The Duke's Dilemma Page 15

  "Not at all, Your Grace. You are almost a member of the family and are always welcome. Please be seated and join me in a cup of tea."

  He sat in the straight backed chair across from her. He realized how much the twins resembled their mother. She was still an attractive woman, even with the slight evidence of age in the fine lines of her face.

  After pouring his tea, Lady Steeples looked questioningly at him. “How might I be of assistance, Your Grace?"

  "With Helena in the country, there has been no opportunity for us to discuss a date for our wedding. I have decided enough time has passed. I am planning a small party at my estate, the one nearest your home. Perhaps there, we will have an opportunity to talk and make decisions. Is this agreeable with you?"

  "Most certainly. I fully agree.” Lady Steeples said. She smiled and took a sip of her tea.

  Having Lady Steeples’ seal of approval made his plans easier to activate. However, whether she had agreed or not, two weeks apart from Helena was long enough.

  Reports had filtered back to him about Falscroft and his visit to Helena. And although he'd expected it, he didn't have to like it. He'd agreed with her father about not having guards on the estate, but that didn't mean he wasn't going to have them in the near vicinity. He was not as trusting about there neighbors as her father.

  Putting down her tea cup, Lady Steeples continued. “Your Grace, a house party sounds delightful."

  "I knew I could count on you, Madame.” Standing he bowed. “I regret I must rush off. Plans will need to be set in motion. The party will be the end of this week. Do you have any problems with such short notice?"

  "No, we will arrive Friday afternoon, if that is agreeable."

  "Perfect.” Nicholas left and headed to White's to meet Franklin. The end of the week could not come fast enough. It was time for him to claim what was his and let Falscroft know he was through being reasonable.

  Franklin sat at a back table. Nicholas nodded to acknowledge a few acquaintances, as he moved toward him.

  "Nicholas.” Franklin stood, his face grim.

  "I gather from your expression, your visit to the country has not been pleasant.” Nicholas spoke briefly to the waiter, who came to their table. “A bottle of brandy and please see we are not disturbed."

  "Yes, Your Grace.” The man left and returned with the brandy and two glasses.

  Nicholas studied the room. It was early yet and the crowd light. “Tell me what has brought such a scowl to your face."

  "Whoever is in charge of this operation is staying low."

  "You're sure Falscroft isn't our man?"

  "He's involved in some way, but he's clever. His only contact is Miles, the first man we rescued."

  "We know from Miles bank account that he is not nearly as wealthy as Falscroft. To assume Falscroft is the one in charge would not be amiss,” Nicholas added. “Why do you think otherwise?"

  Franklin stared across the room, his expression closed. He looked back at Nicholas. “A gut feeling. There is more to this than meets the eye. The traitor has to be someone closer. A person who knows our moves. He always seems to be one step ahead of me."

  "I hate to think that one of our own men might be in charge.,” Nicholas said, reluctant to give up on the idea of Falscroft as the traitor.

  "I'm going back. I'll keep in touch.” Franklin started to stand.

  Nicholas reached out, stopping him. “Wait, I'm having a house party. Arrive Friday, as a guest.” Nicholas watched the darkening of Franklin's face and his hesitation.

  "All right,” the words came out reluctantly.

  "You must be very frightened of your feelings for her, my friend, to be so reluctant to be in her company."

  "This subject is not for discussion.” Franklin said, his voice sharper then usual.

  Watching Franklin weave his way between the tables and go out the door, Nicholas leaned back in his chair and rubbed his forehead. A key bit of information was missing. If anyone could find it, Franklin would. But Franklin was fighting two battles right now, one with the enemy and one with himself. They could not afford for him to be distracted.

  He'd talk to the head of his guards. He had one more person to protect, perhaps from himself.

  * * * *

  Helena heard the horse's hooves and pulled on her reins. Lawson seemed to accidentally meet her almost every time she went for a ride. This Lawson always smiled, complimented her on her appearance, and teased her in the light fashion she remembered. She always gave an excuse to end her ride, so he couldn't join her.

  "Hello, we meet again.” Lawson pulled up beside her.

  "Yes, this is becoming a habit."

  "Do you mind?” he asked as he moved alongside of her.

  "And if I did?"

  "Shall I leave?"

  She studied him. “No, race with me."

  * * * *

  Breathless, her hair coming loose from her tight bun, she pulled on her reins and stopped. Lawson helped her dismount. Leaves blew across the open area of the knoll.

  "You're as beautiful as I remembered during all those long four years. I kept my sanity by keeping your image in my mind."

  "Was it very bad?"

  "Only at first. They tried to get me to give them information. I wouldn't and they used other means to try and make me comply."

  "Lawson, I'm so sorry. I never realized they tortured you."

  He held her two hands tightly. “Later they left me alone and finally started to let me go outside into a small courtyard and get some sunshine.” He moved his face up toward the sun peeking through the clouds. “I will never be able to get enough sunlight."

  "I wondered what happened to you, but I didn't want to ask. It was obvious you weren't comfortable with questions regarding that time. Now I can understand why."

  Dropping her hands, he walked to the edge of the clearing. “I don't know if I can ever forgive myself for my behavior last week. My only excuse is I was overcome with longing to touch you after having only had you in my dreams these many years."

  Helena wondered if she was finally seeing the true man. She doubted it.

  He put out his hands. “Might I hope you can put that awful day out of your memory?” He stepped closer and slowly leaned down to kiss her.

  "No.” She put up her hand. A rustling sound brought their attention to the nearby thicket of trees and brush.

  "It's nothing. Probably the horses stepped on a tree branch. Please don't leave,” he said, as she started over to her horse.

  Helena turned. “I'm sorry, Lawson. I should have been firm when I told you before that I'm marrying the duke. The time for us has passed. Your return surprised me and I didn't know what I wanted or what to do. I'm over that now and am moving forward with my life. You need to do the same. That's the only reason I agreed to the ride today, so I could make clear to you that it is over between us. She stared up at him. “I'm going back to the house. Do not try to meet with me this way anymore."

  Helena noted his pleading look and her throat tightened with sorrow when she remembered previous times. She grabbed the pommel on her saddle and the sunlight captured the red fire of the large ruby ring on her finger. It reminded her she was no longer that seventeen year old girl. She was a grown woman and belonged to another.

  Lawson stood where she left him. “Are you riding back?"

  "I think I'll stay here.” His eyes were guarded and his face solemn. “The sun feels good. I need to think."

  * * * *

  Lawson let a smile cross his face when she rode of sight. He chuckled. There was no doubt she fell for his sad story. She was hardly a challenge.

  He'd learned his lessons well. After he fell off his ship, he thought he'd drown. When the smoke cleared and the battle was over, he was too far away for anyone to see him. Later, when all his hope was gone, a pirate ship plucked him out of the ocean. It seemed a continuation of his nightmare.

  But, he turned it into a golden opportunity. Conniving his way into the p
irates’ good graces for his fighting and bravery, he won a place in their community.

  He'd saved the spoils from his pirating. Odell helped him change them into cash and placed the money in the bank in England. He'd been ready to take off on his own away from the pirates. He just hadn't seen how to accomplish his plan, until the gale that had wrecked the pirate ship against the rocks.

  The English rescuing him was a stroke of luck. They'd believed his story of being a prisoner.

  Well, everyone except Franklin and his contact. He'd seen suspicion in their eyes. But they had no evidence to prove him wrong. Miles knew, but like him, Miles didn't want his past discovered. He'd implicate himself if he said anything.

  But Odell knew that Lawson not only worked with the pirates, but passed information to the French for which he was well paid. The thought of being beholden to Odell made Lawson very uncomfortable.

  Lawson stared across the farming land to the village. If he'd stayed here, he would never have had the money he did now. He had a bankroll and connections and he planned to use them to go far.

  He went to his horse and saddled up. “Ah, yes, my love,” he said softly to the empty clearing, “I may not have you again. Time is running out. But, you won't forget me. Soon my plans will be complete and I'll disappear."

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  Chapter 18

  "We're going to a house party?” Helena asked. Having just returned from her ride with Lawson, she had hoped to retreat to her room and freshen up. She noted her father held a letter in his hand.

  "Your mother has written the duke is expecting us on Friday. We're to go to his estate in Lincolnshire, near Bardney. I'm glad. It's high time we made plans for your wedding. You have had time to come to terms with Lawson's survival.” Her father frowned. “You don't appear happy with the news you will see your betrothed in a few days."

  "Papa, Lawson told me of his difficult captivity. I don't want to marry him, but I'm concerned about him."

  "Sit down, Helena.” He motioned her to a near-by chair. Then he looked at her thoughtfully.

  "You need only be concerned about the duke.” He sat across from her. “I'm sorry about what happened to you. First love is special and for some it can last a lifetime. For many it doesn't.

  "However, because of circumstances beyond anyone's control you and Lawson were separated. Time has wrought many changes in both of you. I doubt those earlier feelings could ever be recaptured, even if you weren't engaged to the duke."

  "Maybe they could, if things were different.” If I'd never met and kissed Nicholas, she thought.

  "Perhaps for a short time. Do not be fooled."

  "I know you're right, Papa. Nevertheless, I have some guilt regarding Lawson. I sent him away believing I loved him and would be here on his return."

  "Circumstances changed."

  "Yes, they did and I hope Lawson understands now and will quit trying to meet me every time I go for a ride. I'm looking forward to seeing Mama and Mary Ann on Friday."

  "What about the duke?"

  She smiled, stood and kissed her father's cheek. “Him too, of course.” Turning quickly she walked toward the doorway, before he saw the flush on her face as desire coursed through her body.

  Nicholas. How would he receive her? Friday couldn't come soon enough.

  * * * *

  Helena reached for her papers. Flipping the pages, she came to her drawings of Nicholas and the different expressions she'd tried to capture. She planned to give him a painting as a wedding present. She glanced at her easel, the beginning of his painting set on it.

  Her eyes went back to the papers in her lap. His eyes stared back at her. The strong mouth curved slightly. Chiseled cheekbones and a firm jaw told the world this was a man who could handle himself. Only the soft curl of brown hair on his forehead softened the impact of his warrior face.

  His strength gave her a protected feeling. She didn't have to be the strong one all the time. His lips sent shivers of delight along all her nerve endings when he moved them over her face in a light caress. Lawson was rough and demanding the day he grabbed her. He frightened her. Nicholas might be a larger man with broader shoulders and commanding height, but she was never afraid of him.

  She placed her drawings on her work table. Her feelings for Lawson and Nicholas were completely different. She was prepared to say goodbye to Lawson and wish him well. It would not cause her the grief she felt four years ago. Her heart hurt even thinking about ever telling Nicholas farewell.

  Nicholas might invite Lawson and his family to the party. He was a man of action and he would want to end anyone's doubt as to his claim to her. She didn't trust Lawson to behave appropriately. She'd need to be wary of him.

  Determined to work on Nicholas’ portrait, she went over and picked up her brush. Visualizing him as he looked the first day he came to the turret room, she began to paint.

  Agnes’ voice interrupted her concentration. “Your Papa says to tell you he is waiting for you to join him."

  Unaware of the passage of time, Helena looked surprised to realize how shadowy and cool the room had become the last few hours.

  "No wonder I'm having difficulty seeing.” She laughed. “Please ask father to give me a few minutes and I'll be with him."

  Agnes padded out of the room, her soft slippers almost soundless on the stairs. Helena studied her work. The painting surprised and pleased her. In spite of her jumbled thoughts, she had managed to concentrate and do well today. Nicholas’ strong personality came across in the portrait.

  His parting words, the evening she told him she planned to leave London, came back to her. “I'm looking forward to having you as my wife and duchess, my dear. I will come for you soon." He had spoken not in anger or demand, but in a calm voice, stating a fact, nothing more, nothing less.

  Helena cleaned her brushes and wiped her hands. She glanced at the painting one last time before leaving the room. He was a man that held himself tightly in control. What would he be like if someone pushed him too far?

  Would he ever let loose the strong control he held over himself when he was with her? A shiver of fascination and yes, fear caused her heart to flutter. A strange yearning filled her. She desired Nicholas and she feared she might be falling in love with him. She mustn't forget they'd agreed on a convenient marriage.

  * * * *

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  Chapter 19

  Carriages rolled onto the grounds of Ashton Court, one after another. Helena and her father were third in line to disembark and they waited patiently for the other two carriages to move along. Helena could see Nicholas and his mother greeting guests in the double doorway at the head of the steps.

  Lord Steeples patted Helena's gloved hand. “All will work out for the best. Wait and see."

  "Papa, what would I do without you?” Her arms closed around him, giving him a hug.

  "Humph, you'll do fine. The duke will take good care of you, else I would never have agreed to the marriage contract."

  The two carriages in front of them moved away and their carriage moved up. “I suspect you think your mother and I are more concerned in the alliance of our families. The truth is if the duke had been a different man, more like his cousin, I would not have agreed."

  Helena hugged him again. “I love you, Papa.” She smiled when she saw him blush.

  The door on her side opened and Helena moved forward expecting the footman to assist her out of the carriage. Instead, strong hands took her firmly by the waist and swung her to the ground.

  "Your Grace, I thought you would meet us at the door.” Even to her own ears her words sounded breathless.

  Sea green eyes focused on her face and then down over her body. “I have missed you."

  A simple statement and Helena's heart beat faster. He took her two hands in his and everything else around them seemed to be far in the distance.

  "I'm glad to be here Your Grace,” Helena heard the quiver in her voice. She wa
nted to say more but found herself shy in his presence.

  "Good to see you again, Selwyn.” Lord Steeples reached out to shake the duke's hand.

  "And you, sir,” he said, reaching around Helena to shake hands with her father. “Lady Steeples and Lady Mary Ann arrived an hour ago. They will be happy to see you."

  Helena glanced up the front stairs, then ran to greet Mary Ann, who had started on her way down. At the top of the steps, her mother and the dowager duchess waited.

  Mary Ann wrapped her arm around Helena's as they turned and walked up the steps. Helena received a hug from her mother, but noted the duchess cool expression and reserved manner. She had not forgiven Helena for what she considered an affront to her son.

  "Duchess.” Helena curtsied. “It is nice to see you again."

  "Welcome to our home. Lady Mary Ann will show you to your room, next to hers."

  "Thank you, I would like to freshen up."

  "Come on.” Mary Ann pulled unladylike on her arm and received a frown from Nicholas mother. “Please excuse us."

  "The old biddy,” Mary Ann whispered. “She hasn't smiled once since we arrived, but she greeted her friends with enthusiasm."

  "It is understandable, Mary Ann. The two of us both rejected her son, at first and then I caused us to have to postpone our wedding date. I'm sure I would feel the same."

  Helena hesitated and looked down the stairs to view the group in the foyer. Nicholas stood to the side, his gaze not wavering from her. Straightening her posture, she started to turn and follow Mary Ann to her assigned room. But, she didn't miss seeing his lips curve in a slight smile.

  "At least she gave us adjoining rooms,” Mary Ann stated, throwing herself across the bed. “What happened with you and Lawson?” Mary Ann asked as she turned to face Helena.

  "I've been confused since Lawson's return, but I realized that I didn't love him. He followed me around until I got my own thoughts straight and I told him I definitely planned to marry Nicholas.

  "Pirates captured Lawson and they tortured him. I feel guilty that I didn't wait for him but I can't and don't want to cancel my arrangement with Nicholas."