Reluctantly, Madison walked with her entourage to Chadwick's private box. Anthony and Sarah took the seats furthest away. Madison silently cursed finding herself seated between Chadwick and Rankin. She tried to keep as far away from Chadwick as possible. Deliberately she engaged with Rankin and completely ignored Chadwick to her left. Madison almost shrieked out aloud when she felt a muscular leg press against hers from the left side. When she turned to glare at Chadwick, he was not even looking in her direction. He was softly whispering in Charlotte's ear.

Madison found it difficult to focus on Alexandria's singing with Chadwick's distracting presence. The performance was sterling and the lady did have an amazingly beautiful voice, but Madison was too distracted. The performer lost all of Madison's praise when she began serenading Chadwick. Her eyes were glued on Chadwick, and the devil was lapping it up, smiling back with flirtatious eyes.

Son of lucifer!

Madison was relieved when it was the interval. She dragged Sarah outside for some fresh air even though Sarah was enjoying the romantic stale air in the corner with her betrothed. Sarah whined and groaned all the way outside.

'Why could you not have taken Lady Charlotte? I do not require any air?' Sarah groaned.

'Perhaps you do need a distraction,' Madison grinned.

'Oh I cannot wait to be married,' Sarah sighed. 'I cannot wait to get into my marriage bed with Anthony.'

'Sarah!' Madison dragged Sarah outside and tried unsuccessfully to quieten her.

'What!' Sarah was annoyed. 'I love him and he loves me. Why do we have to wait until the night of our wedding?' Sarah moaned more loudly.

'Good evening ladies,' Lady Sophia Jersey greeted both girls with a friendly smile.

'Lady Sophia, good evening,' Madison smiled cautiously. The previous time they had met, Sophia was dissuading her from her intended betrothal plan to Rankin.

'Good evening Lady Sophia,' Sarah returned the warm smile.

'You are here with a companion?' Madison asked curiously. The son of lucifer was sitting next to her with his attention split on his ménage à trois between her, Charlotte and Alexandria.

No, with my parents,' Sophia answered. 'They love Alexandria. They have watched her perform in New York and in Russia.'

'She is rather talented,' Madison offered. From her point of vantage she could see into the foyer where drinks were being taken. Her body seemed to recoil into safety mode when she spotted Chadwick and Charlotte sipping champagne. Madison took a step back into the shadows. She observed the two studiously. Charlotte looked smitten as she gazed into Chadwick's eyes. He looked rather bored. Perhaps he would much rather prefer to be with Alexandria.

'So you are spoilt for choice, Lady Madison.'

'What?'

'Our seats are opposite your rather spectacular box,' Sophia smiled mischievously. 'I observed you are flanked by two rather attractive gentlemen.'

'It is not my box,' Madison murmured, her eyes automatically darting to where Chadwick was standing. 'I am here with Earl Swain,' she dragged out defensively.

'You are enjoying the performance Lady Sarah?' Sophia included Sarah into the conversation.

'Oh she is thoroughly enjoying her evening,' Madison glared at her cousin.

'I am,' Sarah laughed unashamedly. 'It is a lovely performance,' her eyes challenged Madison's.

'Shall we go back inside? I think the show is about to start,' Madison was in an irritable mood.

'It was lovely meeting---.'

'Lady Sophia, good evening.'

'Mr. Rochester,' Sophia smiled. 'Lady Charlotte,' 'How are you this evening?'

'Ladies,' he casually included Madison and Sarah. 'Splendid, my dear,' Chadwick smiled charmingly. He lifted Sophia's hand elaborately and kissed her wrist.

'May I have my hand back?' Sophia smiled. She did not seem to be too smitten by the devil.

With some reluctance Chadwick released her hand. 'Why did you not join us in our box? We have more than enough seats?'

Just how many women does he want next to him!

'I am here with my parents,' Madison heard Sophia answer. She should be getting back to Rankin. He had wanted to chat to some gentlemen of his club.

'Excuse me,' Madison hurriedly made her exit, leaving her unwilling cousin there.

Madison scanned the foyer and found Rankin in conversation with two gentlemen. She slowly made her way to him. He seemed to sense her presence and turned in her direction.

'Ah there you are my lady,' Rankin smiled, extending his arm to her.

'Sorry if I have kept you waiting.' Madison placed her palm lightly on his arm.

'No not at all,' Rankin nodded to his friends and made his exit. 'We were just making an arrangement to go hunting this Saturday.'

'That is the bell for the start of the next performance,' Madison smiled.

Rankin cupped his palm over her elbow, 'you do remember your promise to walk in the garden with me, my lady.'

Madison looked at Rankin's eager face and immediately responded, 'of course, my lord.'

'Thank you,' Rankin looked pleased as punch.

As the second half of the performance continued, Chadwick and his companion were conspicuous by their absence. Madison kept turning to her left but the seats remained empty.

Have they left? Is he entertaining Lady Charlotte at his home?

Madison was alerted by the applause that the show was over. Rankin was standing up and so were Anthony and Sarah. She looked around and saw the entire theatre was giving Alexandria a standing ovation. Madison hurriedly got to her feet. Anthony ushered Sarah out. Rankin offered his arm to Madison. Both Anthony and Sarah were most delighted, when Rankin suggested they stroll around the lovely theatre gardens.

Madison should have focused her attention on her betrothed who was informing her of his favourite part of the shown they had just seen, but her attention was wandering. In her mind she was conjuring up all sorts of activities a certain gentleman who had departed early was indulging in with his companion. Madison remembered the way Lady Charlotte had looked up so admiringly into Chadwick's face. With that kind of adoration, he did not have to work hard for the lady to succumb to his every whim.

'And you?' Madison heard Rankin ask her.

'I beg your pardon my lord?'

'Which was your favourite song?' he laughed.

'Oh, it's difficult to single out one,' Madison improvised quickly. 'She is truly talented.'

'I agree,' Rankin sighed appreciatively, steering Madison to a secluded spot in the theatre gardens. Madison looked over her shoulder and saw Anthony and Sarah were nestled behind the huge trunk of a towering oak tree. Sarah was leaning against the trunk, laughing happily. Her fingers were playfully on Anthony's shirt. He was smiling down at her, his hands lightly at Sarah's elbows.

'Your cousin is fine,' Rankin pulled Madison into his arms in the darkness.

'I suppose you are right,' Madison looked nervously into Rankin's face. Strangely when she was in another man's arms, the last thing she felt was nervous. Infact if she was honest with herself, she thoroughly enjoyed being in the other man's arms.

'My lady I wished for this moment all evening,' Rankin's lips pressed against her cheek. 'You are so beautiful,' his husky voice whispered against her ear.

'Th---thank you,' she mumbled.

Rankin's soft chuckle rose into the crisp evening air as his lips closed over hers. Madison wanted to reject his advancing mouth and remembered in time this was her betrothed. Reluctantly her hands lifted to his shoulders. He took that as a sign to deepen the kiss. Rankin pulled her closer, his fingers pressed against the small of her back. Madison kept her eyes tightly shut. She went through the motions, allowing Rankin's hands to travel over her back. She did not want to look at Rankin when he kissed her yet when she was in Chadwick's arms, she gazed hungrily into his smouldering eyes as he kissed her. She delighted in getting lost in the depths of his dark desire filled eyes.

'My lady,' Rankin hissed hurriedly.

'Yes.'

'We need to get out of this rain.'

'What?'

'Rankin laughed as he removed his coat and draped it over Madison. 'It's raining, we must take cover.'

'Oh.' So deep in thought was she about Chadwick, she was oblivious about the sudden change in the weather. Rankin's arm curved around her waist as he ushered her hastily to his carriage. As they ran for cover, Madison observed Anthony hurrying Sarah to the carriage as well.

'That was a spoiler,' Sarah sulked as she climbed into the carriage next to Madison.

'You've been thoroughly kissed,' Madison grinned, observing Sarah's swollen lips. 'What are you complaining about?'

'So has Lord Rankin,' Sarah nudged Madison. 'Your lipstick is on his collar.'

'What!' Madison looked at Rankin's collar and saw the evidence.

When on earth did that happen?

'My Lord may I trade places with you?' Madison directed her question at Anthony.

'Certainly,' Anthony was only too ecstatic to huddle next to his beloved.

'My lord,' Madison murmured. 'May I please borrow your handkerchief?'

'Yes off course,' Rankin raised an eyebrow, but obliged handing it to Madison.

She took the handkerchief and wiped away at Rankin's collar. He laughed proudly, unperturbed by the incriminating evidence. Madison glared at Anthony and Sarah as they poked fun at her. She managed to clear most of her lipstick away. Just a faint smudge remained. She slowly lifted her eyes to Rankin. He had a pleased smirk plastered across his face.

'I shall have this washed and returned to you,' Madison murmured.

Rankin boldly closed his hand over Madison's. 'Thank you for protecting my honour,' he smiled. 'But nobody is going to call me out tomorrow morning.' He removed the handerkerchief from her tightly fisted hand and slipped it into his pocket. 'You are my betrothed Lady Madison,' he dipped his head and pressed a kiss to her cheek. Madison's cheeks turned crimson. It was a good thing the others could not see her face in the dark carriage.

'You are my betrothed Lady Sarah,' Anthony mimicked Rankin, and pressed a daring and lingering kiss on her lips to Sarah's delight.

'Oh how I wish this night was not ending,' Sarah sighed as the carriage stopped outside her house.

'I will call on you at eleven so we can go on a picnic my love,' Anthony consoled her.

'Okay,' she moaned, 'but that is almost ten hours away.'

'I think you had better speed up the notice in the banns,' Rankin laughed.

'I agree,' Anthony groaned.

'Step outside with me my lady,' Rankin smiled at Madison.

'Er---yes,' Madison realised Rankin wanted to allow the eager lovers some privacy.

'I shall call on you in two days time my dear,' Rankin touched Madison lightly on her shoulder. 'Tomorrow I shall be riding to London to look in on my property there.'

'Okay,' Madison nodded.

'Is there something special you wish us to do? Rankin offered.

'No---I shall leave it up to you my lord,' she smiled, hoping he would not notice her lack of interest in what they did together.

Finally Anthony stepped out of the carriage and held his hand out to Sarah.

'Thank you Swain,' Anthony nodded at Rankin.

'Good night Madison,' Sarah hugged her cousin, with a forlorn expression over her face. Madison wished she could feel for Rankin, what Sarah felt for Anthony.

'You promise you will be here at eleven?' Sarah looked up earnestly into Anthony's face.

'Yes,' he took her into his arms and quickly embraced her. Madison heard him whisper in Sarah's ear and she whispered back to Anthony.

'I must ride with Rankin to drop Madison off,' Anthony laced his fingers through Sarah's.

'Very well,' she smiled bravely. 'Good night Earl Swain. Good night Madison.'

'Good night Sarah,' Madison smiled. She was pleased she would not be alone with Rankin. For once she appreciated the value of a chaperone.

Chadwick crouched lower behind the thick hedges as he watched Swain's carriage stop outside Madison's home.

Where had the Swine been with her all this time?

The show had to have finished a good two hours ago. It was rather unfortunate he had had to leave early. Charlotte had developed a migraine and apologetically requested Chadwick to take her home. He knew it had been too late to return to the theatre, so he had gone to an Inn for a few drinks.

Without consciously planning the next part of his journey, Chadwick found himself a street away from the chit's home. He wondered if she was home yet. He had contemplated knocking on the door and pretending to enquire about the horses he had sold to Baron Sanford, and then realized it was a ridiculous hour to make such an uninvited call. It was then that he had the harebrained idea to park his carriage two streets away at a different Inn and stealthily make his way again to observe the goings on outside Madison Sanford's front door. A violent rage overwhelmed him, when he saw the Swine jump out of his carriage and extend his hand to the lady.

How dare he take such liberties!

Chadwick's pulsating heartbeat reduced only marginally when he saw Anthony Healy alight from the carriage after Lady Madison. The Swine was extending his arm and murmuring something in her ear. She smiled at him and nodded enthusiastically as she placed her arm possessively on Swain's arm.

Chadwick's fist clenched as Swain took Madison in his arms. He pressed his mouth to her cheek, released her and quickly knocked on the door. It was instantly opened by Baron Sanford. The gentlemen shook hands. It seems they declined an invitation to go in. The Swine made a show of taking Madison's hands in his. He murmured something to her and Swain and Healy returned to the waiting carriage. Chadwick still contemplated whether he should knock on the door. Perhaps he could make an excuse one of his horses had a problem. It sounded too ridiculous even to his own ears. He fisted his wrist into the trunk of a nearby tree and strode back to his carriage.

Madison held her breath when the carriage stopped outside her home. She prayed Anthony would not step outside and allow them the same courtesy Rankin had given him and Sarah. She did not want to be with Rankin for another second tonight. She just wanted to take a bath and slip into bed. She was pleasantly surprised when Rankin jumped out unhesitatingly and held out his hand to her.

'My lady,' Rankin murmured. 'I am certain Baron Sanford has heard my carriage. 'Forgive me if I bid you farewell as propriety demands a gentleman should,' he smiled, taking her in his arms and planting a quick peck on her cheek.

'Yes,' Madison nodded enthusiastically, relieved at Rankin's common sense.

Rankin then knocked and he smiled at Madison as the door was instantly opened.

'Good evening Baron Sanford, thank you for allowing Lady Madison to accompany me to the opera.'

'Only a pleasure. Do come in Earl Swain.'

'Thank you, but we must decline. Healy and I are going to have a game of cards.'

'Good evening, Baron Sanford,' Anthony exchanged a handshake with Madison's father.

'Viscount Healy,' Baron Sanford smiled warmly.

Rankin turned to Madison and took her hands into his. 'Lady Madison please spend the afternoon with me the day after tomorrow?'

'Yes,' Madison nodded politely with a smile.

As the gentlemen departed, Madison greeted her parents warmly and pleading tiredness, she asked her maid to carry up hot water for her bath.

Sarah looked at the wall clock yet again and peaked out the kitchen window for the umpteenth time. Her elbows on the window sill she cupped her chin in her palms and sighed in anticipation.

'Darling I am quite certain Viscount Healy will be knocking at the door at the appointed time,' Lady Diana gently admonished her daughter.

Sarah's cheeks tinged to a bright hue of pink, she reluctantly turned away from the window.

'You remember yourself at that age,' Lord Buckley smiled at his wife.

'I never waited at the window like a love sick puppy,' Diana gushed.

'Oh but you did,' Gilbert refuted his wife's denial. Sarah folded her arms and grinned. She watched in animation as her mother blushed, shyly denying her father's claim. When the knocker sounded, Sarah bolted for the door.

'He is here,' she exclaimed breathlessly.

'Sarah!' Her mother and father cautioned simultaneously.

Sarah's steps faltered. 'I know,' with painstaking effort, she calmly walked to the door like a lady.

'Good morning my lord,' she smiled adoringly at her betrothed.

'Good morning my lady,' Anthony returned her smile and pressed a kiss to Sarah's cheek.

'Good morning Viscount Healy,' Gilbert stood up from his chair.

'Good morning Lord Buckley, Lady Buckley,' Anthony smiled. He shook Gilbert's hand and embraced Diana with an affectionate hug.

'Would you like to join Lady Sarah and I for a picnic,' Anthony extended an invitation to Sarah's parents.

'No! Er---they have plans,' Sarah decried.

'We do?' Her father challenged with a broad grin.

'Mama?' Sarah looked at her mother pleadingly.

'I think that means our daughter wants you all to herself,' Diana chuckled.

'We have the rest of our lives my love,' Anthony smiled at Sarah. Reluctantly Sarah lowered her head.

'Go ahead,' Gilbert smiled. 'Sarah ensure your maid accompanies you,' her father instructed.

'Yes papa,' she smiled appreciatively at her father.

'Why did you invite my parents?' Sarah sulked entwining her fingers through Anthony's as the carriage drove them to their picnic. Sarah's maid Martha sat across them inside the carriage, but Sarah refused to restrain herself in front of her maid. Anthony was her betrothed. She did not think propriety was necessary in the confines of his carriage. Not that her doting maid would betray her. Martha had been with the family since Sarah was one year old. She adored Sarah and turned a blind eye to her seemingly harmless improprieties.

'I am esteemed by the warmth of your parents,' Anthony playfully tapped his index finger to her petite nose. 'I wish us to get to know each other better.'

'I wish to know you better first,' she looked into his eyes. Her palm cupped his face lovingly. Anthony smiled. He closed his palm over hers on his cheek.

'I cannot wait for you to be my wife,' Anthony whispered.

'Me neither,' she whispered. Their lips drew closer. Sarah's maid made a clanging sound as she cleared her throat noisily.

'Can you not look out the window Martha?' Sarah exclaimed with a trace of irritation.

Anthony laughed, 'we are here my love,' he helped Martha then Sarah out of the carriage.

'It is so beautiful here my lord,' Sarah smiled, looking around at the beautiful public gardens with an abundance of flowers and shady trees. A lake close by had noisy geese and swans swimming about in the warm sun.