"Not the best." Well we shall see about that. I will soon reverse your opinion Lady Madison.

So has she really kissed other men? She certainly did not kiss like she was inexperienced, yet she looks so untouched.

It had been an agony to stop and had required nerves of steel to disengage himself from the delightful arms of the Lady Madison, but he had, had to, to protect the chit's reputation. Chadwick distractedly tapped on the library cabinet as he stood there and reminisced about the thrilling kiss he had exchanged with Lady Madison. He had not had any business in the library. He was passing by when he had seen the chit inside and had been drawn by her standing there so charmingly, with an index finger on her chin, studying the books on the shelves. He just had to come inside and annoy her. He adored the way she got all flustered in his presence and shifted about nervously whenever he pounced on her though she pretended to be indifferent. She was no different from other women and he knew a lot about women. Whether they were ladies nobly born, commoners or harlots, they all ticked the same way.

I will just have to try a little harder Lady Madison, Chadwick chuckled as he stepped out of the lending library. Before releasing her, he had murmured that his next kiss would be her best, and she had determinedly informed him over her shoulder that there would "not be a next time."

As surely as the sun will shine again, I will be kissing you again Lady Madison.

Madison could not sleep. She had been tossing about on her bed for many hours. She had come up to her bed chamber about four hours ago, but sleep evaded her. She had blown out the candles many hours ago. The room was pitch dark but her eyes had become accustomed to everything in her room in the darkness. She could see the rich velvet curtains that were fully drawn. She looked up and saw the design on the ceiling. Feint light from the moon trickled through a small gap of the curtains. She could see her satin gown draped over the wine red sofa near the window. She did not want to shut her eyes, for when she did, she could picture his face, those mocking eyes. It was not his muscular body pressed against hers that had deprived her of sleep. What disturbed her most was not her very first kiss that can only be described as beautifully erotic. No, it was Chadwick's caressing fingers so gentle around her wrists. It had not been forceful, or restraining. His touch had been so soft, like a butterfly's caress and she had enjoyed his sensual grasp on her flesh. Madison's fingers curled now at the remembrance of his shinny hair like polished jet. When she had slipped her hands through his hair, it had been so soft, her fingers had difficulty holding onto the gleaming mane of hair, and he smelt very good, a combination of sandalwood and his own sweet scent that had a hint of musk. It was almost day break when Madison had drifted off to sleep.

She was most annoyed and still tired when her chamber maid had pulled the curtains apart to let the sun in, in the hope of getting Madison out of bed with her morning glass of hot chocolate.

'Good morning Lady Madison,' Beth smiled. 'The sun is shining this morning, it is a lovely day.'

'Morning, Beth. Can I sleep another hour please,' Madison pulled the bed cover over her shoulder.

'I am afraid you cannot,' Beth offered sympathetically. 'Baroness Rachael wishes to discuss an invitation with you over breakfast.'

'What could be so urgent?' Madison sighed and slid out of bed. 'Surely mamma has the whole day for us to discuss invitations.'

'You are to attend some event tonight my lady,' Beth helped Madison out of her night shift. 'I have poured out warm water for you to wash your face Lady Madison.'

'Thank you Beth. Can I wear my blue morning dress please? It feels like it is going to be a very hot day today.'

'Certainly, my lady.'

Good morning papa. Good morning mama.' Madison kissed her mother and father.

'Are you not well my dear?' Baron Stanton enquired, adding sugar to his coffee.

'I am fine pappa. Why do you ask?'

'You do look rather pale this morning darling,' Baroness Rachael noted. Madison knew there were dark shadows under her eyes and she knew very well why they were there. She had to convince her parents there was nothing wrong though. She could not possibly tell her parents that she had spent half the night mulling over her first and most thrilling kiss at the hands and more precisely the lips of the commoner Chadwick Rochester. What was even worse was that she had thoroughly enjoyed his expert ministrations, so much so that she had brazenly draped her arms around his body, and let it also be known that it was not Madison who had stopped that kiss.

'Mama, Beth mentioned you wish to speak to me about an invitation for tonight,' Madison smiled brightly, hoping to detract attention from her lacklustre appearance.

'Yes, Aunt Diana has invited us to attend the fireworks display at the Vauxhall Gardens tonight. I believe you have told Sarah that you would love to see the fireworks display.'

'Oh yes please mama. I would love to. I have never ever seen a fireworks display,' Madison was able to sincerely appear enthusiastic.'

Baron Stanton smiled, 'I shall send a footman to confirm our attendance.'

'Thank you papa.'

When the carriage stopped at the gates of Vauxhall Gardens, Madison was most excited. There was fervent expectation on the sea of many faces. Ladies were dressed in fashionable evening wear. Gentlemen looked splendid in their formal attire. There were market vendors selling candy, lemonade and baked delicacies. Madison tucked her arm into her mother's, as they strolled about around the fountain of lights.

'Oh look at that,' Madison beamed as a clown sent up a bunch of balloons into the air, and tried unsuccessfully to catch them. Children were laughing and clapping when the clown failed to get any balloons. He gave them one of his most pathetic sad faces, they just laughed louder.

'There arrives Gilbert and Diana,' Baron Stanton pointed.

'Sarah,' Madison waved excitedly.

'Good evening,' Sarah hugged Madison. 'I am so happy you agreed to come.'

'Thank you. I have always wanted to see a fireworks display.'

'I heard about it when we returned from the country and begged papa to arrange for us to come.'

Good evening Uncle Stanton, Aunt Rachael,' Sarah greeted warmly.

'Hello dear,' they returned the embrace.

'Stanton, it is a beautiful evening for this fireworks display,' Gilbert exchanged handshakes with Stanton.

'Good evening everybody,' Diana hugged her sister and her brother-in-law.

'There is a lovely crowd tonight,' Rachael smiled.

'Where shall we take supper?' Gilbert enquired.

'Good evening Baron Stanton.'

Madison turned from Sarah when she heard that unmistakable voice. She looked over her shoulder to see her father warmly extending his hand and smiling at Chadwick Rochester. Madison was more awestruck at the ravishing beauty next to Chadwick. She was dressed in a glittering black silk dress. Her glowing jet black hair matched Chadwick's. Her hand was possessively attached to his arm. She also had the prettiest shoes on. Madison had not seen such high heeled shoes ever before.

'May I present Lady Charlotte Duxbury,' Chadwick introduced his companion to Madison's entire family. Everybody in turn returned the greeting. Madison noted in the background, a young lady was discreetly also in attendance. She assumed that was the Lady Charlotte's chaperone.

'Lady Madison, good evening,' Chadwick's mocking eyes greeted. Madison lifted her eyes to those dark teasing ones.

'Good evening Mr. Rochester,' she politely answered with a calmness that surprised her.

'Enjoying the evening so far?' he probed

I was until you got here.

'Oh yes thank you.'

'Good evening Mr. Rochester,' Sarah smiled.

'Lady Sarah,' Chadwick tipped his hat and smiled broadly. 'You look splendid, if I may be so bold.'

'Thank you,' Sarah breathed. Her hand reached out and pinched Madison's.

'I have hired a supper box for the night if your party wishes to join me, Baron Stanton,' Chadwick offered.

'Oh please say yes,' Sarah whispered in Madison's ears. Stanton looked at his wife, then to Sarah's parents. They all nodded agreement.

'Let me lead the way,' Chadwick confidently strode ahead. Madison could not deny he looked handsome again tonight in long evening coat tails, a very fashionable top hat and a formal shirt that clung to his expansive chest. He really was an unusually smart man about town that knew about high fashion and how to blend his colours appropriately. When they were all seated, Chadwick ordered, not wine, but requested the finest champagne. He must be quite wealthy. Madison's parents were seated down the end of the table. Sarah and Madison were seated opposite Chadwick. His companion was seated next to him. She smiled at Chadwick often, but she did not speak much. He was constantly whispering in her ear, making her blush profusely. Madison made the mistake once of looking his way, she found her hazel eyes clashing with his charcoal ones.

'Who is she? Why did he not leave her at home?' Sarah whispered in Madison's ear.

'Why do you not ask him that?' Madison glared at her cousin annoyingly.

'He is so good looking,' Sarah squeezed Madison's hand under the table. 'And he actually noticed my pretty dress,' she cooed.

'Mama, can Sarah and I be excused? I do believe the fireworks display is about to start?'

'I shall escort the ladies,' Chadwick stood up. 'You may continue with supper Baron Stanton.'

'We are quite capable of looking after ourselves,' Madison glared at Chadwick.

'I am sure you are very responsible my lady,' Chadwick's eyes locked with Madison's. 'However I do believe it is unsafe at night for young ladies to be unescorted.'

'There is no harm in Mr. Rochester accompanying you ladies,' Baroness Rachael spoke.

What about potential threats from him?

'You will be safe with Lady Charlotte and I,' he grinned. 'Her chaperone is also present.' Chadwick's eyes challenged her, as he pointed to the lady at the far corner of their supper table.

Lady Charlotte was talking to Sarah and her chaperone. Madison reluctantly found herself alone next to Chadwick.

'I thought you would be delighted to see me again after the rather---interesting time we spent in the lending library yesterday,' his eyes danced with merriment.

'Speak for yourself. I do not find it a delight to be in your company,' Madison hissed softly.

'Oh but I am speaking for myself, and I do believe that you are not being truly honest with yourself,' he confronted her.

'May I remind you, you are here with a companion Mr. Rochester?'

'Why would I need reminding? I know the beautiful Lady Charlotte is with us?' Chadwick stopped, turned around, and extended his hand to Lady Charlotte. She smiled and promptly joined her arm into his.

'Are we on for the musicale for tomorrow evening then?' Chadwick smiled into Charlotte's eyes.

'Yes we are,' Charlotte beamed. 'My chaperone is available to accompany us tomorrow evening.'

'I know you love the opera, we shall have a delightful time,' Chadwick smiled, as his eyes focused solely on Charlotte, completely ignoring Madison.

'Let us find a good spot for ourselves,' Madison turned to Sarah, feeling dejected. She could not understand the anxious feelings tugging at her stomach.

'Do not go too far away,' Chadwick warned. 'Remember Baron Stanton entrusts me to protect you ladies.'

He should not have bothered. You are a rogue!

'Oh my, 'Sarah tugged Madison's arm excitedly, 'what an amazing plethora of colours, look Madison,' Sarah pointed high into the sky. Sarah could have been talking about an intricate mathematical formula for all Madison cared, the fireworks display was the last thing on her mind or her line of vision. She kept stealing glances at Chadwick who seemed besotted with the Lady Charlotte. Madison's heart deflated as she watched Chadwick gently lift up Charlotte's hand and kiss her palm. She whispered something to Chadwick, who threw his head back and laughed without restrain.

'Good afternoon ladies.'

Madison turned her head sharply, 'my lord, it's a pleasure to see you, Madison smiled with more enthusiasm than she felt.'

'Good afternoon Earl Rankin,' Sarah greeted more formally.

'I did not think you would find it interesting to watch a fireworks display my lord,' Madison was determined to keep Rankin in conversation.

'I had nothing much else planned for the evening,' Rankin looked up into the sky with mild interest, 'so I decided to come and watch.

'Perhaps you would want to join us,' Madison invited. Sarah nudged Madison disapprovingly, 'my father has a supper table,' Madison continued, ignoring the voice that corrected her that it was Chadwick's supper table.

'Swain,' a disapproving voice spoke from behind Madison. 'The young ladies are with me.'

'You are not our chaperone,' Madison argued.

'Nevertheless I assured your father, you will be under my protection,' Chadwick's grave tone countered.

'I have invited Earl Rankin to ---our table,' Madison's chin rose defiantly.

Chadwick would have prepared a six foot barge pole separating Rankin from his table, but he was gentleman enough not to display his inner emotions. His face was a mask as his eyes met Rankin's. 'Off course there is an extra seat, you may join us,' Chadwick spoke.

'Thank you Rochester. Thank you Lady Madison, I accept,' Rankin tipped his hat and extended his elbow to Madison. She smiled delightedly, cast an icy glare at Chadwick, and eagerly accepted Rankin's arm.

'It is a most pleasant evening, is it not my lady?' Rankin smiled at Madison. Chadwick, Sarah and Charlotte walked just behind Madison and Rankin. Madison knew the others could hear their conversation.

'Oh yes,' she smiled. 'It has certainly turned out to be most interesting,' her eyes lit up encouragingly.

'Are you attending Almack's weekly assembly dance, tomorrow evening Lady Madison?' Rankin enquired.

'Yes we do have vouchers my lord,' she smiled.

'Good, I look forward to seeing you. Will you save me a dance?'

'I shall save you two my lord. Will a waltz and quadrille do?' she breathed happily.

'May I also walk you into supper?' he boldly continued.

'I would like that,' her eyes held his with promise. As they walked they greet other familiar peers. Rankin occasionally lifted his top hat and courteously greeted other gentle ladies.

He is charming, so polite, and such an honourable gentleman. He would never dare to kiss me.

'Papa, we met Earl Rankin at the fireworks display. We have invited him to take supper with us.'

'Earl Swain, good evening,' Baron Stanton stood up and greeted warmly.

'Baron Stanton,' Rankin politely addressed the elder peer. 'It is good to see you again.' The rest of the family exchanged greetings with Rankin.

'Mama, where are you?' Madison called the next morning as she went in search of her mother.

'In the sun room dear,' Madison could hear her mother's smiling voice.

'Good morning mama,' Madison greeted excitedly, as she admired her mother skilfully dressing a vase with a bouquet of flowers.

'You are looking bright and cheerful this morning Madison,' her mother observed.

'Mama, Lord Rankin is attending Almack's tonight. He wished to dance with me and to take me into supper.'

Baroness Rachael stopped what she was doing and turned around to face her daughter. 'Have you set your cap on him dear?' her mother asked curiously.

A dark face with smouldering, mocking eyes and jet black her flashed before Madison. She shrugged her shoulders carelessly in response.

'Darling you do know, though he has many assets, Earl Rankin is not a wealthy man.'

'Papa has a large enough dowry to offer the gentleman who marries me mama, and I am from good stock,' she grinned mischievously, 'so if the earl may make an offer, it would be all right mama.'

'You should take your time, and choose wisely Madison. You are still young.'

'I know mama, but tonight, I should like to take supper with Lord Swain,' she pleaded.

'If that is what you want dear. It is quite all right. We shall all be there in any event.'

'Thank you mama,' Madison could not quieten the disappointment in her stomach that a certain obnoxious rogue would not be there because he would be attending the opera.

Madison and Sarah produced their vouchers at the door as they entered Almack's assembly rooms on King Street.

'Come along girls,' Rachael beckoned to Madison and Sarah. It was just Baron Stanton and Baroness Rachael accompanying the girls tonight. Sarah's parents had opted for a quiet evening at home. The girls gazed admiringly at every beautiful lady they encountered. All the young ladies had really out done themselves tonight. They were dressed in the most fashionable evening dresses with the tightest bodices, making them appear much thinner than they were. Madison refused her modiste's attempts at covering her in the tight bodice. She knew her hips were a tad wider than the average maiden's hips, but she refused to suffocate in the tight fitting bodice. That was the body God blessed her with, and that would be the end of the story as far as her wide hips went.

'Good evening Lady Madison.' Rankin immediately pounced on the Stanton party the minute they walked into the dance hall.

'My lord, good evening Madison smiled happily. 'You remember my cousin, Lady Sarah.'

'Lady Sarah, good evening,' Rankin smiled politely.

'You have remembered you promised me two dances and to walk in to supper with me,' Rankin's eyes held Madison's.

'Yes my lord,' Madison laughed softly. 'I shall not forget, she circled his name to the two dances right before Swain's eyes.

'Till later,' he smiled. 'Lady Sarah,' Swain bowed and walked away.

'Oh I think he likes you Madison,' Sarah whispered.

I like him too,' Madison murmured and wondered why she felt absolutely to the contrary. She was even more disconcerted when an image of a pair of mocking dark eyes flashed in her mind, and a secret thrill coursed through her veins just at the thought of the owner of those brooding eyes.

'Madison,' Sarah elbowed her cousin.

'Sorry, what did you say?'

'I would like a glass of punch,' Sarah laughed. 'Are you besotted with Earl Rankin?' she grinned softly.

'Yes, let's have some punch,' Madison smiled evasively, as she tucked her arm into Sarah's.

'Oh Madison, what if you marry, and no one offers for me?' Sarah voiced her concern.

'Do not be silly,' Madison patted her cousin's arm. 'You are pretty and I am not. You have beautiful hair and the most attractive face. You will probably marry before I do,' Madison smiled, admiring her cousin's long golden blonde hair and adorable face.

'Gentlemen do not seem to look at me. The men always look at you,' Sarah countered.

'Oh I do believe you are talking nonsense Sarah. Remember how many offers you got last season.'

'Yes, but father decided I should have one more season, before I accept any offers. It seems all the men are reluctant to approach me.'