Sybrina was unsure on the dress code for dinner tonight, so she’d decided to err on the side of caution and dressed formally in one of the dazzling new evening gowns her husband had bought for her. She should have realized it would be just the two of them for dinner, but it surprised her nonetheless, that the formal dining room had been decorated and all the splendour had been set out just for two. Her husband was formally but handsomely attired, in white trousers, white shirt navy coat and neck tie.

She had not tasted the first course of soup that had been placed in front of her by the footman. She was overwhelmed by the surroundings.

If she strained her ear, she could faintly hear the waves of the ocean gently lapping against the shore. She was more overwhelmed, by the presence of the man who sat at the head of the table, who consumed her thoughts and emotions. Sybrina had wanted to sit as far away from him as possible, at the foot of the table, as should have been the case had they been entertaining guests. They were not entertaining guests, tonight, and her husband had cleverly drawn the chair to his right for her, robbing her of her preferred choice. He filled the room with his presence, dominated her space actually with his effortless elegance. She chose this moment now to glance up and their gazes met, fizzled with unspoken desire. She fought to tear her eyes away.

‘Is dinner not to your liking my lady? You barely touched your turtle soup.’

Sybrina stared down at her plate. Fresh salmon on a bed of crisp watercress, curd cheese, baby potatoes. It was a gourmet meal, under normal circumstances, she could have delightfully done justice to it. But nothing was normal tonight. She was hungry but not for nourishment, and she was still trying to understand that.

How could she tell her husband she’d caught sight of him upstairs with his door ajar. He had been naked, save for the towel around his lean hips. Sybrina had never seen a naked man before, but she’d been mesmerized at seeing Alexander’s almost naked body. The broad shoulders, sturdy arms, muscular chest with the fine brush of hair decorating it, had caught her breath. She had almost been caught peeking, but had quickly stepped back when Alexander had looked up. She’d finished dressing and hurried downstairs to wait for him in the drawing room.

‘It is delicious my lord,’ she lifted the glass of wine to her lips, ‘I guess I’m tired from our long journey,’ she spoke untruthfully. The journey had been long, but she was too keyed up and would only toss and turn if she had to go to bed. Right now he was seated too close to her, dangerously too close.

‘Ah, I thought you weren’t pleased with the salmon, and that I may have to go out and shoot a buck or something,’ he teased.

There’s no need for that,’ she made an effort and forked some of the salmon and water cress into her mouth. Sybrina chewed slowly, conscious of Alexander’s eyes trained on her. He looked to the footmen standing discreetly to his left, and immediately one of them came to refill her glass. She had not even realized, her glass was empty.

‘Thank you,’ she smiled at the footman, and stole another quick look at Alexander who was heartily polishing his main course.

Alexander kept his eyes trained on his plate with difficulty. All he wanted to do was stride to Sybrina’s chair, haul her up into his arms and carry her to his bed. She looked distractingly breathtaking in her ivory lace gown, a dusty pink trim, clinging to her delicious curves. The slender column of her milk white neck was visible. The sleeveless gown, exposed her graceful arms, and hinted at her delicious bosom. How was a man expected to restrain himself when the temptress paraded her delights in that manner? Surprisingly they managed to complete dinner and Alexander suggested they have coffee in the drawing room again. He drew the curtains aside, so they could glance at the ocean. There were two ships in the distance one was coming closer to shore. The other was travelling away from Bath.

The following morning, Sybrina was up at the crack of dawn. She hardly slept in the night, too aware of Alexander just mere feet away in the next room. Not that she could hear him there. He seemed to sleep soundlessly. It was not yet six, but Sybrina could not stay in bed another second. She threw the bed covers over and tiptoed to her wash room. It was too early to trouble Harriet for hot water, so washed her face with the cold water, dressed into morning clothes and slipped downstairs. The brew of fresh coffee and bread being baked made her feel hungry, but she avoided the kitchen and slipped out the French windows into the courtyard. It was a beautiful day. The sun was just starting to peek, it was going to be hot today. She followed the trail that seemed to lead to a private entrance to the beach. It was idyllic and inviting. This would be a lovely environment to stay permanently and raise children.

Where did that come from?

Anyway she knew the Earl had his official seat in Cavendish Castle, and he preferred being closer to London. Bath was just a weekend or holiday getaway. Its smaller size, and limited staff was testimony of that. Sybrina was surprised at the rich soil and the abundance of herbs that grew here. Somebody here loved growing their own herbs and vegetable. Her knowledgeable eye even spotted some herbs that were grown for medicinal purposes. Sybrina had used them as salves for healing purposes on her fathers’ estate. Many of her father’s workers, and their children had often sought her counsel for the treatment of various ailments.

‘Why didn’t you tell me you wanted to see the sunrise?’ Alexander dropped down next to her and unexpectedly planted a kiss on her cheek.

She turned around and found they were completely alone. So why did he kiss her?

‘We are alone,’ his amused eyes teased her.

‘Good morning,’ she breathed, getting a whiff of his minty breath and his male scent.

‘Good morning. I thought you’d be asleep for a few more hours.’

‘How did you know to find me here?’ she asked.

‘Cook said she spotted you through the kitchen window, and that you had not even broken your fast.’

‘Does she have a view of us even now?’ Sybrina enquired. It dawned on her why he’d kissed her.

‘The kitchen windows are huge enough to capture the beautiful scenery,’ he draped his arm around her shoulder . ‘My staff are probably wondering if I am ill treating my bride __’

‘No,’ Sybrina unthinkingly placed her index finger on his mouth. He may be a rake, but he’d never harm her. How she knew that she did not know. She just knew she could trust him with her life, and that he would protect her or any other human being with his life. He was not a cruel man. He was not like her father. He would never abuse his authority.

‘Perhaps they need convincing,’ he challenged.

Saints of heaven no!

But her head drew closer to his, her eyes falling to his lips .

As his lips brushed hers, ever so softly, her eyes closed. Her fingers gently touched his cheek. Alexander’s arm around her touched her nape, pressing her closer to his mouth. He groaned as her lips parted, hungrily accepting her tongue, then reluctantly released her.

She swallowed convulsively, taking a few moments to gather her thoughts, as he gently drew away from her.

‘How about some breakfast in the garden,’ he murmured.

Sybrina realized she was hungry, after not having had much dinner last night.

‘Yes, I would loved that,’ she smiled.

Alexander rose to his feet, and extended his hand to her, lifting her effortlessly. He did not release her hand once she rose. She allowed it, thinking they needed to keep up appearances in front of the staff. As they drew closer to the cottage, Sybrina looked towards the kitchen.

‘Alexander, the kitchen does not even have a view in this direction!’ she jerked her hand out of his.

‘No, but it does have a beautiful view of its surroundings,’ he grinned.

‘I kissed you thinking we were being watched,’ she accused.

‘I also think you enjoyed it,’ he challenged, ‘and I like you addressing me by my name,’ he held her imprisoned in his arms.

So annoyed had she been that he’d tricked her into kissing him, that she’d unconsciously called him by his Christian name. What disturbed her now was that she had taken pleasure in the kiss, and that she hadn’t wanted him to stop.

Damn it, he had no right to enjoy that kiss!

‘Good morning Lord Cavendish, Lady Cavendish,’ somebody called from a distance away, probably a neighbour, or one of the farm hands.

‘Ah now we have an audience my dear wife,’ he delighted in capturing her lips, and this time for show.

Much as she wanted to resist him, much as she wanted to shove him away, her lips parted wanting his kiss, more than she wanted to deny herself, but Alexander was drawing away, and raising his hand to greet whoever had shouted out to them.

Sybrina used the opportunity to pull herself away from him, disentangling herself from his hold. He laughed softly as she strode away from him. He’d easily caught up with her before they entered the cottage and slid his hand into hers for appearance sake off course. Sybrina did not attempt to remove her hands, inside his home they would encounter staff.

‘Would you like to go on my boat and have a picnic my lady?’ he suggested, his voice soft near her ear.

‘A boat?’ she echoed equally softly, trying to deal with his too close proximity.

‘Nothing that can take you to the Orient, or New York City or anywhere across the Atlantic,’ he laughed, taking advantage and circling his arms around her waist again, ‘but it’s safe and equipped enough to go out to sea and visit the islands close by,’ he bragged.

‘Oh.’

‘What you say? I did ask Harriet to pack you some of those fancy flannel swimming shifts and I also have a pair of calecons,’ he grinned.

Sybrina was about to deny having any bathing wear when he casually informed her of that.

Drat!

Still the idea intrigued her, for she loved the water. She often swam at the creek on her father’s estate. Alexander was interesting company she was beginning to concede. He was knowledgeable, interesting and she found she could debate with him on a variety of subjects.

‘Are you in agreement my sweet?’ his lips trailed along her throat, as he pulled her closer. She found her lips angling to meet his and when did her fingers become entangled in his unruly hair. All she knew was she was liking this feeling of savouring his lips and she liked the way he moulded her body to his so they could become enveloped around each other.

Somebody cleared their throat behind Sybrina, she jumped away from Alexander, heard her husband curse softly. This pretence at being a happy married couple was getting to her, her body was surrendering all to easily. She best remember this rake was only putting on a show for his hired help.

‘Yes,’ Alexander enquired of the butler, without any trace of the irritation she had earlier heard in his voice.

‘Breakfast is served in the morning parlour Lord Cavendish.’

‘Thank you. Shall we?’ Alexander offered his arm to his wife.

Sybrina was loathe to admit that she was truly enjoying every minute in her husband’s pleasurable company. They’d had a wonderful day on his boat three days ago. Cook had packed them a sumptuous meal of grilled prawns, cold chicken, freshly baked bread, fruit and delicious mead to wash down the lunch.

Sybrina had eaten to her heart’s content, and she was sure she had drunk a little too much and had been a bit tipsy. She thought she’d be shy to swim in her flannel bathing suit, but Alexander had made her feel at ease. She could not believe four days had passed. She had thoroughly enjoyed every day. Alexander was fun, entertaining and made her laugh without much effort. The second day he’d taken her into the village and she’d bought a few items to take back home. Last night the neighbours, an elderly couple who knew his father well invited them for a simple supper. Twice in the afternoons, Alexander had taken her to the baths. She’d had a luxurious time being pampered by the ladies, and massaged. Sybrina had loved the soothing waters that were filled with scents and balms that left the body feeling supple and refreshed, ready for bed.

Tomorrow they were heading back home, back to Cavendish Castle, or the London home if she desired. She needed to tell Alexander she preferred to stay at his country home, even though she would have to put up with the dowager. She inhaled deeply, if she could have put up with her abusive father for that long, she could deal with the dowager.

They had one more night before they departed tomorrow morning. Alexander had promised her one more trip to the baths, and this was going to be an evening to remember. The baths were rather busy during the morning up to early afternoon, but most evenings they were empty. So they would have it almost to themselves. Not that they would be together, for the women had private baths as did the men, but for some reason she looked forward to the evening with Alexander.

‘My lord the place seems closed this evening,’ Sybrina’s disappointment was palpable.

That’s because I’ve hired out the entire baths just so you and I could have it to ourselves.

‘I assure you we will be allowed in. I have our tickets,’ he cupped her elbow, when she hesitated outside the tent.

‘There’s nobody here to attend us.’ Sybrina gazed longingly at the baths filled with perfumed water. The vapour of the heated water, causing a film of sweat to form on her forehead. Rose petals danced about in the water, tempting her to get in.

‘Oh this is too alluring my lord. I dare say I just cannot resist,’ Sybrina squealed with excitement.

‘Go ahead my sweet,’ his voice just behind her caused the hairs to stand up at her nape. She could not tell if her body temperature started to rise because of her husband so close up against her back, or was it the heated water of the baths?

‘There’s no one here to assist me,’ Sybrina’s voice faltered.

‘Tell me what you need?’ his husky voice drummed in her ear.

‘My gown__but you can’t,’ she stopped as she felt the muscles of his chest press against her back.

‘I’m your husband. Why can I not assist my wife with her gown?’

‘My lord it’s not appropriate for you to be here in the ladies’ bath,’ she breathed heavily.

‘My wife needs assistance,’ his fingers splayed along her arms.

‘If you just unbutton my gown__.’

His fingers trailed erotically from her arms, upwards towards her neck. It brushed against her throat.

Sybrina shut her eyes. She could feel his heart beating against her back. His erratic breathing , blew like a gentle breeze against her earlobe.

‘If you unbutton me, I’ll do the rest,’ she found her voice again.

‘Do you not require more help my wife?’

Like me pouring that hot oil over your beautiful body and me running my fingers all over you.

‘I’ll be fine,’ Sybrina stammered, as his gentle fingers unbuttoned her, but the fingers stayed, exploring, touching her heated flesh. Oh my, was her breasts becoming aroused? Why were her nipples bruising against her bodice? Was that his lips at her throat, like liquid heat, setting her on fire? What was that moistness forming between her thighs?

‘Alexander__’ she gripped his arms.

‘Yes,’ his answer was a guttural sigh.

‘I think you should leave me to my bath,’ Sybrina whispered hoarsely.

He stilled as if suddenly realizing where he was, and what he was doing, ‘yes my lady, I’ll be waiting outside. Take your time.’