‘You cannot!’ Madison instructed.

‘Why ever not?’ Sarah exclaimed. ‘I want to.’

‘Because---.

Because what? You want to!

‘Because what?’ Sarah patiently demanded. ‘We agreed to inform each other who we liked,’ she whispered. ‘I know you loathe Mr. Rochester, so what is the problem? Sarah asked in confusion

‘Viscount Anthony wishes to take you in to supper.’

‘He has not mentioned that to me?’ Sarah refuted.

‘Whilst we were dancing, he mentioned his intention.’

‘But Mr. Rochester’s company is so much more pleasurable, and I have already agreed.’

‘What about Anthony?’ Madison demanded.

‘Madison,’ Sarah sighed impatiently. ‘I am not cancelling my supper appointment, in favour of somebody who has not invited me. ‘Besides,’ Sarah giggled happily, ‘I am absolutely looking forward to Mr. Rochester’s companionship.’

‘What delights you so, Lady Sarah?’

‘Mr. Rochester has requested to take supper with me,’ Sarah eagerly related to Anthony.

‘Oh,’ Anthony directed a questioning look at Madison, who shrugged her shoulders helplessly.

‘Would you do me the honour of riding with me tomorrow morning?’ Anthony seeing the need to act with haste extended the invitation to Sarah.

‘I would love to, thank you my lord. Will you be calling at eleven?’ Sarah smiled happily.

‘I shall call at eleven,’ Anthony agreed.

‘Lady Sarah, shall we go in?’ Chadwick offered his arm. His eyelids were lowered hiding his eyes. Madison could not tell whether he was gloating or thrilled to be escorting Sarah in to supper.

Madison watched beneath hooded eyelids as Chadwick seated Sarah, then walked to the buffet table. He piled vegetables, ham, chicken and pastries onto two plates and returned to Sarah. ‘Would you prefer fruit punch or champagne Lady Sarah?’

‘I think I would love some champagne, Mr. Rochester,’ Sarah smiled happily.

‘Very well, my lady,’ Chadwick strode off gallantly again to the drinks table.

‘May I escort you in my lady?’ Anthony offered.

‘Oh I do regret my lord. I am promised to Earl Rankin for supper tonight.’ Anthony threw his head back and laughed.

‘I guess it is not my night tonight,’ he bowed, as Rankin approached to escort Madison into supper.

"It was a typical gloomy London day. Unclear sky, dozens of dull grey threatening rain clouds. A slight drizzle kept the crowds away from Hyde Park, but Madison was oblivious to the weather, or her chamber maid’s reluctance to be dragged out in the cold, inclement weather. Dressed in a navy blue skirt, matching bonnet and bright yellow shirtwaist, Madison was not perturbed by the dreary weather. Beth walked a step behind Madison attempting to hold the parasol over Madison’s head, but Madison seemed to favour the drizzle turning her curtain of brown curls into a mop head. She walked aimlessly around Hyde Park. She did not see the carriages trying to avoid knocking her down, or the gentlemen on horseback who gazed at the seemingly bedraggled lady with the strikingly attractive face. Her mind was a muddle of thoughts, none that she wished to assess. It kept replaying images of the picture of Sarah and Chadwick taking supper. They seemed to have enjoyed each other’s company. Chadwick had not seemed to have made any special effort to arouse Sarah’s attention, but then Sarah had admitted to finding the rogue attractive even before last night. What if he is also attracted to Sarah? What if he makes an offer for Sarah?

Well it does not matter, for he is a commoner. He does not have a title. He is not to my standard.

Then why did she feel that quickening in her heart? Why did she hope that nothing develops between Chadwick and Sarah?

‘My lady, it is beginning to rain. Perhaps we should head back home?’ Beth suggested. Madison started, she looked over her shoulder at Beth, looked up into the lacklustre sky then around at Hyde Park. There were just a handful of crazy people just like Madison, walking the park. Had it been a clear blue, sunny sky, there would have been more than a hundred people about the park.

‘I guess you are right Beth,’ Madison turned around and proceeded to head back home.

‘Do you feel under the weather this morning my lady?’ Beth studied Madison. She did not normally walk about aimlessly in inclement weather. Madison had also declined her morning hot chocolate and refused breakfast as well. Luckily for Madison, her mother had been occupied in the drawing room, and had not witnessed Madison leaving home without breaking her fast.

‘Shall I send an invitation to Lady Sarah to come and visit you?’ Beth assumed Madison’s favourite cousin would improve her countenance.

‘No! I mean that is not necessary.’ The last thing Madison needed was Sarah giving her a glowing report of her supper with Chadwick or to hear Sarah serenading how charming the rogue was. What Madison would most dread was if Sarah were to inform her that she and Chadwick had made plans to rendezvous some where the following evening.

‘The weather is not favourable to travel to Lady Sarah’s home. We shall arrange to see each other again, when we have more suitable weather.’

‘Shall I bring a breakfast tray to your chamber my lady? I am going to take hot water up for your bath, and perhaps you can stay in bed for the afternoon.’

‘You know I just cannot stay idle in bed Beth. I will die of boredom. Besides I am not unwell to be saddled to my bed chamber. I think I shall have a game of cards with papa,’ she smiled for the first time that morning.

‘Very good my lady,’ Beth was pleased to see Madison smile. She adored her mistress. Madison was a gentle, caring and a friendly young lady. She never treated any of her father’s staff disrespectfully. Occasionally she helped with washing the dishes or packing away the laundry. It bemused Beth that Madison loved setting her own bureau drawer and dressing closets in an orderly fashion every day. She liked her day dresses and evening dresses to be packed in a specific manner, often repacking her closets to her own liking.

‘Madison good morning,’ Rachael smiled. ‘Dreadful weather for you to be out my dear.’

Morning mama,’ Madison forced a cheery smile. ‘It was lovely and fresh outside, but I shall take a bath now,’ Madison escaped up the stairs.’

‘Oh before you go, Earl Rankin has sent a groom with an invitation,’ Rachael spoke to Madison’s back. Her mother could have been resuming her conversation about the weather, for all the interest Madison felt, but she stopped, and turned around with an enthusiastic smile.

‘What does it say?’

‘He would like you to accompany him and his sister to the opera tonight.’ There was only one way to get the rogue out of her mind, occupy it with somebody else.

‘I would love to mama. Please send my acceptance,’ Madison replied.

‘Are you going to invite Sarah?’ If Madison invited Sarah, she would most probably want to invite Chadwick, and the annoying brute would delight in torturing her, flirting and lapping his attention on Sarah, and obviously Sarah would become pickle brained about him.

‘I believe Sarah has plans,’ Madison lied.

‘I guess Earl Rankin’s sister will be a good enough chaperone. Rankin’s sister was twenty, a year younger than Madison. Tamara Swain was a pleasant enough girl. They had met on many previous occasions. Tamara’s brother was sponsoring her first season this year. She was a pretty young thing, with lovely porcelain skin and just like her brother, Tamara had blonde hair, and emerald green eyes.

'Good evening Lady Tamara,’ Madison smiled brightly, hugging Rankin’s sister.

‘Lady Madison how are you this evening?’ Tamara returned Madison’s hug. The two young girls enjoyed each other’s company.

‘My lord, it’s a pleasure to see you again,’ Madison lied.

‘Lady Madison, the pleasure is all mine,’ Rankin’s palms briefly touched her arms. ‘You look lovely my lady, as always. Rankin admired her ice blue evening gown. Its long lace sleeves covered the full length of her arms. The sweeping length of the gown did nothing to hide her voluptuous figure. Rankin assisted Madison into the carriage and then helped Tamara in. Madison had hoped Tamara would sit next to her, but Tamara slid into the seat opposite Madison. Whether it was pure coincidence or previously arranged, Madison found herself next to Rankin, with his arm casually on the backrest, behind her. She shifted as discreetly as possible towards the window without attracting his attention.

‘I had hoped to see you at Vauxhall Garden‘s for the fireworks display Lady Tamara,’ Madison attempted conversation in the dimly lit carriage. The lanterns were on the outside and little light trickled in through the window.

‘Oh you would not find Tamara anywhere near fireworks,’ Rankin laughed.

‘Well they are quite noisy,’ Tamara defended. ‘You enjoy them Lady Madison?’

Madison laughed softly, ‘I have not viewed one previously, but I had always desired to see them. The burst of lights look so beautiful in the sky. We had a lovely evening, did we not my lord?’

‘Yes absolutely,’ Madison heard rather than saw the smile splayed across Rankin’s face.

‘I have been pleading with Rankin to take us hunting in the country,’ Tamara sighed.

‘Hunting?’ Madison swallowed nervously.

‘Yes, my brother is quiet an expert huntsman,’ Tamara spoke proudly. ‘Do you not hunt?’

‘I am afraid I do not like guns and as much as I enjoy the meal on a plate. I really cannot stomach to hunt them,’ Madison murmured.

‘It is a natural way to avoid an over population of the species,’ Rankin’s palm covered Madison’s on her lap. She subtly withdrew her hand. If Rankin observed that, he pretended not to as he continued talking.

‘Can you imagine how they would eat away all the vegetation, and take over all the land, if we did not manage their breeding?’ Rankin gentled questioned.

‘I suppose so,’ Madison murmured. Still she was not interested in going hunting. She hoped Rankin would not extend an invitation to her. She was saved from making up any excuses if any invitation were forthcoming, as the carriage drew up outside the theatre. Rankin hopped out and helped the ladies to disembark.

‘What would you like to drink my dear?’ Rankin’s arm cupped Madison at the elbow, as he ushered Madison and Tamara into the theatre.

‘Coffee would be fine thank you my lord.’

‘Tamara?’

‘White wine please,’ she smiled at her brother.

‘I won’t be long,’ Rankin nodded and went to purchase their drinks.

‘I did not think it would be this busy for a weekday evening,’ Tamara observed looking around.

‘I am surprised myself,’ Madison joined Tamara, casting a cursory glance around the foyer. She stilled when she saw a familiar tall frame, dark hair, and those broad shoulders. How could she not know its owner? She remembered the feel of her arms draped around those sturdy shoulders, remembered running her fingers through that delicate hair and---. Chadwick’s back was to Madison, but as she resolved to quickly look away before he caught sight of her, he turned around and their eyes clashed. Madison’s breath caught in her throat.

He was attractive was that rogue, and he was very fashionably attired tonight. As Chadwick stared at her, Madison’s eyes shifted to Chadwick’s companion. Lady Charlotte Duxbury was tucking her arm into Chadwick’s. So her mother must obviously be well again.

‘Your coffee my lady.’

Madison turned her back on Chadwick and smiled at Rankin, ‘thank you Lord Rankin,’

‘There you go Tamara,’ he handed her, her glass of wine. Rankin himself was having a coffee. Madison was attuned to the couple behind her. Though she could not see him, she felt his overwhelming presence. It was as if he was touching her, as if she could still feel his lips on hers.

‘Lady Madison?’

‘Sorry my lord, what did you say?’

‘Is the coffee not to your liking? You have not even taken one sip.’

‘Er---no my lord. It is still a bit hot,’ she prevaricated.

‘Take your time,’ Rankin smiled. ‘We still have a few minutes before the show starts.’

Madison could not understand her nervous state. She was expecting Chadwick at any moment to spring up behind her and accost her. Hastily she swallowed the scalding coffee and handed the empty cup back to Rankin.

‘We can go in now,’ Madison urged, wanting to escape into the darkness of the theatre. She hoped Chadwick and his lover were not seated anywhere nearby their seats.

Once they were seated, Rankin was flanked by Madison on the one side and his sister on the other. Their seats were fairly close to the stage, about five rows from the front. To her utter amazement she found Chadwick had a private box directly opposite them. The stage separated them. Madison was annoyed she had to look in front of her at the stage, but omnisciently Chadwick’s person could not be ignored. When Madison dared to look up in front of her, she found those dark brooding eyes settled on her. Her eyes narrowed irritably and Madison turned on the charm and engaged Rankin in conversation. Rankin was encouraged sufficiently to drape his arm around Madison’s chair. She would regret this later, but Madison lifted her palm and suggestively touched Rankin’s arm.

‘Thank you for inviting me tonight my lord. I am looking forward to the show.’

‘You are most welcome Lady Madison. I was delighted that you accepted by invitation.’ Madison dared to look across at the box opposite her. Chadwick and Charlotte were engaged in a deep conversation. Madison saw Charlotte smile, lower her head and then look at Chadwick through her lowered lashes.

The devil---insufferable pig.

The following afternoon, Sarah and her mother visited Madison’s home.

‘Did you enjoy your evening out Sarah?’ Rachel enquired.

‘I did not go anywhere last night Aunt Rachael.’

Rachael’s eyes shifted to her daughter. ‘Madison mentioned Viscount Anthony had invited you somewhere.’

Madison looked guiltily at Sarah. ‘ Viscount Anthony mentioned something about inviting you to a house party,’ she lied.

‘That is on Saturday, silly,’ Sarah chuckled.

‘Oh, then you could have joined me at the opera last night with Earl Rankin and Lady Tamara.’

‘Why didn’t you send one of the groomsmen to enquire,’ Sarah complained. ‘I was so bored last night.

It is a good thing you did not come. Your eyes would not have been on the show.

Not that Madison could not be accused of that, she had hardly followed most of the performance. Only when she was alerted by the audience’s applause did she refocus on the performance.

‘Let us walk to the park,’ Madison suggested to Sarah.

‘Do not be too long girls,’ Diana called out after them.

‘We won’t mama,’ Sarah smiled, clasping her hand to Madison’s.

‘I am so glad the sun is shining today,’ Madison exclaimed. ‘Is it not beautiful after the rain? Everything looks and feels clean and fresh,’ Madison raised her face up towards the sky.

‘So how are things progressing between you and the earl? Do you thing he will make an offer? Will you accept it? Sarah fired at Madison.

Madison sighed irritably, she liked to think she knew not why. ‘He is a sweet gentleman,’ she murmured. ‘He looks at me that way as if he is interested,’ Madison smiled at her cousin.

‘Oh Madison,’ Sarah hugged Madison’s arm. ‘I would be so happy for ---.’

Sarah and Madison stared with their mouths open as a lone horseman recklessly sprinted towards them. Madison panicked, wondering if the horseman was going to ride over them. Had he lost control of his horse? It was a powerful Arabian stallion. Perhaps it was new and unused to the local city conditions. The stallion was galloping at breakneck speed, his head banked, he was slicing through the distance between them like a hot knife through butter. Madison could scarcely see the rider, his head seemed to be hanging on the side of the horse. She hastily tugged at Sarah’s body and dragged her out of arms way. Madison was still holding onto Sarah protectively when the stallion suddenly stood still in front of them.

‘Good afternoon ladies.’

- - END CHAPTER FOUR-