Madison lifted her head as far as his heavy weight on her would allow her. She turned her head to look at the remains of the wrecked carriage.

‘I am sorry. Your carriage seems completely destroyed.’

‘Damn the carriage. Are you okay?’ He lifted his weight off her. His fingers travelled over her arms down her rib cage.

‘What---what do you think you are doing?’ she questioned feebly.

‘Touching your body,’ he smiled devilishly.

‘Get your hands off me.’

‘I must make sure you have no broken bones.’ His hands moved from her rib cage over her pelvis. She winced, not from pain.

‘It pains?’ His eyes held concern. ‘Are you hurt?’

‘No,’ she slapped his hands away.

‘I see,’ he grinned.

‘What do you see?’ she glared at him icily.

‘That you like my touch,’ his hands continued his methodical inspection over her thighs.

‘Stop it!’ She hissed pushing at his chest, but he was like a concrete boulder over her.

‘Be quiet! I need to make sure you are fine,’ his one palm pinned her chest to the ground, whilst his other hand checked her out. Could he tell her heart was pounding against his hand?

‘Satisfied?’ She hissed when he completed his inspection.

‘Yes,’ he smiled. ‘I am pleased all your delightful body parts are intact.’

‘Delightful?’ Her question was a soft murmur but leading nonetheless.

‘Yes,’ his fingers feathered her face, as he lowered himself over her again. ‘Whatever were you thinking?’ His eyes blazed into hers. Her eyes lowered to his tantalizing lips.

That you need to kiss me.

Very slowly, her dark eyes rose to meet his again. Her eyes screamed heightened awareness. Explicit desire blazed through her body. A soft groan escaped his throat and filled her ears. He leaned in and kissed her, she moaned opening her lips beneath his. He took advantage of her trembling quiescent body. Helpless desire swept through her. Her hands buried in his mane of unruly hair, his grip around her tightened. His tongue entered her mouth. A soft gasp choked in her throat as his moist tongue entangled with hers. Madison pulled him closer. Off its own accord, her pelvis lifted pressing into him. He groaned. His mouth and lips and teeth enjoyed a free reign, caressing, nibbling at her neck. His hands forced apart the buttons on her dress. An erect supple rosy nipple was captured between his teeth.

‘Chadwick,’ she breathed his name against his throat. Her fingers cupped his face, pulling his lips back to hers.

‘Madison, I want you,’ his soft husky voice, was like a piercing shrill dragging her back to reality.

She pushed him away scrambling to her feet. ‘I---I cannot.’ Clumsily her fingers attempted to fasten the buttons together on her dress. She watched at the corner of her eye as Chadwick rose with much difficulty to his feet.

‘Why the hell did you agree to it?’ Chadwick’s voice thundered.

‘What?’ Madison looked at him in confusion.

Did I say yes? Lord in Heaven, I cannot remember it.

‘Your betrothal to the swine,’ he hissed. His fingers circled around her wrist like a metal grip piercing into her flesh. ‘Why did you agree to it?’

Swain. His name is Swain.

‘Why not?’ She countered stupidly, finding the strength to release herself.

‘You care nothing for him,’ Chadwick gripped her by the waist and jerked her against his body angrily. Instead of being angry at his aggression, desire flared in her eyes again. Nervously she ran her tongue over her lower lip.

‘The swine is not right for you,’ Chadwick’s eyes followed her tongue with interest. ‘You will not be happy with him.’

‘I won’t?’ she questioned, her eyes locked on his. His erratic breathing fanned her face. The chemistry between them was igniting arousal in her like a dormant volcano. Madison knew Rankin did not have the power to arouse her as this man did. Whenever she was with Chadwick, the atmosphere was highly charged. She would not admit to this, but with Rankin it would be mundane and emotionally dead. This man just had to look at her through his hypnotic smouldering eyes and she was lost. She felt nothing in Rankin’s arms. Even Rankin’s only kiss had been a torture. This man’s mere touch on the other hand turned her into his wanton slave.

‘You are making a mistake,’ Chadwick’s fingers brushed her cheek.

Was she? So who should she marry? Certainly not him, because he was not available, so why exactly was she making a mistake marrying Rankin? Maybe they may not have the passion, but she could make it work.

‘I will take my chances,’ Madison slapped his hand away. His eyes blazed with fury. The foolish woman! What the blazes was wrong with her?

‘You do not know him. He is going to hurt you,’ Chadwick’s piercing fingers burnt into her shoulder.

Madison laughed, ‘and you will not?’ She turned away. It was already hurting her that she would never be able to be with Chadwick. She must get away from him. She had made her bed, now she must literally lie in it.

Chadwick watched her turn and walk back the way she had started. He angrily kicked at a plank in front of him. He looked at his horses standing idle where the cart had crashed. They were separated from the harness luckily without incurring any injury. Thanks to his quick thinking, he had swerved the carriage so the side crashed against the tree, freeing his horses.

‘Sarah,’ Madison exclaimed uncomfortably, seeing her cousin alight the carriage with her fiancé. Viscount Anthony,’ Madison offered self-consciously. Did she look ravaged? Was her hair messed up? Did her lips look thoroughly kissed?

‘Madison why is your button undone?’ Sarah questioned her cousin.

‘What?’ Oh dear! Madison quickly fastened the culprit button.

‘And where are you coming from, without your maid again?’ Sarah knew her cousin’s penchant to buck protocol and wander off on her own.

‘Oh, I just needed some fresh air,’ Madison waved her hand carelessly, avoiding Sarah’s face. Not that she got much fresh air. The air in the restrictive space between her face and Chadwick’s had been sparse and sizzling. Neither of them had much need for oxygen when they were greedily feeding of each others’ desire. Madison could still feel Chadwick’s heated lips over hers. The nerve cells on her fingers still tingled from its intimate touch of his smooth face.

‘Madison!’ Sarah exclaimed. Annoyed at her cousin’s mind constantly going off on a tangent.

‘My dear,’ Anthony smiled. ‘Do stop badgering your cousin. That is if you want her to invite us in.’

‘Where are my manners? Viscount Anthony, Sarah please come inside.’ Madison led the way into the drawing room. Madison rang for refreshments a maid arrived with tea, mini sandwiches and cream cakes.

‘Madison, Anthony thinks it’s a lovely idea for us to attend the opera tomorrow evening,’ Sarah enthused.

‘Us?’ Madison questioned uncomfortably, helping herself to some tea.

‘Yes. Anthony; I; you and Earl Swain,’ Sarah handed Anthony a cup of tea.

Madison stood up, clearly not pleased with her cousin planning an outing for her. ‘I do not know. I shall have to ask the earl.’

‘The earl?’ Sarah repeated, biting into a cream cake. ‘Madison he is your fiancé for crying out aloud and that Russian opera singer you love so much will be performing. Oh we have to go,’ Sarah licked at the cream that stuck at the corner of her mouth.

‘I shall send a groom with an invitation,’ Madison reluctantly agreed. ‘We will have to see if he is available,’ Madison sat down again and picked up her teacup once more.

‘“If he is available?”

Madison what could be more important for Earl Rankin Swain than to spend an evening with his betrothed?’

‘I cannot be presumptuous,’ Madison’s voice raised an octave. ‘We will extend an invitation to him and await his response.’

‘Very well,’ Sarah raised an eyebrow in disbelief. She did not understand what was wrong with her cousin. Madison loved opera. She had also set her cap on Earl Rankin Swain. Yet Madison did not behave like a young lady who was happily betrothed. Oh well perhaps it was that time of the month. Madison was always moody and easily irritated when she came on each month.

‘Sarah,’ Anthony mediated sensing Madison’s ambivalent mood. ‘Lady Madison is correct. We do not know if Earl Swain has a previous engagement.’

‘Thank you,’ Madison smiled at Anthony.

‘I will be seeing him at White’s tonight,’ Anthony declared. ‘Shall I sound it out with him?’

Clearly there was going to be no way out, Madison surmised. ‘Yes, thank you.’ she forced a bright smile for Sarah’s benefit.

‘Good we shall get the tickets,’ Sarah smiled triumphantly.

Madison had mixed emotions the following evening when Rankin’s carriage stopped outside their home to escort her to the opera. She was pleased to see Anthony and Sarah were with Rankin. She did not fancy being alone with him and a maid.

‘Good evening Lady Madison,’ Rankin smiled admiring her shimmering silver gown, with a daring neckline. It wrapped tightly around her bosom and waist and flowed into cascading layers around her ankle. Madison clasped a dusty pink shawl over her arm. She lifted her eyes and smiled at Rankin politely. ‘You do look delightful this evening my lady.’

‘Oh you do,’ Sarah hugged Madison. ‘You look adorable.’

‘Thank you,’ Madison offered another smile. ‘You look beautiful too.’ Sarah’s leaf green gown matched her sparkling eyes. She looked radiant and very much in love as she smiled at Anthony.

‘Good evening everybody,’ Stanton greeted, walking into the drawing room with his wife.

‘Baron Sanford,’ Rankin extended a hand politely to Madison’s parents. Everybody exchanged greetings before Madison’s parents walked the two couples out to Rankin’s carriage. A groom was driving the horses. Sarah sat next to the window seat. The gentlemen allowed the ladies to enter the carriage first. When Madison lowered herself next to Sarah, she was not too politely shoved to the opposite seat.

‘I do not get many opportunities to be with Anthony,’ Sarah grinned. ‘Do not spoil my evening.’

‘Why didn’t you ask your maid to chaperone you,’ Madison hissed, just as the gentlemen joined them. If Rankin observed the strategic seating, he politely gave no indication thereof. Anthony smiled at Sarah, and took the seat next to her. Boldly he slipped his hands through Sarah’s , cleared his throat and directed a meaningful look to the two seated opposite him as if to warn them that they had seen nothing untoward.’

‘I should have lit the lantern. It is a tad dark in here,’ Rankin’s smiling tone could be heard. Madison could not help smiling at Rankin’s sharp rejoinder. The smile froze on her face, when she felt Rankin’s arm on the backrest behind her shoulder. It was dark inside the carriage. Her eyes had adjusted to the darkness, but she could only vaguely make out her companions’ silhouettes on this moonless night. The groom outside did have two lanterns to guide him, but very little of the light trickled through the window. Madison could vaguely see the images of the trees in the dark night as the powerful horses galloped at high speed. Madison wanted to contribute to the conversation that Anthony and Sarah were having but Rankin whispered in her ear at that precise moment.

‘You do look lovely tonight my dear,’ Rankin murmured. ‘Would you allow us to walk the gardens of the theatre before we return home?’

Madison wanted to scream no, but he was her betrothed. He would expect Madison to indulge him. She might as well get used to the idea that she was going to spend the rest of her life with Rankin. Strange how Rankin courteously asked her permission, the other devil did no such thing. Off course he understood the requirements of polite society, but did he heed them? No. Clearly, he was ungovernable.

‘Yes,’ Madison breathed, aware Rankin was awaiting her response. ‘I would like that my lord.’

‘Thank you,’ Rankin’s thumb settled on her neck and stroked on her skin. Rankin could have been her modiste taking measurements with all the effect his touch had on her skin. Madison wondered how one man’s touch made her feel like she was swallowing wet paint, whilst another’s magnetic touch sent her desire soaring like a raging forest fire. She lowered her head not wanting Rankin to catch a glimpse of her conflicting and chaotic feelings.

‘You do not have to be so shy,’ Rankin laughed softly, ‘we are betrothed my lady.’

‘I am sorry,’ Madison whispered.

‘Do not be,’ Rankin spoke close to her ear. ‘It shall be my pleasure to teach you the ways between a man and a woman.’

No!

She found his hoarse voice repulsive. ‘I should hope you will be a little patient my lord.’

‘I will grant you all the time you require,’ Madison heard rather that witnessed the smile. ‘Thank you for accompanying me tonight,’ Rankin’s fingers on her shoulder dipped lower down the front of her dress. Madison gasped and went still. It was at that moment the carriage stopped and a footman was opening the door. Madison shut her eyes and thanked the gods for the tiny reprieve. It would not be long before Rankin would be expecting her complete acquiescence. Rankin jumped off and held out his hand for Madison. Sarah and Anthony took their time disembarking the carriage causing Madison to cringe silently. When Sarah emerged her lips were palpably swollen and her lipstick was on Anthony’s lips. Madison glared at Sarah annoyingly.

‘Tell your fiancé to wipe your lipstick off his face for heaven’s sake,’ Madison draped her hand on Rankin’s arm and walked ahead. Anthony clumsily pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed it to his lips. Madison wished she could have been at home. She was not comfortable with Rankin’s hands all over her. They were half an hour early. Madison wished the show had started so she could be in the dark, alone with her sombre mood. The foyer of theatre was packed to capacity. Couples were dressed in high fashion in an array of dazzling evening colours. As if she was not annoyed enough, she was breathless when she saw an unmistakable dark head bent, attentively listening to a glamorous lady in a scarlet figure hugging satin gown. The familiar unending shoulders were ramrod straight. They were so broad, Madison could not see beyond the shoulders. The gentleman himself was dressed to the nines in the latest fashionable men’s attire. There was not another man more handsome in the room tonight. Madison studied the man’s companion. She had the most beautiful blonde mane of hair. Her striking eyes were the most beautiful cloudy blue that Madison had ever seen.

Who is she!

‘My lady?’ Rankin touched Madison’s arm.

‘Yes?’

‘What would you like to drink?’

‘White wine, thank you.’ Sarah wanted champagne. Anthony preferred a scotch, as did Rankin. Madison was pleased to see there was no evidence of Sarah’s lipstick on Anthony’s face anymore.

‘Do I look respectable?’ Anthony grinned speaking softly.

‘You two are incorrigible,’ Madison laughed, shaking her head.

‘Let me help Rankin with our drinks,’ Anthony followed Rankin.

‘Good evening.’

Madison felt a cold shiver spread over her skin, at the same time a rush of heat spread over her body.

‘Mr. Rochester, good evening,’ Sarah greeted enthusiastically. Madison wanted to avoid looking at him, and found herself making eye contact with Chadwick’s companion who seemed to be intuitively sizing Madison up and down with a critical eye.

‘Lady Madison good evening,’ Chadwick’s dark lazy eyes were filled with laughter.

‘Mr. Rochester,’ Madison greeted him but avoided looking him in the eye. Instead she focused her attention on his expertly tied cravat. Sarah was trying to get Madison’s attention about something. Madison could see her pointing to Chadwick’s companion. The lady looked so familiar. Madison wondered if they had met previously. She would have clearly remembered if she had been introduced to such a ravishing beauty. It was then that she heard Chadwick speak.

‘Alexandria may I introduce you to Lady Madison Sanford and Lady Sarah Buckley. Ladies, please meet Ms. Alexandria Trotsky.’

She---she is the opera singer! How the blazes was he acquainted with her?

‘Good evening,’ Ms. Trotsky greeted. Her voice was cold and unfriendly. Her arm was clutching Chadwick like he was a lifeline.

‘Good evening,’ Madison offered a polite smile. Sarah gushed stupidly. Madison could feel Chadwick’s eyes on her. She avoided making eye contact with great effort.

Rankin where are you!

‘Excuse me. I must go backstage,’ Alexandria Trotsky announced looking at her watch. It was so unusual for a performing artist to mingle with the audience before a performance. Was she not supposed to be doing a rehearsal or resting her voice or whatever it is they do before they grace you with their presence? And surprisingly this artist was ready a whole half an hour before she was due on stage.

‘I shall accompany you,’ Chadwick offered.

‘No. That is okay,’ she smiled patting her palm on his wrist. ‘You stay with your friends. At that moment two burly looking gentlemen strode towards them. It seemed they had come to either rescue or escort Ms. Trotsky backstage.

‘You know Ms. Trotsky personally,’ Sarah exclaimed when the lady departed.

‘Yes,’ Chadwick smiled. I met her on a few occasions when she performed in Paris. Chadwick looked at Madison, but her eyes were focused on the program in her hand. ‘Alexandria was stranded for transportation to London once when her ship could not sail due to some technical problems. I managed to get her a cabin on another cruiser departing that same night. So we have been in contact since then. She wrote to my club extending an invitation for me to join her tonight.’ Chadwick gave up trying to get Madison’s attention.

‘We are back,’ Rankin smiled. ‘There was quite a queue there at the refreshments stand. There you go dear,’ Rankin handed Madison her glass. Anthony handed Sarah her champagne.

‘Thank you,’ Madison smiled.

‘Rochester,’ Rankin nodded to Chadwick, drawing closer to Madison.

‘Swain,’ Chadwick dragged out, observing the possessive way Rankin closed in on Madison.

‘Sorry old chap,’ Rankin spoke regretfully. ‘We did not get you a drink.’

‘That is quite okay. I have a box that comes with catering. You are welcome to join me,’ Chadwick offered. Madison was about to decline when Sarah spoke.

‘Oh thank you. That would be lovely. I have never sat in a private box before.’

‘Chadwick, good evening. Sorry I am late.’

Madison could not believe what she was seeing. First he was cavorting with the star entertainer. Now that Alexandria Trotsky was performing for him, he had Lady Charlotte Duxbury on his arm.

‘No, you are on time,’ Chadwick smiled. ‘I have just seen Alexandria off.’

‘Oh I feel terrible that she did not finish dinner and you had to rush her here.’