The Duke's Dilemma Page 3

  Moonlight shone across the kitchen floor and the lingering smell of food brought a smile to Helena's lips. All the servants were abed and the fire had burned down to a small ember.

  Cold beef and thick slices of bread sat on a platter. She poured herself some milk, got the butter, and cut herself a slice of the beef. The moonlight provided plenty of light to see by.

  "May I have a piece?"

  Helena jumped, dropping the knife onto the metal pan. The clatter echoed in the silent house. They stood breathless for a moment, but no one seemed disturbed.

  "Your Grace, what are you doing here?"

  "The same as you, I suppose. I couldn't sleep and I was hungry. It is rather forward of me to come into your kitchen in the middle of the night, but I've always thought it the best time and place to relax and think."

  "I too. None of my family knows of my midnight jaunts, but cook usually leaves something out in case I come down.” She couldn't stop herself from smiling at him, as though they were fellow conspirators.

  He seemed more approachable tonight in his open-necked white shirt and black trousers. Her heart tripped faster when his green eyes looked at her so intently. She studied him. She'd never paid attention to his handsomeness. Of course, she rarely considered any of the men she saw during the season in London. They all circled around her sister and didn't notice her.

  Forcing herself to look away, she cut the duke a larger piece of the meat, handed him the bread plate, and poured out another glass of milk. Then she sat at the old wooden table and put her beef between two slices of buttered bread.

  The silence of the house created an atmosphere of intimacy and Helena knew her behavior was improper. Her nightdress left few barriers to the imagination and her skin heated every time he gazed at her. She didn't want to leave. He fascinated her and brought back color and feeling into her life. Something she'd almost forgotten. What harm could come of a few stolen moments?

  * * * *

  The enjoyment on her face when she bit into her sandwich made him smile. How had Helena managed to always stay on the sidelines? Tonight, her golden hair fell in waves down her back, making his hands tingle with the desire to run his fingers through it.

  Although he busied himself, putting the meat slices on his bread, he couldn't ignore her. Her light blue robe did nothing to hide the soft curves of her body. And yet he'd never noticed Mary Ann's figure. How odd. When Helena bent to slice his meat, her robe had parted just enough to tantalize him with a brief glance of one soft rounded breast. His body hardened at the thought, desire flickering along the pathways of his nerves.

  Did she hide her real self deliberately? If so, why?

  "Don't you like the food?” she asked.

  He bit into his sandwich, washing it down with milk. But his hunger for food was gone, replaced by a different craving.

  Forcing his mind into a safer direction, he asked, “Did your sister discuss our conversation?"

  * * * *

  "Yes, I'm sorry things did not work out to suit both of you.” She studied him. “I suppose you will all leave tomorrow.” For some unexplainable reason the thought made her sad.

  "No."

  "But Mary Ann said she made it very clear she wouldn't marry you."

  "She did. I intend to speak with your parents tomorrow,” he said.

  His voice was cool and reserved. Helena realized the friendly warmth had faded, replaced by the proper duke.

  "They won't force her, you know."

  "Don't worry. That's not the reason I wish to speak with them.” He leaned back and pushed his plate away. “I want to be certain we leave on good terms with your family. Our parents have been friends for many years and your mother has been a support for mine, since my father's death.

  "We are here now.” He shrugged. “It would be rather awkward to wake everyone up tomorrow morning and leave right away."

  "Of course, I only thought it might be uncomfortable for you. My sister is not the most tactful person as you saw tonight. Although, do not misunderstand me, I love her very much."

  "I'm sure you do and I appreciate your thoughtfulness.” His lips curved into a half smile. “Don't concern yourself about me. I'm a grown man and quite able to handle disappointment or rejection. It is nothing."

  His words rankled. They made him sound cold and uncaring. She resented the confused emotions he created inside her. Disappointment swept over her as she realized the man she'd been attracted to earlier only existed in her imagination.

  "Mary Ann is right. You aren't the man for her. She needs someone with feelings, someone who will love and cherish her.” Standing, she glared at him. “Not a man who sees her as a slight inconvenience.” With those words, she pulled the skirt of her bed robe to the side and marched out.

  * * * *

  Nicholas chuckled after she left. He hadn't seen such a grand exit since watching a play, several months ago, at Drury Lane.

  Head high, she walked as though clothed in a ball gown of heavy satin and not the thin robe of silk that did little to hide her enticing figure.

  What he wondered would have happened if someone had come into the kitchen and found them having a midnight snack? Would the man she loved reject her? And more importantly, would she be considered compromised and he forced to marry her?

  Feeling the lingering remnants of desire in his body, he wasn't sure he'd mind. Mary Ann's twin sister became more intriguing each time they met and most especially when alone.

  He stood and stretched. No, he wouldn't leave tomorrow. This week-end had become much more interesting then he'd expected.

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  Chapter 3

  Helena hid behind the curtains and watched the men from the front drawing room window as they prepared to go hunting. The duke stood head and shoulders above the rest. Amid dogs barking and horses restlessly pacing, she could hear the men's voices as they joked and jostled.

  She watched the duke slid his fingers along his horse's sleek coat and whisper to calm him. She imagined the warmth and strength in those hands touching her and her body ached with desire. Shocked by her thoughts, she moved from the window.

  They would be gone all morning, giving Helena time to collect herself and talk some sense into Mary Ann. She didn't have to marry the duke in order to be polite in his presence.

  A quiet solitary breakfast would be pleasant. Most of the ladies still slept. She headed for the small dining room.

  Whatever possessed her to stay and chat with the duke last night? Proper etiquette required her to leave when he came into the kitchen. But, she didn't. Her face flushed with heat remembering him watching her prepare his food. Her hand had brushed his handing him the plate and a sharp tingle traveled up her arm. If anyone had seen them, they'd have been compromised and her choice taken away regarding marriage.

  He wasn't for her, even if she wanted him. She didn't of course, but if she did, there was at least one barrier to prevent her from becoming his wife. She had lost her virginity years ago, to Lawson. One important mistake that now prevented her from being a candidate for any respectable marriage.

  To her dismay, she saw Mama and the duke's mother already occupied the dining room. In her present state of mind, she didn't want company. She tried to slip away unnoticed.

  "Come join us, Helena.” Lady Steeples smiled, spotting her. “Her Grace and I decided to enjoy a mutual pleasure, the quiet of the early morning."

  "Your mother tells me you are also an early riser.” The duchess smiled at Helena. “Most young ladies prefer to sleep late and have breakfast in bed."

  "I like to be up and about.” Helena went to the sideboard. “The scones smell delicious.” She helped herself to ham, eggs, and two of the hot scones. The maid poured her a cup of tea. Faint sunlight came in through the French windows to Helena's left.

  "My grandson is an early riser, also.” Her Grace's eyes sparkled. “I am so pleased to finally have a grandchild and I will be especially pleased to see Nich
olas become a father."

  Helena took a sip of her sweet tea and stared at the light green walls surrounding them. She could imagine Mary Ann's reaction if she heard the duke's mother speak of grandchildren. There would no doubt be an explosion.

  "Is your son looking forward to being a parent?” Helena's mother asked.

  "He is well aware of his need for an heir. I believe he is more conscious of this since his good friend, Baron Mews, died recently in a hunting accident.” She shook her head. “So terrible, such an agreeable young man. He had no children and the estate went to a cousin.” The duchess took a swallow of her tea. “I'm sure he never thought about dying and his title and everything going to another branch of the family. My sympathies go out to his mother, poor dear. She lost her son and her home.

  "Nicholas learned from a young age the responsibilities of the dukedom and this guides his decisions. One of them is to have a son to inherit his title upon his death."

  The duchess glanced down at her napkin and smoothed it out. “I am not certain how he feels about being a parent, but he is very fond of his nephew and the children of his friends. He will make a fine father."

  Helena tried to picture the sober faced duke in his own nursery and wondered how he would react the first time the baby spit up on his fine clothes. She stifled a chuckle, almost choking on her ham.

  "I see you have doubts, Lady Helena. Wait and see. He does a far better job of calming his nephew than either of the parents.” A frown crossed the duchess’ usually pleasant demeanor.

  "Prudence and her husband leave the child too much with their servants. I know it is quite acceptable, but I always wanted to be more involved in my children's lives."

  "I agree,” Helena's mother added. “I shocked my husband when I refused to employ a wet nurse. I insisted on nursing all three of my children."

  "What are your thoughts on this subject, Lady Helena?” The duchess asked.

  Helena froze, her hand almost to her mouth. She smelled the sweetness of the scone. Reluctantly, she sat it down and turned her attention to the conversation.

  "I do not plan to marry."

  "Nonsense, you are a lovely young lady. You will marry, mark my words."

  Helena did not protest. The duchess would scoff at her story of a lost love. She'd never understand that when Lawson died, Helena accepted that she had to avoid other relationships. No, the dowager duchess would not be easily fooled. She might ask questions Helena preferred to avoid.

  "Helena is teaching art at the village school and the children adore her.” Her mother spoke, breaking the silence.

  "How very interesting,” the duchess commented.

  Helena saw the duchess glance at her speculatively and sighed inwardly when the conversation moved to other topics. She rushed to finish her meal before the duke's mother thought of any further questions.

  * * * *

  "Mother, might I have a word with you?"

  The dowager duchess glanced up from her letter writing. Nicholas stood in the open doorway to her bedroom. Pebbles, her small white terrier, ran over barking and jumped around in circles at his feet.

  "Come in. Quiet, Pebbles.” She reached down and placed Pebbles in her lap. “I am finishing a letter to your Aunt Juliet. Have you come to escort me downstairs?"

  "I would be pleased to, but first I wish to have a private word with you."

  "Good, I have sensed everything is not as you expected when you arrived here yesterday."

  "No.” He paced across the royal blue Wilton carpet to a window and stared out.

  "Lady Mary Ann will not accept an offer of marriage from me,” he said, and turned to face his mother.

  "What?” His mother's hand went to her throat. “How dare she refuse a duke? She can do no better then you, son."

  Nicholas gave a short, sharp, laugh. “She feels she can. I believe she envisions herself in love with Harry."

  "The Ton is expecting an announcement, especially after this trip to meet with her family. How embarrassing this will be for all of us. Has the girl no sense of propriety?"

  "I don't think she understands or wants to understand how this will appear to others.” He stood, hands clasped behind his back. “Anyway, I did not indicate a preference between the twins, to anyone other then family."

  "Of course, but everyone expected you would ask Mary Ann. She is such a favorite."

  "Nevertheless, I have a possible solution to satisfy my desire to marry and have an heir and your desire to see our two families form an alliance.” Nicholas observed his mother's expressions as he spoke. Her countenance brightened.

  "You do? Because I also have a suggestion, but tell me your plan first."

  "What do you think of her twin, Lady Helena?"

  "I had the pleasure of spending some time with her this morning. She is a lovely girl, very polite, with a good head on her shoulders.

  "Yes, that has been my impression. Originally I favored Mary Ann because of her ability to socialize and intermingle quite well with society.” He started to walk around the room again. “You know how I hate all of the social amenities and necessities intertwined with my rank.” He shrugged. “I hoped she could free me of those tiresome activities and I could concentrate on my work in parliament. But, it is not to be."

  "So you are considering asking Lady Helena to be your duchess?” his mother asked, her face wreathed in a smile.

  "I believe you are pleased, Mother?"

  "Actually, I had decided to make a similar suggestion. Lady Helena has a pleasing amiability about her and she'd certainly make a more dignified duchess than her twit of a sister. However,” she cautioned, “she does not appear to be as enraptured of the society life as her twin. Still,” his mother hesitated, “I am convinced she could fulfill the role."

  * * * *

  Tapping her finger against her cheek, the Duchess smiled at her son. “Yes, she most definitely could. Lady Steeples has trained both girls in all the social amenities."

  "I believe you are right, Mother, but there is a problem.” A frown creased his forehead. “Did you know she is in love with someone? I believe there may already be an understanding."

  "Her mother did not indicate any such thing. Who told you she was in love?"

  "She did!"

  "Most unusual, something is not right. We will talk with her parents."

  She stood and gently touched her son's cheek. “You are a handsome rascal.” She smiled, staring into his intense green eyes and admiring him dressed in his royal blue jacket, silver vest, and matching blue pants. Rays of sunlight sparkled across his chestnut brown hair. She sighed. “How you remind me of your father. If you were less involved in your work and put some effort into charming Lady Helena, you might be surprised at her answer to your proposal."

  Nicholas laughed and leaned down brushing her cheek with a kiss. “Said like a proud mother. Thank you. We'll talk with her parents first and then, I'll see.” He put out his arm. “Shall we join the others?"

  * * * *

  After finishing the light noon meal, Mary Ann motioned for Helena to come walk with her. The stilted conversation and general atmosphere of the dining room was uncomfortable. Helena was relieved to escape outside, away from Sophia, their disapproving sister-in-law, and the duke's two sisters, especially Prudence who continued to stare coldly at the twins.

  Mary Ann took Helena's arm and pulled her down the path away from the house, glancing back frequently.

  "I hardly think the duke or his family is going to come after us and drag you back inside, Mary Ann,” Helena said dryly, pulling her arm free.

  "He hasn't mentioned to any of his family that we are not going to be married. It's obvious he still plans to formally ask me.” Mary Ann continued her brisk walking. “Earlier today, Prudence talked of recent weddings and all the while she frowned at me."

  "Calm yourself. Let's walk toward the lake,” Helena said, heading toward the large oval shaped body of water.

  "This is serious, Hele
na. I'm not going to marry the duke,” Mary Ann repeated.

  "I believe the duke and I are at least aware of your decision. You should talk with Mama and Papa though. They are upset and confused by your behavior.” Helena turned her face upwards toward the early spring sunshine and soft breezes.

  "They will only try to change my mind. Couldn't you talk with them?"

  Helena glared at her sister. “No, and I mean no. You have created this chaos on your own and you must resolve it one way or the other."

  Mary Ann flushed. “All right, but I warn you, Helena, I'll run away if anyone attempts to pressure me into this marriage. I'm sure Harry will help me. Perhaps we could run away to Gretna Green.” A smile returned to her face.

  Helena stopped walking and jerked around to face her twin. “Don't even joke about doing anything so disastrous to your reputation. Harry may well be dependent on his cousin for money. I seriously doubt he would go so far toward ending a profitable relationship, even for you."

  "I don't understand why you're talking to me in such a disagreeable manner. You certainly crossed the bounds of propriety when Lawson was leaving to go to war."

  Aware of a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach Helena spoke, “We are not talking about me and my behavior.” The words pushed through her tight throat. “You must know Mama and Papa would never force you to marry the duke. They only want you to be happy."

  She squeezed Mary Ann's hand. “Please don't do anything you will regret.” As I have, she added to herself. The day seemed less bright now; clouds forming in the west brought an overcast of shadows and a chill to the air.

  "You do not believe in or understand my feelings for Harry.” Mary Ann's eyes flashed with sparks of temper. “You of all people should support me."

  "I support your decision, Mary Ann, but not the way you're treating our guests.” A headache began to form behind Helena's eyes. “Sophia is furious at your behavior and until everyone knows there will be no wedding between the duke and you, your actions appear tactless and rude."

  Mary Ann walked away without saying goodbye or looking back. Helena watched her go.

  It was early, plenty of time to sneak off and go to the privacy and quiet of the turret room. If only her headache would ease, painting would be a pleasant escape from the dramatics of the past two days.