The Duke's Dilemma Read online

  Lawson took the last sip from his glass and stood. Then paced around the room. “What makes you think I want to harm Helena? I love her and I want her to marry me."

  Nicholas strode across the room and faced Lawson. “No, you don't. You never loved her, but you don't want anyone else to have her."

  Lawson laughed. “That's absurd."

  Nicholas grabbed Lawson's collar and pulled him up close to his face. “I've watched you. You don't love her. There is some other agenda in your scheming evil mind. Now,” he pushed Lawson into a chair, “you will help me or I'll have you arrested tonight for being a traitor and a pirate.."

  "You have no evidence to prove I'm a traitor and I'll claim the pirates forced me to work for them."

  "I'll take my chances on finding what I need before your trial. I'll put all my men to work on finding out about your activities these past four years. And if anything happens to me, I've written a note stating I suspect you are the traitor or working for him. I've written the letter in such a way that you'll be the prime suspect if I die. All my communications regarding you are in a safe place."

  "You're blackmailing me into helping you."

  "Blackmail is such an ugly word. Let's just say I'm using a little gentle persuasion,” Nicholas said softly.

  "You've left me with no choice."

  "Right.” Nicholas noted the perspiration on Falscroft's face. “You can leave now, but keep in touch. I want the identity of the traitor within the month"

  Franklin stepped into the room just after Lawson left.

  "You think he will help us or betray us?"

  "I don't trust him. But, we'll use him, Franklin."

  "He had a scowl on his face, when he left your study. Watch your back, Nicholas. Whether or not he was your enemy before, he definitely is now."

  Nicholas sank into the chair behind his desk. “It's late and I'm exhausted. You must be too.” He glanced at Franklin. “He didn't like my options. I told him I had written everything I know about him and placed the notes in a safe place. That if anything happened to me he'd be the first suspect. At least for now, he'll cover my back."

  "How long does he have to help us?” Franklin asked.

  "I plan to marry Helena within the month.” His lip curved up in a wry smile. “If, I can convince her. He has that month. We'll get this settled before my wedding day."

  * * * *

  Helena slipped out of bed and put on her riding habit. She needed an early morning ride. Of course, she couldn't go alone. She'd ask Nicholas to accompany her.

  She'd been surprised when his mother came to her room last night to thank her for saving Nicholas’ life. She'd apologized for her cool reception since Helena and her family arrived. Helena was glad. She did want her future mother-in-law to like her.

  Helena slipped out of her room and walked toward the stairs. Her parents expected her to marry Nicholas, and her heart demanded it. She'd find him and discuss their wedding date.

  "Helena, I didn't expect to see you so early."

  Nicholas stood at the bottom of the stairs. Helena admired his tall lean figure dressed in buckskin trousers and a white shirt. He held a riding crop in his hand.

  "I was hoping to go riding with you this morning, Your Grace,” Helena said.

  His lips curved. “I'm still Your Grace, I see. Come join me.” He held out his hand. “I'm headed for the stables."

  After saddling their horses, they rode out across the open fields. Dew drops shined like crystals on the blades of grass. Fluffy white clouds floated overhead and the wind blew in Helena's face as she raced alongside Nicholas on his black stallion.

  He moved ahead and led her toward a stand of trees lining the edge of a small stream that curved through his property. After dismounting, he reached up and his hands circled her waist. He lifted her down in front of him. “It's shady in this spot.” He put her arm through his and walked along a narrow path beside the stream. “I used to come here as a boy and fish or wade in the cool water on a warm day."

  "We have a similar stream at home. Papa took me fishing with him several times.” She glanced up at him with a smile. “At least until I caught a bigger fish once and more fish another time. He said it was embarrassing to have his daughter best him in fishing.” She chuckled.

  "We must have a fishing contest after we're married. I thought we'd stay here at Ashton Court, after the wedding, until we need to return to London."

  "That's why I wanted to speak with you, Your Grace."

  "And I you.” They continued to stroll along the path by the water.

  "You go first,” she insisted, but he shook his head no. Helena swallowed, trying to clear the tightness in her throat. “I don't know how to say this. Perhaps you have changed your mind about marrying me since Lawson's return and the subsequent confusion."

  "Not at all. I suggest we set a date to stop all the gossip and settle any questions others have."

  "What date do you suggest?"

  * * * *

  For a second, he couldn't speak. He'd expected to have to encourage her.

  "In a month. That will give us time to make all the arrangements, again, to be married in your village church."

  "The end of June sounds fine to me."

  He paused in his stride and turned her to him. His hands reached up and pulled off her bonnet, then pulled the pins holding her long hair up in a tight bun. He threaded his fingers through the long curling locks.

  "I don't ever want to see that tight bun after we're married. I love the softness and the fragrance of your hair.” He wrapped it around his hands and leaned toward her face.

  His lips brushed lightly across hers. His hands left her hair and caressed her throat and shoulders, then his arms wrapped around her body.

  * * * *

  When Nicholas held her tight against him an unfamiliar sensation of belonging and that other indescribable ache went through her.

  "Come.” He picked her up, carried her to her horse, and set her on the saddle. He retrieved her bonnet and handed it to her. “Follow me."

  The horses picked their way through the trees and went across the stream. Helena knew where they headed.

  Nicholas tied the horses to a nearby tree, then picked Helena up in his arms and carried her inside the small white building. He kicked the door shut and let her body slid against his as he put her down.

  "I want you....” His eyes bore into her, as his warm hands on either side of her head gently caressed her hair. Hard lips covered her mouth urging hers to open and then his tongue tangled with hers.

  Her fingers touched his hair where it lay curled against his collar. He smelled of the outdoors. His lips roamed across her cheek, nibbling at her jaw and along the length of her neck.

  "I want to make love to you,” he whispered in her ear. For a second she stiffened. “It's all right, we'll wait, he added.

  "No. I-it's just that my memories are not good ones."

  He turned her and kissed the nape of her neck, sending shivers down her back. “If I frighten you, stop me anytime."

  His hands quickly unfastened her dress and let it drop. He started to work on her short corset, while he alternately scattered kisses along her neck.

  Helena moved to better accommodate him in his task. Finally, the corset came undone and off, then he pulled her chemise over her head. Kneeling at her feet, he slid off her shoes and stockings and held her small foot in his hand, while she balanced herself holding onto his shoulders. His hand slid over her instep and up along her calf. Ripples of heat spread over her body.

  She gasped when he came up in front of her and his hand covered her breast, his lips followed, his tongue moving gently across her tightened nipple. He stepped back.

  Her arms reached across to cover herself.

  "No.” He pulled her arms away. “You are beautiful.” Moving her arms behind her, he brought his mouth back to her breasts and moved between them with kisses and light nibbles. “You taste like sweet nectar."


  "Let my arms go. I want to touch you.” She pulled his shirt over his head and ran her hands across his hard chest lightly covered in soft brown hair. A hint of pine and woods filled her nostrils. She brushed her mouth across his chest and heard the sharp intake of his breath as she covered him with kisses.

  When she reached the band to his pants, he pulled her back up against him.

  She moaned and moved herself from side to side, igniting a yearning and demand for more. This was not like the first time. She was older now and finally knew what she wanted. Her body reacted to Nicholas in an entirely different way. She ached for him, hungered for his touch.

  "I have on too many clothes, my dear.” He chuckled and quickly disposed of the rest of them. Beams of colored light came in through the back window shining across his strong firm body. His eyes glowed as he picked her up and placed her on the cushioned bench.

  "This is what we suspected brought my parents to the folly so much. I see we will also put it to good use."

  And then his hands and mouth took over covering every spot of her body. His fingers touched her intimately. She moaned and her body moved restlessly under him.

  "Please, please."

  "Please what, my love?” he whispered.

  "Don't stop, oh...” She moved her hips toward his fingers that moved gently over her and in her.

  Her hands explored his back, shoulders and down the front of his body. She nipped little bites along his skin and her tongue flicked across his nipples. Her fingers circled his hot, hard maleness. A thrill of power went through her when she heard his groan.

  He nudged her thighs further apart until she felt him hard between her legs. For a second, she stiffened again, remembering the pain she'd experienced her first time. He ran his lips across hers, whispering soft words of reassurance and her body melted into his.

  She felt him surge toward her and he filled her with silken heat.

  * * * *

  She was tight, hot, and wet. He raised a little and smoothed her hair back off her brow. “I'm sorry, my love. I hope I didn't hurt you. Are you all right?"

  "Yes. Don't stop."

  He heard her whispered words and his body ached to plunge again and again into her sweetness, but he held still a moment, letting her body accommodate to him. She brushed her lips across his and down his throat, licking his skin.

  Unable to remain still, he began to move inside her. The sensation of heat and his hunger continued to build as her body rose up to meet him, demanding more and more.

  His mouth covered hers and his tongue moved in and out, the same way his lower body was claiming her for his own. Her soft touches and kisses and the little sounds she made only increased his hunger.

  Her little moans and gasps fueled his fire. “Follow me, darling,” he whispered and she raised her hips and threw her head back.

  The pleasure, almost pain, hit him as he surged into her one last time. They lay intertwined, he to the side, to take his weight off of her. His hand brushed the damp hair off her face and he marveled at her softness.

  He watched her breathing slow to normal. His own body pulsed with satisfaction. He had hoped to make love to her today, to bind her more closely to him. However, he didn't know this coming together would be such an explosion of want and need. He'd always held a part of himself back. This woman had slipped past his defenses.

  A flash of guilt went through him at the thought that he had planned to seduce her. But most of all, he had a keen sense of satisfaction knowing she would be his wife. The instinct to possess her had filled him from the first day he saw her at her home. On some level, his body had known before his mind.

  But letting her close to him had increased his vulnerability and that was not an emotion he knew or wanted. When he gazed into her soft, sky blue eyes, he doubted he had any choice.

  He pulled away and picked up their scattered clothes, then acted as her lady's maid and helped her dress. He pulled on his breeches.

  She braided her long hair and put it up under her bonnet while he finished dressing. A faint flush covered her cheeks when she glanced at him from under her thick lashes.

  "You seemed frightened at first.” His voice broke the quiet between them.

  * * * *

  "One of the reasons I've avoided marriage is because of my first experience. I didn't want to experience the pain or embarrassment again.” She looked at him timidly through her lashes. “And I could no longer consider myself an innocent maid, as a future husband would expect."

  He pulled her over to stand between his legs and took her hands in his. He touched each one lightly with his lips. A tremor ran through her body.

  "Are you upset with me?” She spoke softly, watching his face for every expression

  "Oh no, my dear, definitely not upset. I just didn't realize how much of an innocent you still are,” he said, and he sat her down on his lap.

  His lips covered hers again and he ran his hand down her back. She leaned against his chest and cuddled close to him.

  "If we're not careful I will have you undressed again,” he warned. A slight smile crossed his lips.

  "What if I don't mind?"

  A sharp stab of desire swept across him. “Never dare me, My Lady.” He smiled, as he turned her to sit across his lap. His fingers moved their clothing aside and he quickly slid into her softness. “Your dress will be mussed and it will be your own fault."

  He felt her chuckle as her hips followed his motions.

  "I take all the blame, Your Grace,” she whispered in his ear.

  * * * *

  Helena leaned against the back of the high backed tub. The warm water soothed her sore and achy body. She and Nicholas had made love.

  Nicholas arranged today's events and to be honest, she was glad. She had wanted him, except for the fear she felt from her previous experience. However, Nicholas reassuring words pushed her fear away. She'd been happy to follow his lead. Desire took over, taking away any doubts or restraints. She'd never been so free with her feelings, still marveling at all the many sensations their loving had created. Even now, her body still pulsed with awareness.

  She picked up the wet cloth and rubbed her skin with scented soap, while she continued to recall the afternoon.

  Later, when they rode back to the stables, reality had returned and she felt shy and awkward. She'd said goodbye quickly and had come to her room and ordered her bath.

  Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her maid lay out her light blue muslin day gown. How could she act normal around Nicholas? Even though the time she and Lawson were together had blurred some over the years, she remembered enough to know being with Nicholas was completely different. Everyone would guess what had happened just by looking at her.

  She got out of the tub and her maid helped her dress. She wore her hair up in braids and put on a blue and white bonnet to match her gown. Looking into the mirror reassured her. She saw no outward sign of her inward changes. No one would notice. Well, maybe Mary Ann. They were so attune to each other it was usually impossible to hide a secret.

  A stab of desire flowed through her at the thought of Nicholas. But he didn't say he loved me. Her hand fluttered up to the high neckline of her gown. He might never love me. It was too late now. Her heart was full of him. She hoped someday he'd feel the same.

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  Chapter 22

  Franklin and Nicholas rode out to the edge of the Ashton Court property. “Lord Falscroft left early this morning. His mother will return home with her friend later today,” Franklin stated.

  "He is being followed?” Nicholas said.

  "Yes."

  "I want word of anyone he contacts and we will do background checks on them. Meanwhile ask Harold Odell to meet us in London. He lives near here. Perhaps he will have some suggestions to help us."

  "He's contacted me wondering when we will be starting to work again. I'm sure he'll be glad to have something to do,” Franklin added. “When do you plan to retur
n to London?"

  Nicholas thought of Helena. He didn't want to leave her, but knew if he stayed close, he would not be able to refrain from making love to her. He didn't like his feeling of need and vulnerability. He wanted, no he needed space and time to clear his head.

  "We leave first thing tomorrow morning."

  "The guards will stay with Lady Helena and her sister?"

  "Of course. I will suggest they stay at home until the wedding a month from now. We will draw the traitor to us in London, away from them."

  "If the traitor and the person trying to kill you and Lady Helena are the same."

  Nicholas frowned. “As much as I hate to admit it, I believe Harry might be involved in part of this. I plan to solve that problem first, upon my return to town."

  "I'll leave now and see you in London, soon.” Franklin said, and turned his horse around.

  "The lovely Mary Ann can't keep you here one more night?"

  "That's why I'm leaving."

  "I believe she cares for you."

  "I don't want any woman in my life.” Franklin's face darkened and he stared off in the distance. “I could have killed the man that hurt her with my bare hands. Never have I felt such anger. I don't like being out of control.” He turned back to Nicholas, a bleak expression in his eyes. “Caring for someone is not in my plans."

  Nicholas watched his friend ride fast across the field in the opposite direction of the house. Mary Ann would be very disappointed, but he understood Franklin's statement. It was terrifying to let your walls down and let someone inside.

  * * * *

  The last day of the house party, everyone packed and prepared to leave. Helena knew her parents planned for them to be on their way home right after breakfast.

  She still couldn't understand Nicholas’ behavior yesterday. He was polite and at her side during the rest of the day and evening, yet he held himself aloof and said little. She wanted to reach out and touch him, but his manner kept her at arm's length.

  Mary Ann noticed nothing. Franklin leaving early without a word had upset her so much that she seemed unaware of the confused emotions tormenting her twin. Helena was relieved. She didn't want anyone to know what a fool she had made of herself. Obviously, Nicholas quenched his desire and was satisfied with the distance between them.