Sybrina kept her cool and continued to play her role as hostess with all the poise and grace she possessed. She completely ignored her husband for the remainder of the evening. After dinner, they moved to the drawing room for coffee. Sybrina chatted with all the other guests. So incensed was she with her husband, she even preferred the company of her estranged parent.

The Marquis had praised her on her excellent choice of husband.

Ha...if only.

He also surprisingly complimented her on the superb dinner she had served. In a rare moment of humour, he said he had thought that he produced the best wine in the ton and jokingly said he needed to get some tips from the Earl. Sybrina did not comment.

Tonight she thought nothing complimentary about her husband, not his skill as an exceptional host. Nor his charming ability to ensure every single guest was comfortable, and she could not find a complimentary adjective to describe him, even as she stole a glance at his rugged, adorable, masculine, arresting frame that easily stood a handsome head above every other male in the room. No there was not a single good thing to say about her husband. As the guests continued to dance in the ball room, Sybrina assisted Cook and the kitchen staff in clearing away the remains of their sumptuous dinner.

‘Thank you Cook. That was a successful dinner.’

Sybrina silently patted herself on her shoulder, for triumphantly executing her first major ball as the Countess Cavendish.

‘The pleasure was mine countess, especially with your valuable assistance.’ Sybrina could have sworn there was new found respect reflecting in Cook’s eyes.

‘I want you to have the weekend off next week Cook. I will arrange for somebody to stand in for you. I think you deserve a break,’ Sybrina smiled.

‘Oh thank you my lady. I will appreciate the time to visit my grandchildren in Bath. I have not seen the bairns in many months.’

Don’t mention Bath.

‘Enjoy it,’ Sybrina smiled. ‘It is such a beautiful place.’ Sybrina found the colour flooding to her face, remembering Alex’s disturbing fingers helping to undress her at the baths.

‘The Earl has chosen well my lady,’ Cook shyly conceded.

‘Thank you Cook,’ Sybrina politely smiled, ‘let me get back to our guests.’

To add salt to her wound, Alex had invited the Yorks to stay over seeing it was late to travel back to London. Fortunately there were enough additional rooms ready and available. Sybrina used that as an excuse to leave the only remaining guests to see to rooms for them. She requested the more than capable butler to personally serve the duke. She assigned one of more senior maidens to serve the duchess’s needs.

Sybrina chose the largest guest suite, which had a beautiful view of the flourishing flower gardens for the York’s use. It was a suite, a little smaller than the master bed room, with twin bed chambers and twin wash rooms. It was a beautiful room in soft pastel shades and a huge fire place. If the dowager was surprised at Sybrina’s generosity, it hardly reflected on her face, for Sybrina saw the dowager’s signature frosty glare plastered on her face.

Sybrina waited a painstakingly long time before the York’s retired to bed. As Alex escorted them to their suite, Sybrina used the opportunity to escape to her bed chamber. She had early asked a footman to carry a few jugs of hot water for her bath. Hurriedly she undressed with Harriet’s assistance, who also helped to wash her hair.

‘I’m sorry to keep you up and waiting for so long Harriet.’

‘Oh Countess, you know I’ll do anything for you. Don’t you go apologizing to me.’

‘Thank you. Now please go and rest. I will not need any more help. I can easily dry my hair and slip on my night shirt.’

‘I am sure you can,’ Harriet grinned mischievously, wrongly guessing Sybrina’s need to get rid of her.

When Sybrina saw the naughty look on her face, she looked away and said smilingly, ‘I do think I need to find you a husband Harriet. Perhaps Mr Charles?’

‘The butler? Sybrina no!’ So alarmed was Harriet, that she used Sybrina’s Christian name.

‘Oh my, __I mean Countess.’

Sybrina giggled, ‘Why not Mr Charles? I think he will possessively guard what I think he deems he’s entitled to,’ Sybrina added.

‘No. Is a cold fish that one. I do not think he knows the ways with a lady. He needs a few tips from Lord Cavendish.’

'Harriet!'

Sybrina’s head swung upwards, shocked that Harriet knew about Alex and the duchess.

‘Countess? I am sorry. Did I speak out of line? It is just that the Earl is always spoiling you, buying you beautiful gowns, and he takes you riding, and on picnics.’

‘No.’ Sybrina smiled, touching Harriet’s arm. ‘And yes the Earl is very generous,’ Sybrina had to admit. ‘Well you have been very sneaky in keeping me chatting and have managed to dry my hair as well as clean up the wash room,’ Sybrina admonished.

Harriet beamed happily.

‘You are a wonderful person,’ Sybrina hugged Harriet. ‘I do want you to find a good husband.’

‘I am happy serving you countess__.’

‘Nonsense. Besides you can marry and still serve me, you know.’

‘Well then I shall leave it to you and the Earl to choose me somebody,’ she conceded.

‘Good night now Harriet,’ Sybrina opened her door and shooed a giggling Harriet out, and as she opened her door, Sybrina found Alex standing outside her door. Sybrina bit on her lower lip and lowered her head. She cringed silently, for all she had on was her skimpy night shirt, hardly the attire to be viewed by one’s husband. Especially a husband who eyes strayed to other women.

‘Er __goodnight countess. My lord,’ Harriet bowed and took her leave.’

Sybrina quickly hurried back into her room and slipped on her gown. She ensured as wide a berth as possible between herself and her husband.

Go to your own chamber. Stop staring at me. I’m sure you’ve had a delightful time with the duchess.

‘My lady, I’ve come to bid you good night.’

‘Good night,’ Sybrina’s eyes were cold, filled with disgust at her husband. She blew out the candle by her bedside, but his door was ajar, allowing light from there to still reflect in her chamber. She heard his steady steps, as he walked from her chamber to his own. Sybrina heard him peel off his clothes. She closed her eyes, but she could vividly picture his naked chest. His strong arms. The way his muscles flexed when he lifted his arms to unbutton his shirt. She pulled the bed covers over head, hoping to block her wandering thoughts.

Deliberately Sybrina got up half an hour earlier than she normally did. Normally her favourite part of the day used to be her morning ride with Alex on their horses, but this morning she could not bear to look at Alex. She hopped onto her horse and made sure not to choose the scenic route that she and Alex always rode through the vast expanse of his estate. Instead today she rode through the back of his estate.

She raised her head up into the sky, enjoying the wash of air and warm sunshine over her skin. She chose to wear a thin cotton shirt dress this morning, wanting to feel the sun caress her skin, and add some colour to her pale hands. She tipped her hat, securing it properly as she tapped on her mare’s thigh wanting her to increase her speed.

Why hadn’t Alexander brought me this way?

It was beautiful. Majestic oak trees and cascading honey suckle vines lent it an idyllic sanctuary. Sybrina rode for almost an hour and thought this was the most beautiful place she had been in a long time. Oh she truly loved this estate of the Earl’s. She loved it most,of all the property he owned. She was glad he preferred this to his city residence, especially when his lover preferred the city. Speaking of his lover, Sybrina best hurry back to oversee the breakfast preparations.

As she dismounted her horse, Sybrina found Alexander standing at the door of the barn, his hands arrogantly resting on his hips. He was glaring at Sybrina as she removed her saddle and gave her mare some water.

‘Why did you not wait for me?’ He gripped her wrist fiercely.

‘I did not feel like your company,’ she spat at him venomously, her anger was simmering, her temper rising visibly. ‘Perhaps you will find others willing, where I am reluctant,’ she flung his words back at him.

‘You are my wife,’ he reminded her.

‘I know that,’ she hissed. ‘Perhaps it is YOU who needs to remember where his allegiance should lie!’

His eyes narrowed, but he did not challenge her further. ‘Excuse me, I need to see to our guests’ breakfast, Sybrina stormed away.

Sybrina got a refreshing smile and greeting from Cook as she entered.

‘You look beautiful this morning countess,’ Cook complimented.

‘Thank you,’ Sybrina accepted politely, one eye on the ever watchful butler, who scowled even more widely when Cook complimented her.

This morning she had decided to dress in the new morning dress that Alexander had instructed her to buy. It was a delightful lavender colour, fitting her hour glass shape perfectly. She had tied her hair up with silk ribbons, so she could help Cook in the kitchen. They completed a scrumptious feast fit for the king, which they served the York’s. The Duke had been most gracious with his compliments. He commended Sybrina for the express manner in which she assumed her role as the Countess Cavendish.

‘Sybrina was born multitalented, darling,’ the duchess laughed softly, as she spoke to the duke. ‘Even at Carisbrooke, you remember, she held the fort there as well.’

The Duke and Duchess had attended many dinners at her father’s estate.

‘I wish you well in your marriage countess.’

‘Thank you, your grace,’ Sybrina fleeting cast her eyes to the duchess, who grinned at Sybrina as if there was no problem in the world.

The York’s took their leave after breakfast. Alexander stood next to Sybrina waving them goodbye. He leaned next to her, his arm casually around her waist. Sybrina stiffened. He felt her withdrawal, but continued to hold her anyway. ‘Excuse me my lord. I’m going to chat to my garden engineers.’

He looked like he was going to stop her, but he dropped his arm and allowed her leave to attend to her request.

‘Good morning my lady,’ the head engineer tipped his hat to Sybrina.

‘Good morning Barkis,’ Sybrina smiled, ‘Oh, we have a new member of staff?’ Sybrina knelt down to the little boy’s eye level.

‘And what is your name?’ Sybrina touched his cheeks gently.

‘Tis Spencer,__ m'lady.’

‘Spencer, this is the Lady Cavendish. She is countess to you,’ the father admonished.

‘Sorry countess,’ he curtsied apologetically.

‘That is okay,’ Sybrina smiled, ‘what are we doing today?’ Sybrina questioned Spencer.

‘I’m pickin strawberries miss__. I mean countess. ‘Father says I’m not to eat any.’

‘Oh, but you may Spencer. You may eat as many as you can fill into your tummy,’ she playfully tickled his stomach.

He gurgled beautifully, and Sybrina felt the first calling of motherhood. ‘Let me show you something,’ Sybrina took the boy's hand and led him to the patch where the biggest strawberries were ready for plucking. ‘Taste this,’ Sybrina offered Spencer, and bit into one herself.

‘They are delicious countess,’ he nodded, plucking another and putting it into his shirt pocket.

‘Oh Spencer, you’re going to stain your shirt,’ she laughed. ‘Put them into your basket, and eat as many as you like from your basket.’

Sybrina saw Mr Charles hovering around and wondered what he wanted.

‘Mr Charles could you bring me a little bucket with a lid please,’ Sybrina instructed.

‘Yes countess,’ he marched away and returned with said bucket.

‘There you go Spencer. Fill this up for you to take home. Then you can continue with picking for your papa.’

‘Thank you countess,’ the boy expressed with delight.

Sybrina chatted with Barkis for a time, then went in search of Alexander. She found him in his library and knocked on his door.

‘My lady,’ Alex stood up. ‘Come in.’

‘My lord,’ Sybrina looked at him wearily, ‘can you grant me leave to visit the orphanage.’

She looks so strikingly beautiful in her lavender dress. She has the most captivating eyes, especially when she smiles, but right now a storm is raging in those eyes.

‘I will accompany you,’ Alexander offered.

‘It’s not necessary__I’m sure you have a ton of things to do my lord.’

‘Nothing that can not wait my lady. I shall give instructions for the phaeton to be prepared.’

‘My lord I shall use the carriage__.’

‘I am accompanying you Sybrina.’

‘I do not want you__to escort me.’

Alexander came around to stand in front of her. She would not look at his eyes, instead focused on the top button of his shirt.

‘You will only challenge me as long as there is a safe distance between you and I,’ is that so, my sweet?’ He lifted her chin with his index finger.

Sybrina swallowed nervously. Knew he spoke the truth. When he was too close to her like now, all resistance crumbled. She could not fight him, not when she was failing hopelessly to fight her own attraction to him.

‘You are beautiful when you’re spitting mad,’ he grinned, ‘and more beautiful when your eyes are filled with so much desire my sweet.’ He pulled her into his arms and held her tightly. Sybrina dared to inhale deeply, drinking in his male scent. She clenched her fingers tightly at her sides. When Alexander ’s lips brushed her cheek and slid down to her neck, she whimpered weakly.

‘You do desire me, do you not my wife?’

‘N_no.’

‘Liar,’ he chuckled.

‘Tell me you want me to accompany you,’ he softly demanded.

‘I want you to,’ she whispered.

‘Sybrina,’ he groaned, lowering his head and capturing her lips. He pinned her against his chest so their bodies were tightly held together. Her arms wrapped around his neck, as she kissed him back. After some moments, he drew back and released her. ‘You are beautiful in your new dress,’ he smiled.

‘Thank you,’ she blushed shyly.

‘Shall we leave immediately?’ he enquired.

‘May I take some vegetables and some supplies from the pantry my lord?’

‘You make take as much as your heart desires, my wife,’ his fingers caressed her face.

‘Thank you. I will ask Barkis to load the phaeton.’

‘Barkis?’ Alex questioned suspiciously.

‘The garden engineer__,’ Sybrina supplied.

Alexander merely nodded.

‘I am going to see Cook about what I can have from the pantry. I shall meet you at the phaeton.’

‘Harriet, we are going to see Mother Agnes and the children,’ Sybrina exclaimed breathlessly.

‘Oh my. It’s been such a while. They will be so pleased to see you Countess.’

‘Yes, I cannot wait. Get two large baskets. We are going to take Mother Agnes some supplies.’

‘Oh, I am so excited, ‘ Harriet rushed about.

‘Cook,’ Sybrina grinned excitedly, ‘what can I have from the pantry, for the children from the orphanage.’

‘There is fresh ham countess. We also have extra loves of olive bread from the gala dinner. You can also take some venison. The Earl shot another buck a few days ago, and there is candy. Them bairns love candy. Just leave a little for Lord Cavendish __.

‘Countess if you wipe out the pantry, there will not be enough supplies to last till next Friday,’ the butler snarled with all the lack of grace he was able to muster.

‘Oh, I am sorry. I will just take fruit and vegetables from the garden,’ Sybrina nodded politely at Cook.

‘Is there a problem Mr Charles?’

‘No my lord,’ Charles stood to attention, just a salute from him was missing.

‘My lady do you have all you need?’

‘Yes it is being loaded into the phaeton,’ Sybrina made to walk away.

Alexander stopped her, placing his arm around her waist, ‘I asked you if you have all you wanted?’

‘Yes my lord.’

Alexander looked from Sybrina to Mr Charles, both avoided looking at him. He looked at Cook, she shifted about and twiddled her fingers nervously.

‘Mr Charles?’

‘Yes my lord?’ Mr Charles stammered nervously.

‘The Countess manages every one of the Cavendish estates. I defer all responsibility to her, and nobody has authority over my wife except me. The countess has total authority over you! Do I make myself clear?’

‘Yes sir. My apologies, countess.’

‘Yes __thank you Mr Charles,’ Sybrina was unsure what response to offer.

‘Mr Charles put everything the countess requested into the phaeton,’ Alex instructed.

‘Shall we?’ Alexander offered his arm to his wife.

As the phaeton was being loaded, by Harriet and Mr Charles, Alexander demanded to be introduced to Barkis.

‘Barkis, this is my husband, Lord Cavendish.’

‘My lord, tis my pleasure,’ Barkis tipped his hat.

‘Countess, look at my basket,’ Spencer beamed, showing her his morning’s work. He eyed Alexander curiously.

‘Are you Mr. Countess, Sir?’

Alexander threw his head back and laughed. He lifted young Spencer into his arms.

‘How old are you?’ Alexander smiled at Spencer.

‘Me is five,’ he raised his five fingers in front of Alexander’s face.

‘I’m not Mr. Countess. I am Lord Cavendish,’ Alexander smiled.

‘The countess said I could eat as many strawberries as I want.’

‘I see the evidence,’ Alex laughed, wiping the trace of dried strawberries from Spencer’s cheek.

Alexander turned his head towards Mr Charles, who came hurrying to his master’s side.

‘Take young Spencer inside,’ Alexander politely requested. ‘ Give him some lemonade and find him a hat will you?’

‘Yes my lord,’ Charles extended his hand to the boy.

‘Bye countess,’ Spencer waved.

‘See you tomorrow Spencer,’ Sybrina waved.

-