The Duke's Dilemma Page 2

  "Yes, my lady.” Agnes motioned toward the empty doorway. “He is a fine looking man. Don't understand you or your sister. You aren't in love, are you?” She shook her head, a puzzled expression on her lined face as she shuffled across the room.

  Helena walked to the window and gazed out, but he had already strode out of sight. No, she wasn't in love and she didn't want to be. But, the duke aroused a yearning deep inside her. She must be careful and guard her heart.

  * * * *

  Hurrying down the narrow steps, Helena turned toward the back hallway of the west wing, hoping to avoid attention. She wanted no one stopping her before she confronted Mary Ann.

  Arriving at her sister's bedroom door, she entered without knocking. Mary Ann stood amongst gowns strewn across her bed and lying on the floor like colorful discarded flowers. The large room with rosette wallpaper and white chintz curtains was a perfect foil to the blonde beauty, standing in her chemise and slippers, obviously trying to decide what to wear for the evening.

  Mary Ann looked up from the two gowns she held. “Did you talk to him?"

  "Yes, what did you expect that I could ignore him? You didn't want to take responsibility and tell him yourself how you felt. So, you managed to have your way regardless of my feelings."

  Mary Ann came over and put her arms around Helena. “Please don't be cross. You know I couldn't do it. He frightens me with his size and fierce looks."

  Helena pulled away. All the family spoiled her sister, ever since the first time she'd been sick and almost died of the flu. Now she expected her every demand granted without question.

  "Mary Ann, sit down and listen to me.” Helena motioned her sister over to the bed. “The duke plans to talk with his mother and tell her neither of us wishes to marry him. This will probably cause a rift between the two families.” Helena gripped Mary Ann's arms. “Please consider your decision carefully. I don't believe you are determined in your regard of his cousin. The duke is not just anyone and although the rumors said he was considering both of us, you know you are the main candidate."

  Mary Ann jumped up and walked away, stamping her foot. “I admit I thought it might be fun to be a duchess, but I have spent time talking to him and dancing. He is stiff in his posture.” She held up her hand. “I know he is a paragon among men, but I need someone different. A man who will thrill me, not make me yawn with talk of politics.” She threw herself back on her bed. “He misses half the parties and dances because he's in parliament or some meeting or other.” Mary Ann threw up her arms. “I shall die of boredom if I marry him."

  "You must do what is best for you.” Helena studied her twin sister, exactly alike in looks and yet so different in temperament. “Remember, I don't want to be included in any of your schemes. When I say no, I mean it."

  "Oh, all right. You'd better hurry. Mama and Papa will be expecting us downstairs. Mama will not be pleased if we're late."

  Without answering, Helena went into her room and snapped the door shut. In spite of their differences, she and Mary Ann seldom argued and she didn't like the unrest in the pit of her stomach. If only, she had a good reason to stay above stairs tonight.

  The sapphire hue of her walls helped calm her and she slipped off her shoes to curl her toes in the plush Persian rug.

  "Agnes, thank you.” Helena smiled at the tub of steaming water awaiting her. Her white gown with gold trim lay on the bed.

  Sinking into the bath, she groaned with pleasure, and leaned her head against the high back. When she closed her eyes, she saw an image of the duke standing in the turret room.

  What must he think of me, bare footed and in one of my oldest gowns? Thankfully, her parents expected him to court Mary Ann, not her.

  Even after four years, she didn't want to think of marriage with anyone. Lawson had been a neighbor. They planned for a future together, but he died. Lost to her and his family during the battle of Trafalgar.

  Mary Ann had always attracted all the attention and Lawson surprised Helena when he chose her to dance with, her to love. She'd yearned for special attention. She remembered his bright blue eyes sparkling with laughter and their first kiss. Her throat tightened with the memories of his leaving.

  She would be content to stay with Mama and Papa and be a doting aunt to her future nieces and nephews. Her brother, James and his wife, Sophia, would start a family soon. After all, they'd been married for six months.

  "You must hurry, my lady. I hate to disturb you, but it is almost the dinner hour,” Agnes warned.

  Helena rushed to complete her bath and dress. Agnes put the finishing touches on styling her hair, when Mary Ann stepped into the room.

  "I thought we'd go downstairs together.” Mary Ann smiled at Helena as though no harsh words had passed between them.

  Her sister's innocent smiles hid her intelligence and Helena dreaded whatever Mary Ann planned next to accomplish her goal. Even if Helena admitted to a slight attraction for the duke, there were reasons she mustn't marry anyone and certainly not him. Not after what happened the last time she and Lawson had been together.

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  Chapter 2

  All heads turned in their direction when the butler announced the twins to the waiting guests. Helena spotted the duke standing with his mother and her parents on the right side of the room, near the door to the conservatory.

  His sisters and their husbands congregated with James and Sophia on the opposite side. Candlelight flickered from the large chandelier and brought out the soft fawn color of the walls. The nearby fireplace added warmth to the large drafty drawing room.

  Helena hadn't missed the frown that crossed her sister-in law, Sophia's narrow face. Helena smiled and Sophia turned her back to her.

  The duke stepped in front of her and Mary Ann and bowed. “Ladies, you both look lovely. It's a pleasure to see you again, Lady Mary Ann. Hopefully we will have an opportunity to talk after dinner and further our acquaintance."

  Unsmiling, Mary Ann turned her head away looking across the room at Harry. Helena was dismayed at her sister's obvious rudeness, especially when the duke stiffened.

  "Your Grace,” Helena said, and then hesitated before putting her hand on his arm. “Have you met my brother and his wife?” She nodded toward the pair standing nearby.

  "Yes."

  "Please walk with me over to greet them. Mary Ann, will you join us?"

  "Shortly,” Mary Ann said and walked toward Harry.

  The duke's jaw tightened. Helena pulled gently on his arm urging him to go with her to greet her brother and the others in the group.

  "James and Sophia, I'm glad to see you arrived safely from London.” Helena reached up to kiss her brother's cheek.

  "I see you two are late as usual.” James smiled at the duke. “Mary Ann is notorious for always being late. Helena is only late if she is engrossed in her folly."

  "By folly, you mean her paintings? They are hardly that. She is very talented,” the duke responded.

  "You are too kind,” Helena protested.

  "I am honest,” the duke said. “I was privileged to see your sister's art today and she is as good or better then many of the male painters."

  Helena greeted his sister, Prudence, in the hopes of changing the subject away from herself. “It is good to see you. I heard you have a new baby boy."

  Prudence, short, plump, and dressed in a burgundy gown, faced away from the group, a frown on her face. Helena looked to see what had captured her attention and saw Mary Ann smiling up at Harry.

  Turning to respond to Helena, Prudence did nothing to hide her dislike. “Little Peter is in the nursery, asleep."

  "Perhaps I might visit with him tomorrow?” Helena asked, forcing herself to respond with warmth. Not that she was anxious to see the baby. She was much more comfortable with children of school age. Nevertheless, she hoped to break through Prudence's icy distain.

  "Perhaps.” Prudence touched her husband's arm. “We prefer to have as few people
as possible around our son. It is so dangerous with all the sickness that can befall a small baby or child."

  Helena nodded in agreement. “Several times as a child Mary Ann became ill and once we feared for her life."

  "Being twins I'm surprised you didn't suffer from the same ailments, Lady Helena.” The duke's warm voice flowed over her.

  Glancing up, she found his green eyes observing her closely. “I was disgustingly healthy."

  She was relieved when their butler, Frederick, came to the door, and announced dinner. Due to proper precedence into the dining room, she would not have to walk in with the duke. And hopefully, she would be at the far end of the table away from him and his family.

  She planned to cheerfully strangle Mary Ann when they returned to their rooms. She could not continue to be rude to the duke and fob him off on her.

  Lord Steeples and his wife escorted the dowager duchess and the duke, with the rest of the family following into the formal dining room. Tall fluted columns stood at each end. Red and gold cloth wallpaper added elegance and cheerfulness to one of Helena's favorite rooms.

  Large vases filled with tulips, yellow roses, and sprigs of yellow jasmine, sat at intervals along the white lace tablecloth and filled the air with their sweet scent. The silverware and dinnerware glistened in the candlelight.

  Mary Ann, seated between the duke and his mother, glared down the table at Helena. Helena lifted her wine glass as though to toast her sister, before turning to Harry seated on her right.

  "My sister has mentioned you several times, Lord Selwyn. She said you have an interest in horse racing?"

  Harry straightened. “Yes, Lady Helena. I do enjoy a good race. I envy my cousin, Nicholas, his fine stable."

  "You and the duke are close?"

  "We grew up together. Of course, he's the older, by six months,” Harry added. “My parents died, while traveling abroad. I was four.” He took a sip of wine and dabbed the corners of his mouth with his napkin. “Nicholas's father and mine were brothers. My uncle and his wife took me in and raised me along with my cousins."

  Helena observed Mary Ann continue to ignore the duke and stare at Harry. When she smiled at Harry, the dowager duchess’ face flushed with anger.

  Mama and Papa, lines of worry on their faces, tried to cover up some of the more obvious slights. Mary Ann rejected their attempts to include her in conversation with the duke. Helena glanced around and caught Harry smiling at Mary Ann.

  "You, sir, are not helping matters."

  Harry frowned. “Why should your sister be forced into a marriage she does not want?"

  "No one is forcing her,” she said, and lowered her voice. “She seemed well satisfied with the possibility until meeting you.” Helena frowned at him, glad to see him turn red.

  "It's not my fault if she prefers someone more like her in disposition."

  Helena considered the man beside her. His light blue eyes and blond hair shone golden in the candlelight. The perfect symmetry of his face made a person look at him twice. He was exceptionally handsome and yet...

  "Have you always gone after what your cousin wanted?” Helena asked, as surprised by her question as Harry appeared to be.

  "I find I am better at getting what I want. Nicholas gives up too easily,” Harry said.

  Helena glanced toward the duke. So he and his cousin did not have a good relationship. The duke's deep set eyes met hers. He raised an eyebrow. Helena wet her lips and watched his eyes darken. Abruptly, he turned away.

  "I wonder why my cousin chose Mary Ann as the one to marry. You're the oldest, I understand.” Harry's voice brought her attention back to him.

  "You have been talking with my sister. She loves to tell everyone she is the youngest, if only by five minutes.” Helena forced a smile.

  "Nicholas might do much better with you,” Harry said. “Perhaps I shall suggest it to him."

  "You do not charm me, Harry.” Helena frowned at him. “Stay out of my life."

  "But, I must help my dear cousin when I see him making a mistake in his choices."

  "Don't you like the duke at all?” Helena persisted.

  "Why do you ask such ridiculous questions?” Harry turned his head to speak with Prudence's husband thus ending their conversation.

  Helena gave a sigh of relief when her mother stood, a signal for the ladies to retire to the smaller drawing room. Glancing at her plate, she realized she had barely eaten. The tension between the families had taken her appetite.

  Mary Ann flounced into the drawing room and sat on a nearby sofa. Helena rushed to her side.

  "Mary Ann, your behavior is embarrassing everyone, especially Mama and Papa. You must be more polite to the duke and his family."

  "You would feel the same way if our parents demanded you marry someone other then Lawson. How can you not understand, Helena? It's been four years since his death and you still won't look at anyone else."

  Helena frowned, Mary Ann's voice rose and she hoped none of the others overheard their conversation.

  "I have been in love once, Mary Ann. This is what, your fifth or sixth time?” Helena noted her sister had the grace to duck her head and flush. “What do you see in his cousin? He is not a kind man. And you know no one is forcing you to marry the duke."

  "You're jealous. I never thought to see you so unkind to me.” Mary Ann's eyes glistened with tears.

  Sighing and shaking her head, Helena gave up and went to speak to the dowager duchess. “Your Grace, it is good to see you again."

  "Lady Helena, please sit beside me and keep me company.” The duchess seated on a gold settee moved to the side so Helena could join her. “I heard you asked about my grandson. Do you like children?"

  "I've always enjoyed the little ones here at the estate and in the village. I look forward to enjoying my future nieces and nephews."

  "Does your sister share your liking of children?” The duchess glanced across the room at Helena's twin.

  "You would have to ask her, Your Grace."

  "I think most all young girls dream of marrying and having a family. My sisters and I talked of nothing else at your age."

  "Ladies, we found ourselves much too bored without you.” Helena's father interrupted their conversation, as he and the other men filled the room.

  "Helena, please play some music and have Mary Ann accompany you,” her father said, and turned to the duke at his side. “Mary Ann has a beautiful voice, Your Grace."

  Dragging her feet, Mary Ann joined Helena at the pianoforte. Helena picked out a soft ballad that they both knew well and Mary Ann's light musical voice accompanied her.

  Helena tried to banish troubling thoughts to the back of her mind. The glow from the fireplace created an aura of contentment. The ladies sat in graceful Trafalgar chairs, facing her and Mary Ann.

  She couldn't resist glancing toward the fireplace again. Flanking it on either side, the men stood relaxed, appearing to enjoy the entertainment. The fire cast red highlights through the duke's wavy hair. His relaxed body posture indicated a feeling of well being and yet she sensed his vigilance.

  Golden chintz curtains shut out the night and a crystal chandelier spread warm sparkles of light to the four corners of the room. Anyone looking in on them would see a family and friends enjoying a pleasant evening together. All the entanglements of the day soothed by the ambiance of the moment.

  After several songs and polite applause, the ladies stood and began to excuse themselves. Helena and Mary Ann started toward the door. The duke's voice stopped them.

  "Lady Mary Ann, might I have a moment of your time? Your father has agreed we might walk in the garden, while he has a final smoke on his pipe."

  "Go,” Helena, whispered. “Talk to him about how you feel. You'll be happier."

  "All right.” Pasting a smile on her face, Mary Ann took the duke's arm.

  Helena gave a sigh of relief as she ascended the curved staircase to her room. Agnes helped her undress, and then departed leaving Helena curle
d up in her chair by the window.

  She would wait for Mary Ann. Outside the trees rustled in the breeze. A full moon cast its light across the lawn to the shadow of the trees.

  Helena sat up startled when her door banged against the wall and her sister rushed into the room. Mary Ann appeared rumpled and her eyes full of tears.

  "I can not marry him. I love Harry."

  "What happened? What has upset you?” Helena asked as she tried to shake off her sleepiness. She straightened in her chair.

  "He is so cold,” Mary Ann said, rubbing her hands up and down her arms. “He talked of a possible alliance between us. I would have houses and clothes and could go to parties with his mother, when he is not available. I told you my life would be a disaster."

  Mary Ann paced around the room.

  "What did you say, Mary Ann?"

  "I told him I would not marry him. I said I preferred Harry that I found him much more to my liking."

  "How can you be so tactless?” Helena asked. “The duke does have feelings."

  "I don't think so,” Mary Ann said, standing with her hands on her hips.

  "Have you been talking all this time?” Helena persisted in her questions.

  "No.” A smile crossed Mary Ann's face. “I met Harry on my way upstairs. We slipped outside and... he kissed me.” Mary Ann twirled around the room. “Oh, Helena, now, I know without a doubt I can't let anyone force me into this marriage."

  "It certainly sounds as though you got your message across. I don't think you have to worry about being forced to marry the duke."

  Mary Ann would get her way again. As much as she loved her sister, Helena knew she was beginning to resent her. “You should go to bed, it's late. I hope no one saw you with Harry or you may be forced to wed him."

  Mary Ann laughed. “That I would like."

  "For the first week, maybe.” Helena mumbled, while watching Mary Ann shut the door to her room.

  Lying down on her bed, Helena tossed and turned and her stomach rumbled with hunger. An empty stomach and too many thoughts would keep her awake. She slipped into her silk robe and tiptoed downstairs.

  * * * *