The Duke's Dilemma Page 11

  He dropped a kiss on his mother's cheek. “Thank you. Where are Lady Helena and her family?” he asked, looking around the empty room.

  "They left. It is best. The poor girl appeared likely to break into a million pieces at any moment. Not at all like her. What did you say that upset her?"

  Nicholas went to a side table and poured himself a shot of brandy. “Would you like a glass, Mother?"

  "Yes, I think I would.” She took her glass and settled on a near-by chair. Pebbles, let loose since all the guests were gone, ran to her, barking. She reached for him.

  "Now tell me whatever you have to say that required me to have a brandy to drink first."

  "Nothing slips by you, Mother.” He wandered around the empty room while she waited patiently. Finally, he sat across from her.

  "Someone tried to kill me tonight. Had I not leaned over at the exact moment of the shot, he might have succeeded."

  "I knew something had happened when you arrived late. That is most uncommon for you. You are never late."

  He nodded. “I was dressed and ready to leave, but I received a message and stopped to read it."

  "Did the shooter get away?” his Mother questioned.

  "He's dead. The authorities have been called and I am hiring two men to guard Helena and Mary Ann."

  "What about yourself?"

  "Someone will be watching me and working with me to get to the bottom of this attack,” he reassured her.

  She put her hand on his arm. “I have suspected you were involved in some dangerous government business. I am right."

  He nodded, but cautioned her to keep her suspicions to herself. “The less you know the better. A man will also be watching your house. I will take no chances with the people I love.

  "Don't worry,” he said, noting her paleness. “I have to leave now, but I'll call on you later tomorrow.” He smiled encouragingly. “You have a wedding to plan.” He watched her pull herself together.

  "Yes, I do. I'm glad to be busy.” Her hand reached out and touched his face. “Be careful."

  "Always.” Nicholas kissed her cheek and strode out the door.

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  Chapter 12

  Helena twisted sideways trying to see what the dressmaker was doing. “Aren't you done yet?"

  "My Lady, please have patience. I'll finish soon. I'm trying to make sure your wedding dress will be perfect."

  The light pink gown fit snugly across her breast then flowed in soft pleats to the floor. Lace trimmed the neckline, sleeves and bottom of the gown. Her gloves and shoes matched, but she had not decided what to wear on her head. Mary Ann and she were to leave shortly and go to the milliner's shop.

  Helena didn't go out often. She hated the necessity of having guards with them everywhere they went. So far, Nicholas had not discovered the person behind the attempt on his life.

  She had to admit her first thought would be of Harry. Harry came by at least every other day to invite the two sisters to go walking or riding. Helena and Mary Ann tried to discourage his visits, but he paid little attention.

  "Are you ready to leave?” Mary Ann put her head around the corner of the door.

  "Almost, Mildred is finished I'm sure.” Helena frowned at the dressmaker, who sighed and nodded, then helped her out of the gown.

  "I'll do the best I can Lady Helena to finish from these last measurements."

  "Good.” Helena quickly pulled on a pale mauve gown. “Let me get my gloves and we can be on our way."

  The busy streets made Helena want to return to the country. She missed the slower lifestyle. The last few weeks she'd attended numerous parties and teas to celebrate her upcoming nuptials. Nicholas attended, time permitting. More often than not his mother and Helena's family escorted her, a prelude of her future life with him.

  "Are you all right, Helena?” Mary Ann asked. “You seem quieter than usual this past week."

  "I'm trying to get used to all the attention. I hope I've not ruined my life with the wrong decision. I'd probably do better with a local man from our village. I'd have a normal life without interruptions."

  "Hah, any marriage would interrupt your life. At least the duke will not interfere with your painting and other interests. Why with a man from the village you would be having babies, keeping house, cooking, and have no time for anything else.” Mary Ann frowned.

  "What a horrible picture. I suppose I must admit you are right. Babies, cooking, and cleaning.” Helena shuddered. “I shall do much better with boring parties, vain people fawning over me, and men following me to protect me from being shot."

  Mary Ann giggled. “I love it when you put things into perspective. Come on. Let's see if we can't find the perfect bonnet for your wedding day."

  They got out of their carriage and strolled along the busy street, stopping to study the bonnets in the window of Mr. Ringsly's shop. The sun glanced off something shiny behind her. Helena moved her gaze from the lace trimmed hat to the window's reflection from across the street.

  She saw the man step from around the corner of the building. In her mind everything went silent and into slow motion. His arm came up and he pointed the pistol. The shot rang out at the same time one of their guards threw her and Mary Ann to the ground and covered their bodies with his. His partner ran toward the direction of the shooter.

  People screamed and ran wildly away from the scene. Horses reared and their drivers fought for control. Slivers of glass rained over them, from the shattered window. For seconds, minutes, Helena and Mary Ann didn't move. The guard finally rose with caution. “Are you both all right?"

  Helena sat up and removed her bonnet to shake off the glass then rose to her knees and did the same to her gown. She tried to ignore the rapid beat of her heart and her dizziness.

  "Are you hurt, Mary Ann?” Helena reached out a hand to her twin.

  "I'm fine, I think.” She glanced around. “But what happened?” Mary Ann asked as she brushed herself off and stood, pulling Helena with her.

  "Someone hiding behind the large brick building across the street shot at us. I saw a reflection of him on the shiny window pane just in time for me to see him point the gun.” Helena clasped her hands tight to stop their shaking.

  "I'm sorry my lady, Sparks and me didn't see the man soon enough."

  "What is going on? Who broke my window?” Mr. Ringsly stormed out onto the street and stopped abruptly. “Ladies, are you hurt? I didn't realize anyone stood in front of the glass."

  "We're fine,” Helena lied. “We've come to buy a bonnet. I should like to see a pink one in the style of the one on the floor.” Helena took a deep breath, held onto Mary Ann's hands, and forced herself to concentrate on her task. She did not intend to come back after this episode. She would get what she needed now.

  "My lady, we need to leave. The duke is going to be very disturbed when he hears what has happened. You must go to the safety of your home.” The man named Sparks pleaded with her and took hold of her arm. “Whoever shot at you ran away, but we can't be sure there are no others."

  "Release my arm.” Helena glared at him. “I fully intend to go home, all the way home to the country, but first I will buy my bonnet."

  Mary Ann chuckled. “You might as well give up. When my sister makes up her mind you won't budge her."

  * * * *

  Nicholas’ fisted his hands in an effort to control his anger. He sent a cold focused glare at the two men standing in front of him. They each took a step back.

  "She almost got shot and you did not see the assailant, only the flash of his gun? What am I paying you to do? Glass broken all over them, bruised from your man-handling, and you didn't insist they go straight home."

  "There were lots of people. We'd been looking all around. The shooter hid well. And begging your pardon, Your Grace, but Lady Helena would not listen to us. Never seen such a determined ...."

  Nicholas held up his hand, stopping any further excuses. He went to the window and stood, feet a
part, his hands clenched tight behind his back. Watching the carriages go along the street in front of his townhouse gave him time to regain control of his temper. What he wanted to do was knock their heads together.

  He spun around. “She is all right? No serious injuries?"

  "None, Your Grace. Only them bruises you mentioned."

  "No thanks to you two. I'll talk to your boss. I want more men watching her every step. Now get out!"

  They hurried out the door. Nicholas rubbed his hand down his face. Tomorrow Helena and her family planned to go home to the country. The families had arranged to meet in a few days and decide on a definite wedding date and none to soon. He could protect her better if she were at his home.

  Why did someone want him and his future wife dead? The puzzle became more complicated. Tonight he and his mother would dine with Helena and her family. But first, he needed to check with his runners about the man they followed. His last report said the suspect was still in the country and nothing suspicious had occurred.

  I hope Franklin arrives soon. I need the assistance of someone I can trust to help me solve this mystery.

  * * * *

  Nicholas helped his mother out of the carriage and the Steeples’ butler greeted them. “The family is in the drawing room, Your Grace. Please follow me."

  Nicholas nodded his head and put his hand under his mother's elbow. The drawing room though smaller than his, had a warm intimacy his lacked. The French windows along one side of the room stood open to let in the fresh air of the early evening. Lady Steeples came quickly to their side.

  "Welcome, Your Graces. Please come in and join us.” She motioned them inside.

  He glanced around the room. Everyone was present except Helena.

  "I hope Lady Helena is well, Lady Steeples. I don't see her."

  "She will be down soon. Certainly she was shaken from her experience today, but no permanent damage was done, thank goodness."

  Nicholas noted Lady Steeples anxiously wringing her hands and glancing furtively at Mary Ann. He excused himself and moved across the room.

  Taking hold of Mary Ann's arm, he walked toward an open door, guiding her outside. She pulled her arm loose.

  "You are being very forceful, Your Grace."

  "What is going on here?"

  "Blunt and to the point, then I shall be the same. Your men failed miserably. We had a close encounter with a bullet. Helena saw the flash at the same time they did, and had started to move toward me to push me down."

  "I know and I regret the failure of the men to protect you. It will not happen again."

  "How can you be so sure?"

  "I am changing the guards and increasing the number. The men watching over you from this point on are my own. I should not have hired anyone else. Only the need for expediency motivated me to hire them until I contacted my men and got them in place.” They continued to walk down the path carved out between the flower beds and away from the drawing room.

  "Now where is your sister?"

  "She told Mama and Papa she has changed her mind. She does not want to marry you."

  "She can't change her mind. The contract is signed."

  "Helena is more upset than I've ever seen her. The gunshot frightened her enough to call off the wedding.” Mary Ann looked toward the upstairs, where light filtered down to them. “Perhaps you might reassure her."

  "Is there a back way to her room?"

  Mary Ann nodded. “Through the kitchen."

  He smiled and leaned down, brushing a kiss across Mary Ann's forehead. “I think I shall quite like having you for a sister-in-law after all. I'm very glad you weren't hurt today."

  Mary Ann chuckled. “Go on. I'll stay out here to give you time."

  * * * *

  Helena viewed herself in the mirror. Her face was almost as white as the gown she wore. She shivered remembering the sound of the bullet and the glass shattering.

  Who would want the duke or her dead? By merely accepting his proposal her life became complicated and not in the ways she'd expected. She never really believed she would be in danger.

  Her long blond hair fell across her shoulders and down her back. She had no energy to bother with arranging it up in an elaborate style and she'd sent her maid downstairs. She went to the window.

  She'd seen Nicholas and his mother arrive. Even from this distance, she'd noticed the shine of his hair as he took off his hat at the door.

  Soon they'd be storming out, furious with her and her family. He'd never forgive her for this second insult, first her sister and now her. It was for the best, maybe. She remembered the intense awareness in her body whenever he came near and had to admit she liked the feelings.

  Theirs was to be a convenient marriage. But it didn't alter those feelings for him each time they were together. And, what if she came to love him but he didn't love her? She didn't want to think about that.

  The door flew open and banged against the wall. She blinked twice, thinking her eyes deceived her.

  "What are you doing here?"

  He strode into the room and firmly shut the door behind him. His eyes bore into her.

  "Mary Ann said you changed your mind. You can't. We have a contract and I will not allow you to break it."

  "You should not be in my bedroom."

  Helena stepped closer to the window behind her. He seemed to fill the room. His eyes flashed with anger, deep green, like the forest before nightfall. The air sizzled between them.

  "I never pictured you as a coward. You were very brave today. The guards following you from this time on will be my men, not hired help. I needed time to call them to town. You will be safe."

  "I don't want anyone guarding me. I want nothing more to do with you. My whole life has been torn awry."

  He stepped farther into the room. Her heart beat faster with each advancing step. His eyes never left her face. A nerve beat at the side of his firm mouth. She swallowed and moistened her lips with her tongue. His eyes followed her every move.

  "As I said, not marrying me is not an option. The contract is signed, sealed, and final."

  "Surely you do not want a woman who doesn't want you?” She threw out the words knowing they weren't true.

  A sardonic smile flickered across his face and he moved the rest of the way to her. “You want me. To say any different would be a lie."

  He bent his head and touched her lips with his. He held himself back allowing no other contact but the joining of their lips.

  She took a breath and her lips softened and opened. His tongue slipped inside caressing her mouth. His warm mouth tasted of whiskey. Her body moved closer. His arms wrapped around her and pulled her tight against him. She molded her body against his and became well aware of his desire for her. Heat rushed through her veins as she clung to him.

  He stepped back abruptly. “See? You do want me. Now dress and come downstairs. Your poor mother looks like she might faint at any moment."

  Slipping out her door, he disappeared as quickly as he had appeared. She didn't move, couldn't, her legs were too shaky. She touched her mouth. With only a kiss, he totally overwhelmed her.

  She crossed to her mirror and pinched her cheeks to give them color. She would finish her hairdo and go downstairs.

  He was right. It was too late to change the course of events and if she was honest, she didn't want to alter their agreement. But today the true danger of his life slammed into her. She didn't want to see him hurt or to lose him as she had lost Lawson. She'd thought of nothing else but the shooting all afternoon until her fears had overwhelmed her. Seeing him now, his strength and determination had reassured her as nothing else could.

  She was not a coward. She would show him.

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  Chapter 13

  Finally, at home, Helena wandered from room to room. She had nothing to do, since Mama hired extra help from the nearby village. The staff filled the house, dusting and cleaning in preparation for Nicholas and his family's
arrival. She watched the bustle around her and felt out of place. Alien in her own home.

  Arrangements for the wedding were almost completed. They'd attended numerous dances and teas in London to celebrate the upcoming alliance of their two families and no one entertained any notion the marriage was a love match. It was simply two strong families combining into one very influential dynasty.

  Envious looks from silly whispering girls had followed her everywhere she went in town. It was good to be home. Nevertheless, she couldn't stay still.

  "Helena, my dear, you are getting in the way and making the servants uncomfortable. Go to your turret room and relax.” Her mother put an arm around her and led her determinedly toward the stairs. “Go paint, or do something. It's hours before the dinner tonight. You have plenty of time."

  "Yes, Mama.” Helena waited until her mother disappeared in the other direction before slipping out the door and heading to the stables. Thank goodness, her father convinced Nicholas that they did not need the guards here. He assured Nicholas that she'd be safe.

  Her mare, Sparkle, needed exercise and maybe a good run would take away the shivers running up and down her spine. She'd awoken before the first light of day after tossing and turning all night. Her restlessness still hadn't abated

  Sparkle snorted and tossed her head. “Good girl, are you ready for a run?” Sparkle bumped her head against Helena.

  Laughing, Helena, with assistance from a groom, arranged herself on the saddle. With little encouragement, the mare raced across the wide open field. After a while, she slowed the horse and headed toward the shade of the trees.

  Quiet and stillness surrounded her as she moved between the tall oaks and elms. Not a breath of wind moved amongst the tree branches. Shadows slanted across the narrow path.

  Helena raised her head and stopped. The hair raised on her arms. Sparkle snorted. The figure of a man stepped out in front of her. His features unclear in the dim light, she gasped.

  "Don't you know me, Helena? Have I changed so much?"

  Speechless, she shook her head. A mirage? The man's voice sounded like Lawson, but he was broader and rougher looking.