The Duke's Dilemma Read online

  Weary, Helena climbed the steep stairway. The sun had not yet dispelled the dampness of the stone walls and she shivered in the cool air. She sat and stared sightlessly at her paintings. The paint odor usually unnoticed by her brought on a spell of queasiness.

  Goosebumps covered her arms. She was the strong one, the capable one, the reliable one. The words mocked her and she wished for someone to turn to for comfort.

  All her life she shared everything and everyone with Mary Ann. She didn't want to do that anymore. She had needs, desires that she'd never expected nor wanted to feel and she was utterly alone. No man had ever tempted her to want to change her life. Not until this weekend when the duke arrived and brought about feelings, she'd never contemplated.

  More and more, Helena found herself losing control of situations and remembering and confronting the secret, she'd kept hidden from everyone but Mary Ann. If someone found out, it would be much more embarrassing and damaging to her family's reputation, than Mary Ann turning down the duke.

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  Chapter 4

  "Lady Mary Ann is gone!” Mary Ann's maid rushed into Helena's room with a crumpled sheet of paper in her hand.

  Taking the note, Helena smoothed it out to read. Glancing up, she found both Agnes and Mary Ann's maid staring at her. “She wrote she is upset and plans to stay gone until our guests leave,” Helena told them.

  Helena looked out the window. The moon lit the grounds and walkways. “Does everyone know?” she asked Mary Ann's maid.

  "No, Lady Helena, I came to you first.” The young maid wrung her hands.

  "Mary Ann could not have picked a worse time to do this on top of her earlier behavior,” Helena snapped.

  "I knew you would know what to do, my lady,” the maid said.

  "I'm ready to go downstairs. However,” she walked over to her bed and picked up her gloves, “at this point, I have no idea how to resolve this problem."

  Helena walked slowly down the curving stairwell, thinking. There was only one place Mary Ann would go to at night, unless she had left with Harry. First, she would ascertain whether Harry was also missing.

  She hoped her sister hadn't been so foolish. If Harry were downstairs, she'd wait until after dinner to find Mary Ann.

  Having a plan in mind, she joined the group gathered in the drawing room. Best to tell her family Mary Ann felt unwell and that she would go upstairs after dinner to check on her. Hopefully, she could get Mary Ann back home without disturbing her parents or causing another upset with the duke's family.

  Helena spotted Sophia, Prudence, and Priscilla sitting together whispering. The duke, his brothers-in-law, her father, brother, and Harry stood in a circle on the opposite side of the room. The duchess sat by the fire with Pebbles in her lap and Helena's mother beside her. Seeing Helena, her mother invited her to join them.

  "You look delightful,” the duchess said. “Your yellow gown is lovely on you. Where is your sister?” she asked, looking behind Helena.

  "Mary Ann isn't feeling well. I plan on checking on her again right after dinner."

  Lady Steeples started to stand. “Perhaps I should go now and see to her."

  "No, Mama,” Helena motioned her to stay seated. “Mary Ann said to enjoy your dinner and our guests. She will be fine. After I check on her, if she is not feeling better, then you can see about her."

  "That sounds like a good plan,” Her Grace said, as the butler came to the door and announced dinner.

  "Nicholas, help me up.” She waved her hand at her son.

  Helena's father rushed over to assist her. “Allow me."

  The duchess winked at him. “If I were only a little younger, Lord Steeples, your lovely wife would have to worry. I would try to steal you away from her."

  Helena's mother took the duke's arm. “And I would worry you'd succeed,” Lady Steeples teased back.

  At least the families entered the dining room in a lighter mood. When Helena did find her twin she would give her a long over due scolding.

  At the dinner table, Helena caught the duke staring at her intently. It was as though he tried to read her mind. How silly, only Mary Ann could do that.

  She and Mary Ann had a special bond that allowed them, at times, to know each other's thoughts and feelings. However, she never sensed anyone else's thoughts. Shaking off a feeling of unease, she reassured herself, she would know if Mary Ann was in any danger.

  Frowning at the duke, she picked up her wine glass in a mock salute to him and proceeded to take a sip. Her eyes boldly returned his stare. Then abruptly she turned her head away, cut some of her roast beef into smaller pieces, and proceeded to pretend to enjoy her dinner. It would be good for Mary Ann to miss a meal.

  * * * *

  Everyone had assembled in the drawing room to play cards and converse. She took the opportunity to excuse herself to go upstairs. She must hurry. Her mother wouldn't wait long before going to check on her daughters. Putting on her pelisse, Helena slipped downstairs and out the back door.

  Moonlight brightened the path leading to the edge of the forest. For years, she and Mary Ann had kept their favorite spot a secret. A place all their own, where they told each other their most private secrets. Even in the poor light, Helena was sure she'd find her way to the small cave at the bottom of a hill behind their house.

  "Mary Ann,” Helena called out as she came closer. “Mary Ann."

  "Over here, Helena. Help me! I've fallen and twisted my ankle."

  "Oh dear, however did you do this?” She knelt by her sister and saw the shine of tears in Mary Ann's pain-filled eyes. “We must have assistance. I shan't be able to carry you back home by myself."

  "Does everyone know I'm gone?"

  "No, thanks to your maid. She came to me first and I told Mama and the others you weren't feeling well. We must hurry to get you home before Mama goes upstairs to check on us."

  Helena glanced around the area thick with bushes and trees. The darkness sent a chill across her skin. “How could you be so careless of your own safety? Mama and Papa would worry terribly if they found out about this escapade and now that you are injured, I doubt we can keep it from them."

  "Please don't scold me. I realize I've gone a little overboard.” Mary Ann sniffled.

  "A little!” Helena shook her head. Carefully she checked her sister's ankle. “It's slightly swollen, hopefully it's not broken. You'll be all right. I have an idea. If I can find a stick stout enough, you can use it for a crutch and we'll get home without help."

  The loud snap of a twig had them both looking into the dense growth. “Did you hear that?” Mary Ann whispered.

  Fear coursed through Helena and she nodded yes. She scanned the area. The shadows looked more menacing. After waiting a moment, Helena helped Mary Ann up, supporting her on the side of her injured ankle.

  "We've got to get home."

  "May I be of assistance, ladies?” The duke stepped out of the trees, an amused smile on his face.

  "You! Helena, how could you bring him with you?"

  But, Helena noted relief on Mary Ann's face, belying her words.

  "Did you follow me, Your Grace?” Helena asked.

  "Yes, I suspected something was not right when I saw you going out alone. I'm glad I did. I will carry your sister back to safety.” He leaned down and Mary Ann pulled back from him.

  "I won't return until you agree we are not to be married. I want your word."

  "Surely you do not think me so needy for a wife that I would force such a foolish young woman to marry me,” he remarked with a hint of distain. “After I deposit you safely in the arms of your parents, any relationship we might have had is ended."

  Shocked by his harsh words, Mary Ann meekly held her arms upward and let him pick her up.

  Helena walked beside them unable to hold back a smile. Normally, if anyone spoke in such a manner to her twin, she'd be angry. Perhaps this was a good lesson for Mary Ann and one she wouldn't easily forget.


  Thoughts of the noise they'd heard just before the duke arrived still puzzled her. The sound came from the opposite direction of the duke.

  The duke carried Mary Ann into the library, set her in a cushioned chair and went to get her parents. They'd all agreed Lord and Lady Steeples must know of Mary Ann's escapade.

  Helena stood beside her sister waiting for the rush of attention Mary Ann would receive from their parents on her safe return. How many times had she stood or sat beside Mary Ann watching her family swarm around her sister in love and concern? It had never bothered her before...

  "Mary Ann, thank goodness you are safe. The duke said you have injured your ankle. We will have the doctor check you first thing tomorrow.” Her mother rushed in with a whirl of words and soft touches for her daughter.

  "You naughty girl, and you, Helena,” she frowned, “should never have lied to me. We would have sent out a search party immediately. Heaven forbid that your sister gets pneumonia from the night air."

  Their father stood at Mary Ann's side, his hand touching her hair. Helena clenched her hands and a brief flare of irritation tightened her chest. She took a deep breath to stifle it.

  Looking beyond her family, Helena noticed the duke standing in the doorway. He looked both elegant and dangerous in his black attire. They stared at each other for several moments and then, he turned abruptly and left. She sighed, feeling bereft. He is probably disgusted with us all.

  * * * *

  Helena rose early the next morning to go riding. She would skip breakfast and avoid having to sit with her mother and the duchess and listen to them talk about Mary Ann.

  She peeked in on her twin on her way out and found her fast asleep. Helena moved quietly to the bedside and touched Mary Ann's cheek. Her skin felt cool. Thank goodness, she didn't have a fever. She'd never forgive herself if Mary Ann suffered any serious consequences from last night. Her mother had been right. If she'd told her immediately, they'd have found Mary Ann much sooner.

  Skipping unladylike down the stairs, she went out the back way through the kitchen, her one thought to escape the house before the others arose.

  "Good morning, Lady Helena.” The short, rotund cook wiped her face leaving flour marks on her cheeks. “Up early and ready to ride, I see. Better take some of my fresh biscuits with you."

  Giving the cook a quick thank you, Helena took the offering and headed toward the stables. Sparkle, her frisky brown mare, pranced around ready for a run. They took off across the open pasture.

  An early morning ride was a perfect way to clear her head. She raced to the top of the largest hill on her father's estate and stopped.

  This was as far as their parents allowed her or her sister to ride on their own. Her parents insisted they have an escort if they wished to ride beyond the property. Today, Helena wanted to be alone.

  Crisp cool air blew across her face and the early morning sun touched her skin with its rays. The fragrance of the wildflowers carried on the breeze tickled her nose.

  A hint of spring hung in the air, her favorite time of year. Small very green, new leaves shown among the branches of the trees and fluffy clouds sailed overhead.

  Dismounting, she tethered her horse and walked to the edge of the clearing. She took another deep breath of the fresh morning air, while surveying the rolling pastures and the distant steeple on the village church.

  For a moment, everything seemed at peace in her world. She went over to her favorite spot and sat down, leaning against the large smooth rock. Taking one of the biscuits from her knapsack, she bit into it, enjoying its soft sweet flavor.

  Thoughts of the previous night ran through her head and she puzzled over her reactions. Never had she been so irritated and yes, she admitted, jealous of her sister for the special attention lavished on her by their parents. Especially after Mary Ann behaved so rudely and her parents never said a word of reproof to her twin.

  Helena had accepted their worry and concern as natural, since they perceived Mary Ann as having a delicate condition. Which was understandable since her sister barely survived serious complications with pneumonia, and of course that awful bout with the flu, all before the age of eight.

  Helena had always been healthy and looked the stronger of the two. Slightly taller and heavier, Helena perceived herself as large and gawky, beside her graceful sister.

  She took another bite of her biscuit, hoping to quell the butterflies fluttering in her stomach. Even when they were younger, no one seemed to notice Helena. She faded into the background. Lawson was the only boy to ever show her any particular attention.

  They met at one of the local assemblies and there was an instant attraction. She loved his sense of humor and the way his blue eyes looked on her with obvious appreciation.

  Her parents had been surprised when he asked permission to court her. Being a second son, they wanted better for their daughter but seeing the young couple's determination to be together, they reluctantly agreed.

  They added a stipulation. There would be no wedding planned until Lawson attained a higher rank in the military. He had recently enlisted and awaited his orders to report to duty. Her parents had no intention of allowing their daughter to follow the drum

  Helena closed her eyes against the bright light. She'd left her hat at home and Mama would not be pleased.

  She sighed remembering the black letters on the formal letter sent to Lawson's parents. During his first major encounter with the enemy, at the battle of Trafalgar, he had been shot and fell overboard. Lost at sea.

  Standing, she shook out her riding skirt, as though trying to shake away the memories. She heard another rider, whirled around, and watched the duke dismount leaving his horse alongside of hers.

  With his hair in disorder from the breeze, and his white shirt opened casually at the neck, he looked more like the country squire then the powerful duke. Even across the open space, his potent masculinity reached out to her.

  "I always seem to be interrupting your solitude.” He stepped closer and studied her face. “Have you been crying?"

  She stepped back. “No, it's the bright sunlight. I didn't expect to see you abroad so early, Your Grace."

  "I must admit, I saw you riding in this direction and thought it would be a chance for us to talk privately."

  "What about? You and my sister have agreed not to marry. I presume you and your family will be leaving soon.” She raised her head to look at him directly, “I hope you will take your cousin Harry with you. I don't believe he has your best interests at heart.

  "Now, please excuse me. I need to return home and see that all is well with my family.” Helena strode quickly toward her horse, but a small root caught the toe of her boot throwing her forward. His quick, warm hands and strong arms pulled her back against him.

  "Are you hurt?"

  She could feel the low rumble of his voice against her back. His breath stirred the hair on the back of her neck, every nerve in her body alert to him.

  "I'm fine. Please release me."

  His actions annoyed her, when he didn't let go. He turned her to face him.

  Biting her lip, she glared at him and felt a quiver of shock seeing an answering glint of fire in his eyes.

  "Not yet, my dear, I have something to say."

  She struggled against his hands gripping her arms, anger warring with an unexpected desire to lean into him and touch his hard mouth with hers. His tall lean body beckoned to something deep inside of her.

  Frowning, he released her and stepped away. She felt desolate, but sparks still flashed between them.

  "You may say you love another, but there is this, spark or flash of recognition, whatever you wish to call it, between us,” he said and his eyes blazed boldly full of passion.

  "You caught me at a moment, when I was more vulnerable than usual and took unfair advantage."

  "Liar,” the whispered word and the steel of his voice reverberated through her body.

  She started toward her horse again. His han
ds reached out and stopped her. Then he stepped around her. He stood for a moment, his eyes roaming over her face, a softer expression covering his countenance.

  "I sense you are the caregiver in your family, Lady Helena, but at what cost to you?"

  Puzzled, Helena shrugged off his comment and pulled out of his grip. Taking long strides across the uneven ground, she reached her horse and prepared to mount.

  The duke, right behind her, grasped her around the waist and lifted her onto the saddle, and held her reins. “Running away will not work forever. Someday, you'll have to stop and reach out for what you want. You're no coward."

  Helena pulled the reins from his grasp and galloped away. She felt his eyes on her as she rode down the hill.

  * * * *

  Nicholas watched her ride out of sight. He had planned to bring up the subject of their possible marriage. It was just as well he hadn't. His body's reaction to her nearness had surprised him. Her fragrance and the softness of her skin had sent sparks of desire spiraling down his body. He had wanted to hold her tight and kiss that desirable mouth. And yet, he was not a young man without control.

  Walking briskly around the small area, he reminded himself he was marrying for convenience, if he desired his wife so much the better. Still, he'd be master in his home and of his destiny. Love would not enter into it.

  He needed to speak to her parents and ask about the other man. He raked his fingers through his hair. Surely, she couldn't be in love with another and still react as she had to his touch?

  She tantalized him. Her lilting voice, strands of hair blowing free in the breeze like soft downy feathers, and her full lush mouth made for kissing, aroused him. Groaning, he shook his head to clear it. He would not lose control and be distracted.

  Standing feet apart, he studied the countryside and reviewed his plan. He wasn't going to leave the Steeple's home without a marital contract, if at all possible.

  The results of this week-end visit were certain to be the talk of the Ton for some time. He didn't relish all the hopeful mothers who would throw their daughters into his path, when they realized he was serious about taking a wife. Lady Helena was his best hope to avoid such a nightmare.