The Duke's Dilemma Page 8

  "She did, but I persisted anyway. Priscilla loved it and paid me back many times."

  "Your sisters are very different. If you don't mind my saying so, Your Grace."

  "You're right. Prudence is much more like my father. I often wondered how he and my Mother had such a happy marriage when they were such opposites, but they did."

  "Maybe their individuality was the key,” Helena commented.

  "I believe two people with common interest can do as well.” The duke slowed his team of horses and glanced at her as they entered Hyde Park, “You wished to speak with me?"

  "Nothing has changed your mind, Your Grace? You have not found someone more appropriate, that you would prefer to be your wife?"

  "No.” He pulled the curricle to the side and stepped out. “Join me for a walk. Hank,” he nodded at his groom, “will walk the horses and follow behind.

  Helena turned to him and he put his large warm hands around her waist and lifted her to the ground. Her body shivered at his touch. She was relieved to see few people in the park. None close enough to notice how he let his body touch hers briefly on the way to the ground. She arranged her skirts and opened her parasol, giving herself enough time to regain her composure before continuing their conversation.

  "I agree that two reasonable people can come to an agreement and have a marriage that is both pleasant and fulfilling to both without the necessity of love clouding the issues,” Helena stated firmly.

  "How very astute of you, Lady Helena.” He put out his arm and she placed her hand on it as they strolled along. “Am I to understand you are accepting my offer of marriage?"

  "Not quite. I have certain conditions to be met before the contract is drawn up."

  "Conditions?” His head snapped around and he stared at her with a surprised expression.

  "You thought, I suppose, that only men had requirements. I am not your typical simpering female agreeing with whatever her father and the man she is to marry decide. There are certain requests you would have to agree to before I accept your proposal."

  "And why should I meet your conditions?” He spoke rather coolly. “I'm sure many young ladies would marry me without any qualms or demands."

  Helena nodded. “I am aware you are considered a very good catch.” She chuckled. “But, this is not the usual marriage proposal and we both want a different type of marriage than the one you would have with the young ladies you mentioned."

  "You are right, of course. Tell me your requirements. If I agree I'll have a contract written and present it to your father."

  Helena hesitated. Is this what she wanted? A marriage set up like a business deal, and more important, was she being fair to him? She didn't have the courage to be completely honest. Was her secret so bad that she'd deny herself a chance of having a home and children? No, this made perfect sense and a business contract was not unusual, especially when the adult children of two powerful families aligned.

  As for the other, she'd work hard to please him, so he would not regret his choice of her for his wife. She'd have her own home and children to love. They'd be pleasant and remote with each other and not interfere with either one's interests. A marriage to meet both their needs.

  "Lady Helena and Your Grace, how nice to see you both this morning.” Lady Shrewsbury's sharp tones startled Helena. She groaned inwardly when the lady stopped her carriage, her expression questioning and speculative.

  "How is your dear sister, Lady Helena?"

  "Very well, Lady Shrewsbury. Thank you for asking."

  "And your family, Your Grace? I saw your dear mother at the ball last night and she looked quite well."

  "Mother is the embodiment of good health. She and my sisters are all fine.” The duke nodded politely, but his cool demeanor would have discouraged most people right away. Not Lady Shrewsbury.

  "We expected some happy news when you returned to town, Your Grace, but have heard nothing.” Her heavily made up face, with its long nose and pursed lips, glanced in Helena's direction. “Since you appear to have no further obligations, Your Grace,” she smiled brightly at the duke, “perhaps you would join my husband, our two lovely daughters and me for dinner, tomorrow night? Of course, we would love to have you and your sister join us also, Lady Helena."

  Helena fought to keep the bubble of laughter rising up inside of her from coming out. Her lips curved up slightly.

  "I'm sorry we must miss such a wonderful dinner. Mary Ann and I have a previous engagement.” Helena noted the visible relief in Lady Shrewsbury's eyes.

  "Then we will expect you on your own, Your Grace?"

  "I too have another engagement. I will be busy in parliament. Perhaps another time."

  "I shall hold you to it, Your Grace.” She wagged her finger at him. “You must get out more. It is not good for a young man to bury himself in his work."

  They both watched her carriage drive away.

  "She and others like her are what I want you to protect me from,” the duke stated, frowning after the carriage.

  Unable to hold the laughter in any longer, the giggles came out. She tried to stop them, but found herself bending over, laughter flowing out of her, tears filling her eyes.

  The duke watched, as though he didn't recognize her at all. This sent her into another spill of laughter. Wiping her eyes, she straightened and faced him.

  "Forgive me. It seemed so funny. She was so determined for you to attend her dinner and your frosty manner did not deter her at all.” A last chuckle came out. “I'm not sure she even noticed. Does that usually work?"

  "Yes. Now back to our discussion before we were so rudely interrupted."

  "I don't believe I can get my thoughts together right now, Your Grace. I'd rather write down my conditions and send them around for you to study. We can meet another time fully understanding each other."

  "I shall be busy this week, but send your requirements for my consideration. After I've reviewed them, my mother will invite you to visit her and we'll meet there. No one can say she is not a proper chaperone."

  "An excellent idea, Your Grace."

  Nicholas motioned to his groom and helped her into the carriage. He turned the horses around and headed back to her house. She touched his arm, lightly drawing his attention to her.

  "I hope you received my thank you note. The book on landscapes is lovely and will be most helpful with my painting."

  "I'm glad you like it. I did receive your note."

  He was withdrawn and his posture rather rigid on the ride back. Helena was glad to tell him good-by and rush up to the privacy of her room. He was not an easy man to know or understand.

  Yet there was something about him. Sometimes she had to fight the urge not to reach out and touch him. And sometimes she wished he would reach out and hold her. It was all very confusing.

  * * * *

  After sitting at her desk all morning staring at a blank page Helena decided to go out to the garden and draw. Most of her sketch papers showed various drawings of the duke, all of his expressions that she had observed over the short time of their acquaintance.

  She especially wanted to capture the time he'd laughed, but it kept eluding her, as did her list of conditions waiting for her to complete. Tomorrow was a week since their ride in Hyde Park.

  "Lady Helena, how nice to see you again."

  Helena hurriedly turned her papers over before Harry saw her work.

  "I came looking for Lady Mary Ann but your butler said she was out, so I asked for you."

  "How might I help you, Lord Selwyn?” Helena asked the duke's cousin. As usual, he was dressed in the height of fashion, his blond hair shining in the sunlight.

  "Always so formal. I planned to invite your sister to go for a walk in Hyde Park. Perhaps you would care to accompany me?” Harry asked.

  "Thank you, but no. I'm quite content to stay home. There are several chores I must complete. I was just about ready to go inside."

  Harry persisted. “If you prefer I'll be glad to e
scort you on any errands you need to do."

  Helena stood, which brought her to eye level with Harry. “I believe you came knowing my sister wasn't here. Why are you so anxious to escort me instead, Lord Selwyn?"

  "So suspicious for a young lady. Does a man have to have an ulterior motive to be seen in your company, Lady Helena?"

  "You do. I don't believe you do anything without thoughtful consideration."

  "You make me sound quite interesting when I am a simple fellow with simple taste and requests."

  Helena shook her head and laughed shortly. “Excuse me, but I'm busy. Mary Ann will return within the hour. I'll let her know you came by to invite her for a walk. Our butler will show you out."

  Helena felt his eyes boring into her as she walked in front of him. Whatever his motive, he was unhappy he didn't succeed.

  * * * *

  One—The duchess will continue with her paintings and other interest, including attending various lectures and gatherings whose primary function is intellectual discourse.

  Two—Attendance at social functions will be kept to a minimum and also the arranging for parties, balls, etc.

  Three—The duchess shall not be required to reside in London unless she wishes to, the exception being when absolutely necessary to carry out her duties.

  Four—The duchess will be an equal member in deciding on the raising and education of any children born of our union.

  Yes, that sounded very businesslike, children born of our union. Then why did she immediately think of the day in the tower room when he kissed her? His warm mouth, his touch, the smell of him seemed to dwell forever in her mind.

  Helena stretched. A few more conditions and she'd be finished. She would send her letter out today. Harry's arrival motivated her to return to her desk. Still, his behavior puzzled her.

  Mary Ann bounced into the room, a happy grin on her face. “Guess who I saw today and he took time to talk with me."

  "Judging from your face, you are very pleased with yourself. I give up. Who?” Helena asked.

  "Franklin Gates. He doesn't say much and I had to work to get any conversation out of him.” Mary Ann sighed. “He is so handsome and gives off such a feeling of mystery."

  "I suppose you are in love again,” Helena teased.

  "I don't know what I feel. He shows very little interest in me.” Mary Ann hesitated. “I sense secrets and intrigue surrounding him. But,” her smile returned, “he's handsome and getting to know him is certainly a challenge."

  Helena laughed. “I almost feel sorry for the poor man. Hopefully he won't come to regret the day he met us.” Helena stopped Mary Ann on her way out the door. “By the way, Harry came by. He said he called to ask you to join him for a walk, but he ended up asking me. I don't understand him."

  "I'm glad I was out. He is a bit tiring. He seems to enjoy poking fun at people and pointing out their weak spots. I am glad I am over him. He's very attractive, but inside he is small and mean."

  Helena sat staring at the empty doorway after Mary Ann left. Her sister definitely seemed to be going through another change. It was difficult lately to keep up with her moods and some of the insightfulness she exhibited when least expected.

  Finishing her letter, she sealed it and handed it to the footman to post. Now she just had to wait for an answer. Hopefully, she wasn't making a mistake. The words she'd written might well change her whole future.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter 9

  "Harold Odell is back.” Franklin handed an envelope of dispatches to Nicholas.

  "You told everyone to lay low,” Nicholas growled. “He took a great risk."

  "Seems he'd already started on his way home when I sent your message. His sister is getting married next week, and he plans to stay with his family."

  "The old man will be glad to get these dispatches from Wellington. We have to find the traitor soon so messages can be sent back from us.” Nicholas paced his study. “Anything else happening with the man we've been monitoring?"

  "Nothing. You need to let me go back. We won't find out what we need here in London. Let me make one more trip."

  "It's hard to continually send a friend into danger,” Nicholas said. “And I sit here closeted in comfort and security."

  "I'm willing to go, Nick. Anxious, in fact."

  "I'll agree on one condition."

  "Something tells me I'm not going to like this,” Franklin said, wryly.

  "When you return you will stay in England and help me from this end. It's time for someone else to take the risk for a change. You've had several close calls. If you won't think about your own safety, then I must."

  Franklin's face flushed with anger and Nicholas saw him clench his hands. He waited patiently.

  "All right, unless of course I can change your mind after my return."

  "Don't count on it, my friend. You're like a brother to me,” Nicholas stated firmly. “Before you go...” He stopped Franklin. “Try to return within the month. If you can't find any information by then, it's not to be found."

  "A month isn't long."

  "No, but I need you here for another assignment."

  "What?” Franklin asked suspiciously.

  "I hope you'll attend my wedding."

  "You're going to wed the Steeples twin?” Franklin asked in a low voice.

  Nicholas nodded. “We're working on the marriage contract and if everything can be resolved in time, I plan on having the wedding within the month. No need to wait. I expect you back for the ceremony."

  "I'll try,” Franklin murmured and hurried out the door. Nicholas walked to the window and watched Franklin enter his carriage. As he rode out of sight, Nicholas realized he'd forgotten to tell Franklin that he was marrying Helena Steeples, not Mary Ann.

  * * * *

  Helena anxiously awaited word from Nicholas. A rare feeling of restlessness found her doing busy work around the house and running errands for her mother. She wanted to receive his response first, before she spoke to her mother and father about her decision.

  Arriving back home after a trip to the book store, Helena saw a white envelope on the side table. She put down her books and picked up the letter. She'd go to her room and read his answer in privacy.

  Reading his note of acceptance, with only minor changes to her requests, made her realize how quickly her life was about to change. The duchess, his mother, was sending her an invitation for tea in the next few days. Twinges of anxiety rippled down her spine. Jumping up she paced around her small bedroom.

  She'd realized these past weeks that she did want her own home, children, and a husband she could respect. But, she did not need love. Her throat tightened. Maybe if she told herself that enough times, she'd be convinced.

  She must find her parents and tell them the news. She smiled. They'd be pleased. But first, she'd talk to Mary Ann.

  Helena knocked on Mary Ann's door.

  "Come in.” Mary Ann took one look at her sister and the paper in her hand. “You've heard from him?"

  "Yes, he has agreed to my terms."

  Mary Ann hugged Helena tightly. “Wonderful, I'm so happy for you.” She stood back studying her. “What's wrong? You're pale and trembling."

  "How do I know this is right for the two of us? Marriage is a huge commitment and we are entering into it without love or all information exchanged."

  Keeping her arm tight around Helena, Mary Ann steered her over to a chair and sank down in front of her. “You must quit blaming yourself for an indiscretion that occurred when you were very young. I don't know why Helena, but I feel sure this is the perfect solution for you. The duke is a kind man and will be a good husband."

  "Why are you so sure he is the man for me? He wasn't the one you wanted,” Helena responded.

  "No, you and I may be twins, but we are very different in our taste and what we want from life. Most men would let you take charge of the household and give of yourself to your new family, as you have with us. You're s
trong and the one we've always gone to for support. You need someone stronger. The duke will not hesitate to take care of what is his. He can and will support you.” She reached up and touched Helena's face. “I demand what I need. You won't ask. I act out my anger and feelings whereas you withdraw. It makes me look frivolous and silly at times, but it works. I refuse to accept less than what I want. Your kindness prevents you from demanding something if it will hurt someone else."

  The words rolled over Helena. She knew much of what her sister said was true. Helena still remembered her mother years ago telling her not to cry. She had to be strong and help her take care of Mary Ann. Learning to overlook her own desires, Helena became good at helping Mama with Mary Ann. Quietly, she did as she was told, earning Mama's approval.

  Helena knew her parents loved her, but Mary Ann and her brother seemed to come first. Enough, she was not one to cry over the past.

  When Lawson chose her and turned his attention in her direction, it had increased her confidence. Now, she had an opportunity to turn her life in another direction.

  She would close the doors to her past and look forward to the future. Letting go of Mary Ann's hands, she stood.

  "Will you go with me to see the duchess?” Helena asked Mary Ann.

  "You aren't mad at me for what I just said?"

  "No."

  "And you're sure you want me to go with you? I'm not her favorite person."

  "You're my favorite person and I need you."

  "Then I'll be there,” Mary Ann, said.

  "Come on let's tell Mama and Papa,” Helena said. She pulled Mary Ann along with her.

  Mary Ann backed away from the study door. “You tell them alone. Seeing me might remind them of the week-end debacle.” She knocked and pushed Helena toward the door.

  After Helena told her parents, Lady Steeples sank onto the settee. “You're going to marry the duke!"

  "Yes, Mama. We have discussed the marriage contract and he is having it drawn up. I'm to go to tea with his mother soon and I'll review it. Then he will visit Papa."

  "Highly irregular! He knows that as your father I have to agree. I don't understand why he wants to show you the contract before he and I have talked.” Her father frowned.