CHAPTER 11

'Will you not be going out this evening sir?' His master never stayed home on a Saturday evening. Tonight he was in his library, with his feet up, cradling a decanter of brandy against his chest.

'Do you have a problem with that Nester?'

'No sir, none at all. We have filled the bath with hot water, and your evening clothes are laid out in your chamber.'

'Be gone with you Nester. Do you think you are my mother, reminding me when to take a bath?' Not that he had paid much attention to his mother's instructions as he grew up. Chadwick Rochester had insisted on exercising his own free will from the very second he had exited his mother's womb. Even that he had manipulated, arriving three weeks ahead of schedule.

'Very well sir.' The butler's frown was lost on his master as he departed the library. Nester knew better than to antagonise his master when he was in a foul mood as was evident this night. What was wrong with Mr. Rochester? In the last month he has really been in a dark mood.

Chadwick lifted the neck of the half empty decanter towards his mouth. He seemed to change his mind about having another swig. He tried chasing the demons that were torturing his mind, demons of an tempting brunette, with expressive hazel eyes and inviting sweet rosy red lips. Scowling, he lowered the decanter again.

He had to get out. He could go to Whites, play a few games. Lose a lot of money. He smiled to himself. He could afford to lose some money. He was a wealthy man. He stood up, slamming the open decanter on his table, splashing some of its contents in the process.

'Nester!'

'Yes sir?'

'Hurry up with that bath then? Have my coach brought to the front door,' he commanded.

'Shall I have dinner ready for you?'

'I shall eat at Whites.'

'Very good sir. The butler called for a valet to undress Mr. Rochester and assist him with his bath. A second valet helped him dress. His well polished hessians were placed before him. The valet assisted him with his shirt and waistcoat. Chadwick insisted on tying his cravat himself. With his long tailcoat, complementing his fashionable evening shirt and silk stockings he looked rather dash and debonair tonight.

He contemplated his evening ahead as he hopped onto his carriage. He refused the services of his footmen tonight. He would drive his own coach. Perhaps after he lost a bit of money, he could console himself in the arms of an obliging courtesan. He was no saint, but he was a man with a very healthy appetite. Best he pay for his pleasure than deflower maidens, or become entangled with any that would expect him to walk them down the aisle. He had no desire to tie himself to one woman for any length of time. Neither would he ever marry; hell no! Marriage was for men who preferred eating meat and potatoes every single day of their boring, uneventful lives.

Ironically with all his skewed self-righteous philosophy, he could not rein in his wayward thoughts torturing him with an indelible image of a sultry brunette with eyes dark and delicious like chocolate. He remembered her luscious lips tasted even more delectable than any chocolate he had ever tasted. Chadwick lashed his whip into the air, hurrying his thoroughbreds along. Instantly they sprung to action. He smiled wickedly wishing a certain female of the human species could obey him so obediently. He frowned angrily wondering where the annoying chit was. He had purposefully accepted many of the invitations received in the last day or so, in the hope of catching at a soiree or a ball but she was not in attendance anywhere.

       Rankin clasped Madison's hands between his. 'Let me take Baron Sanford into my library to declare my intention.'

Madison nodded, 'I shall be with my mama.' Rankin offered his arm to Madison and walked purposefully back into the ballroom. He found the Sanfords engaged in conversation with one of the dreaded dowagers of the Rankin was certain the baron would apreciate being rescued.

'Baron Sanford,' Rankin tugged at his cuffs nervously. 'I have an excellent bottle of brandy from the continent. Perhaps you care to join me in the library to sample it.'

Stanton looked at his wife. She nodded with a smile. 'It will be my pleasure Earl Swain.' Rankin strode ahead leading the way to his library. He cleared his throat, opened his drinks cabinet and removed his imported bottle of rather expensive brandy. Stanton observed the old teakwood furniture. It was well polished. The scent of lavender and beeswax was feint in the air. The weathered cushioned sofas were faded. One was fraying at the seam. The well worn burgundy carpet had seen better days.

'There you go,' Rankin poured Stanton a single portion of the rich amber liquid, as they still had to take supper.

'It certainly is a fine brandy,' Stanton smiled. He breathed the aroma, and sipped on it, savouring the taste of the potent drink.

'Baron Stanton, there is a matter I wish to discuss with you,' Rankin pointed to the ancient uncomfortable looking sofas.

'Certainly,' Stanton reluctantly lowered himself on one of the decrepit sofas.

Rankin took a deep breath, 'Baron Stanton, I wish to declare for Lady Madison. My family name is long established in the I shall be honoured if you would consent to my betrothal to your most charming daughter.'

Stanton took a moment to digest the offer. Whilst Rankin lacked finances, he had a considerable estate, the family seat here in Craggvale and a cottage in London. His rather extravagant dowry to his daughter would set Madison up for the rest of her life. Granted Rankin will hold the purse of Madison's dowry, but his daughter would be well provided for.

'Yes I agree to your offer Earl Swain,' Stanton stood up and sealed it with a handshake, 'however the final decision rests with my daughter. If she accepts your offer, then you may have her hand in marriage.'

'Good, very good,' Rankin laughed nervously. 'I have taken the liberty and offered to Lady Madison, and I am to inform you, that delightful Lady Madison has accepted.

'Then it calls for a celebration,' Stanton smiled.

'Shall I call the ladies in?' Rankin smiled. Stanton nodded. As he cast another critical look around the library, he knew Rankin was marrying his daughter for her dowry, he hoped his daughter would be happy and well taken care of.

'Mama, shall we walk into the garden. It is a lovely night. Rachael smiled. Her daughter had something on her mind, she obviously wanted to talk. At ease they followed the meandering path that wound its way between the colourful rose bushes. Water cascaded from a nearby fountain into the lily pond. The full moon was out and the evening was still warm. When they were out of earshot of the other guests, Madison burst out, 'mama, Earl Rankin has offered for me.'

'Already!' her mother was surprised. 'I did not realize he would declare so quickly.'

'You knew he would?' Madison laughed, forcing herself to look happy. 'He is seeking papa's approval, as we speak.'

Rachael nodded. 'Are you happy darling? If are then your father and I will be happy for you as well.'

'Yes mama, I am happy to wed Earl Rankin,' Madison avoided looking at her mother. 'I am making the right choice. I am sure of it.' Rankin is an upstanding gentleman of the it would be a convenient marriage. Madison sensed she was trying to convince herself more than she was her mother. Rachael was an astute woman and instinctively as a mother, perhaps she perceived her daughter may have been too hasty. 'Then you have our blessings child. Let's join your papa,' Rachael led her daughter back inside.