To Win His Wayward Wife by Rose Gordon Page B

couples lived in separate residences, why couldn’t they?
    Benjamin swallowed uncomfortably. “It’s been brought to my attention that we didn’t court, therefore, we don’t know each other well enough for marriage. I would like to change that.”
    “Someone had to bring it to your attention that we don’t know each other as well as other married couples,” she said dubiously.
    He sent her a lopsided smile. “I feel I know enough about you. But yes, someone had to remind me that you may not know enough about me to be comfortable with me.”
    Of course he felt he knew enough about her already. He, like most men, was willing to take anything in a skirt to bed regardless of his knowledge of, or feelings for, the woman. He’d just confirmed that suspicion for her for the second time now. “All right. I’m free every Wednesday afternoon from one to three thirty. Provided Brooke is available to chaperone, I’ll plan to see you then.”
    “Not so fast,” he said quickly. “I’m not some lapdog like some other man we both know around here. I’ll not be given a two and half hour window once a week. I’m compromising by agreeing to do this and not dragging you home right this minute. Therefore, you’ll be doing some compromising, too.”
    Madison crossed her arms. “Name your terms, Benjamin,” she said smartly.
    “First, you must call off your watchdogs. I require our outings to be unchaperoned. Stop shaking your head. I’m playing your game, and you’ll play mine. No chaperones. Second, I understand you like to participate in several charitable organizations. I’m not going to stop you from that, but you’ll allow me at least two and a half hours each day.”
    “Absolutely not,” she said sharply, shaking her head. “I can understand your concerns about Brooke and Andrew being overprotective, but I cannot give you so much time. That’s more time than any couple, married or not, spends together.”
    “That’s doubtful,” he said with a scoff. “I imagine one day you’ll think two and a half hours with me is not long enough.”
    “Now, that’s doubtful,” she said, curling her lip in disgust at his innuendo. “Do those two and a half hours each day have to be exclusive?”
    “No,” he said quietly. “I’d like it to be. But we can include family activities as well. Just as long as half the time is exclusive, I’ll be satisfied.”
    “Fine,” she agreed. At least part of the time she’d have others present to help keep him pleasant. “Any other demands?”
    “We’ll be leaving for Rockhurst after lunch. I’ve already sent a note to inform Lottie to pack your things. You’ll ride with me in my carriage,” he announced, standing to leave.
    Madison blinked at him again. They were going to Rockhurst? He was coming, too? And they were to be alone in his carriage for the ride? “All right,” she replied in mock cheerfulness. She knew she’d have to ride with him anyway, but at least this way she got to pretend she agreed with him even if she didn’t.
    After that lone tear hit the plush carpet the night before, Madison had made up her mind not let him play her the fool like Robbie had done. Granted he was not nearly as close to her as Robbie had been, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t take what power he did have over her and use it against her.
    Quite honestly she was rather surprised when he showed up this morning. Not that she thought he wouldn’t come, his pride demanded it. She was just shocked he’d discovered her missing so soon. How had he even known? Did he go searching for her? It really didn’t matter, she thought dismissively.
    Last night she’d waited until well after the household had gone silent before making her quiet escape. Obviously not a stranger to donning a dark cloak and hiring a hack, she’d easily made it to Brooke’s and used her key to let herself in before retiring to the bedchamber she’d been occupying previously. It wasn’t until only about thirty