Rankin shook his head and winced from the pain he felt at his right jaw. What on earth had happened? Whose bed was he in? Then it dawned on him.

Rochester again!

Is there nothing that can rid Rochester from this earth? Rankin gently massaged his painful jaw.

Where is that fiancée of mine?

She should be tending to me, not that commoner. He gingerly lifted himself off the bed and sat up.

He packs a mean punch, if only I can get him when he's asleep.

In a daze Madison walked out. Buttons called to her to inform her which room Rankin was placed in. She nodded and proceeded to the bed chamber Rankin occupied.

This can't go on. I can't marry Rankin, not when I look for every opportunity to be with him. But he won't marry me. He is not interested in settling down. But I want to marry a gentleman with a title. My first born must inherit what is rightfully his. I cannot throw away the heritage I am born into.

'My lord are you okay? Madison rushed into the chamber with Beth right behind her. Rankin looked annoyed at seeing them. He did not want any witnesses to gloat about what a cruel blow he literally received from Chadwick.

'What took you so long?' Rankin scowled. 'I want you to throw Rochester out of your home.'

'I have prepared a pack of ice for you,' Madison murmured.

'That man is dangerous,' Rankin rattled on. 'I want him gone. Where is Baron Sanford?'

'Father is out at the moment,' Madison replied.

She did not want to comment about Chadwick. Rankin was in a foul mood. Shame, Chadwick should not have assaulted him, but how dare he speak to her that way, in her own home, in front of Chadwick and the servants?

'I must leave,' Rankin stood up with difficulty. 'I shall be in touch with Baron Sanford shortly.'

'The incident is most regretful my lord. My apologies,' Madison offered, not wanting Chadwick to be in trouble with her father. Rankin was considered an honoured guest in Baron Sanford's home.

'God bye my dear,' Rankin belatedly kissed her cheek.

'Will you not take lunch with me my lord?'

'I am not hungry,' he growled and marched out. Madison wanted to walk Rankin out, but Beth held her back.

'What is the matter Beth?'

'Leave him be,' Beth whispered angrily. 'I do not want him striking you.'

'What?' Madison laughed. 'He is an honourable gentleman. He shall not raise his hand to the fairer sex.'

'His servants say otherwise,' Beth whispered. 'He is a man with a temper and a lust for money and women.'

'Every man must sow his wild oats Beth,' Madison spoke uncomfortably. 'I do not mind what he does before we marry.'

'I do not believe that once he marries, he will refrain from his wondering ways,' Beth cautioned.

'You do not know him Beth,' Madison stated. 'Perhaps he will change.'

'And if he does not?'

'I---well, many gentlemen take on mistresses.' Anger exploded inside Madison. She did not want her husband having a mistress. She wanted him to be faithful to her. Like her father was to her mother.

Would Chadwick take on a mistress if he married?

Why was she channelling her thoughts in that direction?

'You will not be happy with Earl Swain,' Beth prophesied.

Madison turned sharply to look at Beth, thinking she was jesting, but Beth's face was deadly serious.

How could Beth make such a pronouncement about Rankin?

'I am hungry,' Madison dismissed Beth's warning. 'I am going into the kitchen to have lunch. See if Mr. Rochester requires anything,' Madison dismissed her maid.

'Lady Madison, Mr. Rochester's butler has arrived,' Beth announced.

'Good day,' Madison smiled. 'What is your name?'

'Nester my lady,' the butler respectfully answered.

Madison wondered what was in the huge basket he carried. It was certainly well packed, judging from the way the servant battled with its weight.

'Escort Nester to Mr. Rochester's room, and have the kitchen prepare some refreshments for him,' Madison requested politely.

'Very well my lady,' Beth guided Nester up the stairs to Chadwick's room.

'Good afternoon sir.'

'Nester it is about bloody time you got here. What took you so long?'

'Sorry sir.'

He did not bother explaining, upon receiving the note; he had packed the basket and rode the carriage like hell to get to his master as quickly as possible.

'What have you got there?' Chadwick permitted a rueful smile.

'Two sets of clothes sir. Some personal effects,' he showed Chadwick the soap, razor blade, body spray and some of your favourites,' Nester grinned.

'Let's see those favourites,' Chadwick waved his hand impatiently for the basket.

He looked through it and found smoked sausages, dried beef, salted peanuts, and a bottle of the finest brandy.

Ah sweet nectar.

Chadwick opened the bottle and drank a generous mouthful of brandy.

'You should have got here earlier,' he scolded Nester. 'Want some Buttons?' Chadwick offered the bottle to the groom.

'No Mr. Rochester,' Buttons straightened and shook his head vigorously.

'Try some of this,' he threw a packet of dried beef to Buttons. 'It is delicious. The best in the continent,' Chadwick laughed.

'Shall I shave you sir?'

'Yes hurry up about it and get some clothes on me,' Chadwick barked. 'I have been pushed and prodded around here like a bloody corpse.'

A broad grin plastered across Button's face at the exaggeration.

'You think it funny Buttons?'

'No Mr. Rochester. Not at all,' his face became serious again.

'You may have the afternoon off Buttons. Nester will take care of me now.'

'Er---the baron may have words with me about that sir. I think I will stay just the same.'

'Suit yourself,' Chadwick bit into a piece of sausage. 'Ring for some hot water Buttons. I need a decent bath.

'Right away,' Buttons tugged on the cord near the bed.

'Is there something you need?' Madison burst into the room.

'I wanted a servant actually,' Chadwick answered.

'What is that bottle of brandy doing here?' she demanded.

'It ---is for the baron,' Chadwick answered quickly, reluctantly offering her the bottle.

Nester's eyes widened before he quickly schooled them. Madison directed her eyes at the butler. She took the bottle and made no comment about the broken seal and some of the missing content from the bottle.

'Thank you,' she took the bottle. 'I am sure my father will appreciate your kind gesture,' she glared at Chadwick.

'Nester, Mr. Rochester is still under medication. He is not allowed alcohol. Is that clear?'

'Yes my lady,' Nester was almost bowing. 'Sir I thought you might need this.'

Nester handed Chadwick a bag of gold coins. Madison's eyes widened. She had never seen such a large bag of money. Madison was shocked to see him carelessly throw the bag of money on the bedside table.

'Why did you require a servant?' Madison enquired.

'I would appreciate some hot water to bathe with,' Chadwick answered, a naughty glint in his eyes, unless you wish to offer your services my lady.'

The cheek of the man!

'I shall send a servant with the hot water,' she turned and walked out, her face crimson.

Chadwick threw his head back and laughed. Nester busied himself preparing the soap and razor to shave Chadwick.

'You need to bring me another bottle tonight, Nester. Perhaps use a flask that can be concealed.'

'But sir---,' Nester looked at Buttons frightfully.

'Just do it damn it,' Chadwick hissed. 'I shall hide it under my pillow,' he spoke conspirationally.

'Yes sir.'

Two servants came in, each carrying two large jars of hot water and a bath tub. Chadwick was washed, scrubbed and shaved. He was delighted to get into his clothes again. Tomorrow he shall get the hell out of the baron's house. Not that he was unappreciative. He also enjoyed the chit fussing over him, but he wanted to get back to his own den, where he called the shots.

'Call Lady Madison,' Chadwick instructed Buttons.

'Yes?'

Madison entered to see him looking very handsome. He had been shaved clean. He smelt fresh and appealing. His body scent, a musky fragrance filled the air. He was in a sleep shirt and gown.

'Try this,' Chadwick offered her a piece of smoked sausage.

'No thank you. I have already had lunch.'

'Lady Madison, I insist you try it,' he instructed.

She looked nervously from Buttons to Nester, before she walked to the bed.

'Just a small piece then,' she allowed.

He nodded, smiled and held out a large delicious smelling smoked sausage for her. Madison reached out to take it, but he clasped his hand over hers. 'Bite,' he murmured softly.

Licking her bottom lip, she swallowed nervously, and lowered herself on his bed. She opened her mouth; her eyes closed as she took a tiny bite. Its strong aroma was mouth watering and when she bit into it, discovered it to be most delicious.

'It is very good,' she licked her lips and chewed on it, savouring the taste. The animated picture her actions presented, fascinated him.

'I knew you would like it,' he took a big bite and grinned at Madison. Hypnotically, she watched his jaws at work slowly chewing on the spicily flavoured meat. She longed to have another bite, but did not like the way his eyes were trained on her, especially when their respective servants were in the room. Reluctantly she shook her head when he offered her another bite.

'I want you to have more,' his eyes danced mischievously.

'No,' she shook her head, her hazel eyes locked with his dark brooding pools of seduction. 'No thank you,' she stood up. 'Father will be returning soon,' she whispered. 'I should not be here.'

'Will you bring me dinner tonight?'

I shall check on you just before dinner,' she nodded.

'Sarah what a pleasant surprise,' Madison hugged her cousin. 'Good evening Viscount Anthony.'

'Lady Madison how do you do?' Anthony embraced her affectionately. 'I believe Rochester is in hiding here,' he laughed.

'And a terrible patient,' Madison whispered. 'Cranky and bossy,' she rolled her eyes.

'So throw him out,' Anthony winked.

'Oh I am sure, he cannot wait to leave. He has attempted to get out of bed twice, but collapsed from a lack of strength.'

'Rochester!' Anthony looked amazed. 'The man is as strong as two oxen.'

'I am so happy to see you,' Madison tugged her arm into Sarah's. Let us take tea in the afternoon parlour.'

'I come with an invitation,' Sarah handed Madison a card.

'Oh?'

'Mama and papa want to have a ball to celebrate our engagement,' Sarah smiled happily.

'That is splendid. I think it is a wonderful idea,' Madison ripped open the card.

'While you ladies talk about whatever ladies talk about,' Anthony smiled. 'Let me pay a visit to the patient.'

'I shall come through to greet Mr. Rochester just now,' Sarah kissed Anthony's cheek.

'Brave when no one is watching aren't you,' he grinned lovingly at his fiancée.

'Oh go on,' she blushed and pushed Anthony away.

'Sarah you and Anthony are so happy,' Madison led her to the afternoon parlour.

'Yes,' Sarah smiled dreamily. 'Are you not?' Sarah questioned reflectively.

'What? Yes---yes I am.'

What on earth have I got to be happy about?

Tea, sugary biscuits and sandwiches arrived. Madison poured tea and offered the plate of refreshments to Sarah. It seemed her cousin was watching her figure. She only chewed slowly on a tiny cucumber sandwich and refused anything else. Who could blame the girl, she clearly wanted to look her best on her wedding day.

Madison tied the ribbon tightly around her gown. She brushed her brunette hair until its glossy length was bouncing over her shoulders. She knew after dinner her father had relieved Buttons in Chadwick's chamber. It was now almost three in the morning. Buttons would be on duty again. Very quietly she turned the handle of her door. Stealthily she crept to Chadwick's chamber. She opened his door to find Buttons slumped on the chair, fast asleep. Chadwick was awake, reading a Charles Dickens book. His head swung up. He looked surprised to see her. She looked endearing in her satin night gown and her shiny hair loosely falling over her shoulders.

'You cannot sleep?' Madison whispered shyly, trying to ignore his admiring glance.

'And you?' he questioned.

I was thinking about you.

'I wanted to see if you needed something.'

'Is that not why Buttons is here?'

Madison looked over her shoulders at the sleeping Buttons. Not much help he is. I doubt Chadwick would even bother waking the servant up to fetch him a glass of water.

'Sit down,' Chadwick tapped a spot on his bed.

'Thank you,' Madison opted for the chair instead.

'Here,' he tapped the bed again.

'No,' she lowered her head.

'You are rather brave to risk coming into my chamber.'

'Are you enjoying your book? It is a lovely story,' she spoke quickly.

'Madison.'

'Yes.'

'Come here,' he instructed.

'N---no.'

'Then I am coming to you,' he flicked the covers off.

'My lady what are you doing here?' Buttons stood up and rubbed his eyes sleepily.

'Here,' Chadwick reached into the bag, grabbed a handful of gold coins and threw it to Buttons. Fully alert now, Buttons braced his knees and caught the coins with both hands. Shocked and speechless, he stared from Chadwick to Madison. The coins he had just received were more than half a year's wages.

'Go on, make yourself scare,' Chadwick winked.

'Sir, I could lose my job if Baron Sanford finds Lady Madison in here, and nobody would ever hire me.'

'If you are fired, I will take you into my staff. Now be gone,' Chadwick instructed.

Buttons spoke resignedly. 'I shall wait outside the door. My lady I shall allow you fifteen minutes only.'

Madison nodded, too embarrassed to speak. She had not expected Chadwick to throw Buttons out. She did not know what she had expected. Only her entry into his chamber was fuelled by an insatiable desire to be with this man. She licked on her lower lip, her eyes widening as Chadwick slipped out of bed and took the three steps to her chair.

'You look beautiful,' he lifted her out of the chair.

'No---this is an old gown and I ---am not beautiful, Sarah is.'

'Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder,' he smiled. 'Whilst your cousin is ---definitely not unattractive, you are beautiful,' his finger traced over her cheek.

Madison laughed softly at his choice of words. Her eyes gazed into his, as his fingers feathered over her face. She clenched her fingers tightly at her sides, itching to wrap her hands around his neck.

'Why did you come to my chamber?'

'I ---just wanted to check on you.'

'Liar.'

She had been hoping he was awake. She had hoped to just sit and chat with him.

Kiss you.

'Madison,' he lowered his head and captured her lips.

He read the appealing desire in her eyes. She wanted to be kissed as much as he wanted to take possession of her rosy lips. They were ripe and ready for his taking. He pulled her closer, crushing her against his body. Her hands wrapped around his body. She groaned softly, claiming his lips with the same hungry desire that coursed through him. Every cell in her body was responsive to his sensitised need. Her lips, fingers travelled the hard length and breadth of his body. In answer his lips and tongue plundered her mouth, stroking, silkily invading inside her delicious mouth. Madison sighed against his lips, craving his touch inside on her bare flesh. As if sensing her silent petition, his hands moved restlessly against the soft skin on her throat, down over her rib cage. Madison groaned resistingly at how close his fingers were to her aching breasts yet he did not touch them. His lips pressed soft kisses down the column of her throat.

'Chadwick,' she cried out pleadingly.

The pad of his thumb found her starving breast. Heat and fire coursed between her thighs. He felt the arousal of her nipples through the thin fabric of her gown. Madison pulled him closer, hungrily deepening the kiss. Chadwick drew her with him as he stepped backwards towards the bed. Without interrupting the kiss he lowered her onto his bed. She purred delightfully when his weight pressed over her body. He pushed at the soft material until her luscious breasts were visible. He stopped the kiss to gaze at the pouting erect nipples that begged for his lips. Instinctively her body arched towards him, he bent his head and took one delectable nipple to his mouth.

'Oh,' she whispered, pressing at the nape of his neck. Her fingers curled into his hair, as she sang her delight. Chadwick could not get enough of suckling at her hard arousal. The restless caress of her fingers over his body spurred him on. His hands moved down her rib cage until his fingers found the bare flesh of her thigh. Madison shuddered and went still beneath him. Her eyes flew open to find him staring at her. He sensed her withdrawal. She had wanted him, but not anymore. The friction of his own aroused body was bruising against his clothes. That pain did not hurt as much as the sudden rejection in her eyes.

'Leave!' Chadwick hissed, sliding off her.

Madison jumped off the bed, righted her clothes and rushed out of his chamber. She had hesitated at the door. Had wanted to apologise, but the raging anger in his eyes had stopped her. She ran as if the devil was chasing her to her own chamber.

Madison could not sleep. She tossed and turned thinking about him. She could feel his lips caressing her nipples. They became aroused just at the thought of his lips suckling them. She shut her eyes tight, thinking of his fingers erotically touching her thigh and then the furious anger in his eyes at her apparent rejection. But it had not been rejection. She had just been afraid. She had never allowed another man the liberties he took for granted, not that she did not love everything his lips, hands and his lean hard body did to her. She just froze at how far he had gone, without her consciously being aware of what they were doing until his fingers brushed her so delicately close to the most intimate part of her body.

When Madison finally plucked up the courage to leave her chamber, she was informed by her mother that Chadwick had departed in the early hours of the morning as they sat and took breakfast. A lump formed in her throat preventing her continuing with breakfast. She felt disappointed, nauseas at the thought of his absence.

How could he leave without saying goodbye?

After endlessly toying with her breakfast, she excused herself and went in search of Buttons.

'Did he leave a message?' she asked hopefully.

'No my lady.'

'What time did he leave?'

'Er---I'm not sure.'

''You fell asleep?' she glared at him. 'You were supposed to be watching him.'

'I am sorry my lady,' Buttons looked anguished.

'That is okay,' she smiled. 'Thank you for taking care of him.'

'He is a good man,' Buttons smiled boldly.

'Thank you Buttons,' she nodded and walked away. She was in no mood to discuss him with the hired help.