Madison wrapped a scarf around her head and draped a huge woollen travelling coat over her shoulders. Beth would not be expecting her to be up for another hour. Her parents would be having morning tea in their chamber, only the kitchen staff would be up to prepare the morning meal. The cook was busy making pastries. Madison greeted her and slipped out the back door.

The wind was howling. Its chilling effect slapped against her face, bringing tears to her eyes. The dark grey clouds looked ominous. It was not the most ideal weather for one to be taking a walk, let alone an unchaperoned lady. Propriety be damned, Madison thought to herself. Who invented such a stupid protocol anyway? Why did a gentleman have the liberty to do as he pleased, yet a lady was treated as if she did not know how to apply her mental faculty?

Madison barely noticed the early morning farmers in their carriages on the way to the market. Some vendors were setting up their businesses for the day, cobblers were unpacking at the intersection of the two dirt roads; another selling fresh produce, another with the morning’s newspaper, and the blacksmith, pounding away with his hammer and chisel on metal fittings. She found herself walking into the woodlands. Only when she came up to the spot where she last saw Chadwick lazing on the grass, did she realize how far she had walked. Madison shut her eyes, half hoping when she opened it, she would see him.

When she opened her eyes, she was welcomed by a deafening silence and her own solitary companionship. Lowering herself onto the grass, she pulled her coat closer against her neck and wrapped her arms around her chest. She wondered where Chadwick was. It was four days since she had boldly went to see him at his home. Surely he was back? Was he still annoyed with her? He probably was, for he was a man who did not suffer fools gladly, and she was a fool she knew it. Madison longed to see him again. If only he could just put his arms around her, and smile that mischievous smile of his, if she could only see it, just once.

When the sun made a surprise entry a while later, Madison figured she should head back home. By now Beth would be frantic with worry. She would have taken her morning chocolate to her chamber and assumed Madison was taking breakfast with her parents and would be most upset to discover Madison had left home unchaperoned.

'I say, have you had bad news Rochester?’ a gentleman at the bar asked?

‘Excuse me?’ Chadwick downed his fourth glass of whiskey and slammed the glass on the counter, requesting a refill from the bar tender. His father was rather ill, other than that, he had not received any bad news. Unless you considered an image of a waif with hypnotising chocolate brown eyes and silky strands of brown hair haunting you day and night as bad news.

‘It seems like you’re trying to drink yourself into oblivion,’ the gentleman laughed.

‘I am celebrating old chap,’ Chadwick announced. ‘My horses have just made me a small fortune.’ He was telling the truth, his horses did win him a large sum of money. Though his drinking binge was more him drowning his sorrows that him celebrating.

‘I know just the place where you could spend your money rather pleasurably,’ the man laughed, and the ladies need no lessons,’ he winked.

‘No thank you,’ Chadwick gulped from his glass.

‘What can be of greater pleasure than being wrapped in the arms of a luscious lady who knows how to please a man? Personally I favour the buxom blondes with well rounded bottoms,’ he laughed softly, his eyes trained at a waitress fitting that description, who was serving drinks at another table.

‘Perhaps you are correct,’ Chadwick met the man’s lusty eyes, his own subconscious vehemently disagreeing with the passable merits of the blonde lady. He won’t admit it, but the only colour hair that would appeal to him now would be that of a fiery brunette, and the eyes had to be as dark.

‘I have passed the stage where the only pleasure I derive in life is chasing a woman’s skirts,’ Chadwick stated with a trace of annoyance. ‘I find pitting my skills against the wiles of Arabian thoroughbred horseflesh equally satisfying,’ he smiled wickedly, an agonizing knot twisted in his stomach at the lie he’d just told.

When Madison returned home from her walk in the near death cold weather, her maid had been quite ready to give Madison an earful, but she had to wait in line for Madison’s father was most annoyed at his daughter’s atrocious behaviour. Especially as nobody had known her whereabouts when Rankin’s seamstress had called to take Madison’s measurements and had unravelled a display of morning and evening gowns; fans; shawls; pelisses; bonnets; satin slippers and reticules. Amongst the array of fashionable items for her trousseau were rather revealing negligees; sheer stockings; corsets; stays; shifts; camisoles and silk drawers. Madison had only previously seen such inappropriate designs in a magazine she should not have been looking at, thanks to Sarah.

Madison apologized unreservedly to her father and the seamstress. Lady Rachael watched in astonishment at her daughter’s subdued behaviour. She put it down to pre-wedding nerves. Madison politely accepted everything the seamstress displayed without any interest whatsoever and after an appropriate time, she served the seamstress tea and refreshments, then rushed up to her chamber, throwing herself on her bed and sobbed uncontrobaly.

She did not look up when a gentle hand brushed her hair away from her face and kneaded the knots in her shoulders. Neither did she open her eyes when Beth pressed a soft cloth to her face to wipe away the tears. After sobbing her heart out, Madison drifted into a deep sleep, after staying awake for much of the previous night. She did not go down to lunch. Her parents thought it was because her father had given her a dressing down in front of the seamstress. Beth took a tray up to Madison. She was not at all interested in the nourishment and Beth had to force feed it to her.

Lady Rachael had come to see her just before dinner. Madison was relieved she was not lying when she told her mother she had a headache. Rachael embraced her daughter lovingly and offered her daughter some soothing words of encouragement. She told Madison she did not need to come down to dinner, that Beth would bring her a dinner tray.

She allowed Beth to give her a bath and wash her hair. Beth tried to sing to her and relayed some anecdotes of the amusing arguments between the cook and Buttons, but nothing brought a smile to Madison’s face. Beth brushed Madison’s soft hair until it shone and left it opened as Madison climbed straight back into bed. She instructed Beth to wake her up at seven in the morning. That night Madison thought sleep would evade her again, seeing she had spent almost the entire afternoon in bed, but she instantly fell into a deep sleep. It must have been the refreshing hot bath, the scent of lavender bath salts and rose oils that Beth had added.

Madison stirred and pushed at the heaviness that seemed to be weighing her down. When she felt little pine needles poking at her face she woke up in a fright. Madison opened her mouth to scream, but a strong hand closed tightly over her mouth. Her eyes widened with shock. When she discovered the identity of her assailant, she threw her arms around him.

‘Chadwick,’ she sobbed, kissing his lips, and cheeks and hugging him. ‘Where have you been?’ she cried hysterically. ‘I missed you. I wanted you. I love you.’

‘Hush my love,’ his lips lit a fire down her throat. ‘I am sorry,’ he whispered.

‘Kiss me,’ she demanded, tearing at his clothes. Chadwick, obeyed, taking possession of her lips.

‘Wait---how did you get in?’ she whispered.

‘Some engineering at the window,’ he looked up. Madison followed his eyes. He had removed the entire window frame.

‘Good Lord,’ her hand covered her mouth.

‘Do not worry,’ Chadwick chuckled, ‘I shall have it back in its place in no time.’

‘You must have much experience doing that,’ she accused and felt a stab of jealousy at him ministering his attentions to another woman.

‘I have never broken into another lady’s chamber,’ his eyes met hers sincerely.

‘Then how are you so adept at it?’

‘I will tell you another time, but suffice it to say, it was my way in, when my father locked me out,’ Chadwick grinned devilishly.

‘Let’s not waste any more time then,’ Madison hastily ripped off her night shift and took Chadwick into her arms.

‘Lavender,’ Chadwick groaned softly. ‘I love it,’ his tongue caressed its way to her awaiting breasts. They begged for his unique brand of torture.

When Chadwick had taken her and himself to the pinnacle of pleasure, he drew Madison closely against his chest and cradled her in his arms. He held her tightly and it seemed he had no intention of leaving her tonight. When he regained his breath, Chadwick hoisted her onto his body and caressed her well shaped bottom.

‘What are you doing?’ she smiled shyly. She had never laid on him before. This was new. Madison felt a sense of power, like she was in control.

‘Making love,’ his eyes teased her.

‘It can be done---this way?’ Madison felt her breasts press against his muscular chest. Her bruised nipples pierced into his flesh.

‘Oh, it can be done many ways, my love,’ he moulded her so her intimate parts were pressed against his, fitting together perfectly like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.

‘I like it,’ she confessed.

‘You are a wanton witch Lady Madison,’ he teased.

‘I am.’ She asserted, laughing delightfully.

She sighed contently, when Chadwick took her one more time to that point of no return, giving the both of them that ultimate release they craved more than the fresh air their lungs burned for. Madison kept her arms tightly wrapped around Chadwick. She was not ready to release him.

‘Madison?’

‘Yes?’

‘I love you.’

‘Oh my darling Chadwick, you must know I love you too,’ joy surged through her.

‘Marry me.’

The laughter died inside her. The smile disappeared off her face. Her hands fell to her sides.

‘How---how can I when I am promised to another?’ she stammered.

‘Break it off damn you!’

“‘Break it off?” Can I not be your mistress? I will ask nothing from you,’ she pleaded.

“‘Mistress?’ he spat out. ‘I will not share you with another man,’ he shook her shoulders violently.

‘Stop it,’ she sobbed. The tears ran unchecked down her face. ‘I am sorry. I do not know what to do. Father will disown me,’ her hands cupped Chadwick’s face pleadingly.

‘I am leaving Cricklewoods permanently,’ he vowed, ripping off the sheets. ‘I am never coming back.’

‘No---please,’ Madison gripped his hands. ‘You cannot leave me. I will die without your love.’

‘It is clear,’ his eyes blazed angrily, ‘that you have made your choice,’ he shoved her back onto the bed. ‘I am a one woman man and I never,’ he sliced his finger angrily into the air, ‘share my woman with another man.’

‘Darling please---give me time,’ Madison cried.

‘You have ten seconds,’ he offered, as he slipped his trousers back on.

Ten seconds. I need to tell father; end things with Rankin. Surely he can be reasonable?

‘You cannot have your cake and eat it too. This is good bye Madison.’ Chadwick disappeared out through the window again. She only realized it was fixed again, when Chadwick slammed it shut.

‘Chadwick!’ Madison rushed to the window. ‘Please come back.’ Her nails gritted the wooden sills as she slumped to the carpeted floor, oblivious to the fact that the only covering on her naked body was her mat of curly dark brown hair.

When Madison awoke in the morning, Chadwick’s swift exit from her life brought to nought the precious time she had spent in his endearing arms. Her eyes were red from crying the entire night. Her lips were raw form her biting them unendingly. Dark shadows under her eyes lent an appearance as if she had been physically abused.

Madison held her breath. Her stomach was in knots as she knocked on Rankin Swain, Earl of Craggvale’s front door. When the knocker was not answered, she pounded on the door again. The butler’s eyes widened in surprise to see Lady Madison Sanford at the door, he had been expecting another of the line of creditors that wanted his master’s blood.

‘Lady Madison,’ the butler exclaimed, apprehensively not inviting her in.

‘I wish to see the earl,’ she raised her chin determinedly.

‘I am afraid, now is not a good time. The earl is still in bed.’

What the butler could not reveal was that Rankin was still in bed cavorting with an unsavoury harlot he’d brought home the previous night.

‘Get him out of bed,’ Madison demanded. ‘I am not leaving until I see him,’ she brushed past the butler and pretended to climb the stairs.

‘Very well my lady,’ the butler rushed to block her way, ‘perhaps you may wish to wait in the drawing room,’ he conceded.

Madison declined the offer of tea. She sat in the dark, sombre looking room, on the faded chintz settee, crossed her legs, unfolded them, crossed them again, then stood up. She paced the room impatiently whilst she waited for Rankin.

‘My dear,’ Rankin smiled cheerfully as he waltzed in, in a morning gown. ‘Good morning. What brings you out at this god forsaken hour?’ Madison looked away uncomfortably seeing him dressed in clothing inappropriate to receive visitors. Perhaps he assumed propriety was wasted as she was his betrothed. Or was it his show of arrogance as she had arrived uninvited and without notice?

‘But as always,’ Rankin turned on the charm, ‘it is always a pleasure to see you my lovely,’ his fingers curled around her bare arms. Her shawl was on the settee. Madison lowered her head.

‘I apologize for the untimely visit,’ she mumbled.

‘Let us be seated,’ he guided her back to the settee. He hoped to get rid of Madison quickly so he could go back to the voluptuous naked blonde upstairs in his chamber. Just thinking of her ample assets was stirring his loins again.

‘You may sit by all means,’ she pulled away from him. ‘I ---am fine.’

Rankin laughed nervously. ‘I cannot be seated whilst you stand my lady. Now I insist you take a seat.’

‘No. I ---do not wish to marry you any longer,’ she blurted.

The blood in Rankin’s veins went cold. His eyes glared at her murderously. His hand clenched into fists at his side. Madison watched the ominous transformation on Rankin’s face. Fear engulfed her. Her eyes widened considerably.

‘What! Rankin thundered, marching towards her threateningly. ‘You are insane. I will not allow it,’ his face contorted into a vicious scowl. Madison instinctively stepped back.

‘I will speak to father---I will ask him to pay you half my dowry as compensation.’

“‘Half?’” He barked like a wounded animal, fighting for his life. Perhaps in a way Rankin was. He had already received death threats.

‘Do you know the line of creditors waiting to pounce on me? ‘I have handed promissory notes to them,’ he darted a chilling glance at her.

Madison hated that her dowry was promised to his creditors for his frivolous expenditure. Her dowry should have been for expenses after they married. How harsh and unkind these archaic protocols were of a man taking control of his wife’s dowry to be used at his leisure. Luckily she was not an heiress with an extremely large dowry not that Rankin would not have gotten quite a substantial purse, with Madison being the only child of Baron Stanton Sanford.

‘It is hardly my problem now is it?’ Madison fired a piercing look back at Rankin.

‘You stupid chit,’ his hands gripped her wrists bruising her with his sheer force. ‘Do you know I can destroy you?’ a glazed look filled his eyes, they became white with anger.

She knew he could destroy her reputation. She could be socially ruined in the ton. She and her family could be financially and legally destroyed, should he charge her for breach of promise.

‘I have offered you half my dowry,’ Madison struggled, trying to wrestle free from his vice grip.

‘Who is he, you slut?’ Rankin shoved her against the hard surface of the cold wall. She winced as her shoulder scraped against it.

‘You’re in love with him, are you not?’ he spat. ‘I should have guessed earlier at your resistance to bring the nuptials forward. ‘I will ruin you, you slut?’ Rankin’s back hand sliced across Madison’s cheek.

Madison gasped. She felt the foul taste of blood as it dripped from her upper lip into her mouth. So Beth was right.

Thank God I am not marrying him.

Madison’s eyes narrowed. They were filled with disgust. He was not worthy of belonging to polite society. Defiantly she raised her chin.

‘I find it ironical my lord,’ her hazel eyes were so fiery they looked ablaze, ‘that you expect the one you are betrothed to, to be a pattern card of virtue, yet you think it a rite of passage to force yourself on the maid servants in your employ.’

Rankin went still. His hands fell off her as if he had been burned by red hot coals. His eyes became wild with rage.

‘Has Dora been telling you lies? It is lies, all lies. She is lying,’ he raged like a raving lunatic.

‘"Dora?"’ Madison exclaimed in confusion.

Rankin blinked, realizing his error. He quickly improvised. He took a step towards her, schooling his face into an expression of one as gentle as a lamb.

‘My dearest Madison,’ he took hold of her hands. ‘We can work things out. We shall marry,’ his palms caressed her cheeks. ‘I will allow you to see your lover. I ask that you be discreet,’ he pulled her into the circle of his arms. ‘You will become my countess,’ his head lowered to claim her lips.

His countess. If I marry him, I will become Countess Swain.

A discreet cough brought Madison to her senses. She jumped, shifting away from Rankin.

‘What is it?’ Rankin barked at his butler. ‘Can you not see we are busy?’

‘My lord, Lady Madison’s groom would like a word with his mistress.’

Sweet Buttons.

Madison had told him to break the door down, if she did not come out within fifteen minutes. Bless his soul.

‘Tell him to wait,’ Rankin growled furiously.

‘He is quite adamant, as the lady is unchaperoned.’ The butler directed a look at Madison as if questioning her irresponsibility in visiting a gentleman unchaperoned. She hung her head.

‘I should leave,’ Madison murmured.

‘We are not finished with our discussion,’ Rankin attempted to block her exit.

‘On the contrary my lord, we are finished,’ she removed Rankin’s ring from her finger and placed it in his hand. ‘My father’s attorney will contact you.’

Madison could have sworn she saw a look of relief in the butler’s eyes. If she was in doubt, his parting words convinced her.

‘My lady, I wish you happiness in the future. You have made the right decision,’ he bowed.

‘Why do you continue to work here?’ Madison asked.

‘Times are tough my lady. Jobs are not easy. Nobody will hire a limping, aging man like myself,’ he lifted his head proudly.

‘I wish I could do something for you,’ she reached out and touched his arm.