‘Rachael this is a surprise,’ Diana smiled welcomingly at her sister.

‘Good afternoon,’ Rachael hugged her sister. ‘I hope I am not visiting at an inopportune moment.’

‘No, not at all. It is just me home right now,’ she smiled apologetically.

‘Stanton revealed something rather disturbing,’ Rachael’s eyes looked troubled.

‘What about?’ Diana tucked her arm through Rachael’s and guided her to the sitting room.

Rachael looked around nervously.

‘The servants are in the kitchen,’ Diana assured her. ‘I was just about to call for tea.’

‘Tea can wait,’ Rachel pursed her lips. ‘Stanton told me he saw Earl Swain’s carriage at a rather disreputable establishment.’

‘What on earth was Stanton doing in such a place?’

Rachael shook her head and smiled. She had asked that very question. ‘He was in his carriage driving past, when he observed the earl’s carriage stationary, outside I think he called it the

“Brown Orchid.”

‘The Blue Orchid!’ Diana corrected. ‘Good heavens it is a place of debauchery, harlotry and worse,’ she injected sharply. ‘Only commoners attend there to pay for their sordid pleasures.’

‘So what was the earl doing there?’ Rachael asked in alarm.

‘We should not make accusations without facts or witnesses,’ Diana cautioned.

‘The earl seemed to be a nobleman of high standing and of unquestionable reputation,’ Rachael provided. ‘Madison has not one negative word to say about him.’

‘I have also noticed his impeccable manners. He is of good standing in Cricklewoods, and is a respected peer,’ Diana added.

‘I am confused,’ Rachael looked troubled. ‘I do not want my only child being trapped in a dangerous marriage to a potential psychopath. After all Madison is an attractive catch to any suitor, with the more than generous dowry she would take to the gentleman she marries.’

‘I know what you mean,’ Diana reached for Rachael’s hand. ‘I would hate for my Sarah to be in a similar situation. ‘What is Stanton doing about it?’

‘Nothing just yet,’ Rachael was staring into space. ‘But he said he would discreetly seek counsel on the matter.’

‘I am rather thirsty after this disturbing conversation, Rachael.’

‘Yes, please call for tea.’

‘Dora!’ Rankin bellowed from the top of the stairs, just outside his bed chamber.

‘Yes my lord,’ Dora ran to the bottom of the staircase breathlessly. She feared it was going to be a long night tonight. It was close on midnight and the earl was summoning her. It could only be for one reason, she groaned, dreading what was to come. If only she could find another job and be rid of this beast. But times were tough, she could not allow her family to go to bed hungry each night. As long as it was just her that suffered and not them, it was a small price to pay.

‘I cannot sleep,’ he grinned wickedly. He was in a night gown. She was certain he was unclothed beneath it.

‘Shall I come to your chamber my lord?’ She prayed he would answer in the negative.

‘Of course. What do you think I require a glass of hot milk?’

‘No,’ she proceeded to climb the stairs. Rankin returned to his chamber to wait for her. When she walked in, he was completely naked and fully aroused. He grinned devilishly. Fear engulfed Dora as she saw the rubber whip in Rankin’s hand. He was playfully smacking his one palm with it.

‘Undress yourself,’ he leaned against the chest drawer, placing his hands behind him.

Dora nervously removed her uniform. Her shift and drawers followed her uniform to the floor. He studied her from head to foot. His greedy eyes returned to her breasts and lingered. She saw the dark desire reflected there.

‘Turn around,’ he commanded. Slowly Dora turned around and faced the bed. He seemed to delight in her rather voluptuous behind. She did not hear him approach her. He pushed her forcefully. Her hands fell forward onto the bed. Her feet were still firmly on the floor.

‘Just the way I like to have you Dora,’ she heard his depraved laugh. She expected his unwelcome hands to splay her buttocks, but all she felt was sharp pain as the rubber whip sliced across the bare flesh on her buttocks. She cried out from the agonizing pain.

‘Yes Dora, yes,’ he thrust his fully aroused shaft into her without warning. ‘I like to hear you scream Dora.’ He lifted her so her knees were on the bed. He leaned over her spine, his huge hands closing painfully around her breasts. He squeezed tightly, until the pain had Dora pleading for his mercy. His erect form was ramming into her violently.

‘Please---my lord. You are hurting me,’ she sobbed.

‘You love it, do you not Dora. This is exactly how you like me to please you, don’t you?’

She did not answer. If she answered in the affirmative or negative, it brought pain. She thought it was all over when he drew out of her, but the agonizing pain again whipped across her naked buttocks, searing her flesh painfully. A heart wrenching yelp escaped her throat. Dora felt his spent body collapse on her back. She summoned all her strength and reached for the brass tongs, mounted near the fireplace. With lightening speed, she hit the unsuspecting Rankin on his head. He moved quickly to disarm her. She kicked at him. He stumbled and fell. Repeatedly she pounded the brass thongs over his back and his knees. He screamed like a wounded animal. For good measure, she swiped it forcefully over his elbows that were protruding out, blocking his wretched face.

‘You sick bastard!’ she hissed. ‘I hope Lady Madison never marries you.’

‘I will kill you if you repeat anything to her,’ he snarled. ‘I am a nobleman. You are but a commoner. Nobody shall believe your lies,’ he smirked.

‘You, shall die,’ Dora swiped the thongs across his head. Rankin seemed to have found a new burst of energy. He sprang to his feet.

‘I quit this job, you filthy animal,’ Dora picked up her clothes and his trousers and rushed to the door. ‘Find yourself another willing victim.’ She removed the key and locked him inside.

‘Oh I am marrying her,’ Dora heard his cruel laugh. ‘She will appreciate the whip more that you do, you stupid cheap whore.’

‘I hope you rot in there,’ Dora screamed at him. She searched inside his trousers and found three bags filled with money. She put all three of them in the secure inside pocket of her uniform.

‘Open this door!’ Rankin banged on the door helplessly.

‘I’m setting the place on fire,’ Dora laughed pleasurably. You’re going to die you cruel bastard.’

Chadwick looked with surprise at the note Buttons handed to him. ‘Thank you Buttons,’ Chadwick nodded courteously and slipped the sealed envelope into his pocket. He longed to tear the envelope to shreds and see what the content of letter was about, but he would wait until he could do it in the privacy of his library. He hoped it was from her, but he knew she would never write to him. His parting words on the dance floor had challenged her, but he had known she would not call his bluff. She would never accept his frivolous challenge.

‘Er---I am to await your written response,’ Buttons shifted about nervously.

‘Is it from Baron Sanford?’ Chadwick asked casually. They did have business dealings about horses. Perhaps it was an invitation to a ball, or worse a wedding invitation. He felt repulsed when he thought about it being the latter.

Buttons shrugged his shoulders. He could not read. He knew not what the letter was about. All he suspected was the baron’s daughter, Lady Madison, was rather late in setting her cap on this gentleman, namely one Chadwick Rochester.

‘Very well. Have a seat,’ Chadwick waved to the chair in the entrance hall. He walked to his library to read it privately. His palms were sweaty, he was breathless. His fingers nervously battled to undo the envelope. Finally he picked up the letter inside. The feint scent of vanilla tinged the air as he lifted the letter closer to his eyes.

Can we meet---tonight.

He looked at the sentence of four words again and again and could hardly believe his eyes. He continued staring at the unsigned letter, even though the words were imprinted in his brain.

She wants to meet me. Tonight!

He had to respond. Buttons was waiting. How should he respond? What should he say to her? So she had actually accepted his challenge, and here he had been thinking he would have to swallow his pride and go to her. He scribbled on a note. Chadwick was having trouble breathing. His hand was hardly steady as he responded, sealed it with wax and walked back to Buttons. He was amazed at how outwardly calm he seemed to be.

‘There you go Buttons,’ Chadwick nodded as he handed him his response. ‘This is for your troubles,’ Chadwick tossed him a coin.

‘No trouble at all Mr. Rochester,’ His eyes brightened as he slipped the gold coin into his pocket without looking at it, yet he knew its value.

‘Your books from the lending library,’ Buttons nervously handed Madison a pack of books.

‘Thank you. Bring it to the library will you?’ Madison’s eyes locked with the groom’s. Buttons followed her hastily wanting to get rid of the package in his hand as if it was the dreaded plague. The second she shut the library door, Madison fired a barrage of questions at Buttons.

‘Was he there? Did you give him my note? What did he say? Did he answer? Did anybody see you?’

Buttons opened the first book and retrieved Chadwick’s note and casually handed it to Madison. She noticed the waxed seal. She was not concerned about Buttons reading the letters. She knew he was unable to read. She did not want any incriminating evidence, if it got into the wrong hands.

‘Thank you Buttons,’ Madison schooled her expression and slipped the letter into the pocket of her dress. She took the rest of the books from him, placed it on her father’s table. She would come down and read them, when she could not sleep. She feared there would be many sleepless nights in the future. She hurried to her chamber to read his response privately. What if he rejected her? What if he said no? A sinking feeling increased the weight in her nervous stomach as she sat on her bed. Madison ripped the envelope apart, his answering words fell into her lap.

Midnight. Your chamber. Leave the window opened.

Madison clutched the note against her bosom. As she inhaled, she got a feint whiff of his masculine scent still on the letter.

Oh my. He is coming. He will be here. He has agreed to see me. What shall I wear?

Madison flung open her closet. Her hands flicked through the gowns all neatly pressed and hanging on rods. She touched a jade coloured silk gown. She pushed that away and took out another gown that was a stunning cobalt colour. Perhaps she should not dress up for him. Perhaps she should pretend like she was not really looking forward to being with him. But it was her that instigated the whole thing. She could not believe that he suggested that they meet at midnight.

Madison was a bundle of nerves the entire evening. She hardly ate her dinner. Rachael had enquired if her daughter was unwell. Madison used the opportunity to invent a headache. She made Beth draw a hot bath for her. Beth was surprised when Madison dismissed her, before she could help her dress for bed. After Beth left, Madison locked her door. She poured vanilla scent into her steaming bath, and scattered the rose petals she had earlier plucked into the bath. The vanilla and scented rose petals created a fruity fusion in her bath chamber.

Madison paced about her chamber in her night gown. She was still unsure what to wear. He would be here in less than an hour. She was nervous, afraid. What if her mother should come to check on her after her invented headache? She was more nervous about seeing Chadwick again, than being caught by her parent. And what of the scandal if she and Chadwick were caught?

Madison was shocked and speechless when a figure clothed in black, slipped through the window from behind dark velvet curtains thirty minutes ahead of the agreed time. When he stood to his full height, her eyes widened, a lump gathered at her throat in appreciation of his spectacular beauty. She had forgotten how tall he was, or how broad the expanse of his shoulders were. Those dark eyes held so much passion and promise. Those seductive lips could only serve one purpose tonight.

‘Good evening,’ he slowly walked towards her, eliminating the distance between them.

‘You’re early,’ she stammered looking up into those smouldering mesmerising eyes. His early arrival put paid to any attempt at dressing up for him. She was still in her weathered cotton night gown.

‘Should I leave and return in twenty five minutes?’ his lips twitched into a smile. He looked rather dapper in black corduroy trousers, a black sweater and black boots.

Somebody would think he was here incognito.

‘No,’ she whispered.

‘Good,’ he gave her a lopsided grin, ‘because I was impatient to see you,’ his fingers gripped her elbows. He held his breath as her hair glowed in the reflection of the candle light.

‘Me too,’ she murmured.

He took a step closer. The appealing scent of vanilla was driving him crazy. He wanted to lick it off her skin. He lifted his fingers to her face. His thumb caressed over her upper lip. She closed her eyes, held her breath. Her fingers dug into her palms at her sides. If he did not step back, she was going to pass out from a lack of oxygen.

‘Open your eyes Madison,’ his soft voice caused her eyes to flutter open.

His head lowered. His lips were like the touch of a feather, soft, gentle and smooth against her aroused lips. Her hands clutched his waist. Her fingers spread open. She measured the taut area of his ribcage. It was erotic torture, his lips on hers, yet not kissing her. Madison sighed against his lips. She moved her lips, pushing his open. Her tongue pushed forward. His groan of delight echoed in her ears. Her hands lifted to his neck, fingers raked through his curly dark hair. Her eyes refused to stay open, lips meshed, tongues tangled. She groaned, pressing into him. She was not shocked when his engorged frame pierced against her cotton gown. The adrenalin, excitement and anticipation had her just as aroused as he was.

‘Chadwick---,’ she groaned against his lips. He drew a step back to look into her eyes. His hands expertly pushed her gown off her shoulders. She helped him, slipping out of it. It fell to the floor. His naked eyes undressed her. Dark brooding eyes held her captive. She was unable to look away.

Hungry for more of him, she pulled his head down. Her mouth captured his in a passionate kiss. His fingers trailed over her body, sliding down her shoulders. He moulded her petite bottom against his pelvis. If she was uncertain at any stage previously, his rock hard frame now was a dead giveaway as it pierced against her navel. In a play of cruel seduction, his expert fingers very slowly dropped her nightshift off her shoulders to reveal milk white porcelain skin. His lips kissed her shoulder, his tongue traced a path towards her neck. Madison had been embarrassed for him to see her in her ancient night gown, but his eyes had not been critical, instead all she saw was desire, appreciation and hunger.

‘I want you Madison,’ he growled huskily as he pushed the shift off her body to reveal two petite twin peaks, fully aroused. She was shy and conscious of her unattractive cotton drawers, but all she saw was hungry desire in Chadwick’s eyes.

‘I want you too,’ she whispered shyly. She would not think about being betrothed to another. She would have this night. She would cross the other bridge when she stood before it.

‘Undress me,’ he commanded.

Mildly curious, Madison lifted his sweater. He ducked his head, so it could come off with ease. Her fingers dropped to her sides, as her eyes feasted on his bulky chest.

‘The rest of it,’ he demanded.

Shyly she reached for his trousers. With unskilled hands, her fingers nervously unbuckled him. Dark eyes locked with her hazel ones. She was lost in its depth, unable to look away. Finally she managed to unzip his trousers and push it down. Chadwick kicked it off impatiently. More curious, she traced her hands experimentally over the fine hairs on his chest. He held his breath. Did she know what she was doing to him? Madison pushed at the expensive looking underpants that covered his most private parts. She was shocked when he boldly stood completely naked, and fully aroused in front of her. She had a vague idea of how coupling took place, but for heaven’s sake, he was too big, she would not be able to accommodate him.

Oh dear me!

She stared at it. Her eyes widened with shock, she looked away nervously. Her hands fell from his chest.

‘Madison, what’s wrong?’

‘You are going to hurt me,’ her eyes returned to the large, engorged shaft.

He smiled arrogantly, ‘I will be gentle, I promise,’ he removed her shift and drawers, so she was as naked as him. ‘You are beautiful,’ he growled softly.

‘Thank you. Chadwick, ---I am nervous. I do not know what to do.’

‘Do you still want me?’ his palm closed over her aching breast, begging for his touch. His head dipped, his tongue caressed the nipple of the other breast. She was so perfectly round and firm.

‘Yes---yes,’ she whispered, raking her fingers through his hair. ‘I want you,’ she pleaded.

Chadwick lifted her up and carried her to her bed. He cradled her in his arms. His lips hungrily kissing hers as he gently lay her on the bed. Her arms went around him, pulling him down over her. Madison savoured his weight over her naked body.

From the opened window, she could hear the gentle wind rustle against the trees. The clock downstairs chimed the first hour of the new morning. Chadwick’s mouth hungrily forced hers apart. Flames of fire raged in his eyes. A mix of curiosity and desire sparkled inside her. She waited, poised on a knife edge between anticipated desire and common sense. Unadulterated desire won hands down, as his lips pressed wet kissed over her nipples. He turned her on her side, so they were facing each other. His fingers travelled down over her navel, past her feminine parts and stroked her inner thigh.

‘Chadwick,’ she groaned, intuitively lifting her pelvis towards his hand. Sparks discharged through her body and settled in a pile in her stomach. She ran her hands over the expanse of his masculine chest. Her fingers shaped his broad back, narrow waist and firmly toned buttocks. Brown eyes lifted to his charcoal ones. His gaze burned into hers.

‘Touch me,’ he cried out urgently.

‘I am touching you,’ her hands were curved around his waist. Her palms were thrilled experimenting with his well shaped tight buttocks.

‘No,’ he groaned, leading her hand to his erect manhood.

‘Oh,’ she exclaimed ignorantly. ‘What should I do?’ Naively she held him tightly clasped inside the palm of her hand.

‘Just like this,’ he guided her thumb caressingly over the ridged form.