The Duke's Dilemma Read online

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  Chapter 14

  "Helena, where have you been?” Mary Ann stopped talking and looked at her sister. “What's wrong?"

  "Lawson is alive and here."

  Worried, Mary Ann felt her sister's forehead. Angrily, Helena stepped back. “I do not have a fever and I am not crazy. He survived."

  "How?"

  "I don't know. Nicholas found me in the tower and has agreed we will postpone our wedding."

  "You have a contract. Everyone expects you to be married, soon. Society will ostracize our family. Look at me, Helena. You can't!"

  Helena put on the gown laid out on her bed. She pulled a brush roughly through her hair and arranged the long lengths into a tight bun. She had sent Agnes away, wanting to be alone.

  "Nicholas has agreed. It is the only solution. I simply,” she collapsed onto a nearby chair, “do not know anything else we can do."

  Mary Ann rushed to her side. “I'm sure the duke knows best and with his support it will be all right.” Taking Helena's cold hands in hers, she rubbed them briskly and the warmth began to return.

  Her sister stood close to Helena as they went toward the drawing room. Helena knew the next few hours would be difficult and drew courage knowing Mary Ann supported her. She heard voices coming from the large room and gripped Mary Ann's arm tightly.

  "It will be all right,” Mary Ann repeated. “Remember, the duke agrees with you. No one will dare say anything,” she whispered and stepped into the doorway.

  Nicholas walked quickly to Helena's side and tucked her arm into his, thanking Mary Ann. His eyes searched her face. “You are better?"

  "Yes."

  The butler opened the front door to other guests and Helena glanced in that direction. Lawson stood smiling beside his mother, brother, and sister-in-law. Helena frowned. She had asked him to wait and she had not yet had an opportunity to prepare her parents.

  Nicholas took her hand and she grasped hold. A feeling of support and protectiveness wrapped around her. She glanced at him for reassurance before stepping forward.

  "Lady Falscroft.” Helena curtsied and put her hand out to Lawson's mother. “How surprised and happy you must be."

  "It is our dream come true, my dear. How lucky Lawson returned before your wedding."

  "The purpose of this party is to introduce my friends to my betrothed, before the actual ceremony. Your Grace, may I introduce you to Lady Falscroft and her family?” The duke nodded. “This is my betrothed, the Duke of Monteroy."

  Lawson's mother stared at the tall man at Helena's side. “But Lawson said you would be breaking your engagement."

  "Mother,” Lawson's brother interrupted the conversation. “You are embarrassing Lady Helena and the duke. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Your Grace. I am Baron Falscroft and this is my wife, Lady Falscroft. “Also,” he indicated the man standing to his side, “my brother, Lawson Falscroft."

  Helena noted Nicholas’ cold expression, when he nodded to Lawson. Lawson smiled brightly, obviously enjoying the confusion and shock created by his appearance. Helena glanced inside the doorway to the drawing room and sensed their guests becoming aware of something happening in the hallway.

  "Your Grace, I'd appreciate it if you and Lawson's family would allow us a few minutes to speak. We'll only be a moment, if you'll excuse us?"

  "I'll be right inside if you need me.” Nicholas bowed to her and went into the drawing room. Lawson's family followed him, leaving Lawson and her alone in the hallway.

  "You did not wait as I requested,” Helena accused.

  "And why have you not ended your engagement to the duke or did you find it too difficult to give up the title of duchess and all those riches?"

  Of its own violation, Helena's hand flew up but he caught her arm. “Now, now, testy little thing, aren't you? I think your guests have enough to gossip about already, don't you?"

  "I will not be controlled Lawson. I'll decide whether to end my engagement, not you. Any understanding we had ended years ago."

  Blue eyes twinkled at her. “How can you refuse me? Surely, you prefer me to the stoic duke. You will have no joy in your life with him, my love."

  Helena's father and mother came to her side and ushered them into the drawing room.

  "Please, everyone.” Helena's father spoke above the noise of the other voices. “Dinner is ready and I suggest we go to the dining room and enjoy the tasty meal our cook has prepared. After dinner,” he spoke softly to his wife and Helena, “we will meet with the duke and his mother in my study. We must sort out the complications arising from the shock of Lawson's return."

  He smiled at Lawson as he walked by and patted him on his back. “Not that we aren't happy to see you home, son, but you picked the worst possible time to appear on our doorstep."

  Helena tasted nothing. She was aware of the furtive glances in her direction. When she tried to swallow food refused to go past the large lump in her throat. Only the wine slid down easily, wetting her dry mouth. It seemed hours before her mother and father rose and motioned the guests back to the drawing room, and then directed her to come into the study with Nicholas and his mother.

  * * * *

  Helena sat in the shadows, near the curtains. Nicholas stood beside her.

  "What an upsetting evening,” her father stated. “May I offer a glass of Madeira to the ladies? I'm sure you and I,” he motioned to Nicholas, “prefer whiskey."

  "Thank you.” Nicholas took his drink and handed it to Helena. “I think your daughter needs this more than I."

  "I'm sorry, Mama and Papa. I saw Lawson this afternoon. I asked him not to come tonight or at all until I had time to tell you and the duke and his family. Obviously, he did not consider my wishes."

  Nicholas spoke up. “To save time, I was aware of his return. Lady Helena and I spoke late this afternoon. She and I have agreed to postpone our wedding date for now. I was wrong to rush her and she needs the time to recover from the shock of Falscroft's return."

  "But everyone is here and it will cause a scandal,” Helena's mother protested and ran a hand across her forehead. “Our families and close friends expect an announcement in the next few days. Of course, Helena must honor her obligation to you. The contracts are signed."

  "I agree with my son.” The duchess’ cold voice brought heads turning in her direction. “We will all return to London. Helena and Nicholas are postponing their decision on a wedding date because my son needs to leave immediately to take care of unexpected personal business that needs his attention."

  "I'm sure the Ton already knows about our plans for this week-end. The gossip will be unending.” Lady Steeples complained.

  "Only until another interesting tidbit of gossip catches their attention. If we all stick together and ignore the rumors, it will end.” The duchess stood. “It is settled. Nicholas,” she motioned him to her side, “please escort me to the drawing room, but first, I believe I could do with a sip of that whiskey.” She walked to the side table, where she poured a generous amount into an empty tumbler.

  Helena watched her finish the drink and walk out regally, neither looking to the left nor right. She knew the duchess would not easily forgive this delay. The duchess’ behavior indicated her displeasure.

  "You have done it now. Even your sister did not cause us such embarrassment.” Lady Steeples frowned at her daughter. “Why couldn't you just marry the duke? Lawson has no title and may not want to wed you after being gone all these years. You were both young and immature when he left."

  Lord Steeples went to his wife, where she sat sniffling into her handkerchief. Helena sat alone as usual.

  She walked to the door. Her father glanced up, gave her a brief smile, and then motioned for her to leave. Tears filled her eyes. “I'm sorry, Papa.” Stepping into the hallway, she took several deep breaths and blinked furiously to keep from crying. She must return to the drawing room and help convince everyone of the story they would tell about th
e delay of their wedding.

  * * * *

  "Why are you not in the study with the duke and your family, Lady Mary Ann?” Franklin asked.

  Mary Ann smiled. “I don't think they need me to help them decide matters pertaining to the wedding."

  "But you're the bride-to-be. Surely, you would demand to be involved."

  "I'm not the bride!"

  "Then who is?” Franklin had a sinking feeing in his stomach.

  "Helena. I thought you knew he decided on her."

  "But, he planned to ask you. He told me so before his first visit to your home. I know others thought he would be deciding between the two of you, but he said you'd suit him best."

  Mary Ann nodded. “He did ask me. I declined to accept."

  Franklin stared blankly at her. “You refused a duke? No one refuses a duke."

  "I did!” Mary Ann turned away and glided across the room to the open doors. Glancing back, she stepped outside.

  Franklin took his time walking around the room, stopping occasionally to speak with an acquaintance. Cooler air blew across his face when he went through the doors.

  She stood a few steps away in the shadows. Silently, he came up behind her and turned her to face him.

  "I have to understand what you said. Your sister, Helena, is to marry the duke?"

  "Yes."

  Franklin raked his hand through his hair. “What have I done?” He saw the anxious look Mary Ann gave him. “I thought you were to wed him. Why would I think otherwise?"

  "He and I were never suited. We both realized Helena would make a much better duchess. Why does it matter to you?"

  He shook his head. “I can't explain. I've been the bearer of bad news to my best friend, but I can't tell you how."

  "There is something very suspicious going on here tonight. You don't have to tell me. I'll find out for myself."

  "Don't be foolish. You'll put yourself in danger. Why do women persist in interfering in a man's business?"

  She snapped her head back and he knew he'd said the wrong thing. Anger flashed in her eyes.

  "I might ask why men assume we have no ability to think. You, want a woman you can place on the mantelpiece for all to observe and envy you the ownership. Excuse me.” She swept her skirts out of his way and ran back to the open doorway, stopping to regain her dignity before disappearing inside.

  Franklin chuckled. She'd put him firmly in his place. The flicker of desire stirred again. She was wrong. He didn't want her on his mantel, but in his bed. He felt himself harden with need and she wasn't marrying Nicholas.

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  Chapter 15

  Nicholas observed the rigid posture of his mother as she walked beside him. “Say whatever you want, Mother. I'm aware you are displeased."

  "Why not break the engagement? Enough is enough. You've been patient too long with this family. Never did I think my friends’ daughters would be so impolite and unsuited to be your wife."

  "Mother, you knew of Lady Helena's situation. She has been open and honest with both of us. This evening was not her wish or in her control."

  "She knew he'd returned. A simple definite no, to him, would have prevented this embarrassing debacle. I'm sure she let him see her uncertainty."

  "Perhaps, but she is not to blame. I wonder how anyone might react after such a shock."

  His mother's sharp eyes searched his face. “You care for the girl."

  "Yes, but not so much that I can't get over her, if she chooses to marry Falscroft.” He knew when he said the words that they weren't true. He wouldn't admit even to himself how much he pictured her in his home and life and how he would miss her if, she chose another man.

  His mother nodded. “Then our plan is for the best. Prudence will be the most difficult to convince to watch her words."

  "Prudence has been warned, Mother. You might remind her that what I said still stands."

  They stood for a moment in the entrance to the large drawing room. Heads turned looking at them with questions in their eyes. Nicholas smiled watching his mother straighten herself to her full regal posture and enter the room with all her majestic flare. His lips curved in an affectionate smile.

  Helena returned shortly afterwards and Nicholas went to her side. Taking her hand, he bowed over it. “I am glad to see you have joined us, my dear."

  Tucking her arm into his, he strolled around the room, stopping to speak with each group of guests. They explained to family and close friends they planned to wait until this summer to announce their wedding date. A ripple of whispers followed them around the room. Stopping at the large fireplace, Nicholas held tightly to the small hand on his arm and thanked everyone for joining them that evening.

  * * * *

  Helena saw the smile on Lawson's face and his quick look in her direction. She knew he thought she had decided she wanted him instead of the duke and until the day she met Nicholas in her turret room, she'd have been overjoyed to see Lawson home. A few weeks ago, she'd have been excited about his return but her life had changed drastically. A profusion of emotions raced through her. How had she changed so much in a short period of time?

  Her answer seemed to be the duke himself. His large hand holding hers was warm and strong. His broad shoulders and upright carriage represented strength and safety in a way she couldn't explain. They barely knew each other, yet she was ever aware of his presence.

  His emerald green eyes gazed into hers. She swallowed and forced herself to look away. Lawson stood nearby. A small smile curved his lips, replaced fleetingly by another expression, when he noted the duke's hand clasping hers.

  Her Lawson and yet not. At least this gave her time to sort out her mixed emotions and make Lawson aware he couldn't walk back into her life, as though nothing had changed.

  Soon, the guests began to depart. Others staying the night said they would leave tomorrow. They obviously couldn't wait to return to London with this juicy piece of gossip.

  Sparks of fire and a haughty distain came from Prudence and Sophia. Cruel smiles covered their faces when they said good night to her, but the stern expression on the duke's face kept their remarks short and polite.

  Mary Ann stood on Helena's other side and took her arm after the last guest left. “Let's go to our rooms. I believe you have endured enough for one night."

  Helena squeezed her hand. “You go. I must speak with Nicholas once more before retiring."

  Mary Ann nodded and reluctantly went upstairs alone. Helena moved into the smaller sitting room, after asking Nicholas to join her.

  He leaned his back against the closed door, his stillness unnerving.

  "Your Grace,” she said, standing straight and holding her hands clenched tightly in front of her. “I must first thank you for your support this afternoon and tonight. Never did I think Lawson would attend tonight's dinner and cause such an embarrassing scene for you and your family. It is obvious your mother and Prudence are furious with me. I am sorry."

  He pushed away from the door and moved steadily toward her, his eyes holding hers captive. He stopped in front of her. She felt the heat radiating from his body, and her heart beat raced. She resisted the urge to step back.

  "I am giving you time to recover from the shock of Lord Falscroft's return. I am not releasing you from our contract. Do not regard me as a weak man or necessarily as always forgiving."

  His hands reached out and pulled her against him. “I do not give up what is mine.” His mouth slashed down over hers. Hard demanding lips forced hers apart and his tongue moved inside, touching and demanding a response.

  Without a thought, her body moved closer. Her arms went around his waist and she leaned into him. She took a deep breath and smelled his familiar cologne.

  "Remember,” he said as he stepped back from her. “Harry was wrong. I will fight for what is mine, and you will be my duchess."

  "Can you forgive me?” she asked.

  "You are not the one who needs forgiveness and no, I w
ill not forgive him."

  He strode with firm steps to the door. He turned and stared at her for a long while. His gaze raked across her face and down her body slowly until it reached the hem of her dress. And then he was gone.

  His last look had branded her as his. Trembling fingers touched her lips. All thoughts of Lawson fled her memory replaced by the duke who filled her body with such strong needs and yearnings.

  * * * *

  Franklin paced around Nicholas’ London office. “I'm sorry. When I spoke with you, I thought you were marrying Lady Mary Ann."

  "Would you have withheld the information from me, Franklin? I don't think so."

  "No, but I would have...oh I don't know how I could have told you any other way."

  "Nor do I. Quit worrying, my friend. You did not know of Lady Helena and Lord Falscroft's previous relationship. I know Lady Helena is not part of any traitorous plan. Have you any news for me?"

  "There has been an interesting tidbit of information from my man following the first rescued prisoner. He came to London yesterday and met with someone we both know."

  "And why do you hesitate to tell me?” Nicholas studied the controlled expression on Franklin's face.

  "He visited Lawson Falscroft."

  "Where?"

  "At an old inn, off the beaten path. My contact said they talked, had several mugs of ale, and parted. The other man left town."

  "You are continuing to have both followed?"

  "Of course."

  Nicholas leaned back in his chair, his feet crossed on the top of his desk. “Perhaps, he heard of Lawson's rescue and went to compare notes?"

  Franklin shook his head no. “The report said these two appeared to know each other well."

  Nicholas sat up abruptly. “Keep the watch on both of them. Do they both patronize the same bank?"

  Franklin looked surprised. “How did you know?"

  Nicholas ignored his question. “See the bank president and find out how much they have deposited and any recent transactions they've made."

  "That is my other information. Yesterday, Lawson went to the bank and to his tailor. You'll probably see him at the Chatney's ball tonight."