Chadwick leaned against the door. He dropped his eyelids. He did not want her to see the indecision in his eyes. Is she going to run? Will she stay? He had lied to Lady Sophia and told her the chit would hear him out, but he was not sure. Her eyes were glaring at him like daggers. Her body language displayed no interest in being there whatsoever.

‘Thank you Lady Madison,’ Chadwick slowly released his breath and waved his hand for her to precede him.

Madison was thankful her maid was outside with her groom. She would not approve of either Lady Sophia’s indiscretion or this gentleman’s impertinence.

‘Mr. Rochester you do realize the impropriety of your request?’ Madison’s eyes held his.

‘It is assumed Lady Sophia is chaperoning us.’ Chadwick was not going to assure her that she was safe with him. She was not. Neither was he prepared to make any promises he had no intention of keeping. Knowing she was stepping into the lion’s den, even though it was not his den, she took a step towards him.

Madison knew once he closed the door, she was defenceless and in danger, yet the prospect of her getting caught excited her enough to go through with it. She walked through the door frame and into the Jersey’s library. For a moment Madison allowed her eyes to focus on Sophia. There was reassurance in her eyes. If Madison needed help, she was just outside the door. Sophia had not wanted to betray Madison’s confidence in luring her there under false pretences, but Chadwick had been persuasive. He had assured her that Madison would grant him an audience and it seemed Chadwick was correct. Madison had eventually agreed, even though she had taken the time to weigh the situation.

Taking a gulp of air, Madison walked into the library. She wanted some distance between her and Chadwick and made her way to the huge desk next to the huge bay window. Madison stole a look at Chadwick leaning against the wall at the door. He watched her move sleepily, yet the flared awareness in his eyes thrilled her. Helpless desire swept through her. This clandestine inappropriate meeting thrilled her. His silent appraisal made her nervous. She buried her gloved hands in the folds of her skirt.

Chadwick was in no hurry to explain his summons. His roving eyes took in the flushed face, the wisps of her gleaming hair that had escaped from her braids and had blown over her face. Chadwick held his breadth admiring the way her thin soft silk shirt caressed her curvaceous body.

Madison shifted nervously at his blatant scrutiny. A flush rose above the neckline of her linen shift. She pulled her cloak across her breasts. Even from the distance he stood, Madison caught a whiff of his scent, pine or cypress. He was dressed smartly, yet he seemed unshaven. She took another deep breadth and decided to end the deafening silence.

‘Why have you requested to see me Mr. Rochester?’

He did not answer her instead took measured steps closing the distance between them. Madison swallowed nervously. Her eyes widened as he towered in front of her. The faint smell of whisky on his breath fanned her cheek. Madison gasped as his fingers pressed over her gloved hand. His thumb shifted higher until his fingers brushed the bare flesh of her wrist. Inappropriate though it was, a shiver of pleasure coursed through her body. Chadwick kissed the back of her hand with mock gallantry. She saw the brilliant amusement in his eyes. Fear temporarily flighted across her eyes.

‘Nervous my lady?’ he mocked.

‘You are a man given to improprieties, and stolen kisses.’

‘But you respond so whole heartedly to it,’ he pulled her roughly within the circle of his arms. Madison was frozen to the spot as his head dipped lower. She wanted him. He watched the way her lips parted. Madison could not lose herself here, she needed to get away. Summoning the effort, she jerked herself free of his hold.

‘What did you want?’ She shifted away from him.

Would the chit believe me if I told her what I had seen last night?

Chadwick had been compelled to pay a visit to the Blue Oyster Inn, one of the seediest brothels in all of England. He had eyed the courtesans at the main salon. They mixed freely with the members of the ton and aristocracy. It mattered not who you were. Money was of only relevance, not rank or society.

Chadwick’s horse had had an injury, forcing him to stop a short distance before the rather seedy Inn. Although he cared not about his reputation but even Chadwick, had been weary of stopping outside the sleazy Inn but he needed to attend to one of his stallions that had clearly been in a lot of pain. What had astounded Chadwick, who did not shock easily, was to see the unsavoury Swain drunk as a skunk and blatantly fondling two harlots. Swain was shoving money in the more than ample décolletage of the two ladies. That was rather benevolent of the swine considering he did not have a lot of finances to throw around. Chadwick was disgusted as he observed one harlot’s hands enthusiastically unbuttoning Swain’s shirt. The other’s was provocatively on Swain’s thigh.

Furious, Chadwick had walked up to Swain, his eyes murderous, his fists ready to connect with Swain’s drunken face. Swain had baulked in surprise. The lewd grin had disappeared off his face. Swain stood up. Clearly the last person he expected to see in the squalid Inn was Chadwick Rochester. Chadwick flexed his wrist painfully recalling how he had acquired his injury.

‘Swain shall we take this outside or shall I wipe out your face right here?’

‘Mind your own business Rochester.’ Rankin’s face had contorted in anger.

‘I guess I am wiping out your face here,’ Chadwick threw a hefty punch at Swain’s jaw. He went sprawling backwards on the floor. Chadwick picked him up and dragged him outside.

‘Get up!’ Chadwick hissed through clenched teeth.

Rankin struggled to his feet, nursing his jaw. Chadwick threw a combination of unrelenting punches to Swain’s face. He tried to protect himself but his reflexes were too slow. Chadwick’s powerful knee made contact with Swain’s belly. Swain slumped unceremoniously to the floor and did not get up.

Chadwick had walked back inside, established where to find a blacksmith to attend to his horse. He then paid the Innkeeper a few gold coins for a new horse and hurried away from the decrepit brothel house. He found the blacksmith, paid him to attend to his horse, informing him, a groom would collect his horse the next day.

With considerable effort Chadwick dragged his attention back to the present. Was it his place to inform Lady Madison of her betrothed’s lurid habit? Would she think he had an ulterior motive and was just making mischief? Perhaps it would just push her further into Swain’s arms and the stubborn chit would avoid him completely in future. Best he find another means to make her aware of her betrothed’s penchant for sleazy harlots, unless she was prepared to tolerate the infidelity. She may just be the type of Lady that would allow her husband to keep a mistress in that case, his counsel would be wasted.

‘Very well,’ he walked to the drinks tray and poured himself a glass of whisky. ‘Want something?’ he offered. Madison shook her head.

Pouring himself a more than generous drink, he instructed, ‘‘You must call off your betrothal.’

‘I beg your pardon!’

‘Swain is wrong for you.’

Madison glared at him incredulously.

‘You will be hurt. Swain is an unsavoury character.’

‘And you are not?’ Madison laughed. ‘You lure me here under false pretences. You---take liberties at every opportunity. Whilst Earl Swain has always been ---a gentleman.’

Indeed.

‘It is what you do not see that should concern you,’ Chadwick emptied his glass.

‘Mr. Rochester, I do believe you are talking utter nonsense.’

‘Am I?’ He took two strides and was towering over her again. ‘You know he is wrong for you,’ his lips were inches away from hers.

She knew she should speak to break the spell, but words failed her. Nervously her tongue darted out and raced across her lower lip.

‘Shall I prove to you my lady that you have chosen wrongly?’

‘No!’ Madison shoved him away and ran to the door. He did not follow, thankfully. Madison exhaled, schooled the expression on her face and opened the door.

‘Lady Madison are you okay?’

‘Yes thank you Lady Sophia,’ Madison smiled and spoke with a calmness she was far from feeling. ‘Mr. Rochester was raising a concern, but there is nothing to it,’ Madison smiled. ‘If you do not mind, I shall take my leave, Lady Sophia.’

‘Will you not have some tea?’

‘Thank you, I would rather head back to my home,’ Madison thanked her profusely and made her way to her waiting carriage.

Rankin winced as he rose from his bed. He yelled for a groom and his butler. The latter hurried in with coffee, aspirin and water, the former with buckets of water for the earl’s morning bath. Rankin groaned softly. His jaw and his stomach muscles ached. He was certain his face had injuries to support a criminal charge. Yet he would not pursue that angle. There would be too many questions he was not prepared to answer. Scowling, he took the aspirin and gulped the water down. The butler’s face was stoic. He knew better that to question his master. The groom went about preparing the earl’s bath.

‘I want you to take this to Lady Madison Sanford and await her reply,’ Rankin scribbled a note and handed it to his groom. Rankin needed to know how much Madison knew. He would have to form a strategy.

‘Yes my lord,’ the groom departed.

Rankin wrote a second note and yelled for another groom. He had been invited to a ball the following evening. His first note to Madison was inviting her, her maid and her parents to stay the evening with him and attend the ball the following evening. His note to Madison had been explicit. Even if her parents were not available, he expected her to join him, with her maid as chaperone. The second note had been to the marquis hosting the ball, confirming his attendance.

Rankin was as pleased as punch when the Sanford carriage stopped outside the courtyard of his Craggvale estate that afternoon. In excruciating pain, he slowly made his way outside. His stomach had recovered somewhat from the agonizing blow, but his jaw was still feeling like hell and his face looked like hell.

‘Good afternoon my lord,’ Madison smiled as she stepped out of the carriage. It was a cold afternoon. The air was fresh, dark ominous clouds looked like rain was imminent. Madison shivered, hoping Rankin had a blazing fire in the sitting room.

‘Good day my lovely lady,’ Rankin intoned with much effort. ‘Thank you for---.’

‘My lord! What on earth has happened?’ Madison went white as a sheet when she saw Rankin’s face all blue and purple, thanks to Chadwick’s work of art.

‘It only looks worse than it feels,’ Rankin summoned a soft laugh.

‘Pray tell me what happened?’ Madison instinctively lifted her fingers gently to his cheek. ‘I think you need the doctor,’ her eyes filled with evident concern.

‘Don’t be alarmist my dear.’

‘Are you not going to tell me what happened?’

Rankin smiled patiently, ’I will, when we are indoors. Shall we?’ he offered his arm.

‘Very well,’ Madison reluctantly accepted his arm.

‘Your folks have declined,’ Rankin hid his pleasure.

‘Yes. ‘Mama thinks we should get better acquainted,’ Madison smiled. ‘Though she has given Beth strict instructions about chaperoning me at all times,’ Madison laughed nervously as they entered his living room.

‘I shall take the hint as it is intended,’ Rankin smiled and tapped his palm over Madison’s.

A maid showed Beth the tiny room she would occupy and the much larger guest chamber for Madison’s use. Beth unpacked their luggage and joined Rankin’s staff in the kitchen for her refreshments. Rankin instructed the butler to serve tea and refreshments for Madison.

‘You look in a lot of pain my lord,’ Madison sat in the yellow cushioned sofa across from Rankin. Madison was delighted there was a blazing fire ago. Rankin had tried not to wince but the pain was still severe to his jaw.

‘Would you serve us the tea my dear and I shall indulge you on my ill timed injuries,’ Rankin grimaced.

‘There you go,’ Madison handed Rankin a cup of tea. She placed a saucer with mini sandwiches next to him.

‘You remember I told you I had to go to London,’ Rankin began.

‘Yes,’ Madison delicately bit into a peanut biscuit.

‘I bought a stallion there. He is unbroken. I tried to ride him,’ Rankin gauged Madison facial expression. ‘He threw me off rather forcefully,’ Rankin stopped for effect.

‘Oh no!’ Madison set her tea cup on the side table. ‘My lord you may have serious injuries,’ she joined Rankin on his sofa.

‘I like you fussing over me,’ Rankin grinned. His fingers brushed across her cheek. Madison blushed. So concerned was she about the ghastly state of his face, she had forgotten her place.

She felt things for Rankin, but it was not attraction, desire or even love for that matter. What on earth was that explosive reaction she had whenever she was in his presence? Why did she not feel that way with this man, her betrothed?

‘It may hurt, but I do want to kiss you dear,’ Rankin murmured, ‘unless my face appals you.

‘No of course not,’ Madison’s denial rushed out.

‘May I?’ Rankin’s head dipped closer to hers.

‘Y-yes.’ Madison closed her eyes and waited. She wanted to feel the magnetic force that she felt with Chadwick. She wanted Rankin’s kisses to excite her, the way Chadwick’s did. When Rankin’s cold lifeless lips touched hers, she felt repulsed.

There was a discreet knock, ‘Lady Madison should I prepare a bath---?’

Madison’s hands pushed Rankin away. Was it repulsion or was it the interruption?’

‘Er---thank you Beth. I shall be right up.’ The door closed and they were alone again. The discreet knock was not ill timed, if Madison knew her maid.

‘I am sorry,’ Madison spoke softly.

‘Shall we try again?’ Rankin’s mouth clumsily claimed hers. Madison participated reluctantly, thinking about the bath that would prove more satisfying than being in Rankin’s arms.

‘I think I better allow you to take your bath,’ Rankin reluctantly removed Madison’s arms from around his neck. She did not remember when she had lifted her hands and embraced him.

‘Yes, of course.’

‘Take your time,’ Rankin carefully stood up and held his hand to Madison. ‘Supper is still an hour away. ‘I look forward to your company then.’ Rankin walked her to her chamber.

When Madison walked into the guest chamber, Beth was unpacking an evening gown for her. The room was beautiful. The white washed walls were furnished with attractive lavender wall paper. The floor boards were covered with a deep cream coloured carpet. The bed’s headboard though an antique was well polished. A bath had been placed in the corner of the room. Two discreet panels at a right angle lent some privacy.

‘I am sorry to have disturbed you,’ Beth smiled wickedly.

‘Why do I get the feeling you are not truly sorry?’ Madison smiled back. ‘You are a good chaperone Beth,’ Madison began undressing. Beth helped untie Madison’s ribbons behind her.

‘Was the earl in a fight?’ Beth asked, having an easy relationship with her madam.

‘No he was thrown off a horse he was trying to break.’

‘More like the horse has broken him,’ Beth whispered.

‘Beth,’ Madison giggled. ‘That is not kind.’

‘Are you to take supper alone with the earl?’

‘It would seem so. There are no other guests and the earl has not mentioned that others would be joining us.’

‘I shall be waiting for you in your chamber my lady. I trust you will not be planning to visit the earl’s chamber?’

‘Beth!’ Madison exclaimed slipping out of her gown and under garments. ‘Just fill the bath would you?’

‘Yes my lady,’ Beth suppressed a grin. ‘Your mama is proud of you. You have been a good daughter.’

That is what you think.

'Does the Lady Madison know I am here?’ Dora, the chamber maid laughed softly. Her naked body entwined with Rankin’s.

‘No,’ Rankin’s five fingers sliced across her face, ‘and my betrothed shall never ever know about you. Is that clear?’

‘Yes my lord,’ Dora winced, biting on her lower lip.

‘I pay you well for your services do I not Dora?’ Rankin dragged her naked body out of the bed.

‘Y---yes my lord.’

‘Let us keep it that way,’ he held her against his chest in front of the mirror. She was a pretty thing. Big breasts the size he liked, a skinny waist and a big round bum. She had large blue eyes, and attractive pouting lips, just meant for kissing.

‘Do you want me again?’ Rankin demanded. His large hand covered her breasts, painfully squeezing them. Dora knew he was not expecting her to say no.

‘I do,’ she whispered, fear enveloping her large azure eyes.

‘Yes you do, don’t you?’ he laughed shrewdly. Rankin bent her forward, placing her palms on the cabinet in front of the mirror. He watched their naked bodies in the mirror, moulding his hips to her well rounded bottom.

‘Tell me how much you want me?’ Rankin sneered. His hand snaked around below the pubic hair that covered her private parts. He forced his fingers inside her. She shut her eyes from the pain. He was breathing heavily. Dora could tell he was deeply aroused. Rankin’s palmed cupped her bottom roughly. The shrill grunt of his pleasure echoed in her ears. ‘I am waiting.’

‘Nobody has made love to me like you do my lord.’

It was the truth. The earl was wild, aggressive and uncouth. Dora was in Rankin’s employ for two years. Six months ago he began pursuing her whenever he found her cleaning his chamber. In the beginning he had been gentle. Lately he was wild and aggressive, and after he had his fill of her, he would always dangle a bag of gold coins in front of Dora. She needed the money. Her mother had six children. They were poor and often hungry. She was the only one working. Nobody knew of the duplicitous role Dora played in the Swain household.

‘You like it this way do you not Dora?’ Rankin panted. He leaned over her back preparing to thrust into her.

She raised her face up into the mirror to look into his eyes. ‘Yes,’ she replied. Even if he gagged and blind folded her and asked her if she would like to jump over a gang plank into the ocean. Rankin would expect her to say yes. Repeatedly he plunged into her, his fingers pressing painfully at her inner thighs until he exploded into her. He pressed his weight onto her back. His sticky wet chest felt cold on her naked body. Dora waited silently for him to remove himself.

‘It was good yes?’ Rankin laughed softly, his big hands cupping her breasts painfully.

‘Yes,’ she forced a smile and attempted to stand. Rankin helped her up and turned her around.

‘You satisfy me like no other Dora,’ he pressed her to his pelvis,’ splaying his fingers over her bottom. ‘You have been a very good girl,’ he lifted a bag of coins from the cabinet and handed it to her.

‘Thank you my lord,’ Dora snatched the bag from Rankin’s hand. He laughed delightedly and smacked her bottom hard.