‘Madison dear,’ Rachael called out to her daughter.

‘Yes mama.’

‘I would like you and Sarah to meet his lordship, Earl Rankin Swain.’

‘My lord good evening,’ Madison cast a furtive glance at the blonde gentleman. She found herself looking into appreciative emerald green eyes.

‘Good evening Lady Madison,’ Lord Rankin bowed profusely.

‘My lord, may I present my cousin Lady Sarah.’

‘Such charming ladies,’ Rankin smiled. ‘May I request a space on your dance cards,’ he enquired of Madison.

‘Oh her card is full,’ a voice spoke loudly from behind Madison. Everybody turned around to look at the well dressed gentleman who had spoken. Madison squirmed uncomfortably. Her cheeks were a bright hue of pink.

‘Rochester, good evening,’ the earl greeted Chadwick, who bowed and extended his hand in greeting.

‘Actually my lord,’ Madison addressed Rankin, ‘I have saved a space for you.’

‘’I dare say you are lucky to be rewarded with a dance,’ Chadwick waved his glass at Rankin. ‘Some of us other mere mortals were not so lucky. Good evening ladies and gentlemen.’ Chadwick took his leave.

‘What on earth is the matter with Mr. Rochester?’ Diana asked.

‘I do not know mama. He has not asked us to dance,’ Sarah spoke.

‘Such a strange fellow,’ Rachael added. Madison remained quiet as the rest of her family discussed Chadwick Rochester.

‘I wish he would have asked me to dance,’ Sarah whispered into Madison’s ear.

‘Shall we have that dance then?’ Rankin offered his arm to Madison, before she had the opportunity to respond to Sarah.

‘Certainly my lord,’ Madison accepted his arm. They danced around the room, Rankin was a superb dancer. He moved gracefully around the floor for one of his age. He must be around eight and twenty. Madison smiled politely as her eyes met Rankin’s. She turned her eyes to the other couples around the dance floor. Everybody was in good spirits. Ladies laughed at the humorous comments their partners made, even if it was not all that amusing. The gentlemen were most polite and complimentary to the ladies they partnered, telling them how beautiful they looked, and how stunning their gowns were, even if they exaggerated the truth a little just to win the favour of the ladies.

‘Will you do me the honour of riding with me tomorrow morning Lady Madison?’ Rankin invited.

‘Could we ride at about five in the evening my lord? I do love Hyde Park at that time of the afternoon,’ she smiled.

‘Certainly, that will be excellent,’ he agreed before returning Madison to where her family were. Madison had danced two dances with Rankin, before she rested near the balcony, not too far from her mama and her aunt Diana. She smiled as she saw Sarah being twirled around by one of the young gentlemen.

‘Am I too ugly and too poor, or is the Swine rather too good looking for you to show him up?’

Madison lifted her head and found herself staring into the mocking eyes of Chadwick Rochester. He did not seem upset that she had lied and denied him a dance, though he did stand there expecting his question to be answered. How could she lie further and tell him he was not good looking. She just could not do it.

‘The earl’s name is Swain, Mr. Rochester,’ Madison spoke softly.

‘I believe he knows his name,’ Chadwick chuckled. Madison thought that sounded nice. She wanted to smile, but quickly schooled her expression.

‘I have come to bid you good night Lady Madison. It was a pleasure watching you dance,’ he tipped his top hat ever so gracefully, and departed before Madison could wish him good night.

‘Was the evening enjoyable dear?’ Rachael asked her daughter as they sat around the breakfast table.

‘It was a lovely evening mama. Sarah had been most disappointed when Uncle Gilbert announced they were departing. Lord Rankin has invited me to go riding this afternoon,’ Madison announced as she ate her porridge.

‘As Sarah is not around to accompany you, you may ask your chamber maid to chaperone you dear.’ Sarah’s family had accepted an invitation to visit friends in the country for the day.

‘Could you help me choose a pretty carriage dress mama?’

‘With pleasure darling, but first Madison could you please eat a proper breakfast? You are always just nibbling like a bird,’ Rachael scolded.

‘I have eaten enough mama,’ Madison complained.

If you want to ensure you find a husband, you better put some meat on those bones, my dear girl. A man does not find a girl as thin as a rake appealing. Why he may think we are poor as church mice, or worse, that we are starving you.’

‘I will have a big lunch mama, now let us choose my carriage dress,’ she pleaded.

Rankin arrived precisely at five, in a very fashionable barouche. Together with her maid Beth, as chaperone, they rode leisurely from Grosvenor Square to the Cumberland Gate, the entrance to Hyde Park. In the afternoons, it was the place to be seen at. Most of the ton was seen in their best riding and driving gear. It was quite busy this afternoon. There were many horses with carriages, some phaetons. Many more couples were strolling on foot. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon. Rankin stopped his barouche and invited Madison to walk. A slight breeze blew gently enough just to cool them as they walked.

‘Oh thank you,’ she smiled. ‘It ends too quickly when we are riding,’ She tied her hat tightly and opened up her parasol, before she tucked her arm into Rankin’s.

‘I enjoy reading Lady Madison, do you?’ He asked as they joined other couples on foot. They nodded or waved to other acquaintances.

‘Yes I love adventure stories,’ she smiled. I also like reading about sailor’s and their trips around the world. I find it fascinating when they tell thrilling tales of surviving ship wrecks, or battling gale force winds and blizzard conditions.’

‘It may make interesting reading,’ Swain laughed, ‘but believe me when you’re in the middle of the ocean and hurricane conditions are throwing your boat about like a toy, it makes you so violently sick that you want to curl up and die,’ he spoke matter of fact.

‘I take it you have had a nasty experience my lord.’

‘Once and once was sufficient,’ he shook his head. ‘I try to stay away from the seas during the Monsoon and the hurricane seasons.’

‘I have never been on a ship my lord,’ Madison smiled. She gently touched a beautiful yellow daffodil, careful not to damage the flowers that were attracting bees and beetles.’

‘It can be a most enjoyable experience,’ he smiled, ‘but it is not for the feint hearted. ‘So only if you think you are brave enough, would I advise you to attempt it,’ he grinned.

‘I shall consider your counsel my lord, thank you.’ They walked at leisure for about an hour, and when Madison felt a little tired, Rankin helped her back into his barouche before he finally escorted her back home. She had enjoyed her trip with Swain. He was courteous, friendly and good company, so when he asked her to attend a ball the following week, Madison immediately accepted his invitation.

The following week when Madison attended the ball with Earl Rankin Swain, Sarah accompanied her. The girls looked gorgeous. Sarah was in a pale yellow satin dress with a brown sash and Madison in a lavender silk dress with a tight fitting bodice, and a beautiful cream evening hat with a wire net. They were tremendously popular. Their cards were filled very quickly and they’d danced every dance. Madison was surprised to see Chadwick Rochester there. She ignored him, escaping away each time he looked like he was walking in their direction.

‘I would not turn down an offer from him,’ Lady Sarah whispered, lowering her eyelids coquettishly.

Madison followed her cousin’s gaze, ‘Him? She questioned with disdain. ‘He does not even have a title,’ her dismissal of the gentleman, was in stark contrast to her real feelings that she concealed so well. She pretended not to watch his powerful frame drawing closer to them. His unruly thatch of black hair curled down his collar which the gentleman made no effort to tame. His coat was of a rich sapphire superfine and cut in a formal style showing not a single crease. Madison shut out the perfect symmetry of his broad expansive shoulders and lean hips. As her eyes dipped downwards, she willed it to ignore the very muscular thighs and well toned calves that could only have been acquired through hard manual labour and lots of physical exercise. Even when Madison wanted to drag her eyes away, she found he had the power to mesmerise her. Madison knew the gentleman was fully aware of potent effect he had on the opposite sex. It was difficult to tear her eyes away from the glistening golden skin, firm square cut jaw, strongly defined cheekbones, and the sculpted mouth could only be described as sensuous.

What would it feel like to be kissed by those tempting lips...

‘Would you do me the honour of riding with me tomorrow?’

‘No, I have an appointment with my dressmaker,’ Madison blurted.

‘I was addressing Lady Sarah,’ Chadwick drawled lazily, his ebony eyes clearly amused.

‘Oh.’

‘You do?’ Sarah questioned, she did not know of an appointment with the modiste.

‘Yes,’ Madison nudged her cousin’s arm. ‘Not that I would decline your escort Mr. Rochester,’ she lied.

‘Indeed?’

He knew the chit was lying. It was her that he wanted to take riding, but he had to put her in her place.

‘Eleven o’ clock is the official hour for morning calls. Will that suit, Lady Sarah?’

‘I shall be ready Mr. Rochester,’ Sarah breathed, lifting her eager eyes to his.

‘Ladies,’ Chadwick bowed and took his leave.

‘I did not know you had an appointment with the modiste,’ Sarah enquired.

‘Have I not mentioned it? It must have slipped my mind.’

‘So will you accompany me, or am I forced to have one of my maids chaperone me?’

‘I can’t quite accompany you, if I have an appointment with the dressmaker now can I?’ Madison questioned, with a slight tone of irritation.’

‘Sorry,’ Sarah murmured. You do not really like Mr. Rochester do you?’

‘It matters not how I feel. You go ahead and enjoy your ride with him.’ Madison wondered why she was annoyed that Chadwick chose Sarah instead of her. Oh well it was rumoured that gentlemen preferred blondes, and Sarah was beautiful with her mane of golden locks and her deep blue eyes. Madison knew she was not unattractive, but Sarah was definitely the prettier of the two of them.

‘Mama, I am walking to the lending library. Beth will accompany me.’ Madison wore a dress that was simple muslin, with a leaf green sash. It was a thin soft silk shift that caressed her body. It was cool and perfect for the hot day.

‘Madison do wear a hat,’ Rachael advised. ‘It is very hot today.’

‘Yes mama.’

Madison appreciated the coolness of the library when they arrived there. She was also thankful on taking her mother’s advice of wearing a hat. Luckily it was not too busy today. She could browse and read at leisure all the lovely titles that she found attractive. Madison waved her parasol in front of her face, as she studied the titles on the bindings. There were so many good books, she was spoilt for choice.

‘Beth, I do feel so thirsty. Do you think you could buy us some refreshing drinks from the Inn next door,’ Madison rubbed her parched throat.

‘Should I leave you alone my lady?’

‘I shall not leave the library,’ Madison smiled. ‘You will find me right here when you return.’

‘Will lemonade be all right my lady?’

‘Yes please, and do hurry Beth, before I faint from thirst.’

Madison took two books on poetry by Shakespeare and walked to the comfortable table, before she could sit, a colourful book on World Travel on the stand caught her eye, and she walked to look at the book.

‘Oh now why did I think the only books to interest you would be on cooking and dress making?’ Chadwick admired the figure hugging dress that was plain yet looked glamorous and breathtakingly attractive on Madison.

Would she ever not know that arrogant, mocking voice? And surely the last place she would think to meet him by accident would be at the lending library. Madison ensured she would not have an audience when she responded to him.

‘If you are so presumptuous, I hardly think it should warrant a response from me, would it Mr. Rochester?’ He was smartly dressed again. Did he always leave home as if he was going to a fancy ball? A lovely scent of sandalwood drifted about the air where he stood. Madison did not want to admit it, but she liked the way his shirt hung so tightly across his shoulders. She tried not to stare, but she was fascinated at how well he skilfully did his tie knot.

‘I would dearly like you to respond,’ he drawled lazily. His unruly jet black hair fell over his forehead.

‘What are you doing here? You don’t strike me as a man that would rate literature as one of his favourite pastimes,’ she challenged. He looked like a wealthy and fashionable man about town in his buff breeches and his polished black leather boots.

‘Now who is being presumptuous,’ he gave her a wolfish grin.

‘Do excuse me,’ Madison ignored his comment. ‘I wish to continue my reading.’Her body felt like it was engulfed in flames, just from being too close to him.

‘I do not have a contagious illness you know,’ Chadwick towered over her, blocking her exit.

‘I know you do not have a contagious illness Mr. Rochester,’ Madison looked at him irritatedly.

‘You can tell just by looking at me?’ he continued to mock her.

‘Yes. You look fine,’ she tried to draw her eyes away from his. ‘What I mean is you look healthy, not like one who is with any disease,’ she mumbled. She wanted to look away, but she was transfixed by his eyes.

‘Oh,’ he said disappointedly,’ still towering over her.

Madison could now feel his breath fanning her face. ‘I thought perhaps you were going to inform me that you had acquired some certain skills,’ he murmured.

Just what in heaven’s name is he on about?

‘You are being impertinent,’ she accused.

‘Am I? We are two adults having a conversation,’ his eyes held hers.

‘I wish you to leave,’ Madison spoke quietly. ‘My maid has just stepped out. I should not be talking to you.’

‘You have sent her away for some lemonade. I know,’ he leaned one elbow casually against the cabinet.

‘Yes. Now please leave. I do not like troublesome gentlemen,’ Madison tried to step around him.

‘Is there a specific type of gentleman you like then? Chadwick continued to interrogate her unfazed by her attempt to dismiss him.

‘Yes the courteous, respectable ones,’ she hissed.

‘So you are familiar with many gentlemen then?’

Why was he twisting every sentence?

‘Yes,’ Madison lied.

‘Indeed?’ he asked incredulously.

‘I am,’ she repeated the lie.

‘I do believe you are being dishonest my lady,’ he let his finger run over her wrist.

‘And I do believe you to be a rogue---Mr. Rochester,’ she pulled her wrist away. Her eyes shifted nervously from his face to the pin on his necktie.

‘Are you afraid of me?’ he murmured, closing his palm over her wrist.

‘N—no,’ she breathed heavily. Black as soot eyes met hazel ones.

‘Off course, because you are so familiar with so many gentlemen, is that not so?’ Chadwick pulled her between the cabinets, so they were obscured from other’s view of them.

‘W---what are you doing?’ she found she was pressed close to his chest. This impropriety was totally forbidden. She knew it, and so did he. Madison would hate to be discovered in this compromising situation. She would really not want to be forced into wedlock with this impertinent rogue, yet she made no attempt whatsoever to disengage herself from his hold.

‘But if you claim to have all this experience with gentlemen, you must know what I intend to do?’

His eyes duelled with hers as his head lowered. He gave her ample time to flee. His grip on her arm was like the touch of a feather. His dark eyes were like a magnet, his presence nervously overwhelming. She should slap his face or run away. She did neither. His head lowered still more, his eyes remained fixed on hers. Nervously she licked her lip. The opportunity to escape was lost as his mouth closed over hers. She gasped, whether with delight or shock she could not decipher right at that moment.

Perhaps a part of her was curious. Perhaps she wanted to give in to the attraction of the moment. His lips brushed over hers softly. He tasted sweet, like a vintage red wine. She felt his tongue flicker over her lower lip. Madison sighed. Her palms reached up and touched his chest. Even though she was inexperienced, even though it was the first time she was being embraced in a gentleman’s arms, her lips parted. She did not want it to end. She wanted to experiment just a little longer. Madison pressed her lips against his. When her lips parted, his tongue slipped into her mouth. She felt it reach for hers then entwine against her tongue. This was beautiful. Why had she waited so long to kiss a man? She felt butterflies fluttering about in her tummy. Her eyes felt like tiny lights were dazzling on and off continuously. This rogue made her feel good. She was truly enjoying his kiss. She moaned when his tongue danced with hers, she pressed closer and found her arms curling around his neck. She was still enjoying it tremendously when he gently pulled away. His lips were moist, so where hers, not just moist but swollen and rosy red.

‘So you have lots of experience,’ he murmured softly, his finger gently lifting her chin.

Madison refused to look at him, she kept her eyes lowered.

‘So how many times have you been kissed Lady Madison,’ he demanded.

‘Lots of times. More than ten,’ she raised a defiant chin. He chuckled softly.

‘You do kiss as if you are rather experienced,’ he murmured, ‘but I will wager a bet I am the first one to do so. Am I correct?’

‘You will lose your bet,’ she refused to meet his eyes. ‘You are not the first,’ she lied, ‘and so very far from the being the best,’ she pushed him out of the way and rushed out of the library without any books. She tried to blot out that infuriating laugh of his that followed her out of the lending library.

_.