She loves me! And what of the swine?

'Madison.'

'Yes,' her eyes lifted to gaze into his. Her finger traced that pulse throbbing at his throat.

'Do you know I've wanted you from the very first day I laid eyes on you?' he murmured against her lips. His warm breath stirred her desire again. 'I longed to hold you in my arms just like this.' He lowered his head. His lips teased hers mercilessly. She held his face bravely as she returned his kisses. Each time he tried to withdraw, she remonstrated loudly and tightened her grip around his neck.

'I should go before somebody becomes aware of my presence in your chamber.'

'You have to go?' she was devastated.

'I cannot stay till morning. You know that,' he groaned as his lips caressed her milky white satin smooth throat.

'I thought that you---that we---,' her eyes were pleading.

She heard his rich laughter, so sweet, so adorable. 'You want us to make love again?'

Madison nodded shyly.

'But it is too soon for you.'

'No,' she denied. 'I want to---again,' with difficulty she forced the words out. In a moment of weakness he yielded to her demand. This time he was more patient, rather seductively taking even longer than the first time to pleasure her until she climaxed. She clung to him breathlessly, panting as if it was her last breath. Chadwick smiled and cupped her cheeks playfully.

'That was amazing,' she smiled, resembling a contented cat that'd over indulged.

She saw his eyes become dark as charcoal. 'So you will end your betrothal to Swain?'

Madison's eyes shot to his. She searched his eyes, hoping to find common ground. 'I can't,' she whispered. 'Whatever should I tell papa?' She clutched the edge of the sheets tightly.

'That you have come to your senses and realized you made the wrong choice,' his tone was angry.

'I have to marry him,' she murmured.

'You told me you love me!'

'What of the promise I made to Rankin? It is legally binding.'

'You intend to marry that swine, when you do not love him! Why?' He demanded for the second time.

She wished she was not sandwiched beneath him and the bed. She wished she could get out and have some leverage over him.

'Are you going to answer me?' he gritted his teeth.

'Chadwick---please. We have had this night,' her eyes shifted away from his. 'It cannot happen again.' She struggled beneath him, but he refused to release her. He just glared at her as if she was speaking a foreign language.

'Why are you hell bent on marrying Swain?'

'He is a ---nobleman. Our children's birthright shall be secured.'

He did not want her in another man's arms. He could not fathom her having another man's child.

'So a damn title means that much to you?' He tossed the sheets away angrily and hopped out. Madison did not answer. She pulled the sheets up to cover her nakedness whilst Chadwick paced about nakedly. He was built so beautifully, like an athlete. With difficulty, she dragged her eyes away from his muscular frame.

'Is the title going to bring you happiness?' He growled as he shoved his sturdy legs into his trousers. Madison remained silent, stealing another glance at his well toned bottom. She remembered the erotic feel of his masculine chest against her breasts.

'I want my children to have their rightful heritage,' Madison dared to answer.

'I would have thought happiness would mean more to you than a damn useless title,' he growled. Madison was afraid one of her parents would come banging on the door at any moment.

'You do not understand,' Madison slipped out of bed and quickly wrapped the top cotton sheet around herself. The chilled sheet against her naked body made her shiver.

'That is something you and I agree on,' in his anger he was having difficulty buttoning his shirt. 'Well I wish you all the best with your betrothal then,' his tone was sarcastic, his eyes dark and glacial as he climbed out the window without another word or look in her direction.

Dora placed the candle strategically at an angle for the wind to give the flame just a little push towards the bulky velvet curtains to accidently attract the desired result.

'Dora!' Rankin banged against the hardened wooden door. 'Open it,' he demanded. He ran to the window, looked down at the garden two floors below him and decided he was not going to risk any broken bones. Curse that whore! She will pay with her life. Some agonizing minutes later, the scent of the candle was stronger. Nervously he stepped towards his bedroom door. Even with the door closed, he could feel the heat from outside. It was uncommonly hot, too hot.

'Dora!---somebody---help! Rankin began to sweat. He felt claustrophobic. Smoke was now filtering into his bedroom from beneath the door and the crevices between the wall and the ceiling. He coughed, feeling the burning smoke congesting his lungs.

'Somebody---help!' He pummelled on the door repeatedly. He cursed himself for sending his sister to London. He had wanted her to attend some of the balls and events they received invitations for. Rankin realized his option were now very limited. He ran back to the balcony and opened it. He ripped all the bedding of the bed, curled it into a ball and gently dropped it to the garden. For good measure, he threw his pillows on the bedding. Shutting his eyes tightly, he climbed onto the rail and jumped.

'Oh! Oh! He yelped like a wounded animal, hopping about. The bedding cushioned his impact, but his ankle seemed to have suffered in the process. He limped back inside, screaming for the footmen and his butler. Rankin grabbed buckets of water and painfully negotiated the stairs. The curtain was ablaze, so was the furniture against the wall. Luckily the fire had not yet entered any of the bedrooms. The hired help came behind him with more buckets of water. A production line formed pouring out water to douse the flames.

Rankin examined the destruction with furious anger.

She will pay. Oh yes she will pay!

A few valuable picture frames were beyond salvation. Priceless antique furniture in the passage were also reduced to ashes. Rankin inspected his sister's chamber. Luckily the footmen had doused the flames before it entered her chamber. Rankin dressed for riding, signalled for a horse and with single mind determination, left his home.

Sleep did not come easy for Madison. Her body still tingled with the after effects of Chadwick's loving.

I love him. Oh, I love him.

She could not erase the smile plastered across her face. She stretched lazily, and winced. Aching muscles deep inside her womanhood reminded her of her passionate indulgence. She did not realize the ways between a man and a woman could be so exhilarating and pleasurable. No wonder men lusted after women so greedily. Now she understood how harlots could make a career of it, she chuckled to herself softly.

''Is the title going to bring you happiness?''

Chadwick's furious accusation echoed in her mind like an earth shattering siren. It would never bring her the happiness she knew in his arms. But what could she do now? It was too late. Her papa would probably disown her. That would be too scandalous. She would just have to marry Rankin. He would need to be informed she was not coming to him as an innocent maiden. If Rankin rejected her, then she could re-examine her options if she had any. Her parents must never ever know of her secret liaison with Chadwick.

Rankin pounded the door of Dora's family home with the tail end of his horse whip. He cared not for the lateness of the hour. He was fuming. The whore is going to pay. He would strangle her with his bare hands.

'Can't say I was not expecting you my lord,' Dora laughed at him.

'What humours you so, you whore?' Rankin was so angry he was spitting. 'You have ruined my ancestral home. I could have died.'

'Unfortunately you still live,' Dora folded her arms and leaned against the doorframe.

'Why you ugly slut---!' Rankin lurched forward.

Dora was expecting an assault. She moved with lightening speed and jammed Rankin's hand in the door.

'My hand---,' he cried like a girl. The rest of his sentence was swallowed in a choke as he felt the ice cold steel edge of a butcher's knife against his throat. Dora flicked the blade for good measure at a non vital artery. A splash of blood trickled onto her knife.

'Oh my lord,' she mocked. 'You are bleeding.'

'I could have you arrested---,'he gasped.

'What will you tell the police my lord? That you were held up by a woman no less,' Dora giggled.

'I hate you---you whore!' His face broke out in a sweat, his facial muscles puckered angrily.

Dora pierced the knife blade a little deeper. Rankin winced. 'That is not what you used to whisper when we were in your bed my lord.'

'I only used you---you fat ugly harlot.'

'Oh I do not doubt that for a second my noble lord,' Dora lifted her knee and aimed it at his stomach. He groaned like a wounded animal. 'I only allowed you to use my body for the money,' Dora hissed.

'You pathetic harlot---.'

Filled with mounting rage, Dora lifted her knee again and directed it forcefully between his noble legs. 'Oh dear, I should tell Lady Madison, you may not be able to bear any heirs for her,' Dora laughed.

'You leave her out of this!' Rankin raged breathlessly gasping with pain. 'I intend to inform the police. Arson is a crime, and so is ---assault,' he spat out.

'Are you really going to tell the police that a woman assaulted you?' she laughed.

'I will kill you,' he cried out, but could not do much with a knife blade pierced against his throat.

'Empty your pockets,' she demanded, twisting the knife again for effect.

Rankin struggled, moving his hand clumsily to his pocket. He threw the two bags of gold coins that he had salvaged from his chamber onto the floor.

'You may leave my lord,' Dora pinned his arm behind him and shoved him in the direction of his horse. 'Don't come back here unless you want to die,' she warned.

'Sleep with your eyes opened Dora. I shall be back,' he threatened.

Dora took two steps forward. Rankin kicked at his horse and sped away. He heard Dora's vicious laugh behind him as he raced to his home.

"My lady you are up already?' Beth was surprised.

'Good morning Beth,' Madison's smile was as bright as the morning sun. 'Is it not a glorious morning Beth?'

'You have dressed your bed as well!'

Madison looked away. She could hardly tell Beth the reason she had changed the bedding with the evidence of her lost maidenhead very visible on the crisp white sheet that had been on the bed when Chadwick had made love with her. Recollection fuzzed through her nervous system as she remembered her passionate night in his arms.

'I could not sleep,' Madison rose from the chair. 'So I woke up and dressed my bed,' she hid her eyes from Beth.

'Well it is a good thing you are up then. Lady Sarah has sent a message. She would like you to travel into town with her. You have just enough time to have breakfast. Are you seeing the earl today?'

'No---why?'

'You look so radiant.'

'I---no. He has not sent word of a visit, has he?'

'Are you hoping he will visit?' Beth teased, as she brushed Madison's hair.

'No! What I mean is, if I am to go with Lady Sarah, I could hardly be here to entertain the earl, should he arrive here.' Madison silently prayed he would not pitch up. In fact she hoped he would stay away for the entire year.

"Will his title bring you happiness?"

Chadwick's words burned in her heart. It made her ache for him again. It had been beautiful being in Chadwick's arms, with her soft satin; naked flesh pressed against his hair roughed chest. It had been most sensational.

'My lady?'

'Yes Beth?'

'I asked if you would like to change into a carriage gown.'

'No, I like this dress.' She twirled around, looking down at the charcoal morning dress she was wearing. It reminded her of Chadwick's attractive eyes. She felt closer to him in spirit in the dress. She would not change.

'Oh Madison, thank you so much for accompanying me at such short notice,' Sarah smiled, as they rode in the carriage.

'I am happy too,' Madison laughed. She was thrilled to be outdoors. She felt stifled when she was home and indoors. Being outdoors felt liberating.

They stopped at a shop that stored ladies bridal wear and accessories. Sarah was making purchases for her trousseau. She had wanted Madison's assistance in choosing the colours for her wedding night accessories.

Both girls had beaming smiles as they were made welcome and had been offered cinnamon tea and ginger biscuits. Madison was beaming for her own reasons. Sarah was trying to picture Anthony's face when he would see her in the very daring lace underwear.

'Madison?' Sarah clenched her teeth as she called out to her cousin.

'Sorry?' Madison's cheeks were flushed as she tried in vain to recall what Sarah had asked.

'The red or the black?' Sarah's eyes darted to the sales lady when her cousin was not offering the support she had expected.

'The red. ---No the black,' Madison mumbled.

'Take your time Madison,' Sarah intoned sarcastically. 'We have the rest of this century.'

'Sorry,' Madison murmured. 'I think the black,' she stated decisively.

'My cousin is a featherbrain,' Sarah muttered to the saleslady. 'She is always day dreaming.'

'I agree with Lady Madison,' the saleslady smiled. 'You are beautiful Lady Sarah. The black will look outstanding on your lovely complexion.'

'Thank you,' Sarah blushed, again trying to pre-empt Anthony's reaction. 'I shall take that one too,' she pointed to the red lacy underwear. I would like some ribbons as well please.'

'You are going to be a beautiful bride Sarah,' Madison clutched Sarah's hand.

'Oh you too Madison,' Sarah hugged her cousin. 'Are you not making any purchases?' Sarah cast an enquiring eye at all the rather breathtaking lace and satin underwear on display.

'No! What I mean is ---I did not bring money to do my own purchasing,' Madison supplied. 'Today we are shopping for you,' Madison exhaled uneasily.

'We could always add yours to my account Madison,' Sarah offered.

'I know. Thank you Sarah, but there is still time.'

I hope...

'Shall we take lunch at the tea room? I am starving,' Sarah pleaded. 'All I had this morning was a cup of tea.'

'That is an excellent idea,' Madison smiled. Actually she did not need sustenance. Chadwick had filled her sufficiently for a very long time it seemed, but seeing she could not substantiate her reasons to Sarah, she would part take of lunch with her cousin.

'Is that quail, I smell,' Sarah sniffed into the air. 'Oh is smells divine.'

'I think it is,' Madison could not smell a thing. She turned her head to the left and right and still could not get the aroma of anything other than the scent of Chadwick's skin in her nostrils. His masculine scent completely overwhelmed her senses.

Is this what being in love feels like?

'What is it?' Sarah laughed.

'What is what?' Madison felt heat flame her cheeks.

'That dreamy look in your eyes and you are blushing.'

Madison lowered her head, she did not answer Sarah.

'You were thinking of him, were you not?' Sarah giggled.

'Yes,' Madison grinned, but she knew she and Sarah were not talking about the same person.

After hours of shopping and a leisurely lunch, it was quite late when Madison returned home. Sarah had dropped her off, but did not alight the carriage. She begged tiredness and pleaded to be excused. Madison had nodded. She was tired herself, but she would not rest. She would go for a walk alone. She wanted to replay the previous night in her mind again. She wanted to recall every romantic word Chadwick had whispered to her in the throes of passion when she had been in his arms. She wanted to close her eyes and recall the feel of his sensuous touch all over her flesh as she had held onto him tightly last night.

I wish I could see you again.

'Lady Madison, I have been waiting all afternoon!'

'My lord! What are you doing here?' Madison felt like a bucket of cold water had been tossed at her.

'Waiting for you,' Rankin hissed. 'Where have you been?' he demanded. Never mind that Rachael had already informed him of Madison's whereabouts.

'Sarah had requested---.'

'Where can we talk?' Rankin interrupted her.

'In papa's library,' Madison murmured.

'Beth,' Madison called to her ever watchful maid, hovering in the corner.

'Could you have the kitchen serve the earl and I tea in the library please.'

'Yes my lady,' Beth's eyes glared at Rankin before she quickly looked away.

'Please have a seat my lord,' Madison showed Rankin to the settee in her father's library.

'You are not to wander about the town without my permission. Is that clear?' Rankin barked.

'I am sorry my lord,' Madison wrung her fingers.

Rankin belatedly summoned a smile. He forced himself to be polite. He needed her dowry. No point in antagonizing her now, when she did not have his ring on her finger, nor he control of her purse strings.

'You did not take a chaperone,' he placed a finger under her chin, lifting her head up, so he could make eye contact with her.

'It won't happen again my lord.'

Madison only ever took a chaperone, when a male accompanied her somewhere. In most instances she and Sarah chaperoned each other, and their grooms who drove the carriage served as protectors.

'Where is that tea?' Rankin raised his voice irritably.

'I shall go and check,' Madison turned around.

'No stay!' Rankin rushed towards Madison. He winced. His ankle still troubled him. Not to mention the unprovoked vicious, merciless attack from that harlot.

'You are limping my lord?' Automatically Madison clutched Rankin's arms.

'I shall live my dear,' Rankin smiled, at great pains to appear modest.

'Tell me what happened,' Madison drew closer to Rankin. At that instant Beth entered with the tea tray. Madison hastily stepped away from Rankin. She could sense Beth's disapproval at her supposed impropriety, but in this instance she was innocent. Did propriety really matter anymore? She was no longer a maiden, and she still had to inform her fiancé of that risqué fact.

'Thank you Beth,' Rankin's tone was dismissive.

'A pleasure my lord,' Beth nodded and shifted to a discreet corner of the library.

'Allow me to pour,' Madison offered, as Rankin had been impatient for the refreshment.

'No. I shall,' Rankin smiled. 'You have a seat,' his green eyes looked icy. The smile did not reach his eyes.

Do not expect this chivalry when we are wed. Infact have no expectations.

'Thank you my lord,' Madison accepted the tea. 'Please tell me how you hurt yourself.'

'I am clumsy,' Rankin sighed. 'There was a fire last night. I left a candle burning. I am afraid it has caused some damage to my home,' Rankin's tone was begging for sympathy.

'Oh, I am so sorry,' Madison set her tea cup on the table.

'I am foolish,' Rankin was self discriminatory. 'I have sent Lady Tamara to London for a few weeks and now I am alone.'

'You have me,' Madison blurted incriminatingly.

'Really?' Rankin's eyes lit up. 'Marry me sooner my lady,' he pleaded. 'I cannot manage by myself.'