The Duke's Dilemma
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Siren-BookStrand, Inc.
www.sirenbookstrand.com
Copyright ©2009 by Rachel McNeely
First published in 2009, 2009
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NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.
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CONTENTS
A SIREN-BOOKSTRAND TITLE
DEDICATION
THE DUKE'S DILEMMA
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Epilogue
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
www.BookStrand.com
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THE DUKE'S DILEMMA
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Rachel McNeely
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ROMANCE
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A SIREN-BOOKSTRAND TITLE
IMPRINT: Romance
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THE DUKE'S DILEMMA
Copyright (C) 2009 by Rachel McNeely
E-book ISBN: 1-60601-303-3
First E-book Publication: May 2009
Cover design by Jinger Heaston
All cover art and logo copyright (C) 2009 by Siren-BookStrand, Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.
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All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.
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PUBLISHER
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[Back to Table of Contents]
DEDICATION
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I dedicate this book to my twins: Deborah Cross, one of my biggest fans. I love you. And in remembrance of her twin sister, Suzanne, here too briefly but forever in our hearts. Mom
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[Back to Table of Contents]
THE DUKE'S DILEMMA
RACHEL MCNEELY
Copyright (C) 2009
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[Back to Table of Contents]
Prologue
France, February 1809
The leader moved his horse closer and whispered to the other man. “Now is the time to implement our plan. The duke is distracted with his search for a wife. It's our best opportunity for success."
A horse snorted and the second man pulled on his reins and glanced furtively into the woods surrounding them. A sliver of moon cast little light through the thick branches. He pulled his collar tighter and shivered in the cold wind.
"Where do we start, here or at home in England?” the second man asked.
"Here, we strike his core.” The leader handed over a packet. “The directions are enclosed, read them, and burn the papers afterwards."
"The duke's a hard man to fool."
"Normally yes, but with his concerns in parliament and now his quest for a bride, he won't be as involved in his other pursuits. He'll leave this business to Gates. Gates is our first target."
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter 1
England, April 1809
The thought of greeting guests and listening to trivial conversation was enough to make Helena want to hide away for the next few days. That and her annoying sister.
"You have to help me, Helena,” Mary Ann whispered again as they hurried down the curving staircase to join their parents. “I will not marry the Duke of Monteroy."
Helena cast an aggravated glance at her twin. “You appeared interested all last season. What brought on this change now when he and his family are due to arrive any minute?"
Mary Ann slowed her walk as they went across the large foyer toward their waiting parents. “He's so boring. I admit the idea of being a duchess appealed to me, but after meeting his cousin I've reconsidered."
"This is hardly the time to change your mind,” Helena snapped, then immediately regretted her behavior. Her head ached and she was not in the mood for Mary Ann's drama. She yearned for the peace and quiet of her turret room.
"You're late. Their carriage is turning into the drive.” Lady Steeples frowned at her daughters.
"Sorry, Mama.” Mary Ann smiled sweetly and her mother reached out and smoothed her hand over her daughter's golden curls.
"You look quite presentable,” she said, glancing around to include Helena. “I'm sure you realize that this is an important visit. The duke has told his mother he is ready to wed and you both are to be considered for his duchess.” She squeezed Mary Ann's hand. “Of course, we all know his choice will be Mary Ann, since he's shown such a preference in the past."
"Thank goodness,” Helena whispered and got a frown from her mother.
"Here they are,” Lady Steeples said. She glanced once more at her husband and daughters, nodded her head, and opened the door to greet their guests.
The whole family was in attendance. Helena had hoped for a miracle, anything to keep the duke's sisters, well at least Prudence, from joining in the visit. No miracles today.
The tiny dowager duchess greeted Lord and Lady Steeples and the twins with a warm smile. “You are looking well, Lady Mary Ann,” she stated. She raised her eye glass and peered at Helena. “Have you been ill? You're a bit pale, my dear."
Lady Steeples smiled. “Only because we're unable to tempt her outside. Helena loves to hide in her turret room with her paints."
The duchess looked surprised. “How interesting. You must tell me more about this pai
nting, later."
"Thank you for your interest,” Helena said and inclined her head. She was relieved to see the duchess turn her regard back to Mary Ann.
Helena moved slightly away and found herself facing Nicholas Reginald Selwyn, the Duke of Monteroy. He waited patiently at his mother's side. His name suited him. When she'd seen him before, he always presented himself as in control, a commanding figure.
He caught her studying him. Heat flushed her face at his intent regard.
Drawing his attention was the last thing she wanted.
Hopefully Mary Ann did not notice or she'd assume Helena had decided to help her in her scheme. Finally, the duke and his mother stepped inside and his sisters and their families replaced them in the receiving line.
After greeting all her guests, Lady Steeples instructed her staff to show them to their rooms, and then excused her daughters with a warning. “Do not be late for dinner."
"Yes, Mama.” Mary Ann grabbed Helena's arm and led her down the hallway. “See? You must help me."
"How? Surely, you don't expect him to offer for me. And I'm not a martyr to throw myself into a marriage, not even for you.” Helena yanked her arm loose and hurried away before her sister started pleading again.
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Nicholas found himself thinking about their arrival. He'd been surprised to note the coolness in Lady Mary Ann's greeting. His family planned this week-end around the idea that he would offer for her. He wanted to get this quest for a wife over and go back to concentrating on his government responsibilities.
He needed a wife to handle the social obligations of his title and position. Lady Mary Ann certainly was the appropriate choice. He'd never paid any attention to her quiet twin, at least not until today.
When he caught her looking at him with those sapphire blue eyes and her pale cheeks flushed, he'd been surprised at the heat that ran through his body. An aberrant thought.
After changing into his country attire, he headed out for a walk to clear his head. It had been a long trip especially with Prudence complaining constantly. He needed the fresh air and solitude.
He'd only gone a short distance, when a young maid hurried toward him. “Your Grace, this message is for you. My lady said ‘twas most important that you receive it right away."
She handed him a single folded sheet of stationery and scurried back to the house. He hesitated, shrugged his shoulders, and continued his walk while he read the brief missive.
Your Grace, Please join me in the turret room at the northeast corner of our house. I have something important to discuss with you. Sincerely, Lady Helena Steeples.
How very strange. He'd never said more than a few words to Mary Ann's sister. Looking around, he saw the tower with a room on top and open windows. Being of a quizzical nature, the note intrigued him. He changed direction and walked toward the meeting place.
Nicholas stood in the doorway to the turret room, observing Lady Helena. He'd never seen her except on formal occasions. Then, she wore her honey blond hair tightly wrapped in a bun and her arms covered in long white gloves. Her simple ball gowns had done little to draw attention to her or arouse his interest, unlike Mary Ann, the favorite of the Ton.
Today, bent over a canvas and unaware of his presence she presented a completely different picture. Strands of hair fell in curls along the nape of her neck and across her forehead. She had changed since they met earlier and in spite of the faded color of her apple green gown, it became her more then the white and light pastel gowns she usually wore. He smiled. Bare feet peeked out from her hemline. Her small tongue caught between her teeth as she concentrated on her task.
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The hair on her nape warned her of another presence. Helena turned her head and looked directly at him. He filled the entrance with his broad shoulders and long sturdy legs. Jewel green eyes gazed at her in return.
His face fascinated her artist's eye and she wished she could sketch his strong features. The thin scar running from the edge of his square jaw to the corner of his mouth, his chiseled cheeks, deep set eyes, and prominent nose did not make him a handsome man like his cousin, Harry. He looked more the warrior, his face much more interesting to her. But what brought him here?
"May I enter?” His words broke the spell.
"Yes, Your Grace. Please excuse the cluttered appearance of the room, but as you can see,” she motioned with her hand, “it is my work area."
He walked around the room studying the numerous canvases leaned up against the stone walls and some on easels. Her maid sat by an open window, sewing.
Now that his attention was not on her, she continued her observation of him. His buff leather riding breeches fit snug over strong muscular legs and his white shirt, tan vest, and brown coat emphasized his broad shoulders. His tall well proportioned figure crowded the small area. The smell of her paint mingled with the perfume of spring flowers, and the sultry scent of her visitor.
"You painted all of these?"
"Yes, Your Grace.” Helena waited for him to tell her the purpose for his visit to her quiet retreat. How had he found his way to her?
An earlier conversation with Mary Ann sprang to mind. She suspected her twin had something to do with the duke coming here filling up her private space with his bold masculinity. When her sister decided she wanted Helena to help her, she made it difficult to ignore her wishes. More irritated than usual with Mary Ann and surrounded by the duke's strong aura, a rush of heat warmed her usually cool cheeks again.
"You're an excellent painter,” he said. “I want to purchase those two landscape paintings.” He pointed to a pair of paintings sitting side by side against the wall.
Helena stared blankly. No one had ever offered to buy any of her paintings. But then, no one, but her own family had ever noticed them. A few hung on the walls of her parents’ town home in London, but no one paid any attention to the name of the artist.
Mouth dry, she swallowed and her voice came out raspy. “I can not sell them to you, Your Grace."
"Because you are a woman? Ridiculous. I certainly can exhibit your paintings in my homes, if I wish. If it will make you more comfortable, use your initials on those paintings. That should add to their mystique.
"I must also compliment you on the painting of your sister,” he pointed, “there on the easel against the wall. You have captured her exuberance perfectly."
Helena glanced at the portrait she had done of Mary Ann last summer. “Your Grace, what brings you to my studio? I suspect you did not come here to admire my work."
His piercing eyes focused back on her. There was something very clear and forthright about his scrutiny. His eyes peered right into her. Nonsense, she was becoming fanciful, quite unlike herself.
Breaking the connection, she looked over to be sure Agnes still sat nearby. It would be most improper for her and the duke to be unescorted.
He noted her glance. “I came at the request of one of your maids. She gave me a message.” He handed her the paper. “The note indicated you had something you wished to discuss with me. I assume it is in regards to your paintings. Therefore, I don't understand your surprise when I offered to buy two of them."
Helena recognized her sister's handwriting. She wanted to shake Mary Ann for arranging this meeting. Since Mary Ann didn't want the duke, she had apparently decided to bring Helena and him together hoping he might offer for Helena instead.
Mama and Papa planned for one of their daughters to marry their friend's son. Helena was determined to thwart her sister's efforts to make it her.
"I did not ask to have you come here, Your Grace. My sister is playing a joke on us."
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Nicholas watched the expressions flicker across her face. Mary Ann's sister was a surprise. When he'd seen her at previous social engagements, she'd seldom spoke. On those occasions, she gave the impression of a shy and retiring female. That description did not fit the woman standing in front of him today.
Hair in disarray
softened her usual cool demeanor. Wide-set blue eyes, with gold flecks, showed a sharp intelligence unobserved in their few previous encounters.
"Why would your sister play such a prank?"
"She is afraid you will offer for her."
"Ah, she hopes I'll find her twin more engaging. How interesting."
"She believes she has a tender for your cousin, Harry.” Helena spoke softly, as though that would take the sting out of her words.
"She realizes, of course, that all my family is here with me. They would take it as a personal affront if she displays such a preference."
"Yes, Your Grace.” Helena took one step back from him.
"Lady Helena, please call me Nicholas. All my family does.” He continued to watch her with his unwavering attention.
"I am not your family, Your Grace, nor does it appear we are to be family."
"Why?” He stepped toward her. “Have you taken an instant dislike to me also?"
"No, Your Grace, I love another."
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Prowling around the small turret room, he gave off sparks of barely leashed energy. She watched him with half-fascination and half-fear. Her heart beat quickened.
Stopping abruptly in front of her, he frowned. “I will discuss this with my mother. I don't want to offer for someone so unhappy at the idea of being my duchess. Since you are already spoken for, I think our parents must give up on the idea of an alliance between our two families.” Glancing over at her maid, he looked back at Helena with a question in his eyes.
"Agnes has been with our family for many years. Our conversation will go no further."
"Thank you.” He bowed formally and left. The clump of his boots echoed up the stairwell and then silence. The excess energy he'd brought with him drained away.
Encroaching night slanted shadows through the large windows and across the stone floor. She thought of Mary Ann, and knew in her heart, her sister was wrong. The duke far surpassed his cousin in looks and presence.
Moving to her maid's side, she forced a smile. “Time for us to go in, Agnes. Go ahead, I'll be right along."