brought up Sybrina. I demand you call me by my name when we’re alone.’

‘Yes Alexander,’ she stood to attention, raising her fingers to her temple in mock salute.

He threw his head back and laughed, ‘you are most unpredictable, and I like that,’ his other hand covered hers, resting on his arm.

‘Did I tell you that you are beautiful,’ his eyes locked with hers.

Only once.

‘You did my lord__I mean Alexander.’

Sybrina watched the other couples strolling about. They were all clearly in love, holding hands, smiling, stealing glances at each other. The ever present chaperones, discreetly close by.

‘I have an invitation to attend a soirée next week with the Duchess Miranda. Will you join me?’

‘Are you certain she requires you to bring a companion?’ Sybrina questioned testily.

‘The Duchess is married.’

‘You should remind her of that, or perhaps it matters not to you!’ Sybrina tossed jealously, remembering the way the Duchess had her hands all over Alexander.

‘Should I tell her that I’m spoken for and that she should keep her hands of me?’ Alexander grinned, drawing closer to her that their shoulders touched.

It felt good being so close to him. Infact it made every part of her tingle with desire, but she moved away quickly, maintaining the distance that propriety allowed.

‘I believe it’s none of my business what you and the Duchess engage in,’ Sybrina hoped her tone came across as indifferent.

‘So when you marry, you will allow you husband to engage in extra marital affairs?’

‘I have no desire to marry, my lord.’

He observed that pained look in her eyes, before she quickly masked it. What had happened in her past? Did she come from a broken home? Was she abused? Why did she always put her guard up when he tried to enquire about her life? There was only one way to get to the truth, spend more time with her.

‘So do I have your agreement to accompany me Sybrina?’

‘Yes my lord,’ she reluctantly agreed.

She was weary of venturing too close to the Duchess. She would just have to keep her distance from her, and keep Alexander further away.

The next morning Sybrina was up at the crack of dawn. Today was a big day for everyone at the orphanage. The children young and old had been planning and preparing for months for the art festival today. They had put notices in other towns. Successful artists had been invited to display their work. Children from the orphanage who were talented had also completed some works which they displayed for sale. Sybrina had been designated the cashier and manager of all the stalls. Some were selling candy, others homemade jams, biscuits and pickles. Mother Agnes had Cook make a huge pot of lamb stew and dumplings as the weather was quiet cold. That was on sale as well.

Everybody was excited at nine o' clock when the doors opened. There was already a large crowd eager to get in. Sybrina had walked around to all the stalls, ensuring they had sufficient stock, and checked on the takings. She chatted with the visitors and the artists displaying their work. Everything was going well. Sales were very good. It was going to be a success. Sybrina was studying a painting of a little boy. He had a pair of shorts on, but no top. He looked hungry, like he was from an improvished home. The boy had tears running down his eyes. He was reaching out to the table, where a plate held a small loaf of bread. Sabrina was touched by the painting. She wanted to buy it. She reached out to see what the price was.

‘Madam, may I have a word with you?’

‘My lord, good morning,’ Sybrina smiled.

Her heart, bobbed excitedly at the sight of him. He looked splendid this morning. Navy blue tailcoat, snow white cravat and shiny top boots. There was not a man more handsome that Alexander Chauncey, she was sure of that. When Sybrina searched the Earl’s eyes, his expression looked schooled, like he was putting on a mask in front of everybody else. The expression on his face looked grave, surely he did not have to look that serious.

‘Could you get somebody to relieve you that we may speak?’ he enquired.

‘I’ll ask Mother Agnes,’ Sybrina nodded. ‘We may use Father Timothy’s office.’

Sybrina led the way to Father Timothy’s office. He looked serious. Perhaps he saw the art festival was successful and wanted to be reimbursed for his contribution to the orphanage. The orphanage had many needs, but perhaps she could reimburse him a small portion of the money they had made today.

‘My lord you wish for the orphanage to pay you from the funds it generated today__?’

Sybrina quickly asked, wanting to get to the crux of his visit out the way.

He stared at her for a moment as if she was speaking a language that was foreign to him, then he spoke, ‘So what’s your real name? Is it Lady Artemis, or is Sybrina Trevick? Or is that also a lie? Just who are you? He walked towards her threateningly, his eyes blazing with anger.

Instinctively Sybrina stepped backwards, as he continued to close the distance between them.