The Duke's Dilemma Read online

  "Yes, Papa."

  "Are you also aware the duke wishes the wedding to occur in about four weeks’ time?"

  Helena glanced at Nicholas.

  "It will give us time to have the banns read, celebrate the wedding and then we will come back to London until the end of parliament,” Nicholas stated.

  "I hoped we might wait until the summer break,” Helena said as though they had never discussed the wedding date.

  "I prefer we wed soon. The sooner you begin your duties as my duchess the better.” His voice was gentle, but firm. “I don't want you to worry or panic with too much time between now and our marriage."

  "I am not such a fragile female, Your Grace. I do not panic."

  He bowed. “Forgive me, my dear. You are most certainly right, normally, but preparing to marry a duke can be very demanding and daunting. My mother suggested we not prolong the time before the wedding. Since she has gone through the ordeal herself, I felt it wise to follow her advice."

  "Perhaps I shall enjoy the attention and ordeal as you call it,” Helena said.

  "I'm sorry. I must insist we go forward as I have planned. We will meet in a few weeks, with our families, to decide on the specific day."

  Helena's mother spoke up with firmness and determination, directed at Helena. “I, for one, think the duke has been very reasonable in agreeing to your requests. If he wishes to marry within a month, we shall have to work quickly, but I'm sure his mother and I can arrange a fine wedding in that time."

  Helena watched her mother smile sweetly at the duke as she added, “Don't worry, Your Grace, my daughter is like all young ladies. The actual formalizing of the marriage contract is very final and a bit frightening. She will be fine on her wedding day."

  Helena observed him, the flare of irritation, and then something else, gone so quickly she was sure no one else noticed. She found herself attuned to this man and his moods. Her gaze moved down his face to his lips, well formed and warm when ever they touched hers. Looking up, she caught a flash of fire in his eyes and felt the flush return to her cheeks.

  * * * *

  He studied this woman he had committed himself to marry. Her face shown with more animation than usual. Something inside him wanted to push her a little harder, but not now. It could wait. He suspected there was much more underneath her outward cool refined appearance. Emotions no one else had seen released. A fierce desire to bring those emotions out and find the real woman permeated his body with longing.

  Mentally shaking himself, he frowned. This was to be a rational polite marriage, beneficial to the two parties involved. From where did this hunger for her come? He'd always managed to avoid emotional entanglements until now. He didn't want anything or anyone diverting him from his work.

  Nicholas nodded to Lady Steeples. “Thank you. I know I can count on you and my mother.” Formally bowing to her and Helena, he excused himself. “Until Friday night."

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  Chapter 11

  Nicholas paced his office, the short missive from Franklin in his hand. No luck so far in finding the traitor. His men, following the man Miles, had no success either. The man must be innocent or aware they watched him.

  He needed to leave for his mother's house. It would be the height of impropriety to arrive late to his betrothal party.

  Leaning across his desk to reach for the other note he received earlier, he heard the whistle of the bullet, the sound of the shot splintering in the wall next to him. Heart pounding, he fell to the floor and crawled behind his desk. As he reached into a drawer for one of his pistols, he heard footsteps running down the hall and a voice yelled out to him.

  "Don't open the door. Stay back,” Nicholas, answered. His fingers felt along the left sleeve of his jacket. The material felt frayed. Moving his arm, he noted soreness in the muscle, but he didn't see any evidence of bleeding. He lay silently, watching the bottom of the doors leading out to the garden.

  Slowly the door opened. He knew the shooter would see his feet and come closer to make sure he'd killed him. He didn't doubt the man had another loaded pistol.

  The intruder stepped around the desk. Nicholas rolled and pulled the trigger. The assailant fell where Nicholas had been lying. Jumping up, he kicked the gun far from the man's hand and nudged him over with his shoe. The man lay staring sightless at the ceiling. Damn, he had hoped to only wound him.

  The butler and footman charged in frantically looking for the duke. Nicholas brushed himself off.

  His footmen came hurrying over. “Your Grace, are you injured?"

  "I'm fine. Please notify the authorities. Also I'll need to change my clothes before leaving for my dinner party.” Nicholas wrote a quick note to explain his late arrival. He handed the letter to his butler. “See this is sent straight away to my mother."

  * * * *

  The family waited in the foyer for the butler to announce them. Helena glanced down at her new gown. The thin gauzy layers of the outer gown were different shades of blue and green. Underneath was a satin gown of teal blue. The gown was tastefully low cut and hugged her upper curves, then flowed softly around her when she walked.

  Mary Ann had arranged several tall matching plumes in her hair and fastened a ribbon with a small cameo around her neck. The silver satin wrap completed her ensemble. She was nervous but knowing she looked her best increased her confidence.

  "Lord and Lady Steeples, Lady Helena, and Lady Mary Ann, I am so happy to welcome you.” The duchess rushed forward to greet them. “Join me in a walk around the room. I will introduce you to our family and friends that you might not have previously met."

  Glancing at the room's occupants, Helena didn't see Nicholas. He must be here. They were barely on time. She tensed, noting the curious stares as the dowager duchess led them around.

  Helena was sure she'd never remember all their names. The duchess held securely to her arm and went from one group to the next. Maybe she's afraid if she lets go I'll run out of the room. She's right. Given an opportunity she would love to run and hide from all the inquisitive people.

  "And of course you remember Prudence and Priscilla.” The duchess stopped in front of the fireplace where her daughters had gathered with their husbands.

  "I do not understand my brother,” Prudence spoke sharply, not bothering to hide her distain or the volume of her voice. “I should think after his experience with your sister,” she nodded at Mary Ann, “he would have run as far away as possible from your family."

  The rudeness of her words stopped any conversation nearby. A ripple of gossip traveled through the crowd. Mary Ann started to step forward, but Helena stopped her with a wave of her hand.

  "I'm sorry you're upset, Prudence. I hope you and your sister will be my friends eventually, but if not, so be it. I only have to please one person, your brother and—"

  "And she pleases me very much.” Helena's head snapped around and she stared up at him. Relief swept over her.

  The duke spoke with a stinging retort directed specifically at Prudence. “Shame on you for showing such unkindness to my future wife. Be aware any further behavior such as this will not only be frowned upon, but you may find yourself unwelcome in my home."

  A bemused glance crossed his face and he gently touched Helena's cheek. “You look beautiful, my dear. What a regal duchess you will make."

  He glanced around at their guests. “Hello, everyone, please forgive me for my tardiness. I had an emergency to deal with, but all is well now. Shall we go into dinner and celebrate my betrothal to the lovely Lady Helena Steeples?"

  "The plan was for your mother and my father to make the formal announcement after dinner,” she whispered.

  His eyes glinted with humor. “I'm sure they will forgive me. It was the right time to declare you as my own. No one will hurt you with my protection,” he concluded.

  "I am not such a silly female to let such talk disturb me, Your Grace."

  "I am sure you're not. But, I will take no cha
nce of anyone, even my sister, believing they can treat you with anything less than the utmost respect. Now smile or our guests will think we are having our first disagreement."

  "Do you always get your way?"

  "Yes."

  "That will have to change,” Helena retorted and sat in the chair pulled out for her.

  She heard him chuckle and felt his arm brush hers. Familiar sparks coursed through her body at his touch. She moved her arm further away and tried to concentrate on the delicious food.

  After numerous toasts and plates of food, the ladies went to the drawing room. Helena hoped the men would join them soon and the evening could come to a close shortly afterwards.

  One of the duke's aunts went over to the pianoforte and played several tunes while they had tea. Lady Marian Edgewood broke away from the group and came across to greet Helena.

  "I am so happy for you, My Lady. My husband has only the highest admiration for the duke and his work in parliament. I do hope you will be able to continue to come to Lady Cottrell's afternoon gatherings."

  "Lady Edgewood, I'm glad to see you here tonight. I do plan to continue all my usual pursuits. The duke and I have agreed."

  "Wonderful, sometimes I think Harold would like to stop me. So far he has not, and now that the duke is agreeable to you attending, my husband will hopefully be less concerned."

  Helena smiled and moved over so her friend could sit beside her. “I haven't met your husband. You must introduce me."

  "Here they are now,” Lady Edgewood exclaimed in surprise.

  Helena saw Nicholas searching for her. He spotted her and smiled, then headed in her direction. Another shorter blond man waved at Lady Edgewood and also came toward them.

  "Lady Helena, may I introduce my husband, Lord Edgewood?” Marian Edgewood said.

  "I am pleased to meet you. Your wife and I have become good friends since meeting at Lady Cottrell's gatherings. I always look forward to sitting with her during the lectures."

  "I am not sure I approve of ladies attending those particular meetings. The discussions seem more appropriate for gentlemen. What do you think, Your Grace?"

  * * * *

  Nicholas saw the question coming. He didn't miss the warning look on Helena's face and he quirked an eyebrow at her.

  "I have attended the meetings and see a small number of women there. They all seem to enjoy the talks and make interesting and thoughtful comments. Lady Helena will continue to pursue her interest after our marriage."

  "Oh, well, I suppose if your duchess plans on going, she will lend the mark of respectability to such occasions. In that case, I feel more comfortable about my wife being seen at the lectures."

  "Lady Helena, would you care to join me for a walk outside? If you and your wife will excuse us, Lord Edgewood?"

  "Certainly.” Lord Edgewood took his wife's arm and walked across the room with her.

  A questioning look flashed across Helena's face. “Will the guests not think us rude to leave them, Your Grace?"

  His hand firm at her waist he walked her toward the French windows leading out to a stone terrace. “Not at all, my dear. They understand I might wish to have a few private moments with you. I have several important issues to discuss.” He led her out the door, across the terrace, and onto a stone path lit with many candles.

  They continued farther along the walk until it curved and put them out of sight of any guests. He tipped her face toward him. His lips brushed across hers.

  "I have something for you. I'd planned to get here early and give it to you before you were introduced, but I was unavoidably detained."

  A large square cut Ruby ring slid onto her finger. Then he pulled out a white jewelry case from his pocket and lifted out a Ruby necklace and ear rings. He handed her the ear rings to fasten while he slipped the necklace around her neck.

  "These are the Selwyn jewels given to every bride on her betrothal. They might have been made for you.” His voice low, he ran his fingers over the cold stones around her neck and her warm satin skin. “I feel your response to my touch and am glad it is only a few weeks before I can claim you as my own."

  Confused, Helena stepped back. “This is not a love match."

  "No, but there is this attraction between us.” His lips covered hers and his arms clasped her soft body close against his. He trailed kisses along the side of her neck and down to the top of her breast. “My lips feel your warmth and the fast beating of your heart. This is enough, for now,” he whispered against her skin.

  * * * *

  Tiny quivers, a yearning, went through her, settling in her lower body. Her legs weakened and she found herself holding onto him, wanting more of this wonderful feeling.

  He straightened and moved slightly away from her. “I must stop and bring my thoughts back to more serious matters. Since you are to be my bride, I must protect you. I have hired two men to guard you and your sister."

  Pulling herself out of his arms, she frowned. “I do not want to be followed around everywhere I go. That is hardly necessary."

  "You will have to trust me on this. It is needed and since you and your sister can easily be mistaken for each other, I must protect her too."

  "Protect us from what?” Helena demanded.

  "I knew you would want an explanation. Most women accept their husband's decisions without question.” He ran his finger down the side of her face. “I see this is not enough for you. The reason I was late is a man took a shot at me tonight."

  "Shot at you. Were you injured? When exactly did this happen?” Her eyes flew over him from top to bottom.

  "There is no way I could hide a gunshot wound all evening, my dear. It only ruined my new coat by tearing the sleeve. My left arm has a slight bruise. I was preparing to leave the house when the bullet blasted into the wall of my study."

  "Do you know the identity of the man who tried to kill you?"

  "No, and I suspect from his appearance that he was a hired hand. Someone paid him to do the job."

  "Did you question him or are the bow street runners taking care of the questioning?"

  He pulled her close again and kissed the top of her head. “You are not to worry. The authorities are on the case, but meanwhile you will allow me to see you and your sister are kept safe.” She started to shake her head.

  "Don't add to my problems by making me worry about you."

  "All right, as long as it isn't forever,” Helena agreed reluctantly.

  "Good, I will bring the two men by tomorrow and introduce them. You need to know what they look like, before they start following you everywhere.” Turning her toward the house, he guided her along the candlelit path.

  "Weren't you afraid someone might shoot at us out here tonight?” Helena asked.

  "Not at all, we've been guarded every moment."

  She gasped. “Every moment?"

  He laughed. “They weren't watching us, but watching the paths leading up to where we stood."

  Helena flounced into the drawing room and whispered, “I am not going out into the garden with you anymore."

  Looking around she saw all eyes on her again, but this time they stared at the sparkling jewels, the well known Selwyn rubies. No one had any further doubt about Helena's status.

  She noted the flushed angry face of her future sister-in-law, Prudence, and beside her stood Helena's sister-in-law, Sophia. Sophia's expression showed envy and dislike. Helena shrugged and turned to greet Mary Ann, who hugged her and complimented her on the beautiful jewelry.

  "Perhaps I was too hasty, Your Grace. Might I reconsider your offer?” Mary Ann teased.

  "Heaven save me, no,” he answered, a twinkle in his eyes. “I have found the right duchess for me."

  One by one, the guests wished the couple well and said good night. Wearily, Helena meandered to a nearby settee and sank onto it as the last guest went out of the room.

  "Excuse me, my dear.” Nicholas left her side to cross the room and speak with her brother and Papa.

/>   "Well, you have what you want. Although, if you don't give him a son, he will soon lose interest in you,” Sophia snipped at Helena.

  "What do you mean, what I wanted?"

  "Don't act the innocent with me. You were very clever. Pretend no desire to marry, then after much encouragement, change your mind. I suppose you saw your chance when your silly sister decided to turn him down."

  "My sister is not silly and I had no plan to marry the duke,” Helena snapped at her sister-in-law. Her head pounded and she had difficulty thinking.

  * * * *

  Across the room, Nicholas saw her face pale and a shaky hand go to her head. “Excuse me, sir.” He moved swiftly from Lord Steeples’ side and across the room to where Helena sat surrounded by Sophia and Prudence.

  Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Mary Ann also headed toward her sister and he realized Helena's brother followed close behind.

  Nicholas pushed the two women aside. “Helena, are you all right?” He leaned solicitously over her.

  "My head is pounding and I feel sick. May I go home now?” Her eyes pleaded with him.

  "Certainly, here is Mary Ann. Can you walk with her over to your parents? I need to have a word with these two ladies."

  "No need, Your Grace. My wife and I are leaving and I will handle matters.” Helena's brother frowned at his wife and took her arm firmly, escorting her out of the room.

  Prudence flushed. “She is not worthy of you."

  "That is not for you to decide. You will stay far away from her at any other family gatherings and after the wedding you will stay away from my home."

  "You don't mean you would ostracize me for that woman?"

  "I will and I am.” His words were cutting and cold.

  Red faced, Prudence stomped away. Shortly afterwards she and her husband left.

  Seeing his mother coming in his direction, Nicholas met her halfway. “Mother, have you come to scold me?” Nicholas asked.

  "No, I have come to support you. They will accept her, eventually. Anyone you chose would face some jealousy. Prudence is too high in the instep for her own good. I shall give her a good set down."