‘Mr. Rochester, you are awake. Thank the good lord.’

‘Who the blazes are you?’ Chadwick quickly lifted the sheet over his unclothed body. ‘Where the hell am I?’ he looked around the unfamiliar room.

‘My name is Buttons, sir. You are in the home of Baron Sanford.’

I am in the chit’s home! What the hell!

‘What am I doing here? ‘Chadwick lifted the covers to get out. He wanted answers.

Buttons quickly tugged on the bell. ‘Sir, you are very ill. Please stay in the bed. You collapsed at the Jousting Tournament.’

Yes he remembered the tournament. He had been in the finals. He was to face the Swine.

Did I finish?

Did I win?

Maybe that’s why I am here. Swain defeated me. Oh well, win some, lose some.

Chadwick searched his body for any injury. He flexed his arms and legs experimentally and found none. His head throbbed. He touched his head - no bandages. He ran his fingers tentatively over his ribs, nothing seemed to be broken. He racked his brain trying to remember the last race, but it was all a blur. Damn it. He could not stay here all day. Angrily he got out of bed and put one foot on the cold floor and tried to get out of the bed, but darkness engulfed him.

‘Buttons you rang---why is he out of bed?’ Stanton ran and managed to hold onto Chadwick just before he collapsed to the floor. Together with Button’s help, Chadwick was helped into bed again.

Stanton held smelling salts at Chadwick’s nose. He stirred, then slowly opened his eyes again to find the groom and Sanford glaring at him.

What the blazes are they staring at!

‘Baron Sanford,’ Chadwick spoke in a croaky voice. ‘What on earth happened?’

‘Ah, glad to see you awake Rochester. The doctor thinks it’s food poisoning. Pretty bad case of it,’ Stanton smiled sympathetically. ‘You’ve been knocked out since yesterday afternoon.’

‘Food poisoning? I was not injured when Swain knocked me down?’

‘Knocked you down?’ Stanton laughed. ‘No, he never got a chance. You struck first blood. You won!’

Chadwick winced as Stanton slapped his shoulder.

I won? What do you know?

Chadwick allowed himself a self appreciating smile.

I bet the chit is none too happy about that!

Chadwick wiped the smile off his face when he saw Sanford glaring at him questioningly.

‘I won,’ Chadwick spoke aloud. ‘So how the hell did I get food poisoning? I have not eaten anything that is different from my normal diet.’

‘The doctor was baffled,’ Stanton stated thoughtfully. ‘For a man your size, it knocked you out cold. Did anybody offer you anything to eat or drink before your race?’

Chadwick cocked his head, his mind tried to recall if he had consumed any suspicious food or drink, but he came up with nothing.

‘I do not remember having anything at the tournament,’ Chadwick answered thoughtfully. ‘Anyway, thank you for your hospitality,’ Chadwick threw the covers off again. ‘I think, I’ll head home,’ Chadwick nodded gratefully at Stanton and attempted to get up, but his knees collapsed and he would have fallen again, if it was not for the speedy action of Stanton and Buttons who quickly rushed forward to stop him falling to the cold floor.

‘You should stay put Rochester,’ Stanton admonished. ‘The doctor ordered you to be in bed for forty eight hours. Your system had had a nasty shock. It has not recovered yet.’

Chadwick resistingly, slid under the sheets again. Damn it, he was not an invalid. He did not want Sanford and his household fussing over him. He was a grown man for heaven’s sake. He can take care of himself, especially when he has no injuries to keep him in bed.

And where the hell is the chit? Why has she not come to check on me!

Madison paced up and down outside Chadwick’s chamber.

What are they doing for so long? Has he had a relapse? Does he need Doctor Harper again?

She twisted her hands in a knot, biting on her lower lip until she tasted her own blood. Madison brushed her hand across her mouth at the foul taste. She poured a glass of water from the jug on the table and drank it all in one gulp.

Buttons and papa have been in there for almost half an hour. What is keeping them?

Anxious beyond reason, she knocked on the door, opened it and rushed in before her father could tell her not to enter.

‘Papa is everything---.’

His head swung up, his eyes locked with hers as she sashayed in like a breath of fresh morning air on a beautiful spring morning.

‘You are awake?’ She swallowed gazing at his arresting face. He had not been shaven yet. A day’s growth of stubble had mushroomed on his face.

‘Good morning my lady,’ Chadwick acknowledged her. ‘You will forgive me if I do not stand.’

Madison went crimson. She knew he was as naked as the day he was born beneath the sheets. They had stripped him of all his clothing, to bring down his temperature. She remembered the feel of the sturdy, muscular chest. Her fingers tingled, just remembering.

‘Um---good morning Mr. Rochester. How do you feel this morning?’

Like you need to kiss me,’ his eyes held hers. She blushed profusely as if she could read his mind.

‘I am much better thank you,’ he dragged his eyes away, aware of their audience. ‘I was just trying to convince Baron Sanford that I must go home.’

‘But you are not well yet,’ Madison exclaimed.

‘I wish to send word to my home,’ Chadwick controlled his annoyance with difficulty. ‘Can you write a letter, Lady Madison, if I dictate it to you---please?’

‘Yes that is good,’ Stanton stood up. ‘You do that. I’ll send word to Doctor Harper that your fever has broken,’ Stanton announced as he departed.

Chadwick’s dark eyes did not leave her face, as he awaited her response.

‘Er---sure,’ she wrung her fingers nervously. ‘What should I write?’ she stayed at the door too nervous to go closer.

‘Come here,’ he commanded. ‘I do not bite.’

Madison cautiously stepped closer. ‘Yes’. She picked up the pen to begin writing. They were both acutely aware of Buttons, still present in the room. The only reason her father had permitted her to stay was because Buttons could act as chaperone. Not that he expected his good, respectful daughter to embarrass him.

Rankin wrapped his knuckles impatiently on the filthy table as he awaited his partner in crime. He had ordered a glass of whiskey but he did not drink from his glass. He glanced around the smoke filled room of the Blue Oyster. It was filled with commoners, who could afford the cheap tasteless whisky and bland draught beer. He wrinkled his face distastefully at the group of unkempt men at the bar. It did not seem like their bodies had encountered water and soap in a month of Sundays.

‘Sorry to keep you waiting,’ Barkis murmured nervously.

Rankin turned his head to study the man in front of him. His hair was unruly. There was sweat stains expanding from under his armpits. His foul swelling mouth was open, revealing his yellow stained teeth. He clutched his hat uncomfortably in his hands. Blackened grime was caked underneath his too long finger nails. Rankin wanted to run to his bath chamber just staring at the filthy apparition in front of him.

‘Be seated,’ Rankin smiled, expertly concealing his disgust.

‘Thank you my lord,’ Barkis gratefully sat down.

‘The potion you gave me was not enough. It did not work.’

‘Sir, I gave you enough to kill an ox.’

‘This one seems stronger than an ox,’ Rankin hissed. ‘I want more, double the quantity.’

‘But sir---.’

‘I think this should ease your conscience,’ Rankin looked around the bar, opened Barkis’ palms and dropped two bags of gold coins into it. ‘Put it away,’ he instructed. Barkis’ eyes widened to the size of saucers. He quickly shoved the bags into his breast pocket. ‘When can I get the goods?’

‘If you are not in a hurry, I can be back in an hour with it,’ Barkis grinned wickedly.

‘I am not in a hurry,’ Rankin smiled acidly, toying with the glass of whiskey in front of him. ‘Here have a drink,’ Rankin shoved the glass over to Barkis, ‘and be back within the hour.’

Barkis licked his lips greedily, ‘thank you my lord.’ He gulped the drink, smacked his wrist across his mouth and darted out the Blue Oyster again.

‘Sit down,’ Chadwick pointed to the armchair. He would much prefer her on the small uncomfortable bed next to him. A mocking glint in his eyes, as if he was aware she was nervous to get too close to him.

Madison lowered herself to the chair. Her eyes lifted to his, then looked away. She crossed her legs. Realized she would not be able to write in that posture, uncrossed her legs, and draped one ankle over the other.

‘Address the letter to Nester,’ Chadwick broke into her distracting thoughts. ‘Tell him I would like a change of clothes, toiletries and a purse of money. He is to bring it personally. That is it,’ Chadwick finished.

‘There you go,’ Madison handed him to read, before she could seal it.

He smiled when he saw she added her own pleasantries. Starting with “Good Day Nester.” He had not bothered saying “please” – she had added that. She ended the letter by adding, “have a pleasant day.”

‘Are you this gracious with your own staff?’ he grinned.

‘There is no harm in it,’ she looked away.

‘Can you have a groom send it off right away?’

‘Yes,’ she stood up. ‘I will see to it right away.’ Madison stopped at the door. ‘Is there something special you would like for lunch?’

‘I do not want to seem ungracious, but since you offer, can the kitchen prepare some beef stew?’

‘Off course,’ her face broke out into a smile. ‘Buttons make sure Mr. Rochester is comfortable,’ she closed the door on her way out.

Chadwick groaned softly, enchanted by her beautiful smile. He wished he could take possession of those plump lips. He longed to bury his head against her soft skin and curl his fingers through her shiny curtain of hair. He had got a wisp of vanilla and mint when she had sat down on the chair. Damn, why did he have to be ill in this bloody house? Having her so near, yet so far out of reach was more torture than the wretched food poisoning.

Madison tasted the beef stew making sure it was okay. It smelt delicious. It tasted even better. She would take the tray in personally for him, then she would sit down to her own lunch. She hummed to herself joyfully. She wanted to sing at the top of her lungs but she contained herself. It was wonderful having him here and tending to him. Not that he was enjoying being bed ridden. She could tell he hated it. She would love to take him all his meals, but she knew her parents would have a fit. They would not approve of her visits to his chamber. Thankfully her father was out on business. Her mother was in the garden. She loved potting about with her beloved flower garden. That gave Madison at least a wonderful half an hour to be in his pleasurable company.

‘Let me help you with that.’

‘My lord what are you doing here?’ Madison smiled broadly, even seeing Rankin could not dampen her smile or happiness.

‘You are rather cheerful at seeing me,’ he smiled, taking the tray from Madison, balancing it perfectly in one hand, allowing one hand free to drop his poison potion in. He just needed to distract Madison.

‘I---.’

Rankin laughed. ‘I am your betrothed. You do not need to be shy,’ he brushed a finger to her cheek. ‘Good day my dear. You look ravishing,’ his lips pressed against hers.

‘I---I was just going to take Mr. Rochester his lunch.’

‘Surely you have servants to do that.’

‘I wanted to check on him' again, Madison breathed, omitting to tell Rankin that she had seen him this morning.

‘You are too caring,’ he chuckled. ‘I look forward to when you will nurse me in bed, although I cannot promise to keep my hands off you.’

Madison turned crimson. Her ears and cheeks burned from Rankin’s suggestive comments. ‘I should go in. The lunch is getting cold.’

‘Of course,’ Rankin straightened from his onslaught of caresses. ‘Does Rochester not want some wine with his stew? I know he favours red wine.’ He stared down at the glass of water on the tray.

‘Oh. Perhaps he should not have wine whilst on medication.’

‘Nonsense. A man needs some wine with a delicious stew as this, besides, one glass is not fatal,’ Rankin urged patronizingly.

‘Very well then. I shall fetch some from the drawing room,’ Madison hurried off.

‘Do hurry. We do not want the stew spoilt.’ He needed to add the potion to the hot stew. He did not want it surfacing, if the stew got cold.

‘Is this fine?’ Madison rushed back with a glass of red wine.

‘Cautious, are you not,’ Rankin turned around from the tray, noting that she had poured a very conservative measure. Madison placed the wine on the tray and held the door open for Rankin.

‘Ah you are still alive then?’ Rankin joked as he entered Chadwick’s chamber.

Buttons looked from Swain to Rochester wondering at the impolite remark by Swain.

‘Swain,’ Chadwick felt positively more ill looking at the swine’s dour face.

‘I must congratulate you for being victorious at the tournament,’ Rankin added reluctantly.

‘I had hoped it would be you in this bed with more serious injuries,’ Chadwick hissed, wondering at his own lack of control.

Madison gasped at Chadwick’s outburst. That was so unlike him. He was normally so calm and controlled. Perhaps it was his lack of health that was making him boorish.

‘I would have absolutely no qualms at being nursed by my adorable fiancée,’ Rankin twisted the knife into Chadwick’s heart.’ He placed his free arm possessively around Madison’s waist.

What is wrong with these two?

Madison stirred the stew. It was still deliciously hot enough.

‘Take that away,’ Chadwick instructed Madison. ‘I am not hungry.’

The swine had just ruined his appetite.

‘Please--- you must eat. Look I brought you some red wine. Lord Swain urged me to allow you some.’

‘Did he now?’ Chadwick glared at his nemesis.

‘Perhaps I should wait in the sitting room,’ Rankin excused himself.

‘Good riddance and do not return,’ Chadwick murmured after Rankin closed the door.

Buttons giggled, at the verbal sparring.

‘Enjoyed that did you Buttons?’ Chadwick asked warmly.

It seems like the valet and Chadwick had been bonding. The valet schooled his expression. He would prefer his master’s daughter to marry somebody like Chadwick Rochester than the evil looking Lord Rankin Swain, but who was he to offer an opinion?

‘Mr. Rochester whatever has Lord Swain done to you?’

‘Need you ask?’ He growled. ‘I should have pierced his heart, if he still has one.’

‘Mr. Rochester!’

‘Have you had your lunch yet?’ Chadwick smiled devilishly as if he had not been going berserk just a minute ago.

Madison swallowed at his about turn. ‘I shall have mine after I feed you,’ she whispered.

‘I can feed myself,’ his eyes locked with hers. He was secretly pleased that she wanted to feed him, even with her pugnacious fiancé outside.

‘It’s delicious,’ Madison smiled, lifting a tablespoonful to his mouth.

‘I want you to have the first spoon,’ he pushed it towards her mouth.

‘No,’ she laughed, shifting her head backwards. ‘This is your meal. I shall have mine just now.’

‘I insist,’ Chadwick leaned forward, gripping the spoon firmly.

‘Please--- it’s yours,’ Madison jerked and as she did so the glass bowl crashed to the floor. ‘Oh no!’

‘I am sorry,’ Chadwick was instantly apologetic.

‘What happened?’ Rankin came flying into the room. He looked down at his wasted purchase with two bags of gold.

‘I dropped the bowl.’

‘You clumsy woman!’ Rankin’s scowl was murderous as he glared at Madison .

‘Do you know'---what it cost me? Anything about nursing a patient?’

Chadwick leapt out of the bed and delivered a power packed killer right fist to Rankin’s face.

Madison cried out. She had thought Chadwick was naked, but he seemed to have a pair of under garments on.

‘Chadwick!’ She rushed to him as he slumped heavily against the chair.

‘Shouldn’t you be concerned about your fiancé out cold on the floor?’

‘Are you okay?’ she whispered, her gentle fingers cupping his cheek.

‘Buttons, get this oaf out of my sight.’

‘Er---yes Mr. Rochester.’ Buttons picked him up like he was a bag of potatoes and carted him outside.

Chadwick leaning himself heavily against the backrest of the chair, lifted himself to his full height.

‘I am sorry.’

He looked at the wasted meal staining the colour of the carpet.

‘I will get you more,’ she spoke softly.

‘I am thirsty,’ Chadwick placed his hand gently on her shoulder.

‘Here,’ she lifted the glass of wine to his lips. Chadwick cupped his palm over hers and drank heartily.

‘Ah,’ he closed his eyes. ‘Like nectar,’ he smiled, still with his eyes closed.

Madison stood on tip toes and pressed her lips to his. Chadwick’s eyes flew open. He pulled her against his topless chest, his mouth crushing against hers. Madison’s arms curved around his neck and entangled in his hair. She pressed against him, wishing her naked flesh could press against his. His hands moulded her hips against his thighs, pulling her against his rock solid frame. Madison groaned against his lips.

The door opened, Madison jerked away. She forced air into her starved lungs.

‘Buttons help me will you?’ Chadwick smiled calmly. ‘I am afraid my weight is too much for Lady Madison to handle.’

-