The Duke's Dilemma Page 9

  "Because I have certain conditions, Papa, and they must be included."

  "Conditions?” Her mother said faintly and put her hand to her heart. “You gave the duke conditions? I will never be able to look his mother in the face again. Whatever will she think of my daughters?"

  "She is agreeing to the marriage, Mama, or we would not be meeting at her home."

  "I agree with your father. This is highly irregular. We will go with you to the meeting."

  "No. You both have been encouraging me to wed. I am doing as you wished, but under my own terms. The duke will come to see you and Papa afterwards."

  Helena walked to the window and pulled the curtain open. Gray clouds blocked out any sunlight. Raindrops dripped off the eaves of the house. She let the curtain drop in place and turned to face her parents.

  "I hoped you would be happy for me."

  Her mother rushed to her and took Helena in her arms. “We are very happy for you, dear. If this is what you want. It will bring our two families together and also stop the gossip and speculation going around the Ton. Tongues have wagged ever since we arrived in town without an engagement being announced."

  Her father cleared his throat and spoke gruffly. “My only concern is ensuring you are given a good contract to your benefit, my dear. I'm sure all will be well. The duke is a fine man and known for his honesty. However, don't sign anything until I read the papers."

  "All right, Papa. I will do as you say."

  Her father smiled at her. “My little girl is getting married. We'll have a duke in our family after all. Leave it to Helena to solve our problem.” He kissed her cheek.

  Helena excused herself and hurried upstairs. She pulled on her coat and warm boots. She needed time alone. Bonnet and gloves on, she and Agnes stepped out of the house and into the misty rain.

  * * * *

  Empty halls and silence greeted her in the art museum. She heard a few voices off in the distance.

  Helena wandered along, stopping to study her favorite paintings. Or at least she pretended to study the paintings. She still thought about the conversation with her parents.

  They thought she'd accepted his proposal to save the family from embarrassment and to cement two families into one strong alliance. Her personal reasons were not so important to them. Looking back, she knew she'd always been there to straighten up any family difficulties. Their ready acceptance irritated her.

  Sadness tightened her throat and brought a frown to her face.

  "Lady Helena, how nice to see you.” The duke's deep voice brought her head up.

  He reached out and touched her cheek. “You're crying."

  "No, I got something in my eye.” She forced a smile.

  She unclenched her hands and her breath shuddered through her. He was too astute and not easily fooled.

  "Whatever brings you to the museum on this rainy afternoon? It's terrible weather to be out and about, unless you have to."

  A slight smile crossed her face. “It is a dreary day, but visiting a museum always picks up my spirits. I might ask the same of you."

  He shrugged. “I also felt an urge to get out of my house. Parliament is not in session today and I'm rather bored with my own company."

  Hot scalding desire ran through her when his eyes roamed over her face and body so intently. She knew he didn't believe her. Never had she known anyone, other then Mary Ann, who could perceive her moods so well.

  She sensed there was more to this visit to the museum, than he was saying. Alert and totally aware of his surroundings, yet he presented a nonchalant air about him. He seemed poised to react at any moment. Was she being fanciful again and why did he bring out these feelings and thoughts when so many others had not?

  * * * *

  She had expressive eyes. If Nicholas watched closely, he could glean more about her. Right now, he knew the reason he gave for being here hadn't fooled her. It wasn't going to be easy to continue his clandestine work without her knowledge.

  She had lied, too. He saw tears glistening and shadows under her eyes. Did she already regret her decision to marry him?

  Too late, he would have her. He surprised himself with his determination to make her his wife. He told himself it was because she'd make an elegant duchess, and be the type of woman he needed. And he knew he lied also. She touched a place inside of him and stirred an unexpected desire.

  He glanced around and looked for his contact. It would have to wait for another day.

  "May I escort you home?” he asked.

  "You'd best not come to my house without the contract,” Helena teased. “Papa is not happy we have already settled on our own terms."

  "Have you received my mother's invitation? She sent it out yesterday evening."

  "No, but I expect it will be waiting for me when I return."

  "Then let's go down the street to the shops and have a hot cup of tea before I drop you off at your door."

  "I have my carriage, Your Grace."

  "We will send it back with a message that you're with me."

  He looked at the bench across from where they stood and smiled wryly. “I see we have the very respectable Agnes with us to maintain the proper decorum."

  "Yes, Your Grace,” Helena answered.

  "Whatever will you do when we no longer need Agnes and you can stop calling me Your Grace?"

  He caught a mischievous smile cross her face. “Why it is quite proper for your wife to continue to call you by that respectable title."

  * * * *

  Helena was glad he suggested tea. She needed more time with him, to know him better. Her cheeks flushed when he mentioned them not needing Agnes anymore. After the wedding, they would be alone and she'd be his to command.

  She knew a woman lost the few rights she had once married. Her husband controlled her money and her. Although, she didn't fear him physically, emotionally, she wasn't sure. However, thus far she sensed his protectiveness toward her. And that was good. Perhaps Mary Ann was right.

  He helped her into the carriage and Agnes sat across from her. Swinging in, he sat close by her side.

  "You're very quiet. What are the thoughts going around in your head?"

  "It's nothing important. I am anticipating the cup of hot tea you promised. This is a biting cold, wet day."

  He reached out and clasped her gloved hands. “I will help keep you warm."

  She started to pull away, but his firm grasp comforted her and for the first time in her life, Helena wanted to lean against someone and have a good cry. She knew instinctively he would hold her close and reassure her. She straightened her posture and heard him chuckle.

  "I've noticed you do that several times. You pull yourself up straight and tilt your head. I'd like to know what thought brought on the need to strengthen your defenses."

  Her head whipped around and her gaze clashed with warm green eyes. The man was far too perceptive.

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  Chapter 10

  When Helena returned home yesterday, the invitation from the duke's mother had been on the table. Today, dressed in their most respectable of wool gowns, Helena and Mary Ann set off on their way to the duchess’ town home. Agnes sat across from them.

  "Mama is out of sorts that you did not invite her to attend with you, Helena."

  "I know, but I feel nervous enough without Mama hovering over me."

  A giggle slipped out and Mary Ann leaned forward. “You want the duchess to have the two of us to compare. She will remember my horrible behavior and immediately give a sigh of relief that her son has asked you to be his wife."

  Helena laughed. “You did behave terribly."

  Mary Ann shrugged. “It worked. I couldn't see myself tied to your duke, ever.” She shuddered. “He would probably have strangled me within the first year.” The carriage stopped and Mary Ann reached across to take her sister's hand. “It'll be all right. Remember, the duchess likes you."

  * * * *

  "My dear, Lady Helena
,” the duke's mother greeted her with a smile. She did not smile at Mary Ann. “Lady Mary Ann, how nice of you to accompany your sister."

  Mary Ann made a polite curtsey and flashed a quick grin at her sister. The duchess led the way to a small sitting room. She motioned Helena to join her on the settee. Mary Ann took a seat across from them.

  Helena held her hands tight at her waist, trying to hold back the fluttery feeling in her stomach. To take her mind off of herself she looked around the small sitting room. It was a gray day outside, but enough light came in to create a soft pinkish glow from the pink stained glass window panels. The diffused light shone across the polished floor. She brought her attention back to the duchess and Mary Ann.

  "My son has sent papers over for you to read, but first we shall have tea.” The duchess proceeded to pour tea into small china cups with dainty roses covering the white background. “I am pleased to hear your news. I am sure you and my son will do well together."

  "You are most kind."

  "Nicholas also told me you have conditions to be agreed upon and signed before the wedding."

  Mary Ann choked on her sip of tea and coughed softly. Helena returned her sister's stare. She was surprised the duke had made his mother aware of their agreement.

  "That is correct. We had important issues that we needed to agree upon before the contract was drawn up for our marriage."

  The duchess laughed. “Good for you. I knew you would be his match. Whoever would have thought a young lady would be brave enough to set her own conditions of marriage. I could not be more pleased."

  Surprised, Helena asked, “Have you read the papers, Your Grace?"

  "No, I would love too, but my son would not invade your privacy in such a manner.” She patted Helena's hand. “Do not worry, my dear. I am sure your requests are very reasonable. Ah, here is Pebbles."

  The dog ran to them, barking and tail wagging. The duchess set her tea cup down and scooped him onto her lap.

  Looking at her future daughter-in-law, she spoke softly. “My son has asked me to help you in any way you request, to make the transition to duchess occur more smoothly and pleasantly for you."

  "Thank you. I'm sure I will need your teaching and assistance in many areas. Did he tell you I will be continuing my work?"

  "Your work?"

  "My painting. I won't give it up."

  "I would like to see some of your paintings. But now we must talk of the wedding plans. I thought a family dinner, Friday night, to announce the betrothal to our respective families and close friends. Also, an announcement to appear in the paper the next day. Do you agree, my dear?"

  Helena hesitated. Events rushed upon her. “Perhaps we'd best check with the duke and my parents, after he has spoken with them."

  "Oh yes, Nicholas did mention he has requested a meeting with your father. If you agree with the papers he has drawn up. Let me get them for you and your sister and I will go for a walk while you read them."

  The duchess went over to her escritoire set against the far wall and pulled out a thick packet of papers handing them to Helena. Leading the way out, Pebbles and Mary Ann followed her. Helena held back a smile when she saw her sister's expression.

  Helena unfolded the papers. They were written in proper legal form. She studied each paragraph carefully. After a while, she raised her head.

  He had been very generous. Papa would be pleased. The duke had revised only one of her conditions. He preferred she be in London during the time parliament was in session.

  She would agree. He had been most reasonable about all the other requests. She saw the place for her to sign, but remembered her promise.

  Going to the desk, she found a blank sheet of paper and wrote a quick note explaining she agreed with the contract and would sign the documents after he spoke with her father. She finished right before a knock came at the door.

  "Please come in,” Helena spoke up.

  "I left parliament early. I thought it best I come by in case you had any questions.” Nicholas stepped inside the room, closing the door behind him.

  He was a magnificent looking man. Her breath quickened when he came close enough to look at the paper in her hand.

  "I wrote you a note.” She held out the paper. “You have been most generous in the contract, Your Grace."

  A brief smile crossed his face before he read what she had written. “You accept my offer of marriage?"

  "I do."

  "I'm glad,” he said, moving even closer. Hands reached out, pulling her against him. Slowly, never breaking eye contact, he lowered his head. Warm firm lips briefly caressed her forehead, her checks, and across her lips. She gasped and he slid his tongue into her mouth, deepening the kiss, wrapping her more tightly in his arms.

  Helena put her arms around his neck and touched his silky thick hair. His chest against her breasts and his hard thighs touching her legs, made her want to melt into him.

  Pulling back, his hands came up to frame her face. “I'll send a man to your village to see the banns are read. We'll be married within a month."

  Helena jerked away. “There is no need for such a hurried wedding. Mama and your mother will want to plan the occasion with much pomp and ceremony, I'm afraid."

  He shook his head, “They will have to hurry. I see no need to delay."

  "I prefer to wait. We don't know each other well. It would be best to take our time before the actual ceremony."

  "No, you have agreed to marry me. We'll know each other well enough, once we are living together."

  Puzzled, Helena frowned at him. “Are you afraid I'll change my mind?"

  "Lady Helena, we have agreed on a sensible relationship. I have important demands on my time. I wish to settle this business of our marriage, so I can get on with the many issues of government."

  She controlled her expression at his mention of their sensible arrangement. The very relationship she'd wanted, and in fact had demanded, from him. But each time she was in his immediate presence, her heart fluttered with something elusive. His words crushed any hope she might have harbored about having more than a convenient marriage. That is what he offered and she accepted. Never the less, disappointment filled her. She took a deep breath and answered.

  "You're right. This is why we have our agreement, so neither can interfere in the other's work. Forgive me for being so thoughtless."

  Nicholas said nothing. He studied her for a few seconds before bowing and leaving the room. Helena, knees weak, sat on the nearest chair.

  "Was everything to your liking?” The duke's mother asked as she came in from the outside with Mary Ann and Pebbles following in her wake.

  Helena forced a smile. “I agreed to the contract. I wrote the duke a note, but he surprised me and arrived just as I finished."

  "I hoped he could get away. Has he gone already?"

  "Yes, I think he had to get back to his work."

  "I am sure your father and Nicholas will agree to the terms on the contract and all will be well,” the Duchess said.

  "We must go. Thank you for inviting us to your home.” Helena said.

  "I will look forward to seeing you and all your family this Friday.” The duchess walked them to the door of her sitting room and her butler led them out. Agnes joined them at the front door.

  Both girls leaned back in the carriage with a sigh of relief.

  "Now that wasn't so bad. I told you she liked you, Helena."

  "Did you enjoy your walk?” Helena asked.

  "I received a very gentle lecture about the proper behavior of young ladies and she ended by thanking me, since she feels you and her son are much better suited."

  "I am so sorry you had to deal with her displeasure."

  Mary Ann chuckled. “She was absolutely right. I am spoiled and willful and should learn from my older sister."

  "Oh dear, did she say that?” Helena couldn't keep from laughing.

  "She did, but I like her. She's honest. Tells you exactly what she thinks. I told h
er I could learn a lot from her."

  "What did she say?"

  The carriage pulled up in front of the Steeples town home and Mary Ann, Helena, and Agnes stepped down and went into the house.

  "Actually,” Mary Ann continued, on their way down the hall to find their mother. “She went into gales of laughter. I think I should feel insulted, but I laughed with her."

  * * * *

  Nicholas arrived promptly the next day for the meeting with her father. Helena found herself pacing the floor of her bedroom waiting for her summons.

  "Helena.” Her mother stood in the doorway. “Your father and the duke have finished talking and have signed the contracts. The duke asked for you to come down and sign the papers and all will be complete."

  She straightened her gown and walked over to the door. “Did Papa seem pleased?"

  "Very. The marriage contract is even more than your Papa would have asked. I still can not believe you made demands on the duke, but he seems satisfied."

  "I have never understood why a woman should not have her own requests considered. I'd not agree to this marriage otherwise.” Or would I? She pondered, thinking of his most recent kiss.

  Her mother only shook her head and led the way downstairs. On entering the study, Helena's eyes went first to her father. His broad smile told her that everything was all right.

  Nicholas stood on the other side of the desk. His eyes met hers briefly. He continued to stand as she and her mother sat.

  "Well, daughter, this is a time for celebration. The duke has been most generous in his settlement and the contract but awaits your signature.” Her father pushed the papers across the desk to her.

  "Thank you, Papa.” Helena ran her eyes over the sheets again.

  Nicholas spoke dryly. “I have not changed anything since you read the terms yesterday."

  Helena glanced up and felt her cheeks flush. “I am sure you have not, Your Grace.” She reached for the quill pen and signed her name. For a second, she just sat staring at the three signatures. Here was her future, all signed and sealed. Hopefully, she made the right choice.

  "The duke has brought an invitation from his mother for dinner at her house Friday night. I understand you have agreed to have the announcement of your engagement made at the dinner?"