The Duke's Dilemma Read online

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  Chapter 7

  Helena smoothed her skirt and pulled on her gloves as the carriage stopped at Lady Cottrell's residence. She'd been pleased to receive an invitation from that lady to one of her afternoon parties soon after their arrival in London. The more serious members of the Ton attended and the entertainment always included at least one interesting and informative speaker.

  Her footman helped her out of the carriage and she climbed the steps to the entrance of Lady Cottrell's home.

  "Lady Helena, I was so glad to hear your family had arrived in town and you could join our little group today.” Lady Cottrell took Helena's arm and walked with her into the drawing room. People stood in small groups and the low buzz of conversation filled the room.

  Peach blossom wallpapered walls gave a feeling of warmth and welcoming, with glazed chintz curtains of a deeper peach color hanging beside long windows. Lady Cottrell led Helena across a soft Persian carpet, lavishly decorated with roses and long leafy vines. They stopped beside rows of delicate chairs set in front of a podium.

  "Our speaker will give his talk and afterwards we will have refreshments,” Lady Cottrell said. “I do hope you will enjoy yourself. Lady Edgewood is here. I believe you met her last year.” Lady Cottrell guided Helena to the row where Lady Edgewood sat.

  "Lady Helena.” Marian Edgewood stood and gave her a hug. “It is good to see you. Do join me."

  Smiling, their hostess backed away and went to welcome other guests to her home.

  * * * *

  The Duke of Monteroy watched Lady Helena's progress from the other side of the room. He had not expected to see her in such a gathering. Few women attended. Mostly men came to hear the informative and intriguing lectures.

  Except for a brief thank you note, he had not heard from Lady Helena or seen her since leaving her home several weeks ago. Today wasn't the time he would have chosen to renew their acquaintance.

  He studied the clusters of people standing around. His cohort, recently returned from a secret mission, planned to meet him here. In fact, Franklin was late.

  His gaze went back to Lady Helena. She wore a tasteful and elegant gown, white with blue trim and matching bonnet. Her height gave her a regal appearance. Her head turned and their eyes met.

  He saw a slight flush of color on her cheeks. Her lips curved briefly in a smile and she nodded. He chuckled. He had, at one time or another, given others such a look, but he'd not received one.

  If he weren't so concerned about Franklin, he would go and speak to her. But today, he had to take care of government business.

  * * * *

  Helena flushed when she saw him watching her. Whatever was he doing here? She did not remember his ever attending before. She had been to a number of these lectures last year. But this gave her an opportunity to tell him she'd like to meet with him.

  He didn't approach her. Helena sat beside Marian and tried to watch him discreetly out of the corner of her eye. She saw a tall man join him.

  The lecture started and she soon found all of her attention captured in the discussion of electricity and its future uses.

  "I don't know which I love better,” Lady Marian said, as the lecture ended and she started to walk toward the long side table filled with food. “The lectures or the wonderful biscuits and other desserts sat out to tempt us."

  "Lady Cottrell has an exceptional cook.” Helena tried to carry on a conversation while casually glancing around the room. The duke and the other man had gone.

  I suppose he did not have time to dally over food. Now, she would have to write him a note. Maybe he'd changed his mind. She'd be very embarrassed if she sent a note and he had forgotten about his proposal. He certainly took Mary Ann's refusal nonchalantly.

  * * * *

  The duke paced across his office. Franklin sat smoking a cheroot and cradling a glass of brandy in his right hand.

  "You found out nothing about the traitor?” He frowned at Franklin.

  "I know the enemy has been privy to at least some of our internal information. Keyes died because they knew of the meeting place. I barely escaped."

  Nicholas studied his friend. “I'm glad you escaped unharmed. I have lost one close friend this year. I don't want to lose another.” He took a swallow of his drink. “Although I didn't know Keyes well, he was a good man and served his country with honor. We will find the man responsible. Until then, you are to stay in town and send a message to the group to lay low."

  "We did have some success. We rescued one man, Miles Barber. One of the more active pirates had imprisoned him on the high seas. They're out of commission now."

  "Good. Is he in London? I'd like to meet with him and ask some questions."

  "No, he wanted to see his family. I have concerns regarding him. I've assigned a man to watch him. He'll report anything out of the ordinary.” Franklin rolled the glass between his hands seeming to study the golden liquid.

  Nicholas sat on the end of his mahogany desk, directly across from Franklin. “You think he is our traitor?"

  "I don't know. I doubt it. But, I think he was more willing to be a pirate then he acknowledges and may have information he will not voluntarily disclose.” Franklin shrugged, “It's a gut feeling. Nothing concrete."

  "I'm glad you're having him followed. By the way, you will be attending the Hazelton ball tomorrow, I assume."

  Franklin grinned. “That sounds remarkably like an order. Otherwise you know I wouldn't go within ten feet of the Ton."

  "You're an earl and rightly belong at any of the fashionable activities you might wish to attend.” Nicholas put his hand on Franklin's shoulder. “It will do you good to polish your manners for the time when you retire."

  "What makes you think I'd retire, Nicholas? You know I care nothing about my title and estate. I wish I could give the earldom to my younger brother, but I can't. And anyway, he is entirely too happy preaching to his flock."

  Nicholas noted the wary expression in Franklin's eyes. “I worry about you. Your land agent appears to do a good job of managing the estate, but it needs your personal attention."

  "Is my step-mother still in residence?"

  "You know she is."

  "Then I won't go home."

  "Why not send her to one of your smaller estates? You'd never have to see her."

  Franklin put out his cheroot and put down his glass. A noticeable coolness settled over him. He went to the door. “This is not a discussion I wish to have with my superior or my friend. I'll see you tonight."

  Nicholas walked around his desk and sat. Franklin never answered personal questions. They'd been friends for over ten years, yet they both had areas of their lives neither discussed.

  Turning to stare into the fire, he thought about earlier this afternoon. Helena looked beautiful and he wanted her for his duchess. She'd make a good impression as his wife.

  Usually calm, she didn't appear to be a slave to her emotions as so many of the women he'd known. She would suit his requirements.

  He took a swallow of his brandy and settled further into his chair. Perhaps she'd be at the ball. His Mother made him promise to make an appearance, and for once, he found himself looking forward to it.

  * * * *

  Helena had wrestled with her decision about attending the ball tonight. Harry had visited Mary Ann and her yesterday and had made a point of telling them that the duke would be here. Helena had said she rarely went to balls. She hoped Harry did not see her, or he'd be sure to taunt her.

  Her sole motivation for coming was to speak with Nicholas. After missing her chance at the afternoon gathering, she thought this might be her best opportunity.

  But had he changed his mind? She'd roamed around the room and hadn't seen him. With his involvement in parliament, he might still be busy with government business.

  "Lady Helena, I see your sister has wasted no time involving herself in the season's activities.” Prudence's strident voice brought Helena to
a halt.

  "Lady Prudence, how nice to see you.” Helena forced a smile and nodded to Prudence, dressed in forest green with a matching bandeau around her head. Her thin-faced husband stood next to her looking down his nose at Helena.

  "Mary Ann is very popular, as you can see. She received so many invitations since coming to town that there was no way she could refuse them all. Nor should she,” Helena answered.

  "Well, she might have shown a little discretion and stayed away from the few activities my brother attends. After all he seldom makes an appearance and this is sure to start the gossip's tongues wagging."

  Her waspish tone grated on Helena's ears.

  "The Ton expected he'd offer for one of you and I'm sure they knew his choice would be Mary Ann. I'm glad he isn't going to marry her. She has no sensibility or awareness of the requirements of polite society,” Prudence continued.

  Helena glared at Prudence. “My sister is a favorite of the Ton. It might do well for others to imitate her happy, friendly manner. The world has enough sadness and mean-spiritedness. Now if you will excuse me I see a friend across the way and must speak with her."

  Helena strolled away, forcing herself to unclench her hands and cool her anger. She refused to look back to see how Prudence had reacted to her speech. With her vision clouded with emotion, she wasn't watching where she was going. Head down, she bumped into a solid surface.

  "Sir,” Helena exclaimed when she looked up. “Please excuse me. I was lost in thought and not watching my way."

  "It is quite all right, My Lady. You are not hurt?"

  Helena smiled derisively. “Only my pride is injured for not watching where I walked. “

  He laughed. “That is quite all right. “

  "May I interrupt?” the duke's deep voice brought their attention to him. “Lady Helena, I see you have met my good friend, Lord Gates."

  "No, we have not been properly introduced, Your Grace. I stumbled in to him."

  "May I present, Lady Helena Steeples, Lord Franklin Gates, Earl of Wharton."

  Franklin bowed over Helena's hand. “It's a pleasure to meet you."

  "I believe I saw you yesterday afternoon, Lord Gates, with the duke at Lady Cottrell's afternoon gathering."

  Franklin glanced at Nicholas. Nicholas spoke, bringing Helena's attention back to him. “May I have this dance? If Lord Gates will excuse us?"

  Franklin nodded, “Go right ahead. I'm going to wander around the room."

  "Lady Helena?” The duke offered his arm.

  Helena walked onto the dance floor with him. She expected he'd be a poor dancer. Everyone said he seldom attended balls, and being a large man, she imagined he might move awkwardly in the flowing movements. As soon at the music started, she knew she'd been precipitous in her judgment.

  From the moment they began to dance, his steps were sure and smooth. They dipped and whirled around the dance floor.

  "You are looking especially lovely this evening, My Lady."

  Helena glanced down briefly at her new, Persian blue ball gown. “Thank you, Your Grace."

  "Are you going to call me Your Grace forever? I had hoped you might relent and call me Nicholas."

  "I do not think that would be proper at this time, Your Grace."

  The laughter rumbled up through his chest and she was surprised to hear it and see a smile cross his stern countenance. Several couples dancing in their formation glanced their way.

  The dance parted them for a few moments and then she was back at his side. His eyes fixed on hers. “Tell me, have you thought anymore about our discussion?"

  Her tongue darted out and she wet her lips. His hand holding hers tightened. Without looking directly at him, she answered.

  "I would like to make an appointment with you, Your Grace."

  The music stopped and she faced him. His expression gave away none of his thoughts.

  "Good. Shall I call on you at your home? Or perhaps we might go for a carriage ride through Hyde Park tomorrow morning. There will be less of a crowd at that hour."

  She put her hand on his arm as they moved through the crowd back toward her mother and sister.

  "I believe a ride might give us more privacy, Your Grace. If it is an open carriage my maid will not be required to accompany us."

  "Very good, I will come for you tomorrow morning around eleven. If that is not too early."

  "That will be fine. Thank you for the dance,” she said, as they joined her family. Nicholas bowed and she watched him go to the other side of the room. He disappeared amongst the large crowd of people filling the too small ballroom.

  Mary Ann stared past her and Helena scanned the crowd. Franklin Gates smiled and nodded at Helena then continued on his way.

  "What a handsome man.” Mary Ann murmured. “Do you know his name? I saw you and the duke talking with him."

  "Yes, he is Lord Franklin Gates,” Helena answered, slightly bewildered by the expression on Mary Ann's face.

  "I wish he'd ask me to dance,” Mary Ann said.

  Ah, Mary Ann's interest was aroused. Helena hoped this would not lead to another traumatic event for the family. Lately her sister's love interest seemed to cause problems.

  * * * *

  "Is he still in town?” Nicholas asked when Franklin joined him beside the dance floor.

  "No. My contacts reported he had left his family home and rode to London, but then this afternoon he left town again,” Franklin said.

  "Did he talk to anyone?” Nicholas asked.

  "He went to the bank and posted a letter, but my informant couldn't get close enough to see the address on the envelope. You said you didn't want us to arouse any suspicions at this time."

  "Correct. We might be wrong about this. We'll bide our time. Did you send the message to the others to lay low?"

  "Yes. We're all waiting for further instructions."

  Nicholas stared across the room. “I'll talk to my superiors and get back to you. Meanwhile socialize, listen to the gossip."

  Franklin groaned. “What I won't do for my country."

  "You make socializing sound worse then risking your life out in the trenches."

  "It is!” Franklin said and strode away.

  Nicholas watched Helena dance by several times, her face flushed from the briskness of the dances and her eyes smiling at her dance partner. A sense of possessiveness swelled up inside of him and he caught himself glowering at her partner. It was time for him to leave.

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  Chapter 8

  Colorful gowns covered Helena's bed, when Mary Ann entered her room the next morning. “What has you in such a fluster?” she asked and pointed to the pile of dresses. “I've never known you to have trouble making up your mind over what to wear."

  "I'm not in a fluster,” Helena said in quick denial. She held a light blue gown against her. “I have several new gowns and I hadn't tried them all on yet."

  "Right,” Mary Ann answered with a smile. “You still didn't say where you're going. Somehow I doubt it's to a museum or one of your boring lectures."

  "What are you doing up so early?” Helena asked.

  "Ah, answering my question with a question. Now I am curious. Come on dear sister,” she teased. “You can't keep secrets from me."

  "All right, but you said you didn't want to be involved in my decision. If you must know I'm meeting the duke this morning for a ride in Hyde Park and to discuss his proposal."

  Mary Ann pushed the dresses aside and sat on the bed. “Have you decided what your answer will be?"

  "I have, if he agrees to my demands."

  "You have demands? Good for you.” She chuckled. “I would love to be a little bird listening in. I doubt the duke has even considered you might have your own requirements. I can hardly wait until you return home."

  Helena turned for Mary Ann to fasten her gown. “Let me see how this one looks on.” She hesitated and then added, “Do you think it would be horrible of me if I don't tell the duke
all about my relationship with Lawson?” She turned her head looking over her shoulder at her sister.

  Mary Ann paused. “You are a wonderful woman and will make a gracious duchess. I think you only need to consider what you have to offer the duke. I love the idea of you having your own expectations of the marriage. You don't suppose his friend, Franklin, will be anywhere around?” Mary Ann faced her sister, with a twinkle in her eye.

  "How do you know they're friends? They could be only acquaintances."

  "No, I watched them last night and I know men. They are well acquainted and my guess is very good friends,” Mary Ann stated.

  "How astute of you."

  "Helena, you're not the only one who studies people. My observations are just less noticeable."

  Helena hugged Mary Ann. “You know everything about me. It seems I might not know my little sister as well as I thought."

  Mary Ann wrinkled her brow. “It will seem strange for you to be married and living away from me."

  "I might not accept the duke's offer. I'm not certain yet."

  "You will and you should. I'm convinced you'll be good for each other. I only wish I knew what I wanted."

  "The right man will come along and carry you off,” Helena answered.

  Mary Ann went to the window. “Oh, there is your knight in shining armor,” she teased. Turning she looked at her sister. “I guess you'll be wearing the blue gown."

  * * * *

  Helena peeked glances at the duke as he drove the curricle through the busy streets toward Hyde Park. Today, he had dressed in brown with a cream colored vest. His chestnut brown hair blew in the breeze making him appear younger and more approachable.

  "Is something wrong with my appearance, Lady Helena?"

  She blushed realizing he was aware of her scrutiny.

  "Forgive me for staring. You are always impeccably dressed, Your Grace."

  He chuckled. “I'm trying to tease you. My skills must be a bit rusty. I used to tease my sisters unmercifully."

  "Prudence must have hated that,” Helena murmured.