The Duke's Dilemma Read online

  "Do me a favor.” Nicholas walked to the fireplace and stirred the ashes while thinking. “Go by the Steeples and drop that bit of information to Lady Helena.” Nicholas turned and smiled. “Since Mary Ann will be around, I don't think this is an assignment you'll mind doing."

  "Am I so obvious?"

  "Only to an old friend."

  Franklin grimaced and left. Nicholas hands clenched. If Lawson was the traitor, it would be difficult telling Helena. Would she even believe Lawson capable of such a deed?

  Part of him hoped he was wrong. And yet, deep inside he knew he wanted to see Lawson suffer. His anger and disgust for the man had not abated. Thinking of Lawson touching Helena made him want to challenge him to a duel, the old fashioned way of protecting honor. His hand touched the cold steel of the fire tong. Ah, yes. He could easily pierce Lawson's black heart with a saber.

  Desire and possessiveness flared through him, all thought of the convenient marriage gone from his mind. He wanted her and planned to have her.

  Only one person could take her away from him. Lawson. He didn't like feeling vulnerable to a situation he might not be able to control.

  * * * *

  The Chatney's ball was overcrowded and hot. Large groups of people moved restlessly and fanned themselves, while waiting for the music to start.

  "I'm going home tomorrow.” Helena spoke, determined to get her parents to agree. “Three weeks of being seen and talked about by the Ton is enough. If the duke and I have not convinced them all is well with us, then they will never believe it."

  "Do not expect Mary Ann or me to accompany you, Helena,” her mother snapped. She was irritated with the heat and the subject.

  "Agnes will chaperon me, Mama, and the house is full of staff."

  Her father gave her mother a warning look. “I'll go with you, daughter. Your mother and sister can enjoy themselves in all these crowded hot rooms. I'm ready to return to my estate and relax."

  Helena turned her face to hide a smile when Mama did not reply. Papa seldom took charge, but when he did, her mother was wise enough not to challenge him.

  "Thank you, Papa.” Helena kissed him on the cheek.

  "Well, eh,” he blustered and turned walking off toward the card room.

  "Have you told the duke?” Mary Ann inquired.

  "I do not need to ask permission from the duke for everything I decide to do.” Even to her own ears, her voice sounded snippy. “He is not my husband, yet."

  "Not yet, but soon, my dear.” His deep voice made her jump and she hoped he had not overheard their whole conversation. She planned to send a note around to his house in the morning, so he would receive it after she left town.

  Nicholas bowed. “May I have this dance?"

  Helena nodded, noticing the orchestra finally played. She took his arm for him to lead her onto the dance floor. She forced herself to relax and enjoy the opportunity to dance with him once more.

  "Thank you for the warning about Lawson coming tonight,” she said as the steps of the reel brought them back together, “but I haven't seen him."

  "He's here. I'm sure he will make his appearance known to you soon."

  Helena swung her head around searching the crowds. When she glanced back to Nicholas, she realized she must tell him about leaving town. She wouldn't be a coward and slip away.

  The music stopped and he started to walk her back to where her mother stood. She halted him with a touch on his arm. “Your Grace, there is something I must tell you."

  "About your plans to go home tomorrow?"

  "You did overhear our conversation?"

  "Forgive me for eavesdropping, but you gave me no opportunity to interrupt."

  Her face warmed and she groaned inwardly, knowing a blush likely covered her cheeks. How did he always seem to catch her on everything? He was worse than her mother.

  "Anyway, I agree it is best for you to have some time alone. You have much to think about."

  "Do you think I might choose Lawson rather than you?"

  His hand tightened on hers and she saw his face harden. Pulling her closer to his side, he began to walk with her around the ballroom. His lips close to her ear, the warmth of his breath sent chills down her spine. “I have faith in you.” Nothing else, only that short statement. Then he returned her to her mother, bowed, and disappeared into the crowd.

  She turned her glance away from the direction he had gone. Lawson stood at the end of the room. He waved and rushed to her side.

  "We are overdue for this dance, Helena.” Tonight, with his sparkling eyes and tousled blond hair, he seemed more the Lawson she'd known from the past.

  It was good she planned to leave tomorrow. She needed time to regain her equilibrium and face whatever the future held.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter 16

  Muddy roads and rain made the trip home difficult. Helena and her father finally arrived, late in the evening, of the second day.

  "I will be up early tomorrow to ride over the fields and meet with my manager. I'll see you later in the day, Helena,” her father said as he headed to his bedroom.

  "All right. Thank you Papa, for coming with me."

  "I should thank you.” He grinned. “You know how I miss the country, always did hate town with all the endless parties. You did me a favor."

  Helena watched him go up the stairs. They had stopped at an Inn for dinner, but she was hungry. She went down the hall to the kitchen. Cook was surprised, but pleased to see her and set about fixing a plate of cold meat, cheese, and bread.

  "You go on into the sitting room, my lady. I'll have Ned,” she motioned to one of her helpers, “bring you a tray and a glass of wine."

  "Thank you, food before a warm fire is exactly what I need this evening."

  Helena ate the nourishing food and sat back to sip on the wine. She stared at the small fire, the flames flickering and casting shadows around the room. Watching the mesmerizing light, weariness cloaked her body.

  The past three weeks of pretending the whispers and stares did not bother her and always having to present a cool, unruffled manner had taken its toll. She'd had no time to think about Lawson's return and the turmoil it created inside her. She did not expect Nicholas to wait forever.

  How ironic. Life had a way of laughing at you. She waited four years and soon after signing the marriage contract, Lawson returns, alive and well. She took another sip of her wine.

  Lawson was not the same young man who went to war. His eyes might sparkle with laughter, but she had seen other expressions, fleeting glances of an older, hardened man.

  He and Nicholas were such different men, and they were the only two to ever cause her to contemplate marriage. Her confusion and lack of control troubled her. Hopefully, the next few weeks would help her resolve any lingering doubts regarding any obligations she'd had to Lawson.

  * * * *

  "Lady Helena, you have a guest.” The footman moved to the side and Lawson strode into the room, all smiles, and full of confidence.

  "Helena, I am glad to see you are alone. We must talk."

  "Hardly alone, Lawson.” She indicated Agnes sitting to the side of the room. “You remember my maid..."

  Lawson waved his hand to indicate Agnes’ unimportance. “How lovely you look sitting at your desk. Come outside with me. I've brought my curricle and it's a sunny day. Please.” He gave her his most appealing smile. “You must join me."

  Sunshine glinted through the window and Helena needed some fresh air. “I have been too much inside since my return last week. You find me at a weak moment. I would love to go for a ride."

  "With the curricle open, you will not need a chaperon."

  Helena glanced at Agnes. “You are right. We do have much to discuss. Agnes will get my shawl and bonnet, and then I shall be ready to accompany you."

  Dressed in her blue muslin gown with a light grey shawl, and her blue and grey bonnet, Helena smiled at Lawson when he assisted her into the curricle.r />
  "It is a beautiful day. I'm glad you came to take me away from my boring chores. When did you arrive from London?"

  Lawson climbed up beside her. “I found town boring after you left.” He reached over, touching her face lightly. “You should never have to wrinkle that lovely brow over household accounts. When we are married, I shall have an accountant take care of all the finances. You will only need to enjoy yourself."

  "You seem very confident you'll convince me to marry you. I don't think we can act as though nothing has changed. We are different people from the young couple of four years ago."

  The curricle moved fast along the lanes surrounded by tall hedges. He glanced over at her words.

  "Shall we wait until we stop before we discuss our future? Mama's cook has packed a large basket of food for us. I thought we would ride over to the old Standish place. It's a shame they have let it fall to ruin, but no one will be around and we can talk about our future together."

  Helena frowned at him, but he had turned his attention back to his horses. He refused to consider any plans other then his own. A feeling of wariness came over her. To accept a ride with him in the curricle was different from having a picnic at an isolated home site.

  "Take me home."

  "What?"

  "Take me home. Now. I did not agree to a picnic. If you would like, we can enjoy your cooks’ food beside the lake at home with Agnes nearby."

  "I want to talk with you alone, have you to myself."

  "You know that would be highly improper."

  He pulled on the horses reins and turned to her. “You felt different the night before I left to join my ship. And you are one and twenty now, not seventeen. You must know I want to have you alone to kiss you and hold you. You can not still be the naive girl I left behind.” His last words were sharp and a flash of anger crossed his handsome face.

  Sadness filled her and she noticed rain clouds in the distance. “Take me home. I don't think either of us is in the mood for a picnic anyway."

  He continued moving at a fast pace along the lane until he came to a crossroads where he could turn around. They didn't speak and a short time later arrived back at her house.

  "Let's not part on such terms.” She glanced back at the picnic basket. “We can still picnic along the lake. I'll get Agnes to join us and we will be in sight of the house."

  She saw a glimmer of annoyance cross his face. “All right, I can see this is my only choice."

  "Good, help me down. We must not tarry. It may rain."

  They'd finished the food and had only started to talk when the first large raindrops fell. They ran for the house. Agnes hurried along with them, and then once inside she went on toward the sitting room.

  "Someone told me you're a fine artist,” Lawson said as he reached out to stop Helena from following Agnes. “May I see some of your work?"

  Helena hesitated. The stairs to the turret room were close. She only had to take his hand and lead him around the corner and up the stairs. But, the turret room was very isolated.

  They were already alone, Helena realized. Lawson took one quick glance around and pulled her too him. His mouth covered hers, hard and demanding. Hands roamed over her back and came around to capture her breast in a tight hold.

  Taken by surprise, Helena did not initially move away from him, but now shocked by his behavior, she struggled against his tight hold.

  "Let me go,” she demanded, pressing hard against his chest.

  His face flushed, he resisted her efforts until she stomped his foot hard and punched him in the stomach.

  "All right.” He stepped away and threw up his hands. “I had forgotten how very provincial you were and apparently still are. Going to London has not given you any polish, my love.” His cold words slashed across her.

  This was the other Lawson, the one who frightened her the first day in the forest. Glad to be free, she hurried away from him and went toward the main part of the house. She didn't look back.

  Thankfully, Nicholas’ guards were not around to report back to him. Lawson's behavior might cause a confrontation between the two men and create even more gossip. His mother would never forgive her if that happened.

  * * * *

  Lawson went out the door into the rain. He ran his hand across his face. He must be careful to continue his role of the polite gentleman at home, as well as with everyone in the village. At least until he made his arrangements to leave.

  But, given the opportunity, he would have her one more time. Even if he had to make her believe he planned to take her with him to America. How dare Helena push him away in favor of her stodgy duke? She and the duke would pay for the scene that just occurred.

  His long strides took him quickly to his curricle. No woman had rejected him since he left home. After he settled his affairs, he would leave for the new America and a better future for a man of his intelligence and spirit. Meanwhile, he would enjoy wrecking havoc on the lofty duke and his lady.

  Guiding his horses around the curved driveway, he glanced back at the house. Helena, honest to her bones, would be forced to admit their previous relationship to her future husband. Obviously, she had not already spoken to him or he wouldn't still be at her side. No man wanted a loose woman for his wife. If only he had time to stay and see the end of the story.

  He urged his horses on and headed to the village to have a pint with his friends. Fields he'd never thought to see again flashed by his curricle.

  Things were coming to a close and if the authorities knew how he acquired his fortune, they might not be pleased to see him go free. He must complete his plans and make his reservation on a ship leaving soon. This time he wouldn't ever return.

  * * * *

  Struggling with shock and sadness, Helena sighed with relief to see her father come in for tea. She gave him a big hug. He held her close then pulled away and studied her face.

  "I've missed the hugs you girls used to give me when you were small. You both came running whenever I returned home. Are you all right?"

  "Of course, Papa. I've been lonely and I'm glad you took the time from your busy day to join me for tea."

  "I heard you had a visitor this morning. I would think he'd fill your need for company better then me."

  She knew her laugh sounded forced. “Papa, you do like to tease me. However do you know everything that goes on around here?"

  He sat across from her and the tea pot. “I'm glad to see cook has baked some scones today. They smell delicious.” Leaning back in his chair, he closed his eyes.

  "Are you sure you are all right, Papa?"

  "I'm tired, Helena. I hoped to see you and your sister married before I got much older. I'd like to see some grandchildren in this house before I close my eyes for good."

  Worried, Helena's words rushed out. “Papa, I never think of you as being old. Have you had a bad day?"

  "No. I see you prefer to avoid the topic of your marriage and I shall not pursue it except to say remember you are an earl's daughter and you have signed a binding agreement. After having time to recover from the shock of Lawson's return, you will do as society expects and demands. It has never been a question of whether you will marry the duke, but when."

  She had signed the agreement after Nicholas agreed with her terms. No one forced her to make her decision. Helena confronted herself with the same honest reasoning she would anyone else.

  "You are right, Papa. I am glad to know Lawson survived. I still do not understand how. It doesn't seem to be something he wishes to discuss. His return has not changed my mind. I've been a bit confused and not thinking clearly, but I have no intention of trying to cancel the agreement I signed."

  Her father reached across for another scone and handed her his cup for a refill of tea. “I'm glad. This has been a nice respite in the day. I must go to the village this afternoon. Would you care to join me?"

  "I have some letters to write, Papa. Thank you for the invitation, perhaps another time."

  Soo
n after, her father arose, kissed her on the cheek, and left on his errands. She would write Mary Ann. She missed her, but knew Mary Ann stayed in town hoping to see more of Lord Gates. He was another mysterious man.

  Last season, in town, the men she and Mary Ann met were only interested in the latest horserace or who lost a fortune at cards the previous night. No depth to them and no mystery, but no danger either. She left the drawing room to return to the small sitting room where she'd left her paperwork scattered across her desk. She was sure her father's information about her visitor came from his loyal servants.

  Distaste moved over her at thoughts of Lawson. He'd been rough, demanding, and frightening in his actions. She doubted the Lawson she remembered existed anymore.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter 17

  Drops of moisture fell off the trees and down the back of his collar. Dickey saw his contact had left his horse far enough back to avoid any unnecessary noises.

  Odell moved into the clearing. “You're sure you weren't followed?” he asked him.

  "No one can follow me. ‘Tis what kept me alive all these years."

  "Good, we are preparing to make our move. You and your friend will help. One of my men will contact you about the exact date. Be ready to act on short notice."

  "And what might you be givin’ me to follow them orders?"

  A heavy purse flew across, caught deftly by Dickey.

  "You're a fine man, yes, sir. Me n’ me friends will be waiting for your directions."

  "Don't let me down. I have other men who will know where to find you,” Odell snarled then disappeared into the damp forest.

  Dickey watched him go and turned to spit out his chew of tobacco. “You think you're so fine. Don't scare me none. Some other man comes along with more coins and you are done in,” he muttered.

  * * * *

  "The Duke of Monteroy.” The butler stood aside to allow Nicholas entry.

  Lady Steeples stood and dropped her knitting from her lap.

  "Forgive me for surprising you. There was no time to send my card around.” Nicholas picked up the knitting and handed it to her.