Sybrina got up with the biggest, widest smile on her face. Yesterday was the happiest day in her married life. She had had breakfast with Alexander. He had arranged a romantic picnic lunch just for the two of them. Then he had taken her to the one place she loved most, the lending library. He had been so wonderful, and last night they had had a romantic dinner for two in the garden. When it had been time to go to bed, he had walked her to her chamber, kissed her sweetly on her lips and wished her a good night.

Oh, what more could a girl ask for?

Off course she loved riding in the carriage about the ton. She also loved visiting the fashion houses to see the latest gowns on display, which girl would not? She also loved attending gala dinners where she could twirl around the dance floor in her adorable husband's arms, and tonight she was going to do just that, at the Duke and Duchess of York's fancy gala dinner. And when they returned home later in the evening, well she was going to have a special surprise for her husband. Yes tonight, she was going to his bed.

Who was she kidding? She was in love with her husband. She loved him with every fibre in her body. It was no use holding out any longer. Yes he was a rake, and if he was not prepared to give up his mistress, well she could not wait any longer. She wanted him as much as she knew he also wanted her. She felt it when they touched each other. She felt it when their lips were quivering together, exchanging those sensuous kisses.

Oh yes tonight Alexander will make her, his woman. She was burning up with this desire she had for her husband, it could not carry on any longer. Tonight they will finally consummate their marriage. She loved Alexander, even if he did not love her in return, well at least she knew she was in love with the man that would take her innocence.

Hurriedly, she ran to the wash room, washed her face, changed into a beautiful leaf green day dress. She could not wait to see his handsome face and wish him good morning.

She rushed into his chamber, but it was empty. Sybrina ran downstairs and entered the breakfast parlour.

The sun shone brightly through the huge French windows, lighting up the room and basking it in sunshine. She could smell freshly baked bread, bacon, scrambled eggs, and freshly brewed coffee and tea, but no Alexander in sight.

'Good morning countess,' Mr Charles smiled.

'Where is my husband?' Sybrina took her place at the table.

'Er__ a groom from the duchess came with an urgent message, and Lord Cavendish rushed off, and said to tell you to continue breakfast without him.

'I see.'

Suddenly, breakfast held no appeal. The sun was shining, but it could have been a cold, dark winter's day. Was she stupid to think she could put up with Alexander's infidelity? Yes some gentle ladies allowed their husbands to keep a mistress, and focused on keeping house and their children, but could Sybrina put up with that? She was a one man woman, and expected her husband to be the same. She believed in the sanctity of marriage. She believed a man and a woman should honour their vows to each other. But who was she kidding? How many of the gentlemen of the ton did not keep mistresses? The richer the men were the more mistresses they maintained, and let's face it Alexander Chauncey, Earl of Cavendish was one of the wealthiest peers of the ton.

'Countess?'

'Sorry __ Mr Charles?'

'I asked if I may serve your breakfast.'

'No. I'm not hungry. I'm going up to my__.'

'But the Earl said__.

'He is not here now is he Mr Charles?' Sybrina stood up, flinging the napkin onto the table.

Sybrina slammed the door to her chamber and flung herself on her bed. She could not hold the torrent of tears that came flooding down her cheeks.

I hate you Alexander. I hate you.

She banged her fists into her pillow wishing it was Alexander's dashing face she was punching.

Half an hour later, her eyes blood shot red, her lips bruised and swollen, Sybrina decided she needed to give her horse a frisk run through Hyde Park. She changed into riding gear and headed for the stables. She met Harriet on the stairway bringing her a breakfast tray.

'Good morning Countess', Harriet smiled.

'Is it Harriet? Is it a good morning?' Sybrina raged.

'Countess whatever is the matter? Mr Charles insisted I bring you up a breakfast tray.'

'I am not hungry Harriet. As you can see, I am going riding.'

'But countess. The Earl is not here to accompany you. Perhaps you should take one of the grooms.'

'I do not need an escort. I am a married woman, even if I have an absent husband. Thank you very much.'

Harriet was running behind Sybrina with the untouched breakfast tray.

'But countess__.' That is as far as she got as Sybrina slammed the door shut, ending any conversation between them.

Sybrina mounted her horse and galloped out of the Earl's London stable. It was a beautiful day even if she did not see the sun shining, or the blue azure sky, or the love birds chirping in the trees. Neither did the beautiful flowers in full bloom catch her eye, nor the lush green grass, that just yesterday she was basking in, enjoying a picnic with her husband. Sybrina galloped as fast as it was safe to do so, and as fast as her mare could attempt in Hyde Park. Fortunately there were not many carriages or riders, it allowed her a bit of recklessness. An hour later she was breathless, she knew her mare needed some rest and water from their sprinting. She dismounted and let her horse drink from the pool of water, and slumped herself against a nearby tree trunk.

Sybrina shut her eyes and contemplated what her plan of action should be .

She could not leave Alexander. It would be too embarrassing. Father Tim would not approve of her walking out of her marriage. Neither could she ever put into words the reason she wanted to walk out of the marriage. She had run from her father's home because he was abusive. What reason could she use against Alexander. It was not unheard of, for a gentleman to take a mistress, provided he was discreet. She would just have to continue being his wife, and when he demanded an heir, she would just have to succumb to her husband's demands. And the Marquis, would have a right royal fit, if she dare attempt to walk out of her marriage.

Somehow the gala dinner did not seem so enticing any longer. In fact, Sybrina was quite content to just go back to her chamber and have an early night. Obviously Alexander would not even miss her, after all he would have his strikingly beautiful mistress in his arms the entire night. Why should she go and just make a fool of herself? Only one desperate for punishment would go to a function just to see the man she loved cavorting in the arms of another woman.

She would just lie down for a short while, and then she would return home. She would just shut her eyes for a few minutes...

Sybrina had closed her eyes for a lot longer than a few minutes and had fallen into a deep sleep. Was it reality or was it a dream that the duchess was laughing at her? The duchess in a flimsy white silk gown, was reaching out for Alexander and he was smiling into her eyes and reaching out to the duchess as well. Now they were both laughing at her.

Alexander....no. I am your wife. Do not go to her!

'Alexander ... Alexander ... Alexander!'

Sybrina jerked against the tree trunk and realized she had been talking aloud. Good heavens, she had been asleep for almost two hours. She had left home more than three hours ago. Silly her, she had not even thought to carry a warm jacket. The sun had dipped, it was starting to cool down now.

She looked to where she tied the mare, and saw she was still relaxing in the shade, munching away at some straw.

Sybrina was not prepared to give up without fighting. No. she was going to this ball tonight, and she was going to show Alexander, what he was missing out on. She was not a quitter, and she was the Countess Cavendish. Her father was a Marquis, she was made of sterner stuff. She had an indomitable spirit, she was not going to lie down like a dying dog.

'Countess,' Mr Charles stammered nervously. 'The Earl came back. He waited an hour or so and had to leave again.'

'Did he now?' Sybrina spat angrily.

'The groom will have the phaeton ready for you to take you to the York's, Countess. Harriet will assist you with your bath. I have instructed the footman to take up extra jugs of hot water for you,' the butler nodded.

'Thank you Mr Charles. I believe a hot bath is just what I would love right now. Please send me up some tea, thank you.' Sybrina dragged herself upstairs. The nap in the park had just made her more tired. Her limbs were sore from the uncomfortable position she had been sleeping in. Thank heavens nobody had come looking for her. Not that her husband cared two hoots to find his wife.

As the carriage transported her to the York's estate, Sybrina was double minded about what she should do. Confront her husband, or just pretend nothing was wrong and just continue from where he left her outside her chamber last night? If she confronted him, there would be tension in their relationship. If she kept quiet, she would live an unhappy miserable life as the Countess Cavendish for the rest of her life. She had to do something, but what would be the right decision?

'Countess?'

So deep in thought was she that she was unaware that her carriage had stopped outside the Duke and Duches's estate. The groom was holding the door, waiting for her to alight. When she was announced she was led to the ballroom. Many couples were already on the dance floor. It was well attended and seemed to be successful by all means. The duchess only ever threw the most entertaining functions. She could never be faulted. Sybrina now went in search of the duchess and found her and Alexander in the terrace, deep in conversation. The duchess did not look too happy. Alexander seemed to be trying to console her. Sybrina had refused a drink from the waiter. She needed her wits about her tonight.

When Alexander saw his wife step onto the terrace in her breathtaking ivory silk gown, layered with layers and layers of wild sapphire silk he could not take his eyes off her. Her hair had been brushed and with a glossy shine was cascading over her shoulders. She was definitely the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on.

'My lady you look absolutely beautiful,' Alexander could not peel his eyes away.

'Your grace, good evening,' Sybrina ignored her husband.

'Sybrina, my, don't you looking like a princess tonight,' the duchess complimented.

'Your grace! I would like you to keep away from my husband.'

'What!' the duchess exclaimed.

'You have your own husband,' Sybrina reminded her.

'Sybrina!' Alexander spoke.

'You think__' the duchess spoke the same instant as Alexander.

'Sybrina, I think you and I need to speak__.'

' I am not speaking to you__my lord,' she dragged that last two words out.

'Sybrina__,' the duchess started.

'Just leave my husband alone,' Sybrina raised her voice.

'Sybrina,' Alexander gripped her hand to silence her.

'This would be funny. If I was not in such a miserable mood,' the duchess looked at Sybrina.

'What do you mean?' Sybrina asked curiously.

'You think I am mistress to Alexander?' the duchess swallowed almost all the alcohol from her glass, and signalled a hovering waiter for another refill.

'You're not?'

'What the hell are you on about Sybrina?' Alexander hissed, the same time as Sybrina had spoken.

The duchess smiled at Sybrina, took a big swig from her glass and spoke, 'I am not into men.'

'What!' Sybrina exclaimed. She badly needed a drink right now. 'So why did you marry the duke?'

'He is not into women,' the duchess giggled.

'Miranda, I think you've had enough,' Alexander pulled the glass out of the duchess's hand.

What the hell was going on here?

Did the duchess just say she was___, and the duke was__.' What the hell!

'I don't understand,' Sybrina spoke. 'So why did the two of you marry?'

'Why Alexander?' The duchess glared at Alexander angrily. 'Why was I so stupid?'

'You knew about all of this my lord?'

Alexander did not answer Sybrina. He just glared at her.

'I don't understand,' Sybrina repeated. 'So why are you always requiring the presence of my husband?'

'Sybrina!' Alexander's voice rose an octave.

'My lord! Why do you not join your gender, like all the other gentlemen?' Sybrina emphasised.

Alexander took a step towards Sybrina. The duchess threw her head back and got into a fit off giggles.

'I do believe Alex dearest that I've never heard no lady, not even your mamma give you instructions before,' the duchess laughed.

'I am glad you find humour in this situation Miranda. Perhaps I can leave you now and attend to my wife who clearly feels neglected.'

'Alexander dear no you cannot leave me. What am I going to do?' the duchess gripped his hand.

'What are you going to do about what?' Sybrina asked in confusion.

'About the sorry mess Reginald and I are in,' the duchess took her glass back from Alexander and downed the contents. 'You see Sybrina dearest, I married Reginald, because I had no interest in having children. I needed a husband in name only. Reginald married me for the sake of appearances. He has no desire or interest in women. Now his family are demanding an heir, and I have no intention of sleeping with him, or producing a__ a__.'

'So the duchess is not your mistress?' Sybrina looked up into her husband's face.

'I am sorry you thought that my lady. You are the only lady in my life since the day I wed you,' his eyes locked with hers.

He has no mistress. I am the only lady in his life.

'Then why__?'

Then why what? Why did he not sleep with me? Ah yes, he did say I should come to his bed.

She should have known from the way he looked at her. From the way he smiles at her and kisses her. She should have had no doubt after the entire day they had spent together yesterday.

Oh dear lord, have I ruined things?

'My lord I believe this is our dance,' Sybrina spoke shyly.

'Indeed?' he teased, but extended his palm outward towards her.

Without hesitation Sybrina placed her hand into her husband's as he led her back to the ballroom.

'Yes, you two go kiss and make up,' the duchess slurred, but the couple were already walking away.

Alexander held his wife in his arms tightly against his chest as he gazed into her eyes.

'I am sorry I misjudged the whole situation,' Sybrina whispered. The duchess was always clinging onto you and you always condoned it!'

'I am sorry I gave you reason to think I was unfaithful,' he drew her still closer, as he glided with her around the dance floor.

'So since the day we wed, you have never been__,' Sybrina left her sentence unfinished, but he read her unspoken words.

'How could I look at another woman, when I am married to the most beautiful, passionate, feisty and intelligent lady in the world?

'My lord__,' she gazed into his dark, desire filled eyes.

Alexander dipped his head, and captured her lips in a slow kiss.

'My lord everybody is watching.'

'I care not,' he smiled, his eyes locking with hers.

'I love you,' she whispered, as the music stopped, but they remained locked in each other's arms, until the next waltz started.

'I did not think you would love me,' Alexander murmured, 'not after the way I compromised you, and you were forced to wed me.'

'I was already attracted to you before you compromised me,' she whispered shyly, 'and sometime during our marriage I fell in love with you.'

'Oh my darling wife. I fell in love with you the very first day you came to my home wanting help not for yourself but for the orphanage, and when I saw you on the roof in men's overalls, I knew I wanted you as my wife,' he grinned.

'You love me?' she whispered.

'I love you,' he repeated.

'Take me home my lord,' she pleaded, 'I think you have been patient long enough.'

'You do not know the number of times I was tempted to break my vow to you,' he replied huskily.

'I wish you had,' she murmured, 'I have been wanting you too,' she cupped his face.'

Alexander carried her into his chamber and gently placed her on his bed. He smiled adoringly into his wife's eyes. 'I have waited so long for this night,' he murmured.

'So have I,' she lifted her head and captured his lips.

Alexander peeled off her clothing one layer at a time, the dress, the camisole, and the drawers, till her flesh was exposed. She heard him breathe deeply, as he kissed her soft milky flesh. He helped Sybrina remove all his clothes till they were naked in each other's arms.

'You are so beautiful, my lady,' he looked adoringly into her face.

'Oh Alexander. You are so adorable too. You do know it, do you not?' she smiled shyly.

'Cannot say my wife told me so,' he grinned.

'Hurry and make me yours Alexander. I ache for you,' she whispered.

'I will make you mine, but we shall not hurry,' my sweet. 'I want it to be special and I promise you will enjoy me as I will enjoy you,' he murmured hoarsely.

Alex took his time, kissing every inch of her body, whilst Sybrina was burning up, impatiently wanting their consummation. She loved every second of their love making. His tender hands along her arms, fingers trailing erotically slowly. Lips like velvet brushing against her nape. Fingertips exploring. Her breasts, oh my, they were so aroused. She felt the moistness between her thighs. A beckoning heat, like liquid, rushing through her body arousing her. He tasted every inch of her until he was ready and then he took her to a sweet blissful heavenly pace of pleasure...