The Duke's Dilemma Page 12

  He came closer and reaching up his calloused hand covered hers. Suddenly, he pulled her down and held her tightly in his grasp. His harsh, demanding mouth captured her lips. One hand moved down her back, pulling her tight against the hard evidence of his arousal.

  She pushed at him. This couldn't be Lawson. She was losing her mind. It had to be a stranger and she must fight. She hit, kicked, tossed her head back, and starting to scream. His hand clamped over her mouth.

  "Don't. I'll release you."

  She nodded and he removed his hand. Up close, she recognized the eyes, the blond tossed curls, but still she found it difficult to reconcile this hard man with the young boy who went off to war.

  "Lawson? It is you."

  "Sorry, I frightened you. I'd planned to surprise you tonight at the dinner party, but I couldn't resist when I saw you coming into the woods. I had to get a closer look."

  "But, you're dead."

  He laughed. “Don't tell me after our kiss you still think I'm dead, my love. You'll shatter my illusions regarding my ability to please a woman."

  "I'm not your love.” She didn't smile. “Why have you been gone so many years? And you never contacted your family or me. Didn't you know how devastated your parents would be at word of your death? In fact, many people thought the news contributed to your father's untimely demise."

  "I had no choice.” He bent, picked up a nearby stick, and slapped it against his leg. “I was a prisoner, recently escaped and brought back by one of the many spies who work for the king. You don't believe I would stay away a minute longer then I had to, from you or my family?"

  "You have seen your mother?"

  He nodded. “She is overjoyed."

  "I can't believe it.” Her fingers trailed along the side of his face, across his lips and down across his throat. His skin was warm. She felt his pulse. He was no illusion.

  This time when he reached for her, she let him pull her body against his. Cool lips brushed across hers lightly.

  "Come, Helena,” he said, raising his head. “Let's surprise your parents.” He whistled and his horse came to him.

  The present flooded back. “Wait. There is something I must tell you."

  "We can talk later. I want to see the surprise on your parents’ faces when we walk in together."

  "I'm planning to marry, soon."

  Frozen in place, he stared at her. “To whom?"

  "The Duke of Monteroy. I, I..., I waited, but everyone convinced me you'd died and weren't coming home. This marriage will give me a home and children and I have agreed."

  "Surely it can't be a love match. Tell the duke I have returned. He won't want to wed a woman who loves another.” He placed his hands at her waist, ready to help her onto her horse. “Not to worry, I will talk with him if you wish."

  "No!” Helena pushed his hands away. “I must decide what to do and I can do my own talking."

  "Decide?"

  "I have signed the contracts. My family and his will be distressed and embarrassed if the marriage is called off."

  Confidently, he pulled her back against him. “You would be miserable, Helena. You can't marry a man to please your family, and after all, we had a previous understanding.

  "I'm planning to move to America, soon. You will come with me. We'll start a new life. It won't matter if your parents are unhappy or if the Ton gossips. You'll be free to start anew."

  She pushed against him, freeing herself from his grasp. “Stop. I must think. I will tell my family you are back. Please give them a day to adjust to your reappearance."

  "You don't want me to come to dinner?"

  He looked surprised and for a brief second she hesitated. Standing there in his brown jacket and leather breeches, time seemed to roll back. She remembered him and the love she'd felt.

  "No, yes...” She shook her head. “No, please. The duke will arrive late today. I need time to talk with him and my parents. I'll decide what I'm going to do."

  "Not too much time, my love. It has already been four years.” His voice sounded cold.

  He disappeared and she stared at the empty place in front of her. She almost believed she had imagined him.

  Helena rode back home, thoughts swirling in her head. She hurried to the turret room. Breathless after the climb and still shaky, she sat on the seat facing the long expanse of lawn with the forest in the distance.

  Lawson had returned. Her dream had come true and yet it wasn't the same as the dreams she'd nourished over the years. He was larger and there was an edge to his tone, darkness in his eyes. He was not her Lawson, the man in her memories.

  She should be overjoyed. She wasn't. A lone rider came into her view. Oh no, not yet Lawson. Relief coursed through her when she recognized Lord Gates. Nicholas had said he might come by this week-end. She should go greet him.

  Her body wouldn't move and nothing seemed important enough to leave the protection of her sanctuary. She remained frozen in place.

  * * * *

  Franklin had hid among the trees and watched as Lawson rode off in one direction and Helena went toward home. He had arrived in time to see Helena and Lawson talking and moved his horse as close as he dared. He didn't hear the conversation, but their actions spoke louder than words. What was the connection between the Steeples twin and the man he believed might be their traitor?

  He must connect with Nicholas as soon as possible. He'd ride to the Steeples home and arrange to have himself invited to dinner.

  He had resisted coming today, but some information he'd just recently received forced a change in his plans.

  It was difficult to imagine Lady Mary Ann as the prospective bride of his best friend, but he might as well get used to it. Nicholas had informed him of his intention and choice before his family made their visit to the Steeple estate.

  Franklin didn't plan on allowing himself to care for any woman. Mary Ann was too much in his thoughts and it irritated him that he wasn't able to forget her. Seeing her marry Nicholas should solve his problem.

  But, if he told Nicholas about her sister, Helena, and this man, would the marriage go forth? Nicholas might not want to align himself and his family with the Steeples if Helena was involved some way with the traitor to the crown.

  Franklin didn't want to probe his inner feelings too closely. He might have to admit that seeing Mary Ann and Nicholas’ marriage cancelled would loosen the grip of tension wrapping around his body. He pulled on the reins and turned his horse toward the Steeples home.

  * * * *

  "Lord Gates, welcome. Please come in.” Lady Steeples stood to greet the tall man her butler had brought to her. “Would you like a cup of tea?” She motioned to the teapot sitting on the table beside her chair. “Please sit and tell me of your travels. The duke mentioned he hoped you would visit this week-end."

  Franklin sat in the chair across from her. His eyes searched the room before he brought his attention back to his hostess and smiled.

  "I only arrived back in England two days ago. I didn't send a message ahead because I doubt it would have arrived before me. I hope you can forgive me, Lady Steeples?"

  "There is nothing to forgive. We are happy you can be with us on this happy occasion. The duke and his family should be arriving this afternoon and there is a dinner set for tonight. You must plan to stay with us. I insist."

  "I admit it would be more pleasurable to stay here, rather than coming back and forth from the village."

  Lady Steeples laughed gaily. “And the small village inn is not nearly as comfortable as our home and bed. I insist. I will not accept no for an answer. Oh,” she looked behind him, “Mary Ann, come in and join us. Do you remember Lord Gates?"

  Franklin braced himself as he stood and turned. His memory had served him right. Her bright beauty filled the room. He inclined his head briefly. “Lady Mary Ann."

  "Lord Gates.” She curtsied. “How nice to meet you again. I understand you and the duke are close friends and have been for many years."

&n
bsp; Mary Ann walked around his chair and sat beside her mother. He watched her mother pour her a cup of tea. She kept her eyes lowered.

  "You must be happy to know the wedding date will be decided on soon?” His voice reached across to bring her head up.

  She glanced up quickly, then back down at her teacup. “I am very happy. Weddings are joyous times for families. The duke's family and mine have been close and this will bring us all together as one, at last.

  For the first time, she stared directly at him and showed only the politeness of any lady to a guest. What did he expect? She acted quite proper and that's what he wanted, wasn't it?

  "It has been Mama and Papa's greatest wish to see our families joined,” she added.

  He sat back and let the light, polite conversation flow over him. Desire tingled along his nerves. He berated himself. The marriage will take her out of his reach. He mustn't desire her. She was to be his best friend's wife.

  * * * *

  "Franklin, I'm very glad to see you. We have much to talk about.” Nicholas clapped his friend on the shoulder. They stood in Nicholas’ room, dressed to go down to dinner.

  "I too have much to tell you. I believe I know the identity of our traitor."

  "Excellent. Sit by the fire and tell me everything."

  "This last man I brought back to England supposedly managed to escape from pirates also and after four years of captivity he wanted to come home . We connected through one of my contacts and I brought him with me. The contact was suspicious of him and so am I. He's in excellent shape for a prisoner. I managed to check around and the word is he's frequently been in touch with someone in France. I tried to find out more, but I've not been successful."

  "Do you have any definite evidence?"

  Franklin shook his head. “No, but something else happened. I've been following him and he lives in this area. Today, he met someone in the Steeples woods."

  "Who?” The word came out harsh.

  "Your future wife's sister."

  "You're sure?"

  "Yes,” Franklin said. “I'm sorry to say, I'm certain."

  Nicholas raked his hand through his hair. Mary Ann, somehow connected to their traitor? Silly, vain, Mary Ann or clever and cunning Mary Ann? What a perfect disguise.

  "How do you know it wasn't her sister?” Nicholas had to force himself to ask. After all, they are twins.

  * * * *

  Franklin was silent. How did he explain he knew intuitively the difference between Helena and Mary Ann? Awareness flooded his body when Mary Ann came into a room, even before he saw her. How to explain when it made no sense to him and would expose a vulnerability he didn't want to admit.

  "Her behavior made it obvious and he said her name. I couldn't hear most of the conversation, but I did hear that part."

  "What a mess. We're here to set the wedding date and I planned for it to be soon. If he is the traitor and she's involved, which I have difficulty believing, it could be a disaster for both our families."

  "Can you delay the wedding?” Franklin felt uncommon warmth on his face, at his question.

  "For what reason? What possible explanation can I give to postpone deciding on a wedding date, when I insisted otherwise?"

  * * * *

  Nicholas’ fist clenched. Mary Ann could not possibly be a traitor. His brain refused to see the picture Franklin's words had drawn.

  "Excuse me. I need some time alone to think."

  "I understand.” Franklin moved to the door. “I'm sorry."

  The words hung in the air as the door closed. It was late. Soon everyone would gather for dinner. He must find Helena and talk to her about Franklin's report.

  Nicholas stalked down the hall and ran into Mary Ann. “Is your sister in her room? I need to speak with her."

  "The eager bridegroom,” she teased. “No, I haven't seen her all afternoon. I was going to check the turret room. It's strange that Helena didn't greet you when you arrived."

  "I'll find her. She's probably lost in her painting."

  "I'm sure she'd rather see you then me.” Mary Ann waved him on.

  He watched Mary Ann until she disappeared around the corner. He was still unable to reconcile her as helping a traitor. Shaking his head, he strode toward the turret room. Franklin had to be mistaken.

  * * * *

  The turret room was unlit. Nicholas started to turn around and look for Helena somewhere else. But, he hesitated; no one had seen her in the house. He'd check before searching other areas. He started up the steps and climbed until he stood in the entrance to her sanctuary.

  She sat facing an open window. The room was cold and she'd drawn her legs up against her chest. Her body was motionless and for a second he feared she did not even breathe.

  "Helena,” he spoke softly. Moving carefully, so as to not startle her, he came closer. His hand touched her cheek and her skin was like marble. Sitting down, he lifted her onto his lap and wrapped his warmth around her.

  "What is it, Helena? What's wrong?"

  His words apparently penetrated through the distress and coldness, and as if a statue of ice, drops of tears slowly flowed over her cheeks, melting away the image.

  Clouded blue eyes stared at him. “Nicholas, you came."

  "Of course. You knew I planned to be here today, so we can talk about our wedding. I wouldn't have missed it.” He forced himself to speak lightly, softly, as if to comfort a child.

  Her breath shuddered through her. She choked out the words. “I can't marry you."

  "Why not?"

  "He is back. Lawson is home and he has prior claim to me."

  "Lawson is the man you loved long ago?” He tried to understand her.

  Her head nodded and she looked down at her hands touching his chest. He gently raised her chin and brought her face up to his. His lips brushed across hers.

  She snuggled closer. He rubbed his hands along her cold arms and kissed the top of her head.

  "I can't.” She tried to move away, but he held her fast.

  "You can."

  "I can't marry you. What kind of woman am I to care for two men? And you don't know the most awful part, my secret.” She looked at him so earnestly he wanted to take her away and protect her from all the hurts.

  "I suspected something has been bothering you. Some other reason you thought prevented you from marrying me."

  Her eyes widened. “How clever you are. And nice,” she added in a soft childlike whisper.

  "Do you want to tell me the secret and then we shan't bother about it anymore?"

  "I will tell you, but it will change the way you feel about me being your duchess."

  "Perhaps we should get you to a warmer place first and—"

  "No. I must tell you now or I will lose my courage."

  He nodded and watched her catch her breath. Tenderness swept through him. Nothing and no one would harm her or take her from him.

  She sat straighter and stared directly in his eyes.

  "Lawson and I were together, once, the last night before he departed for the war.” She stopped for a second.

  His body froze. “Together?"

  "Yes, I'm...” She blushed and lowered her eyes. “I'm not a virgin."

  He wanted to strangle Lawson. How dare he take advantage of an innocent young girl?

  "Do your parents know?"

  "Oh no, they would never have sanctioned our marriage. They would be so ashamed, only Mary Ann knows. So you see why I did not plan to marry anyone. And then you came into my life and I thought maybe since it was only one mistake that you'd forgive me. I know it was a very big one."

  He leaned against the stone wall, still clutching her tight. For the first time in his life, he felt his world rock out of control. He didn't like the feeling.

  * * * *

  "I know you must hate me for deceiving you. I wanted to tell you, but the words wouldn't come.” She buried her head in his chest, afraid to look him in the eye. He must be disgusted, but his arms still held her
tight.

  "We will postpone setting the date for our wedding,” he said, at last. “You have had a great shock and need time to recover. I have rushed you. We can wait."

  "You still want to marry me?” she asked.

  "To be honest, I am as stunned as you by today's events. But, I do want you to be my wife and we will work through all of this. I assure you."

  "Harry said you never fight for what you want.” The words slipped out, remembering a long ago conversation.

  "Did he? Well, Harry is not always right."

  Puzzled, she studied him intently. “Our families will be distressed and the Ton will have a wonderful time ridiculing all of us. I'm sure the gossips have already spread the word about this family meeting. “

  "I believe you have worried enough about others and feared disappointing them too much. Lawson became so important to you because he was the first person to give you any special attention.

  "Such acceptance is difficult to turn away from, especially during emotional times such as his leaving. I don't blame you and I will handle this.

  "We shall stand together saying it is our mutual agreement to wait. You'll continue as my betrothed unless you decide otherwise. Nevertheless, I must warn you,” he looked directly into her eyes, “I will not make it easy for you to break our contract."

  "I don't understand why you are being so kind."

  "Someday I'll explain. Come, you need to go to your room and warm up. Dress warmly for dinner. You haven't much time."

  Nicholas carried her in his arms all the way to the main part of the house before placing her on her feet. She didn't feel as lightheaded as before. She climbed the stairs slowly on a path to her room to change clothes.

  * * * *

  Conflicting thoughts flew around in Nicholas’ head, his body rigid from holding his emotions at bay as he watched her arrive safely on the landing above. They'd postponed the wedding, but not for the reason he and Franklin had discussed.

  Mary Ann was not sneaking away to meet a traitor. Helena was the woman Franklin saw in the woods. Rage engulfed him when he thought of the man trying to come between Helena and him.

  Lawson, traitor or hero, or something in between? Now to discover whether the woman he wanted would marry him or return to the arms of her first lover.