Natasha tiptoed upstairs, removed Benedict’s coat and the mangled dress.  She folded Benedict’s coat neatly and hid it in her drawer.  She would return that on Monday.  As for the soiled gown, Natasha ripped it to shreds and took it down stairs, and buried it deep with the rest of the rubbish.  She carried two buckets of hot water upstairs and scrubbed off every trace of Randal’s filthy touch everywhere on her body.  Natasha had just climbed into bed, when she heard Crystal’s soft knock on the window.

‘Crystal what is wrong?’ Natasha smiled, ignoring her own traumatic situation, upon seeing her step sister’s scowl.

‘Bloody Lord Benedict,’ she hissed with annoyance.

‘Firstly mind your language.  What about Lord Benedict.’

‘There was a handsome gentleman there, who offered to bring me home, but no,’ Crystal drew out dramatically.  ‘He insisted his groom should bring me to the cottage, and let me confess,’ Crystal sighed, ‘I wanted very much to be accompanied by that gentleman.’ 

Natasha remained quiet.   She thought it wise that Benedict ensured Crystal returned home safely, after her own very narrow escape.

‘Are you okay?’ Crystal placed her arm around Natasha’s shoulder as they walked upstairs.

‘Yes,’ I am just tired.’ Natasha replied.  She was still trembling and in shock after so nearly being raped, but she was not going to be confiding in Crystal about that.  Natasha was just pleased Crystal got home safely and had not suffered the same fate she had.

‘It was a lovely party,’ Crystal babbled on and on.  Except Lord Benedict looked more like he was at a funeral, instead of his own engagement party.  What a drag, I would hate to be Lady Louisa.’

‘Why?’

‘Honestly, before I got to know him, I thought he was an attractive gentleman.  Well now that we have mixed a few times, I cannot for the life of me, understand what Lady Louisa sees in him.  I mean he is so boringly unsociable, and he always has that brooding unapproachable expression on his face.’

‘You are wrong,’ Natasha defended him.  ‘He can be sociable and he is kind and polite.’

‘What would you know?’ Crystal stabbed her elbow into Natasha’s side, ‘You always have your mouth zipped, and you never ever say a word whenever he comes here.’

‘That hurts,’ Natasha rubbed her side.  ‘Even if I donot speak, it does not alter the fact that he is kind and pleasant.  I have witnessed it whenever he visited the duke.’

‘I guess he has a poor opinion of me because I was not a very good nurse, Natasha.’

You are not a very good seamstress either, so where exactly do your talents lie?’ Natasha grinned.

‘In the bedroom,’ Crystal whispered and laughed.

‘Be quiet.  You will wake up father or your mother,’ Natasha blushed, all embarrassed.

‘Oh Natasha you are such a killjoy,’ Crystal giggled.  ‘I suppose you are still a virgin too.’

‘What if I am not?’ Natasha challenged.

‘Then I am still a virgin,’ Crystal laughed.

‘Good night Crystal,’ Natasha blew out the candle on her night table.

It was nine o’ clock in the morning.  It was a beautiful sunny day.  Daniel had taken Ben out on his new horse.  Sophie was in her bed chamber, busy with whatever kept her very busy in the privacy of her bed chamber.  Crystal was still not yet downstairs.  Natasha had just finished helping Cook, make porridge.  She had stacked up toast on a plate, and fried the strips of bacon already.  She was about to start with the eggs when she caught sight of the Brinley coach, with the Crowcombe coat of arms proudly emblazoned on its door. 

Benedict!

Natasha rushed to the sitting room, but Crystal immaculately dressed in a silk lavender morning dress was already opening the door. 

‘My lord, good morning,’ Crystal greeted wearily.

‘Good morning Miss Crystal.’  Natasha watched the play of expressions on her sister’s and Benedict’s faces.  Crystal was all nervous and uncomfortable.  Benedict was polite, unsmiling and very much lord of the manor and in control.

‘Good morning my lord,’ Natasha greeted.

Benedict swung his head to the door separating the kitchen from the sitting room.  ‘Good morning, Miss Natasha.  How are you this morning?  You left early last night?’ His voice maintained the polite tone he used on Crystal.  There was no hint of familiarity between him and Natasha.  Nor was there any hint of what transpired since he responded to Natasha’s scream for help in the woods.

‘I feel much better this morning, thank you my lord.  Crystal please bring a tray of coffee and refreshments for Lord Benedict.’ 

‘Sure,’ Crystal was relieved, not to be the one forced to remain with Lord Benedict.  She would have been at her wits end trying to figure out how to engage in any conversation with him.  As soon as Crystal shut the door between the kitchen and the sitting room, Benedict hurried to Natasha.

‘Natasha,’ how are you?’ he hugged her.  Lowering his head, his mouth captured hers in a tender kiss.  She tried to resist, mindful of Sophie in the bed chamber in the next room, and Crystal only a mere few feet away, but Benedict’s lips were too persuasive.  His lips brushed hers softly, so seductively, forcing hers apart.  His tongue slipped into her mouth, and entangled with hers.  She sighed and surrendered to him, her hands cupping his smoothly shaven face.  He smelt so fresh of musk and sandalwood.

‘I thought you were only coming this evening,’ she murmured, stepping away from him.

‘I had to see you,’ he sighed.  ‘I did not sleep much last night.  I kept hearing your scream for help, and seeing you lying there so helpless,’ he closed his eyes. ‘I want to kill that animal,’ Benedict’s grey eyes blazed with anger.  His fingers clenched into a tight fist at his sides.

‘Benedict, it is over.  You saved me, and I am well, thanks to you,’ she whispered. ‘Sophie is in the room next door, and father and Ben could come in at any moment.’

‘Ah Benjamin’s saddle, let me fetch it from my coach.  You make me forgetful Natasha,’ he smiled.  Her heart raced as she drank in his delightful smile. 

Who said he does not smile?  Who said he was not pleasing to the eye? And he kisses very well too. 

She inhaled deeply as she admired his strapping frame and broad shoulders as he confidently strode away to his coach.

‘Donot tell me I have wasted my time making coffee!’ Crystal exclaimed.

‘He is returning,’ Natasha murmured, ‘he is fetching a saddle for Ben.’

‘That is the only thing about him that convinces me he is human,’ Crystal whispered.  ‘He is soft on little Ben for some reason.’

‘Is Benjamin not around then?’ Benedict enquired, handing the saddle to Natasha.

‘He is out riding with father.  Thank you my lord.  It is rather lovely is it not Crystal?’  Natasha deliberately dragged Crystal into the conversation.

‘Er---yes, it is rather.  It is mighty fine,’ Crystal babbled, narrowing her eyes at Natasha, who secretly smirked.

‘Your coffee, my lord,’ Natasha reminded Benedict.

‘Thank you,’ he took a seat on the sofa.  ‘I trust you enjoyed the party Miss Crystal?’ Benedict enquired.

‘Yes thank you,’ she stammered, surprised Benedict knew how to make conversation.

It seemed it was a morning for surprises, as astonishingly, another uninvited guest was knocking on the door.

‘Sir Tyndall!’ Good morning Crystal greeted him with surprise.

‘Good morning ladies, Lord Benedict,’ Tyndall raised his eyebrows in surprise.

‘Good morning sir,’ Natasha greeted politely, wondering if this was the “gentleman” Crystal was referring to last night.

‘Raleigh?’ Benedict questioned in the form of a greeting.  ‘What brings you here?’

‘I apologise for arriving unannounced,’ he directed his gaze at the young ladies.  ‘I was wondering if you would do me the honour of taking a drive with me in the carriage.’

Natasha looked across at Crystal to gauge her response.   After all she was incensed last night that Benedict had curtailed her anticipated night of pleasure.  Natasha wondered if Benedict would again deny Crystal the opportunity of being with Tyndall.  She was more surprised when Crystal was not even making an attempt to respond to him, and gave her an almost imperceptible nudge.

‘He is addressing you,’ Crystal laughed softly.

‘Me?  No---,’ but when Natasha returned her eyes to Tyndall, she realized Crystal was correct. 

‘A groom of Lord Benedict’s will accompany us to ensure propriety,’ Miss Natasha.’

Natasha lowered her head for a second, then her eyes moved slowly from Tyndall’s to reach Benedict’s face.  He read her enquiry accurately.  She was seeking his approval and his permission.   Benedict’s nod was barely visible, but she caught it.

‘Raleigh, you will not leave the estate, and I will assign the footman to chaperone you.’

‘Yes sir,’ Tyndall nodded.  ‘May I return at two this afternoon Miss Natasha?’

‘Yes, thank you sir,’ she politely accepted.

‘I shall take my leave till later then.  Lord Benedict, ladies.’

‘My Lord would you care to stay for breakfast?’ Natasha offered.

‘No thank you.  I have already taken breakfast about two hours ago,’ he replied politely.

‘Natasha? Sophie’s voice screeched as she entered the sitting room.

‘Yes step mother.’

‘Oh!  Good morning my lord.  Girls why did you not let me know Lord Benedict was visiting?’ Her eyes pierced into Natasha’s, with her back to Benedict.

‘Good morning Mrs Grayson. I only got here not too long ago.  I was riding through, and thought to drop a spare saddle I had for Benjamin,’ Benedict lied. 

‘Oh he is actually out riding with Daniel as we speak,’ Sophie offered him one of her rarely seen smiles.

‘Well ladies,’ Benedict stood up.  ‘Allow me to take my leave.  I have some tenants to call on,’ Benedict’s eye’s caught Natasha’s.  She smiled and quickly looked away.

‘Lord Benedict!’ Ben came rushing into the room, his arms flying around Benedict’s legs.

‘Benjamin!’ Natasha admonished.

‘That is okay, Miss Natasha,’ Benedict smiled.

‘Good morning young man,’ Benedict ruffled his hair.

‘Good morning, my lord.  Come and meet Rusty,’ Ben tugged on Benedict’s hand.

‘Benjamin!  Mind your manners.  Lord Benedict has an appointment to go to,’ Natasha reprimanded him.

‘Oh, I am sorry my lord,’ Ben pouted.

‘I guess I can spare you five minutes Benjamin.  Miss Natasha why do you not bring out Benjamin’s surprise.’

‘You have a surprise for me,’ Ben jumped up and down enthusiastically.

‘My lord, good morning?’ Daniel greet questioningly.

‘Good morning Daniel.  Just dropping off a saddle for Benjamin.’

‘Oh you are spoiling the young lad.’

‘Nonsense,’ Benedict smiled.  Natasha held her breath, as she saw how relaxed and carefree Benedict was around her family.  In his home he was consumed by his woes.  Out here at the cottage, he was like a different man.

‘Where is my surprise Natasha?’

‘Oh yes,’ Natasha picked up the saddle from the table and handed it to Ben.

‘Oh pappa, look at that,’ Ben beamed.  ‘Thank you my lord.’

‘It is a pleasure,’ Benedict draped his arm around Ben’s shoulder.

‘Natasha please let us go for a ride,’ Ben begged.

‘We are about to sit for breakfast,’ Natasha reminded him.

‘Yes I am starving,’ Daniel spoke.

‘Daniel, a gentleman by the name of Sir Tyndall Raleigh has requested to escort Miss Natasha riding, Benedict informed Daniel.  ‘He is related to my sister’s husband, the Baronet Nicholas Rowan.’  What Benedict and Daniel did not see was the glare and dissatisfied scowl that plastered across Sophie’s face.  ‘I will ensure one of the senior grooms chaperones them,’ Benedict assured Daniel.

‘Thank you my lord, that is  most gracious of you,’ Daniel responded courteously.

‘Will you not take breakfast with us my lord?’ Daniel offered.

‘No thank you.  I have already taken breakfast, and a tenant awaits me.  Good morning,’ Benedict cast his eyes around the entire family, lastly his eyes met Natasha’s and held her eyes the longest.  Whilst everybody else waved and returned his greeting, she remained silent.

‘Did you see that Natasha?’ Crystal whispered.  ‘He smiled, more than once.’

‘Yes, and he spoke too, something you said he never does.’

‘I donot believe it.  It was like he was a different person than the one at the big house.’

‘Can we ride after breakfast?’ Ben pleaded.

‘Yes if you help with the dishes,’ Natasha smiled, taking Ben by the hand.

On Monday, even though Benedict had given her the day off.  Natasha still turned up to work.  Before anybody could notice, Natasha placed Benedict’s jacket into a drawer.

‘Natasha, good morning,’ Sadie smiled.  

‘Baroness, you are still here?’ Natasha stood up.

‘‘My husband has some business with father, she walked into the room.  ‘I was concerned about you Natasha.  I did not get to speak to you at the party, and Benedict told me you left early.’  When Natasha did not speak, Sadie took Natasha’s hand.

‘I am sorry Natasha.  I know it was very difficult for you.  You were so brave to be there for Benedict,’ she whispered.

‘It is not easy baroness.  Luckily in a week’s time, I will be leaving permanently.’

‘Why?  Surely Benedict still needs you.’

‘I---canot go on working here.   It will not be right, or fair on Lady Louisa.’

‘It is not like Louisa will ever have your best interests at heart, or show any concern whatsoever for you Natasha.’

‘I have to keep away for my own sake baroness,’ Natasha avoided looking at Sadie.

‘This wedding is so wrong,’ Sadie persisted.  ‘My brother is making a mistake.’

‘Look, ‘Natasha turned to face her full on.  ‘It’s too late now.  Benedict has made his decision.   You know the banns have already been called as well.  We have to just accept out fate.’

‘I donot know how you can allow Benedict to go through with it,’ Sadie whispered, as a tear slid down her cheek.  ‘Why do you not fight for Benedict?  My brother’s life is going to be ruined.’

‘Baroness---please.  It is difficult already.   Just let it be please.’

‘I refuse to,’ she shook her head vehemently.  ‘I will speak to father.  He has to---.’

‘No!’  Please donot say anything to the duke,’ Natasha begged.  ‘You will only make things more difficult for Benedict.  Promise me, you will not baroness.’

‘Sadie your husband is desperately trying to find you,’ Benedict’s eyes scanned the two and picked up the electric atmosphere.  Natasha kept her head lowered.  Sadie searched her brother’s face.

‘Okay I am leaving,’ Sadie murmured.  ‘I hope you two sort your lives out,’ she rushed out, closing the door behind her.  Natasha sat down again, feeling her knees two weak to keep her standing.

Benedict just fixed his eyes on Natasha.  A part of him longed to throw his arms around her, but he knew each day he was just breaking her heart more and more.  He could not offer her a place in his life.  She deserved more, so much more than the stolen moments he had with her, yet he could not keep away from her.

‘Natasha, I thought I told you to take the day off,’ Benedict spoke softly.  She lifted her head and looked into his face.

‘I could not stay at home.  Sophie would want to know why I was home, she nervously wrung her fingers.  ‘I have brought your coat back, my lord,’ she opened the drawer, picked up the coat at offered it to him.  Benedict watched the tension in her face.  He saw the pain in her eyes she tried to hide.  His heart constricted as he watched her swallow, nervously lick on those rosy red lips of hers.

‘You did not need to return the coat Natasha,’ he walked towards her to retrieve the coat.

‘There would only be more questions if it was discovered.’  Natasha shut her eyes as Benedict’s hands closed over hers.  The coat dropped to the floor.  Benedict lifted her to her feet.  She kept her eyes shut, her fingers tightly clenched at her sides, even her breath was locked in her lungs.

‘Please relax Natasha,’ Benedict’s calm voice was a whisper in her ear. He took her into his arms and just held her tightly.  She heard his deep intake of breath.  Felt his heart beating like a drum against her breast.  His voice was a soft command, but she obeyed instantly, when it instructed her to put her arms around his neck.

‘Look at me,’ Benedict murmured.  Very slowly her eyes opened, and immediately she was lost in the dark stormy depths of his grey eyes.  No question was asked or request made, though simultaneously her lips parted, as his head lowered and captured her mouth in a fiery, demanding, sensuous kiss.  A whimper escaped her lips, meshed with his throaty groan as he deepened the kiss crushing her body against his chest.

-end chapter sixteen-