‘My dear child, what ails you?’ Father Timothy enquired, finding Sybrina with her head on her arm, sitting at his desk.

‘Oh Father, I’m to wed the Earl of Cavendish.’

‘Oh my child that is wonderful. Congratulations.’

He approves of that Rake!

‘What?’ Sybrina exclaimed with surprise.

‘He’s a fine young lad. He will keep you well Sybrina.’

‘I don’t want to marry him. The Marquis__.’

‘For once I agree with your parent Sybrina. You could not ask for a better husband.’

Oh, you think my father brought the Earl here and the Earl made a respectable offer!

‘I don’t want a husband Father. I’d much rather stay here with you and Mother Agnes.’

‘Hush child. You are but a young lass. This is not the life for a Lady. You were not born for this my child. Lord Cavendish is one of the good ones. He is respectable and an honourable gentleman. He treats all people with respect. Not many of them Lords treat their staff kindly, more like slaves, but not him. Trust me child, don’t throw him aside. I have prayed that a respectable gentleman will make an offer for you. The good Lord God above has heard and answered. I know it child, be happy.'

How can I marry a man who does not love me? I will need to give him an heir. How can I lay with him when he does not love me?

‘Thank you for your prayers Father,’ Sybrina summoned an appreciative smile.

‘I came to fetch you dear one. Agnes said to tell you most of the stalls have sold out. We have made us enough money to fix this place right and bless all the children with new clothes and a special treat for each one of them.’

‘Oh Father, that makes me so happy. Let me run out to Mother Agnes.'

Early the following morning Sybrina received a note, delivered by one of the Earl’s grooms. He was not asking, nor inviting, but the note informed, he was picking her up at eight past the hour of midday, and that she was to put on something fancy. As if that was not enough to get her in a real foul mood, a second groom from Cavendish Castle arrived with a note that the Countess was coming to tea at ten.

Had the earl informed his mother of our impending marriage? I bet I’m going to get a sermon about my comments of having no desire to wed her charming son!

‘Mother Agnes, it is a pleasure to see you again,’ the Countess greeted with that smile that never quite reached her eyes.

‘Countess it so good of you to visit,’ Mother Agnes curtsied politely.

‘Alexander was telling me about the good job the workmen have done. I came to see,’ she beamed, finally deciding to acknowledge Sybrina’s presence.

‘Lady Carisbrooke, I believe?’ she questioned, turning her lips into an almost snarl.

Just how much does she know?

‘Countess,’ Sybrina acknowledged.

‘Lady Carisbrooke do you think we could take tea, if Mother Agnes is busy?’

What she meant was, she would like to engage in a frank discussion with me and Mother Agnes was not needed as a witness.

‘I do need to go to the market Sybrina. I will ask Harriet to serve tea,’ Mother Agnes read between the Countess’s lines.

‘Thank you Mother. Countess we may use the sun parlour,’ Sybrina led the way.

‘So you had no intention of marrying my son?’ she hardly waited to be seated, before she began her scathing attack.

Just how much did her doting son tell her?

‘Countess, Lord Cavendish and my father decided on the marriage.’

‘So it’s true. That was what my Alexandra has told me. Why did you not inform us you were a Lady of the Peerage? For crying out loud, I accused you of wanting to gain a title, when you are already a Lady of a higher rank!’

‘Countess know this, I do not enter into the marriage willingly. I am merely __’

Avoiding a duel that is going to result in my father’s death.

‘May I ask why you live in this death trap in abject poverty and dress like a commoner?’ The Countess swept a look of disgust around the room.

‘I do not wish to discuss with you why I live here Countess, and the Darcy’s do their best to make the lives as comfortable as they can, for the children who live here.’

‘It doesn’t take you long to start spitting fire does it Lady Carisbrooke? Know this my lady,’ the Countess spat, ‘you may become the Countess Cavendish when you wed my Alexander, but in name only. I run Cavendish Castle.’

‘Are you sure you do not want to be wed to your son?’ Sybrina hissed angrily.

‘Dear Lord!’ the Countess hastily stood up. ‘I have told Alexandra he makes a mistake offering for you. You are a lady by birth, but you have the manners and social grace of the commoners you live with,’ she slammed her cup onto the table and bustled out. ‘Good day Lady Carisbrooke.’

‘I shall see you at the Castle my lady,’ Sybrina smiled innocently before the Countess could scurry away.

The Earl held his breath as Sybrina walked the short distance towards his phaeton. She looked breathtakingly beautiful in a peacock blue cotton dress. Her mantle of golden locks was loose under a fashionable hat. A net gauze extending from the elegant hat fell over her face. Her dress clung to her shapely body accentuating her well rounded breasts, slim waistline and shapely hips. He could not see her slender legs, but the dress emphasized the shape with every graceful step she took towards his phaeton. He smiled to himself, grateful that he’d had the good sense to instruct his groom to collect and escort her inside his carriage. He was sure, he’d not be able to keep his hands off her. He was not sure if he was pleased that Harriet the chaperone towed behind Sybrina, perhaps it was a blessing in disguise, for he definitely had an uncontrollable urge to ravish the beautiful Lady Carisbrooke.

Sybrina tried to hide her hurt and disappointment that the Earl did not even see fit to personally knock on the door, and escort her into his phaeton. He was obviously still incensed at his hand being forced to make an offer, when he was not ready to be tied down. Sybrina determined she would not give him the satisfaction of knowing he’d hurt her feelings. Squaring her shoulders and raising her chin up, she greeted him cheerfully.

‘Good morning my lord. Is it not a beautiful day to be out in the open?’

If Alexander was taken aback at her cheerful and merry greeting, he quickly masked his surprise.

‘My lady,’ he smiled, briefly lifting her wrist to his lips, and dropping it just as quickly. ‘May I say you look delightful this day,’ his mocking eyes could not resist.

‘Thank you my lord,’ she smiled acidly, ‘I dare say you look as handsome as if it were your wedding day today,’ she needled effortlessly, noting his smart up town attire.

If Sybrina was looking for the quickest way to wipe the stupid grin off his face, she accomplished it with panache, as a scowl instantly covered his face.

‘Harriet good day,’ the Earl politely greeted. ‘Was your art festival successful?’

‘Yes my lord. T'was most. Made a lot of money we did,’ she replied cheerfully.

‘Yes it was certainly an eventful and most memorable day, I concur. Wouldn’t you agree Lady Carisbrooke?’ the Earl’s eyes locked with Sybrina.

Sybrina’s cheeks turned crimson. Obviously he was referring to the both of them ignoring propriety and being compromisingly caught by her father. It could not have been any more embarrassing than for one’s father to find you in the arms of the ton’s most notorious rake, and for your arms to be pleasurably entwined around that rake’s body as were hers.

‘I am sure I will not easily forget it for the rest of my days,’ Sybrina threw at him sweetly.

‘My lord I would likes to wish you and Lady Carisbrooke good wishes when yous marry,’ Harriet offered.

Father Timothy had gathered everybody after breakfast that morning and pronounced the good news. He’d also taken the opportunity to reveal Sybrina’s true identity. There had been gasps of surprise that a gentle lady dwelt among them and that one so young was so humble, hard working and knowledgeable about so many different subjects.

Mother Agnes had also used the opportunity to impart to everybody that Sybrina was to be addressed by her rightful title. Sybrina had tried to protest and waive the protocol, but Father Timothy had supported Mother Agnes, so she’d relented, not wanting to seem disresptful.

‘Thank you Harriet,’ the Earl grasped Sybrina’s hand and brought it to his lips.

She had been caught so unaware she froze, yet instantly when his lips touched her wrist, if felt like flames of fire ravishing her. She shuddered involuntarily, wanting to pull her hand away, but he would not relent. Sybrina did not want him to see how his touch unnerved her. She did not want him to see the effect his mere touch had on her. Off its own accord her fingers opened and curled around his, wanting more contact with him, desiring to feel flesh upon flesh.

‘We’re looking forward to the delights married life has to offer, are we not, my lady?’ His mouth pressed into the inside of her palm, running riot with her self control. She wanted to shut her eyes. She wanted to pull him to her so there was no separation between their bodies. Her fingers ached to run through his unruly hair.

He’s talking about d__delights. About what happens in the bedroom? Bloody rake and his warped mind!

‘Oh yes my lord,’ Sybrina’s eyes glinted with mischief, ‘I can’t wait for us to have exciting masked balls, and lavish dinners, and attend musicals. I haven’t been to New Bond Street in many months. I am sure there is a lot of the fashion I need to catch up with. I can’t wait, indeed my lord.’

‘Indeed,’ he grinned, seeing through her lies. ‘I can hardly contain myself, in anticipation to see my bride draped in the continents’ latest fashions.’

And what you’re not saying is all you’re looking forward to is removing my clothes to satisfy your carnal needs.

Alarm flitted across her eyes. Panic swept over her. He was going to have his way with her from the day they married. He would not be giving her any time to adjust to being married, or being his wife. She tried not to look at him, so he could not see her nervous fear, but it was palpable enough that he felt it unmistakably.

‘I can’t wait either my lady. I know it’s a pleasure I’m most looking forward to,’ his eyes duelled with hers again.

Stop it. Just stop this nonsensical talk!

‘Would we be living in your London estate my lord? I so love it there,’ she lied. ‘I’m looking forward to trips to Hyde Park, Berkley Square, the lending library and tea parties with the other gentle ladies.’

‘But you told me you don’t like London Syb__ I mean Lady Carisbrooke,’ Harriet countered. ‘You also said you can’t stand those gossiping, empty headed society ladies.’

Drat! Drat! And Drat!

There were times when Sybrina wished she was a sorcerer with vanquishing powers, now she very much wished she could have vanquished Harriet before she opened her mouth. She anxiously stole a look at the Earl, his one brow arched high up, challenging her to respond.

‘Seeing I’ve captured the heart of the most eligible lord in the ton, who is also extremely wealthy Harriet, I dare say I’ll feel right at home in Berkley Square or any Ladies’ Parlour as the Countess Cavendish,’ Sybrina smiled devilishly at the Earl.

‘Then we shall live in London my sweet lady,’ the Earl offered. ‘Your wish is my command. I shall not have you bored to tears in the country, if you have no desire for it.

No, I hate the city. I want to live in the country.

Sybrina stared out the window of the phaeton. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon, with a clear blue sky, pity about the company she had to endure. She had yet to know where they were travelling to. He had not thought it important enough to inform her. She would not take the trouble to ask him.

So they were going to live in London, or well at least then she would not have to put up with the over bearing Dowager Countess Cavendish. What would being married to him be like? Nervously, Sybrina looked his way, only to find he was openly gazing at her. She quickly looked away.

The Earl was certainly well respected by the community. Father Tim spoke proudly of him. Claudia and Ralph had a high regard for him. It was a good thing she’d sent a message to Claudia early this morning, requesting to visit her for noon tea the next day. What was Claudia going to say about her sudden betrothal to the man she’d avowed not to have an interest in?

‘Are you not curious as to where we are travelling to my lady?'

‘It matters not my lord,’ Sybrina answered serenely, ‘the pleasure of your company far outweighs wherever the destination is.’

Even if it kills you, my dear lady Carisbrooke, you’re determined to put on a brave and happy face today aren’t you?

The Earl smiled inwardly. He admired her strong resolve. He surprised himself by thinking that he was going to enjoy being married to Lady Carisbrooke. He never knew what was next going to come out of her delectable mouth.

She will be a suitable countess and represent Cavendish well. She had every attribute he would have desired if he’d made a list of qualities a prospective wife should have.

‘We’re attending a soirée at the Duke and Duchess of York,’ the Earl threw conversationally.

Sybrina’s head swung sharply to the Earl’s. She’d forgotten her resolve to remain indifferent. No wonder he’d instructed her to dress smartly.

We’re going to your lover, the Duchess Miranda.?

She very slowly exhaled, making a valiant effort not to let him see just how uncomfortable she was about going with her fiancé to his lover’s soirée.

Why the hell did he have to drag me there?

Why could he not have gone alone? Does he want to parade her in front of my face, just to let me know he will still have his lovers even if he was forced into a marriage? Sybrina avoided looking at the Earl, she continued to stare out the window. He was obviously eager to see his lover again judging by the sudden enthusiastic gleam in his eyes. Sybrina braced herself for her meeting with the Duchess, who knew Sybrina’s true identity.

She had skilfully escaped to get a drink, at the Duchess’s ball, before the Duchess almost made the formal introduction between them.

‘Darling how wonderful of you to accept,’ the duchess snaked her arm around the Earl’s. ‘Reginald insisted you’re not in favour of soirées,’ she turned her slender body to give the duke an, “i told you he’d come look”.

The duke and duchess had come outside to greet them. She looked gorgeous in a stunning dark orange evening gown, displaying her shapely form to perfection. Sybrina for some reason felt green with envy when she noted the way the Earl smiled so adoringly at the duchess.

‘Lady Carisbrooke welcome,’ the duke smiled.

‘Your Grace, ’ Sybrina curtsied.

‘Sybrina, you’re looking elegant as ever,’ the duchess pointed her nose down accusingly.

‘Thank you Your Grace.’

Sybrina refused to pamper the duchess with compliments like she always did every time they met. Not when she clung so possessively to her fiancé‘s arm.

‘Darling you have to attend the races this Saturday. Wait till you see this adorable chestnut, Reginald has acquired,’ the Duchess subtly moved indoors with the Earl.

‘Shall we?’ The Duke offered his arm to Sybrina.

‘Thank you Your Grace,’ Sybrina accepted, but kept her ear attuned to the Duchess and the Earl.

If she thought she’d hear any interesting titbits, she was out of luck. The Duchess spoke softly and laughed provocatively

The Earl responded equally softly. She felt anger build up inside her at the Earl’s blatant flirting with the Duchess right under her eye.

‘It’s a beautiful, warm evening. You enjoyed the trip here Lady Carisbrooke,’ the Duke spoke conversationally, oblivious to his wife's apparent infidelity.

‘Yes my lord,’ Sybrina forced her light smile, ‘too good to waste indoors.’

Nobody could accuse the Duchess of York of being a bad hostess. She turned out all the stops. Her finest china was on display. A wide selection of her proficient’ chef’s pastries were on open display. There were three or four other couples in attendance as well. It was a good thing, Sybrina did not have to sit alone and watch her fiancé and his lover making spectacles of themselves. Off course the polite society would not comment for she was the Duchess of York!

‘Reginald dear, the Duchess half smiled painfully at her husband. ‘You have to bring out champagne. Alex just informef me he offered for young Sybrina.’

There was applause around the room, for the Duchess spoke loud enough for everybody to hear.

‘Congratulations darling,’ the Duchess cooed, draping her arms around the Earl and kissed him on the lips for longer than was deemed appropriate.

Sybrina’s cheeks flushed when she was surrounded by the others with wishes of congratulations. A few of the ladies gushed at how lucky she was to catch such a dashing and handsome gentleman. The men wished her well, informing her that the Earl was rich enough that she would live an enjoyable life of luxury.

‘Well, well, I thought you’d aim higher not lower Sybrina?’ The Duchess offered an acerbic smile.

‘I think you know well Duchess, a man’s title is insignificant to me.’

‘Mmm,’ the Duchess arched her body with practised skill to gaze at the Earl, ‘but looks are important, right Sybrina, and you’ve managed to trap the most dashing and wealthiest of them all.’

TRAP?

‘My lady, I am NOT with child!’

‘Mmm, perhaps, but no doubt after he sampled your delights, he had to make an offer.’

Sybrina felt the heat rise over her body. She felt her cheeks, ears and throat become flushed. She was sure she looked as red as a tomato. She lowered her head feeling embarrassed.

Yes he had to make an offer, because my father caught us red handed kissing, not in a bed or anything, damn you!

‘Mmm, I thought so,’ the duchess looked annoyed. ‘I didn’t think Alex could keep his hands off you,’ she scowled, ‘not the way he was staring at you at the ball, and you are a beautiful young thing, are you not?’

Sybrina knew the last part was rhetorical, so she did not even bother offering a response, but what intrigued Sybrina was the duchess’s comment that Alexander was staring at her at the ball. Sybrina had thought he’d only had eyes for the Duchess.

‘I must warn you though Sybrina,’ the duchess spoke conspirationally, ‘you’re going to have a tough time keeping him in hand, for Alex has a rapacious appetite,’ she grinned.

And you would know, wouldn't you!

‘Spare me the details Duchess!’ Sybrina pushed passed the Duchess and rushed out.

She knew it was childish running away in that fashion, but saints in heaven, did the Duchess have to draw her pictures! It was bad enough she had to wed a rake that did not love her, and she was going to have to let him have his way with her, because he needed an heir.