‘Oh my darling please wake up, I promise I shall not fight with you ever again.’ Madison cradled Chadwick’s head in her lap. Noises adjacent to where she was kneeling caused her to look up. Only then did she see Rankin lying on the ground.

Chadwick won! He won! He defeated Rankin.

What was going on with her? Rankin was her betrothed, yet she was rather impropriately nursing Chadwick? At that moment she cared not for her reputation. All she cared about was comforting Chadwick. He was mumbling incoherently. She lowered her ear to hear his soft murmur, but his voice was still too indecipherable. A throng of people began gathering around her.

‘Pease step back. Allow him some fresh air.’ Madison unclipped his armour.

Her parents came running towards her. Her father pushed through the barricade of people to get to her. Her mother was panting, and out of breath just behind her father.

‘Madison?’ her father cautiously called. He was assessing the situation with his daughter in a compromising position holding the head of a man in her lap. He cast a glance around at the sea of faces staring down at Madison and Chadwick Rochester.

‘Papa we need to take Mr. Rochester home. He needs the doctor.’

‘What about Earl Swain?’ Her father warily enquired.

Madison darted her eyes to where Rankin was sitting on the grass, dusting off his clothes. She saw him wince as he touched a spot on his right shoulder.

‘He is well,’ Madison tore her eyes away before Rankin could make eye contact with her. ‘Mr. Rochester has a very high fever. ’

‘But he won. He must receive his trophy.’

‘Papa! Forget about the trophy. Call for the carriage!’

Chadwick was murmuring again. He swallowed painfully. His face filled with perspiration. Madison used the hem of her dress to wipe down his face. ‘Mama do we have any water?’

Her mother ran to the carriage to fetch the flask of water. Madison opened the cap. She propped Chadwick’s head, tilted the flask to his lips and waited for him to take the water in. It just fell out the side of his lips, without him swallowing any of it.

‘Stanton, Madison’s right,’ Rachael’s voice sounded ominous. He needs help urgently.’

‘Hurry papa,’ Madison sobbed. ‘Please get the carriage here quickly.’

Stanton tried to lift the dead weight body but it was no good. Three other gentlemen helped Stanton to carry Chadwick to the Sanford carriage. Madison rushed into the carriage and supported Chadwick’s head on her lap. Her mother jumped in and sat opposite Madison. Stanton hopped on next to the groom. The carriage sped away to the Sanford residence.

‘Mama has somebody sent for Dr. Harper?’

‘Yes, you papa instructed one of the grooms to do so.’ ‘What happened to him?’ Rachael referred to Chadwick.

‘I do not know. I just saw him collapsing on his horse,’ Madison stated. ‘Ironically Earl Swain’s lance had not even touched him. He seemed to black out, just as he out manoeuvred the earl, and now he is burning up with a fever. Madison impulsively unbuttoned Chadwick’s coat and the top two buttons on his shirt.

‘Madison,’

‘Yes mama?' Madison again used her skirt to wipe the perspiration of Chadwick’s face.

‘Why are you attending to this man and not your betrothed?’

Madison looked across at her mother. She tried to process what her mother had just spoken. No words came to aid her in response. Why was she seeing to Chadwick and not her fiancé?

‘I saw that Earl Swain was fine. He did not need help. Mr Rochester on the other hand needs assistance.

‘He has grooms and a valet.’

‘Our home is the closest. Besides we can nurse him better than any grooms and valets.’

‘It is not your place.’

‘Why ever not?’ Madison question, even though she knew the delicacy of the situation. ‘He has turned ill. He needs help.’

Rachael refrained from answering, as the carriage stopped outside their home. She went ahead and requested one of the maids to prepare one of the guest chambers for Chadwick. The room was north facing and trapped much of the warmth of the sun. It smelt fresh from the scent of the lavenders bunched in a vase on the windowsill. The curtains were drawn to keep out the sun as Chadwick was carefully placed on the bed.

‘Let me wash him down with some cold water---.’

‘Your father will do that Madison,’ Rachael spoke.

‘But I want to help,’ Madison pleaded.

‘It is not fitting for you to be alone in a gentleman’s chamber Madison. ‘

‘But he is delirious and he needs to be cooled down.’

‘Your father and one of the grooms will attend to him,’ Rachael ushered Madison out of the guest chamber.

‘Where is Doctor Harper!’ Madison paced about outside Chadwick’s chamber.

‘How about we have some tea?’ Rachael offered.

‘I’m not thirsty.’ She wished she could feed Chadwick some refreshing tea. It may help lower his raging temperature.

‘Why do you not go for a walk? Rachael touched Madison’s shoulder comfortingly.

‘I will be in my chamber. Let me know when Doctor Harper arrives.’

‘Your father will inform us on Mr. Rochester’s condition after Doctor Harper attends to him,’ Rachael countered.

Madison glared at her mother then stormed to her own chamber. She shut her door none too gently and jumped onto her bed. Beth, hearing the door slam, entered her mistress’s chamber. She found Madison on her bed, her body rigid, still in her day dress and shoes, her back to the door.

Beth gently tiptoed towards the bed. She undid Madison’s shoes. When she lifted her head, she saw Madison swipe a tear away from her eyes. Beth draped the cover over Madison and left the room. When Madison heard the door close behind Beth, she let out the torrent of tears that had been threatening. She did not know why she was crying, but the fountain of tears continued to fall unabated, until she drifted off to sleep.

She was in a deep sleep when she was roused by Beth some two hours later. Madison flung the covers off and jumped out of the bed.

‘Mr. Rochester! How is he?’

‘He is resting,’ Beth smiled. ‘The doctor seems to think he may have had food poisoning. Probably something he ate did not agree with him.’

‘Oh. So he is going to be all right?’

‘His fever is still very high. They are trying to get liquids into his system, but he is resisting.’

I need to feed him. I need to be with him.

‘You have a visitor my lady.’

‘Who is it?’

‘Earl Swain?’

‘What does he want?’

‘Does he need a reason,’ she smiled gently. ‘He is your fiancé.’

‘Oh right.’

‘I have brought you some warm water to wash, before you go downstairs.’ Beth was too kind to inform her mistress of the tears that had dried on her face. She hoped the warm water would remove the swelling around Madison’s eyes as well.

‘Very well. Could you take another dress out for me please? I cannot very well go down, in this ruined dress.’

‘Yes of course,’ Beth turned Madison around and unbuttoned her day dress. She helped her out of it and Madison stepped into her private chamber to wash herself whilst Beth extracted an afternoon dress from her closet.

As Madison descended the stairs she saw Rankin pacing up and down in the hallway. He seemed furious. Perhaps he was livid because she had not come to offer her support at his loss.

‘My lord,’ Madison spoke softly.

Rankin spun around and looked into her troubled eyes. He walked to her and placed his palms on her shoulders.

‘Good afternoon my dear,’ he smiled and kissed her cheek. ‘I am sorry to have woken you up from your siesta.’

‘That is okay,’ she offered him a half smile.

He brushed her cheek thoughtfully, ‘You are sad. Are you disappointed I did not win?’

‘I---no.’ Madison’s eyes widened as she looked up into Rankin’s face. She looked away quickly when she saw the smug arrogance gleam in Rankin’s eyes. Rankin’s soft chuckle echoed in the quiet hall way.

‘No need to hide your feelings,’ Rankin smiled satisfactorily.

Madison could not respond without setting the record straight, so she kept quiet and lowered her head.

‘I understand your father is accommodating Rochester. How is he?’

Madison shook her head. ‘I have not seen him since they brought him in. Papa is nursing him.’

‘So what do they think is wrong with him?’

‘Food poisoning.’

‘Oh,’ Rankin seemed to relax. A bright smile appeared on his face.’

‘Could we have some tea?’ Rankin enquired. ‘And may I see Rochester?’

Madison smiled happily. ‘Yes,’ she answered. Now she could finally get a chance to see him. With Rankin beside her, it would not be deemed inappropriate.

‘Beth,’ Madison turned to her maid who was hovering in the corner. The Earl and I are going to look in on Mr. Rochester. Could you have the kitchen prepare some tea for Earl Swain please?’

‘Sure,’ Beth smiled adoringly at Madison. She was pleased to see her mistress smiling again.

‘Good day Buttons,’ Madison greeted the groom attending to Chadwick. ‘Earl Swain wishes to visit Mr. Rochester. ‘How is he doing?’ she asked more to satisfy her own curiosity.

‘The fever has not broken yet my lady,’ Buttons answered gravely. ‘He is a strong one, fighting us all the way and refusing any liquids. The baron and I have to force water into his mouth.’

Madison smiled briefly. She could very well believe that. Even unconscious he was a problem.

‘So he will recover soon?’ Rankin peeked down at Chadwick’s motionless body.

‘Hopefully he will respond to the injection of antibiotics. The doctor shall return tomorrow morning to inform us how he is responding.’

‘So he has not woken up?’ Madison enquired. She longed to go closer. Touch his forehead even or whisper in his ear that she wanted him to wake up, but she stayed on the other side of Rankin too far from him. She clenched her fists and tucked it into the folds of her dress.

‘Thank you,’ Rankin smiled politely at Buttons, as he ushered Madison out. She yearned to stay longer even if he was not aware that she was there.

‘Thank you Buttons,’ Madison glanced at the groom.

‘A pleasure my lady.’

‘We shall have tea in the sitting room my lord. It is lovely and warm there.’

‘Very well,’ Rankin nodded. The room was as Madison stated. The rather large room with huge windows invited the warm afternoon sun. The room was expensively decorated, beautiful mahogany furnishings. The soft green shades of the velvet curtains blended beautifully with the furniture. Rankin sunk his frame into the plush cushioned sofas. The combination of green and brown on the sofas blended with the decor in the room.

‘Thank you Beth,’ Madison acknowledged her ever present maid as she poured tea for Rankin and herself. She was glad today of Beth’s presence. She did not want intimacy with Rankin.

‘Thank you,’ Rankin spoke courteously. His eyes stayed too long on Beth’s as he smiled at her. Rankin grinned inwardly as Beth bustled away hurriedly. She sat down on the Victorian chair propped against the wall, next to the door. It was far away from Rankin and Madison, but close enough for her to maintain her role as chaperone.

‘Try these my lord,’ Madison extended a tray of ginger biscuits to Rankin. ‘They are most delicious.’ Madison smiled cheerfully, pleased that she was able to see Chadwick. At least she got a glance of him. She coloured slightly thinking about the attractive view she had of his olive coloured chest. Fine dark curly hairs splayed across his chest. It looked beautiful. She would never have got the chance to see him like that, had he not taken ill.

‘Madison,’ she heard Rankin’s soft voice.

‘Yes my lord.’

‘I said they are delicious indeed,’ he smiled. ‘Where is your mind?’

‘Oh I was just thinking about that awful race.’

Rankin’s eyes darkened momentarily in anger before he summoned a smile. ‘Do not be troubled. I shall win the next one,’ Rankin leaned towards her. His thumb caressed her cheek. Her face went scarlet. She quickly picked up her tea cup.

Rankin laughed throatily. ‘I cannot wait for the day when we will be married,’ he placed his empty tea cup back on the tray.

Madison squirmed about on the sofa. She wanted to drink her tea to ease the dryness in her throat, but too afraid that she would spill, she put the cup back on the table.

‘How is your shoulder?’ she asked softly.

‘It is only superficial,’ Rankin stood up. ‘I shall be right as rain in a day or so,’ he extended a hand helping Madison to her feet.

‘I must take my leave,’ Rankin announced. ‘Walk me out.’

‘Yes.’

‘Good afternoon Beth. Thank you for tea,’ Rankin’s eyes flirted with her, slowly raking up and down the maid’s voluptuous body.

After Rankin departed, Madison did not know what to do with herself. She took two steps towards the chamber where Chadwick was resting. Hearing Beth clearing her throat she stopped.

‘What?’ Madison exclaimed annoyingly.

‘You should not go in there,’ Beth warned.

‘Why? I just want to know if he has woken up.’

‘I overheard your mama and papa talking,’ Beth spoke cautiously. Baroness Rachel is not happy with the attention you are paying to Mr. Rochester.’

‘He fell ill. I just want to make sure he is okay.’

‘My lady, you are betrothed to another. Consider how the earl would respond to your actions.’

‘Saints of heaven! What is the problem in looking in, on an ill man?’ Madison reached for the handle to Chadwick’s chamber.

‘Baron Sanford is taking a turn nursing Mr. Rochester.’

Madison withdrew her hand from the door. Her papa would be most furious at her unacceptable behaviour. Madison stormed away. She spent some time in her father’s library, but too distracted to read she stood up. She paced about the library for a few minutes then decided she and her maid needed some fresh air. She walked the public gardens for an hour or so, her thoughts totally consumed by Chadwick. Was he hungry? When did he last have a meal? Was he thirsty? Would he prefer a glass of the finest scotch from his own cellar? Madison wondered if word had been sent to his home. She supposed his grooms would have taken word back. Did he have parents and siblings? Where were they? She had never met any of his family. Feeling emotionally exhausted, she headed back home.

Madison looked through the curtains. It was very dark. When her eyes were acquainted with her dark bed chamber, she looked at her wall clock. It was one twenty in the morning. She slipped on her cotton gown and tiptoed out of her room.

Who would be attending to Chadwick?

Very carefully she turned the handle. She peeked down the passage to her parent’s bedroom, it was in darkness. She hurriedly rushed into Chadwick’s chamber. Thankfully it was Buttons on duty.

‘Buttons,’ she whispered tapping him on the shoulder. He was asleep, slumped in the chair.

‘Er---yes. I am awake he stood up.’

‘Ssh,’ she whispered, turning to glance at Chadwick.

‘My lady, you should not be here.’

‘You were asleep,’ she accused.

‘Please, you will not tell the baron will you?’

‘I won’t, but I just need to see how Mr. Rochester is doing.’

‘Fine,’ he relented. ‘I shall keep watch at the door, but you must not be long.’ Buttons went to keep guard at the entrance by the door.

Madison rushed to Chadwick’s bedside. He had kicked the sheets away. His naked body was visible to his navel. His very attractive and well toned naked body that is. She dropped to her knees.

‘Chadwick,’ she whispered. She brushed away the lock of curls on his forehead. ‘Can you hear me? I want you to get better,’ she spoke softly. His body was too distracting. ‘Please---wake up.’ She longed to run her fingers of his chest and his well shaped arms. Madison carefully pulled it over his chest. Her fingers cupped his cheek.

‘I am so sorry I fought with you,’ she whispered. ‘Please open your eyes.’ She dipped the cloth into the cool water and sponged his warm face. She ran her fingers through his hair. Her fingers traced his beautiful eyebrows, and cheekbones.

‘Chadwick, darling, it is Madison. Can you hear me?’ She leaned closer and pressed her lips to his. ‘Please get better soon,’ she kissed his cheek and his throat. ‘I need you,’ she whispered in his ear. ‘You have to get better soon, do you hear me?’ she wiped his face down again.

‘My lady, you should leave. Baron Sanford will be coming anytime now,’ Buttons whispered urgently.

‘Take care of him,’ Madison urged as she hurried back to her own bed chamber.

It was daybreak. The dark clouds of the night were drifting away. The morning air was crisp. It looked like it was going to be a dismal day. Madison could feel the chill in her room. She wished Beth would hurry and light the fire. It would be even better if she was sipping her cup of chocolate right now.

I wonder how he is feeling? Could he have woken up in the night? Who might be on duty in his chamber now? How I wish I could be there with him---

‘My lady! You are awake. Why did you not ring for me?’

‘How is he? Did he wake up? Has the fever broken?’

Beth studied her mistress with concern. Her parents were right. She was getting too attached to Mr. Rochester. Best the man get well very soon and leave. She did not want problems between Lady Madison and Earl Swain. Although she thought her mistress could have chosen better, but it was not her place to offer an opinion to her mistress.

‘Beth!’

‘Er---Mr. Rochester has not woken up as yet. However the fever seems to have broken in the early hours of this morning.’

Early hours of this morning!

‘Oh that is wonderful news,’ Madison smiled happily. ‘Perhaps the antibiotics has worked.’

‘Perhaps,’ Beth replied suspiciously.

‘Oh, I am so happy.’

‘My lady.’

‘Yes.’

‘You are becoming too attached to him. The earl will be furious.’

‘Nonsense,’ Madison threw off the covers. ‘Where is my hot chocolate?’ she smiled.

‘I will bring it up immediately.’

‘Oh Beth, I want Lady Sarah and Viscount Anthony to visit for lunch. Do urgently send a groom with an invitation.

Beth saw through the ruse. It was an opportunity to visit Mr. Rochester’s chamber. ‘Are you sure?’

‘Yes, hurry,’ Madison instructed in a serious tone.

Chadwick stirred in his bed. His throat felt parched. He was ravenous. When last did he have a meal? Why did his bed feel so small and unfamiliar? And what was that smell?

Was it vanilla? Where the hell am I?

He looked around the alien room. Could he have imagined it? Had he heard a lady’s voice in his ear whilst he had slept? He touched his lips. He had felt her delectable lips kissing him last night. Better he get up and stop this crazy imagination of his. It was a good thing he did not speak the words out aloud. He chuckled softly. Did she touch his face? He had felt her gentle fingers rake through his hair?

Stop it you fool!

‘Nester!’ Chadwick barked for his valet.

- end chapter sixteen-