Madison sat at the window sill and stared at the soft rain falling. From her upstairs window she could see the ocean. Like the dull grey sky above, the ocean was a frothy dirty grey. Angry waves were rushing to the shore. She could hear the breakers crashing against the rocks, bringing with it sea weed and taking back vast amounts of sand into the ocean. She could smell toast and coffee and breakfast being prepared. Last night she had dragged herself downstairs to have supper with Granny Jean. She ate a little just to please Granny Jean, but she did enjoy the lovey sherry afterwards. Madison had made sure to help herself to another large glass, hoping to help her sleep and surprisingly, she had managed to get some sleep.

‘Ah my lady you have woken up,’ Beth smiled. ‘Good morning.’

‘Morning Beth,’ Madison smiled. ‘I have taken a bath already.’

‘I came to help you with your bath,’ Beth announced. ‘But never mind, you can take breakfast with your grandmother.’

Beth took the hair brush and brushed down her mistress’s hair. She wished she could see just a tiny sparkle in Lady Madison’s eyes that seemed to permanently looked haunted these days. Beth prayed the baroness would not make a surprise visit to Bath. Lady Madison was looking frail. Her clothes were hanging on her body. She did not bother to put on her beautiful gowns. Every morning, she just pulled on the first garment from the closet. Beth knew there was only one gentleman who could heal her mistress, for it was truly her heart that needed mending, but how could that gentleman attempt to heal her when they were in Bath and he was miles away in Cricklewoods. What Beth did not know was the gentleman in question was miles away from Cricklewoods and just as miserable as Madison.

‘I feel like pancakes today Beth,’ Madison interrupted her thoughts.

‘That is a splendid idea,’ Beth was pleased her mistress was desiring to eat something. ‘I shall have the kitchen prepare it for you.’

‘Why do we not ride into the town this afternoon, my lady? Perhaps you will find some new ribbons or a spencer. It is becoming cold.’

Madison was in no mood to ride anywhere or be around anybody. If she wanted to socialize she would have stayed in Cricklewoods. She did write a letter to Sarah. Perhaps Beth could arrange for the weekly delivery coach to have it delivered to Cricklewoods.

‘I do not fancy going out in this weather Beth, although I do have a letter for my cousin Sarah.’

‘I shall see to it my lady. I am certain Lady Sarah is anxious for another letter from you.’ Madison did send off one letter last week.

‘How about we go downstairs for some of those pancakes?’

Beth knew the kitchen staff would be delighted to make any meal to please the polite and gracious young guest of Jean Famworth whom they thought looked rather beautiful.

The following morning, Madison was pleasantly surprised to see clear skies, a blazing sun and all trace of the rain completely gone, having washed away the dust and the dryness. The air looked and smelled fresh. Madison washed and joined Granny Jean for a cup of tea.

‘It is too lovely a day to be indoors,’ Madison smiled at Granny Jean. ‘I shall take a walk to the beach.’

‘I knew you would when I saw the sun come out,’ Granny Jean smiled. ‘Perhaps you will start having some meals again child. Your father is hardly going to recognize you if you continue starving.’

‘I am not starving. I do eat,’ Madison hid her eyes from Granny Jean. ‘I shall be off then,’ Madison escaped. She feared one of these days the old timer would want an explanation. She had been patient long enough with her. In truth Madison was feeling guilty as well. She felt she owed her grandmother some kind of explanation, but how could she explain her broken and tattered heart away.

Madison sat on the bank of warm sand. Far enough away from the water, she removed her sandals and watched the seagulls circling above her looking for their morning feed. The sea was calm, gentle waves were breaking far from where she sat. She lifted her legs up to her chest. Her long skirt covered her down to her ankles. Resting her chin on her knees, she circled her legs with her arms.

‘You should not sit under the harsh sun, without a bonnet.’

Madison’s head swung around, with lightening speed she was on her feet.

‘Chadwick---Your Grace, what are you doing here? How did you know to find me here?’

Something inside her came alive, as if somebody switched on a light inside her. She wanted to hold him, to touch him to make sure he was real. She could not believe she had been aching to see him and here he was now, looking arresting in his well cut tailored riding jacket, smart well polished hessians and superbly cut riding trousers that did nothing to hide his well toned muscular legs.

Chadwick had forgotten how beautiful she was. Had he really? She had been haunting him day and night. Her beauty, her body, her smile, her soft laugh. He held his breath now. She looked gaunt, having lost so much of weight. He guessed he was totally to blame, having dejected her so coldly. What kind of a cad had he been to lash out at her, the way he had? It did not mean because she had been honest enough to tell him what she had wanted from a husband that he had any right to judge her. After all she had been the honest one. He had been the rogue that took her innocence and threw her out like rubbish. And how had she retaliated? She had run as far south as she could to privately lick her wounds.

‘Jean Famworth told me I would find you here,’ he eventually answered.

‘You met Granny Jean?’

It was Madison’s turn to stare at him. She was shocked, speechless, actually. He seemed to have aged. The laughter lines around his eyes were prominent. His eyes themselves were cold and unfriendly. No surprise there, she supposed his hatred was justified. He looked thinner. Shame, he must be taking his father’s death quite badly. What on earth was he doing in Bath? Perhaps the duke had official business there.

Yes he had met Jean Famworth. She was a feisty old lady all right, refusing to even concede she knew Lady Madison Stanton. Giving him the third degree before even acknowledging, she knew Madison. Not even the abundant gifts of perfume; dried fruit; wine and spices Chadwick had brought had been able to melt the old tinkers’ heart. It was only when Chadwick had threatened to tear down her entire cottage, did the battleaxe relent and inform him where to find Madison. However Granny Jean’s passing words had warmed Chadwick’s heart, when she had commented:

“I had wondered about the man who had broken my granddaughter’s heart. She could only have fallen for a cheeky bugger like you.”

Could she still love me?

‘Jean Famworth said I should bring you out of the sun for you have not even taken breakfast yet.’

Madison looked away. She could not eat a morsel of food, especially with him around. Why was he here in Bath?

‘How did you know I was in Bath?’ she enquired, unable to curb her curiosity.

‘Buttons. Though reluctant, capitulated under duress I might add,’ he spoke solemnly.

Madison let her breath out slowly. She had warned Buttons not to reveal her location under any circumstances, especially not to Rankin Swain. She had never for one second suspected that Chadwick may interrogate Buttons. Madison was convinced; he buckled only under the slightest of pressure. He did have a soft spot for his mistress.

‘Shall we?’ Chadwick extended his arm. She seemed reluctant and hesitated, not taking his arm.

‘I am tired Lady Madison. I have driven all night.’

‘Sorry,’ she placed her hand rather lightly on his arm, silently falling into step with him. He looked refreshed, like he’d had a good night’s rest. She tried to ignore that familiar scent of his body and his sensuous cologne. She shut her eyes when it was not working, then the heat of his body so close to her, reminded her of the nights she lay totally naked in his arms. It was stirring her desire for him. Madison jerked her hand off his arm. His head swung to her side. His eyes narrowed, yet he remained silent as he opened the gate for her to precede him. Madison was not sure if she should introduce him or how he would wish to be introduced.

‘Ah, you have found her Your Grace,’ Jean Famworth leaned on her stick and smiled charmingly at Chadwick.

Okay, so much for introductions.

Chadwick was surprised at the about turn warm reception he got from the Battleaxe. Perhaps she was being polite for her granddaughter’s sake.

‘I believe you offered to feed me some breakfast, if I found your granddaughter.’ Chadwick turned on the charm. He offered his arm to Jean Famworth.

‘Yes,’ Cook has whipped up a feast good for a king,’ Granny Jean smiled brightly at Chadwick as she eagerly accepted his arm.

Traitor! Madison followed a few steps behind them, rather reluctantly.

Chadwick fell over himself attending to Granny Jean. He held out the chair for her, enquired if she was comfortable. He placed her walking stick close by, incase she had need for it.

Madison swallowed self consciously. She pulled out a chair and sat down. She listened with envy as Chadwick charmed Granny Jean, telling her how young she looked, that she had the most refreshing smile. Madison cringed and felt her heart twists in knots as Granny Jean laughed flirtatiously.

‘Is the bacon and eggs not to your liking dear? Granny Jean asked, as Madison fiddled with her cutlery. ‘Perhaps try the chicken livers and onions.’

‘It is fine thank you,’ Madison lowered her head and forced the food through her lips. It felt coarse like stone as she swallowed every mouthful. Madison ate quietly and listened attentively to his captivating voice as Chadwick told Jean Famworth some amusing anecdotes as they indulged in breakfast. Jean gave him her undivided attention, laughing even at the naughty jokes Chadwick was telling her. Chadwick stood up after breakfast.

‘Mrs. Famworth, I wish to have a discussion with Lady Madison, if I may.’

Oh you suddenly realize I am here!

Chadwick wondered if the Battleaxe would insist on being present to observe protocol or would she delegate Beth to do the Guard Duty.

‘You may use my library Your Grace. My presence in the house should count as adequate propriety I think,’ she winked at Chadwick.

Why the Battleaxe is a romantic at heart, I’ll be damned!

‘Lady Madison,’ Chadwick held her chair. She lifted her head up to him, having no choice, she slowly rose.

‘My granddaughter will guide you to the library,’ Jean dismissed the two.

Madison walked self consciously to Granny Jean’s library. She opened the door and walked in. She knew he was very close behind her, she felt the heat off his body, and his scent overwhelming her as Chadwick closed the door. What happened next took Madison completely by surprise. She was pulled roughly into Chadwick’s arms. His head lowered, his mouth descended over hers. Madison gasped and as she did, his tongue pushed into her mouth. Was she really in his arms? Was Chadwick here in Bath and actually kissing her? Those beautiful, sturdy arms of his, those delightful, erotic lips---Madison’s hands lifted and touched his shoulders. She kissed him back, hungry, starved, in need of him, like healing balm.

Wait! He did not want her anymore or did he? Madison tore her lips away. She stepped back.

‘What are you doing?’

‘Kissing you. I needed to make sure you still want to marry me.’

‘M---marry you?’

‘Yes. I have applied for a licence,’ he told her matter of fact. ‘Just so you know, you will be Mrs. Rochester, not Duchess so and so, and do not expect a ducal castle. We shall be living in a simple cottage much smaller than this,’ he looked around the room critically.

‘You will marry me?’ Tears pooled in her eyes. A smile broke out on her face, her eyes lit up.

Did she hear a word I said? She will not be a duchess. She shall not have a fancy home.

‘My father left me a lot of debt,’ Chadwick stated. ‘I have spent almost my last penny squaring his creditors and saving his reputation,’ his voice was angry. ‘You will have to be frugal,’ Chadwick instructed. ‘You may have Beth as your chamber maid. You shall have to do the cooking yourself.’

‘You want to marry me?’ Her arms draped around his neck.

He got the very first smile from her today. Chadwick groaned and jerked her body against his. His mouth plundered hers. He moulded her roughly against his engorged erection. The chit still had total power over his body damn her. He pushed her away angrily.

‘Pack your things. We are leaving in an hour.’

‘Excuse me!’

‘What don’t you understand? I have already had an audience with your father. I have asked his permission and he has consented. I have alerted the vicar in Cricklewoods. We will be married in three days time.’

‘Three days! But it will take us about that time to get there.’

‘That is why we need to leave right away.’

‘But I have not ---planned---.’

‘All that is needed is a willing bride, a willing groom, rings, a witness and the vicar. We have more than one witness. Your cousin Sarah and her entire family will be there and Jean Famworth will be travelling back with us.’

‘Granny Jean knows?’

‘I told her before I came to meet you at the beach.’

Why the scheming, devious---she made me think she was flirting with ---him.

‘Is there a problem my lady?'

‘No ---Your Grace.’

‘You will call me Chadwick.’

‘Yes, Your---Chadwick.’

‘Do you still wish to marry me?’

He felt like the worst scum on earth for the ruthless way he spoke to her. Worse, he had not been decent enough to formally make her an offer. She had not made mention of a wedding dress. At least her mother was having that designed in her absence. He silently said a prayer that the dress would fit her near anorexic figure.

‘Yes, yes I do,’ Madison curved her arms around his body and hugged him

-end chapter twenty