After their delicious lunch Anthony and his groom went to check on their horses, whilst Madison and Rankin still sat at their table, discussing the literature of Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte as they continued with dessert. Madison identified with Jane Austen who placed more emphasis on a person's internal merits of the goodness of a person as opposed to society's obsession of the external merit that callously viewed ones rank and possessions.

Sarah wanted to walk with Anthony. Madison thought it was safe enough. the groom could act as chaperone. Rankin was charming, polite and knowledgeable. He kept Madison in conversation about numerous topics. Exhausting the conversation on poetry, he asked her favourite type of music. They spoke of faraway lands, and the theatre. Rankin was pleasantly surprised when he tested her knowledge on politics. He deliberately prompted her, asking her how best the government could boost the economy. In her soft, gentle voice Madison had responded with an intelligence he had not been aware she possessed. Rankin had new found respect for the lady. He thought her only redeeming quality was her outward beauty.

'Excuse me my lord,' Madison stood up. 'I would just like to walk around a bit, before we start riding again.

Rankin stood up, 'I will just enquire on the food hamper for our journey,' he nodded.

'Sarah?---Oh excuse me.'

Sarah and Anthony quickly separated from the clumsy kiss they had stolen.

Finally Sarah gets to experience it.

Both Anthony and Sarah were blushing. Their faces looked redder than a ripe tomato.

'I shall pretend that never happened and I did not see anything,' Madison giggled.

'It did happen,' Anthony smiled at Sarah, looking rather pleased. Sarah was still blushing like a thirteen year old. She seemed speechless, something Madison was not used to.

'We will be ready to leave in five minutes,' Madison grinned, 'better hurry if you have not finished what I interrupted,' Madison began walking away.

'Lady Madison!'

'Yes,' Madison replied over her shoulder.

'Thank you,' Anthony smiled appreciatively.

'Be careful,' Madison whispered. She knew, had she been anybody else and if Anthony had been caught compromising Sarah, he would have been forced to declare for her.

Madison took her time walking back to Rankin. She wanted to allow Sarah some private time with Anthony. When she returned to Rankin, he was merrily laughing about something with Tamara and Edward.

'Are we ready to continue my lord?' Madison smiled.

'Yes, I believe our horses have been watered and I have our sustenance,' he pointed to a huge basket that looked very full.

'You are so full of energy Lady Madison,' Tamara smiled.

'Oh I just love riding and being outdoors,' Madison chuckled. 'There is nothing like being outdoors, breathing the fresh country air, with the sun on your back.'

'You have so much in common with my brother,' Tamara giggled. Madison allowed her gaze to meet Rankin's. His eyes were trained on her, a smile playing across his face.

'Shall we be going?' Rankin laughed. 'I think my sister has embarrassed you enough my lady,' he extended his arm to Madison.

'Thank you,' Madison lightly placed her palm on Rankin's arm as they walked out. Rankin thanked the Innkeeper for their luncheon fare before they stepped outside.

Madison was relieved to see Sarah on her horse. Anthony was fussing over Sarah's horse. Sarah dragged her gaze away from Anthony, but not before Madison caught her cousin's starry eyed look.

I do believe my cousin is smitten.

Rankin assisted Madison onto her horse. Edward courteously did the same for Tamara. Whilst everybody else set off in a gallop, Sarah caught Madison's reins. When Madison turned her head towards Sarah with a broad grin, she knew Sarah could not wait to tell her about her first kiss.

'Go on then,' Madison laughed softly.

'Anthony has offered for me Madison,' Sarah blushed.

'"Anthony?"' Madison deliberately teased, but clearly elated for her cousin's sake.

'Viscount Anthony then,' Sarah giggled.

'I take it you said yes,' Madison smiled, kicking at her horse to increase their speed, for they lagged behind the others.

'Oh yes, off course,' Sarah was clearly over the moon.

'Oh I'm so happy for you the future Viscountess Healy,' Madison whispered the last bit.

'So am I. I cannot wait to tell mama.'

'So tell me about the kiss,' Madison teased.

Sarah smiled, lifting her face up into the blue sky. She heard the melodious sounds of the chirping birds. She could smell the dry dust as they galloped. She could still feel Anthony's delightful lips on hers.

'I did not know it would be so---beautiful,' she laughed.

I could have told you that. It leaves you breathless, like an electric current, stealing the air from your lungs and you feel like you're not on the ground anymore, like you are being carried by the wind.

'Madison!' Sarah called out. Madison suspected Sarah had asked her a question.

'Sorry?'

'Did Earl Rankin not offer for you?' Sarah hissed. Clearly it was the second time she was asking the question.

'What? No!'

'You sound like you do not want him to declare for you. I thought you would look favourably to an offer from the earl.'

'He has not offered,' Madison answered with a slight tone of irritation. She was still thinking about another man's breathless kisses that had her screaming for more than just his lips.

'He will. Soon, Madison. I know he will,' Sarah thought she knew the reason for her cousin's abrupt temperament.

I care not if Rankin does not offer for me.

'So when is Anthony going to offer to Uncle Gilbert?' Madison decided to change the subject.

'This afternoon, when we return home,' he will ask papa's permission,' Sarah happily smiled.

'I am happy for you Sarah. Anthony is a fine gentleman,' Madison smiled sincerely.

'I know Madison. I have been praying so hard that he would. I never expected it to happen so soon.'

'Oh am I allowed to tell mama?' Madison pleaded.

'I suppose so,' Sarah laughed happily.

Anthony had not wanted their companions to know of his offer as yet. He first wanted to get the permission of Sarah's father. However Sarah had pleaded with him to allow her to mention it only to Madison. Anthony had reluctantly agreed. When they had stopped some two hours later at a water hole to refresh the horses, Madison had quietly whispered her congratulations to Anthony. He had smiled like a blushing bride and thanked Madison.

Late afternoon as the sun was setting the tired sixsome rode their way back home to Cricklewoods. They had a lovely time of it riding the beautiful landscapes, galloping over the testing hills with the setting sun warmly beating down their backs. The dusty road they rode led to a reasonable straight line across Moorish heath land. The six riders crossed over a magnificent stone bridge and finally over the Creecy River as they eventually returned towards the direction of Cricklewoods.

The party first saw off Madison. Sarah had run in for a few moments to break the exciting news with Madison to her aunt and uncle. Sarah was then escorted home, where Viscount Anthony Healy had nervously requested an audience with Lord Gilbert Buckley to make a formal offer for Lady Sarah Buckley. Anthony found he had no reason to be nervous, for his offer was gladly and joyously accepted. Anthony was invited to stay for supper. Though he made a polite show of not wanting to intrude, he and Sarah were secretly elated, as they could barely keep their eyes of each other. Disappointingly, Anthony had to contend with a very public and formal goodnight to his betrothed in the presence of Lady Diana and Lord Gilbert, as it was Lord Gilbert who had escorted Anthony to the door.

Madison indulged in a luxurious hot bath before supper. She was thankful for her maid's assistance in washing all the dust from her hair. She was so tired her eyes were drooping in the bath as she attempted to narrate to her maid all her adventures of the day. In a conspirational tone, she related how she frolicked in the river with the earl.

'That was most unbecoming my lady,' Beth chastised.

'There is far too much convention Beth,' Madison complained. 'A girl can hardly have any fun.'

'I pray Baron Sanford never comes to hear of your impropriety Lady Madison.'

'I shall not be telling him,' Madison grinned. 'I wish I could take a supper tray in my chamber,' Madison murmured sleepily, 'but mama shall not hear of it.'

'You know your mama expects everybody punctually at the supper table. There'll be no escaping for you my lady,' Beth helped Madison into an evening dress and satin slippers.

'Do you feel better after you bath Madison?' Rachael enquired.

'Yes thank you mama, but I am so tired,' Madison could barely stand up or keep her eyes opened.

'We shall not tarry long at supper,' Rachael smiled as they sat down.

'You may go straight to bed after supper,' Stanton laughed softly at his daughter.

'Madison we will be taking tea with Lady Sophia Jersey tomorrow afternoon.'

'I do not think I will be awake before noon mama,' Madison sighed.

'Nonsense dear child. Duchess Anna Sinclair is accompanying us. You have to make a good impression on Lady Jersey, remember she is one of the patronesses of Almack's Assembly Rooms. We will be visiting her to acquire vouchers for Almack's for Wednesday evening.'

'Why is it so important to attend at Almack's mama?Madison was so exhausted, she could barely taste the chicken soup she was eating. 'And is Lady Jersey not too young to be a patroness?'

'One does not have to be a dowager to be a patroness,' Stanton laughed at his daughter.

'Granted Lady Jersey is only three and twenty but she is most popular of all the patronesses in the ton, and she wields enormous social influence,' Rachael added, as she helped herself to some freshly baked bread.

'I do like Lady Jersey mama. She is charming and always so friendly, but I rather wished we could have a ball or parties in our own homes than demeaning ourselves for vouchers.'

'Madison!' Rachael exclaimed, unimpressed with her daughter's scant remark. Did her daughter not understand that people came to Almack's to see and be seen, to assert their claim to being of the highest social rank, and to network with others of the caste?

'It is true mama,' Madison pushed her soup bowl away. 'It is only for the rich and the snobbish. Pray tell me what is attractive about Almack's or just how entertaining is their entertainment?' Rachael looked sternly at her husband when she saw the smirk on his face.

'Stanton!' Rachael expected her husband to come to her defence.

'Madison dear,' Stanton breathed heavily, 'Money is not a key to being a member of Almack's. Frankly it excludes the nouveau rich. Actually,' Stanton poured himself a glass of red wine, 'having a noble title is a recommendation, though breeding and behaviour is of primary importance.

'So one does not need to have a title?' Madison was only slightly intrigued, as she sipped some wine.

'No,' Stanton answered. 'There are many gentlemen without titles, who are of good breeding and exemplary behaviour like Mr. Rochester.' Madison choked on her wine at the mention of Chadwick's name.

Exemplary? He is a rake! He took the liberty to kiss me.

Twice!

'Are you okay darling?' Rachael stood up and tapped Madison softly on her back.

'Yes,' Madison replied hoarsely, her eyes watery.

Just annoyed at papa giving that brute the slightest countenance.

Never mind that she wilfully participated on both occasions, when Chadwick had kissed her and that on the second occasion, it was she who had remonstrated when he had stopped.

The following morning Madison was pleased that she had been allowed an extra hour before Beth woke her with her favourite morning hot chocolate. Beth had drawn the curtains apart, the morning sun streamed in lighting up Madison's bed chamber.

'Good morning my lady,' Beth gently lifted Madison's bed covers.

'Oh Beth, you do know I am still so tired,' Madison groaned.

'You must hurry this morning Lady Madison,' Beth pleaded. 'You have a busy morning. You have a dress fitting. Lady Rachael would like to call on Lady Diana and be back before the Duchess calls for you and her.'

'Oh okay,' Madison mumbled. 'I wish mama would just give me a day to breathe.'

'Your mama loves you,' Beth smiled as she helped Madison into a cream muslin morning dress, then brushed her hair and tied it into an elegant bun.

'Good morning Lady Jersey,' Duchess Anna Sinclair smiled warmly.

'Your Grace, 'Lady Jersey curtsied. 'It is so lovely to see you again,' Lady Jersey embraced the duchess with a smile.

'Lady Jersey you do know Lady Rachael and her delightful young daughter Lady Madison.

'Off course, a pleasure to see you again, Lady Rachael,' Lady Jersey greeted Rachael formally and she was more enthusiastic and friendly as she embraced Madison, complimenting Madison on her gorgeous sky blue afternoon dress that fitted her curvaceous body perfectly.

'My dear,' the duchess touched Lady Jersey's arm. 'You look striking in that gown. All the ladies sincerely agreed, admiring Lady Jersey's organza afternoon dress that complimented the young lady's green eyes and her shiny light blonde hair. Madison thought she looked as beautiful just as her pretty cousin Sarah.

'Thank you duchess,' Lady Jersey smiled. 'Shall we have tea in the garden? I hope it is not unconventional your grace. It is such a beautiful afternoon.'

'Oh please do,' the duchess smiled. 'It is always lovely sitting under the afternoon sun

'Lady Madison,' Lady Jersey smiled, 'I believe you went riding yesterday.'

Lady Jersey had spread a delicious ensemble of refreshments out for them. There were small delightful looking pastries with lemon curd; creamed scones; delicate sandwiches and sweets. To drink they had green tea, chamomile with wafer thin lemon slices, and something Madison had not tasted before, Mint Mélange, a mint tea apparently imported from Morocco. They were served in the most opulent looking porcelain service ware, with silver teaspoons on fine linen. Madison had to call on all the social etiquette her mother had instilled in her. She remembered to take small bites so she could converse politely.

Do not let the spoon bang in the teacup. Do not lift your pinkie finger when drinking. Look into the cup when drinking.

The last one was a stupid social grace to adhere to. Why ever should one look into the cup and get steamed up from the hot tea, when you could admire the beautiful scenery around you, especially outside. Nevertheless she adhered, knowing her mama would be scrutinizing her rather carefully.

'Yes,' Madison winced looking into her tea cup when she sipped. 'I am still recovering.'

Lady Jersey laughed softly. 'I would not be able to get up for an entire week, if I had to ride the whole day.'

'Madison loves riding,' Rachael smiled. 'Although I dare say it will be a while before she attempts another long outing like yesterday's ride.'

As they sat under the gazebo, Madison admired the scenic garden. Huge oak and weeping willow trees filled the huge estate. Beautiful seasonal flowers of pansies; roses; azaleas; daisies filled the well managed garden. From the gazebo was a picturesque view of the pond filled with lilies and delightful multicoloured foliage. It was almost therapeutic to hear the melodious sounds of the water fountain and the view of the pond that increased the aesthetic value of the garden.

'Lady Jersey I would be pleased if you could issue vouchers for Lady Madison and her cousin Lady Sarah for tomorrow evening,' the duchess requested politely. 'I can vouch for both young ladies.'

'Oh it will be my pleasure,' Lady Jersey smiled. 'I do know Lady Madison and Lady Sarah are most popular among our peers of the ton.'

'Perhaps we can let you in before the official announcement of the engagement in the Daily Chronicle,' Lady Rachael smiled.

'Lady Madison is betrothed?' Lady Jersey enquired enthusiastically.

'No!' Madison denied forcefully, she wondered why she was so vehement in her denial.

'It is actually my niece Sarah that has received an offer from Viscount Anthony Healy.'

'Oh sorry Lady Madison,' Lady Jersey grinned, 'but I am delighted for Lady Sarah.'

'My cousin cannot stop smiling,' Madison laughed. 'We went to visit her this morning. She clearly has her head in the clouds.'

Madison held her breath as their vouchers were presented at Almack's reception room, before they could enter the ballroom. She told herself she was still tired, that she was still recovering from her ride of two days ago, that she was not secretly and eagerly anticipating, coming into contact with a certain tall broad shouldered brute with eyes as dark as the devil himself and a smile equally bewitching. Anthony and Sarah went off to fetch something to drink. Madison remained close to the balcony. Her parents were seated not too far away, but she chose this spot to give her an unhindered view of the entrance hall.

'Waiting for me perhaps,' the soft seductive voice spoke from her right side.

So intent was she staring at the doorway, her eyes had not focused on those already inside the ballroom. Her head coiled to her right to glare at her accuser. She had to hold her breadth at how delightfully handsome he looked in a green striped silk coat, embroidered in a most superb manner with gold and silver spangles all over. The waistcoat was of white silk, covered over with silver tissue, and a small embroidery to correspond with the cutaway style long coat over the breeches and stockings. The coat had a double row of buttons. His breeches were of the same fabric as the coat. Whilst the clothes made him look the most splendid amongst all the gentlemen in the ball room, it was the arresting face that made him look most handsome. Dark brooding eyes; high cheek bones; and beautiful smiling lips that urged her to reach forward and press her lips to them.

'Of course not,' she offered in a rushed denial