After the couple left, he walked back and sat beside her. Helena's reticule sat on the table by his hand. Lawson leaned his elbows forward to better look at her and knocked it to the floor.
"Forgive me.” He reached down and handed it back to her. “Shall we wander back inside the ballroom? I'm sure there are others looking for you. Or I could sit here all night admiring your good looks."
"Silly, you are too lavish in your praise, Lawson. No reasonable woman will believe you."
"I am being very honest, my dear."
* * * *
She caught the catch in his voice and glanced at him sharply. For a second, he had switched back to Lawson of long ago.
"There you are, my dear. The musicians are preparing to play another dance. I hope you won't mind, Falscroft, if I take my betrothed away."
"Not at all,” Lawson bowed deeply to both of them. “I plan to retire to the card room."
Nicholas guided her to the dance floor, his warm hand touching the curve of her back. His eyes flashed with anger. She refused to respond to the look on his face.
"I do love dancing. Thank you for coming to get me."
"Was Lord Falscroft annoying you, my dear?"
"No, he was very pleasant and took me to get a cool drink. There was another man though, who came by and spoke to me.” She leaned her head back and looked at him.
* * * *
Nicholas caught his breath. Her long slim neck looked enticing, creamy white skin, with a small gold chain fastened around it. He could smell the faint hint of honeysuckle. Her lovely bosom rose and fell with her words, words that did not penetrate at first.
"...Odell, but I don't remember the meeting,” he heard her say.
He raised his eyes and stared at her. “I'm sorry, I missed something. Did you mention Odell?"
"Yes.” She frowned. “Do you know him? He came into the room and spoke to me while Lawson was away from the table. He said we had met before, but I don't think so. Although, I do think I've seen him somewhere. Lawson was not happy to see him when he returned with my lemonade."
"I have met him a few times. I know the family."
"Good, then he is respectable. That is a relief. I had the distinct impression he did not belong here and he had an aura of danger around him.” She laughed and shrugged. “I am being silly.” She hesitated. “I suppose you expect me to apologize for last night, but I felt such an urgency to speak with you."
He swung her around and held her firmly against his body, his hand holding tight to hers. She smiled an impish grin.
"You must be thinking you are not getting the sensible woman you contracted to marry."
He lowered his head and whispered in her ear. “I'm getting the woman I desire."
Nicholas puzzled over the expression that crossed her face. What was wrong? Did she resent his behavior last night? He'd berated himself several times since the incident. He would have to talk with her later.
For now, he must find out why Odell would be at tonight's ball and introduce himself to Helena. Surely, Odell, one of his most trusted men, was not involved with the traitor.
He escorted Helena back to her sister, and bowing, went to find Franklin. Spotting Lawson, he moved in the opposite direction.
They had not talked since the night at his estate. Tonight was not the time to confront him about whether he planned to help them discover the identity of the traitor. It might be dangerous, for Lawson, if the wrong person saw him talking to Nicholas. He'd have Franklin bring him in for a meeting.
Nicholas watched as Helena danced by him. Soon, she would be his and he would not take kindly to her smiling so warmly at her dance partners. Other couples might accept such behavior but not him. He was jealous. This surprised him. Had his plan for a sensible convenient marriage changed somewhere along the way?
The newness would wear off soon enough. They'd go their separate ways as most couples, presenting a united front when needed, and raising his heir and other children amicably. The thought brought a bad taste to his mouth and put a frown on his face.
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Chapter 25
"Good night, Helena. I'm retiring. Do not wake me before noon tomorrow, unless the house is burning down,” Mary Ann warned.
"All right.” Helena chuckled as she went to her own room.
Helena threw her reticule on the bed and heard the crackle of paper. Perplexed, she picked it up and opened it. A small piece of paper lay inside folded in half. The outside had Nicholas name printed across it. With shaking hands, she read the cryptic message. Dawn, stable, horse, urgent. That was all.
She peeked out her door. One of their guards leaned against the nearby wall. He roused from his relaxed stance. They weren't going to take a chance on another trick. She had apologized, but she knew they'd never trust her.
Helena tiptoed by him and motioned for him to follow her. Another man stepped up and took his place.
Leading the first guard into the kitchen, she turned to him. His expression was wary, especially when she put a pot of water on the stove to boil.
"Nothing for me, my lady."
She held the folded paper out to him. “I found this in my reticule. I'm not sure how it got in there, but someone must have put it in my bag at the ball tonight. You must take this message to the duke. It mentions dawn. Hopefully, he will know what it means."
The guard read the note. “How do I know you didn't write it yourself, my lady?"
"Why would I do such a thing?"
He shrugged and held the paper gingerly between his thumb and forefinger.
"If you do not take it to him, I shall. You will not be able to stop me."
"I could stop you. It wouldn't be pleasant."
"For goodness sakes, my good man, this is important. Take it.."
Suspicion shown in his eyes. Reluctantly he went back up the stairs. She followed him to the bottom of the steps and watched him talk to the other guard. They both looked over the railing to stare and whisper. The other man nodded and came downstairs, seating himself between the kitchen area and the second landing.
"You will sit here with Tom.” The first guard motioned to his partner. “That way he can watch for your sister and you. I'll return shortly."
* * * *
Nicholas related the story Helena told him about Odell speaking to her at the dance to Franklin. They both heard the faint knock at the side door. Franklin pulled his pistol out and went to check on who was calling so late.
Seeing the guard, Nicholas snapped at him. “What? You left the women with one guard?"
"Didn't have a choice, or the one lady threatened to come here herself."
"Lady Helena?"
"Yes, Your Grace.” He pulled out the paper and handed it to the duke. “She says she found this in that tiny bag the ladies carry. Said you had to see it cause of the word dawn is on it."
Nicholas scanned the note and handed it to Franklin. “You were right to bring it. Now quickly go back to the house. I don't feel comfortable with only one guard alone with the Steeple twins. Something tells me he would be helpless if they ganged up on him."
The guard touched his hat and went to leave. “That's what I thinks, makes me blood run cold to think how dangerous those two women could be."
Nicholas and Franklin held their laughter until the door closed. Catching his breath after a good hard laugh, Franklin said, “Maybe we should hire them and send them out after the traitor. Whoever it is would probably leave the country to save his worthless life."
"I'm sure you're right, Franklin. I shall be afraid to sleep if I ever make Helena angry after our marriage. I shall have to be on my best behavior."
"They are amazing women.” Franklin admitted reluctantly. “If they don't get themselves killed, Lady Helena will be a wife that will never bore you. I've never known two women harder to protect."
"Nor I,” Nicholas agreed, “and that is what keeps me awake at night."
* * * *
T
he crisp morning air blew across his face. Lawson hunched over and pulled the brim of his hat farther down to cover more of his face. The coolness of the morning made him shiver. Cautiously, he stepped inside the stable. Plenty of places to hide if needed. Walking amongst the stalls, he admired the duke's horseflesh. The door creaked and he hid behind several bales of hay.
Nicholas came into the stable followed by Franklin. His glance roamed over the stalls and the shadowy areas of the large barn.
"Be careful, Nicholas. This could be a trick.” Franklin whispered.
Lawson stepped out from his hiding place. “He's right you know. A trap is being set for both of you, but not today."
Nicholas strode farther inside. “You know who the traitor is and what he is after?"
"Yes, but before I give you the information, I want to know how soon you will see me on a boat to America or the islands. I don't care which direction. I just want to get away from here fast. ."
"As soon as you wish."
"Good, I think he distrusts me and I'd as soon be long gone before he realizes I betrayed him."
"I can find out today when the next ship is leaving,” Nicholas answered.
A large black horse with a white diamond on his nose moved to the front of his stall, tossing his head and watching the men. Nicholas smiled and rubbed the head of the mighty horse. “Warlock, we have disturbed your rest."
Franklin leaned against the closed stable door. Shadows cast across the length of the building.
Lawson stepped closer and spoke softly. “The plan is to try and kidnap the women again, thus drawing you two out from your cover. They will threaten to kill the women and they mean it."
"Who is the traitor?” Nicholas spoke.
"One of your own men."
"Harold Odell?” Nicholas asked.
"How did you know?” Lawson said.
"I began to suspect when Lady Helena said he spoke to her at the dance last night."
Franklin moved away from the door. “How do they plan to get Lady Helena and Lady Mary Ann? They must know we have guards with them at all times and it will be even harder to get to them this time."
Lawson nodded, slowly working his way back to the door. “They also know about the visit to your house the other night. They are waiting for the best opportunity and they will strike."
Reaching the door, Lawson looked out. “It's getting light, I must leave. Find out when I can sail and I'll meet you here two days hence with any more information I can acquire. I'll expect a sailing date and passage arranged.” He disappeared around the door.
* * * *
"Morning, Mama.” Helena brushed a kiss across her mother's face, on her way to the sideboard.
Helena returned to the dining table with a plate of ham and eggs and tried to ignore the close scrutiny her mother gave her.
"You look tired. Have you not been sleeping?"
"I do have many concerns right now, what with the wedding and all."
"You should have slept later, as Mary Ann is doing."
"Oh, Mama, you know I have never been able to sleep late. I love the early mornings and it's the time I do my best painting."
"Have you finished the duke's portrait?” her mother asked.
"Almost, I hope to finish it before the wedding, but if not, I will complete it soon afterwards.” Bending her head to concentrate on her food, Helena hoped to discourage further questions.
"Which brings up the question of when we will be leaving London for home? Your wedding is in less then two weeks and there is still much to be done."
"Mama, I need to be here a while longer. Why don't you go ahead and complete the plans without me?"
"Surely you want to be in on the decisions about your wedding day."
"Anything you decide will be in the best of taste, Mama,” Helena said.
"I think Mama is right and we should all go home.” Mary Ann spoke from the doorway. “You know Helena that we have done more then enough since we arrived in town. The duke would agree with me, I'm sure."
Helena was startled to see her sister awake at this hour. She glanced from Mary Ann to her mother. Perhaps they were right. Neither Nicholas nor the guards would allow her any further involvement in whatever plans they made. She'd had no more nightmares, a good sign.
"We can leave as soon as you wish, Mama. I would like to finish the portrait before the wedding.” Stunned by her easy agreement, Mary Ann and her mother stared at her.
Finding her voice, Mary Ann spoke as she left the doorway and walked to the sideboard. “Thank goodness. Never did I think I'd want to leave London, but I'm ready."
Lady Steeples eyed both her daughters with curiosity. Helena held her breath, fearing a rain of questions, but Mama reached for her cup of tea. Then as in an afterthought said, “There are some things I believe I would rather not know.” She finished her tea and left the room.
"Will you send a note to the duke letting him know of our departure?” Mary Ann asked.
"Yes, after we are on our way. Otherwise, he might come by to give me another lecture. He is still angry about my doping the guards. Hopefully he will be in a better frame of mind by the day of our wedding."
Helena leaned forward, placing her elbows on the table in a quite unladylike manner. “It was exciting though, wasn't it? No wonder you have been so outrageous and daring all these years. I didn't know what I was missing."
Mary Ann's eyes widened with shock. “Don't blame me. I haven't ever done anything like our escapade the other night.” Looking around and noting no maid or footman nearby, she whispered, “But yes, it was almost too exciting."
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Chapter 26
"They left town, guv.” The short squat man smelled of sweat and smoke. “Early this morn."
"Great, they are falling right into our hands.” Odell threw several coins at the man and waved him off. He turned to Miles and Lawson. “Their parents are creatures of habit. Tonight they will stop at The King's Knight Inn and we will be ready."
"I'm sure the guards have gone with them,” Lawson said.
"They won't be in their room. We'll climb up the side of the building and go directly into the room after they're asleep.” Odell smiled broadly. “The duke thinks he will find out my identity and stop me from working for both sides. Hah! I've made a tidy profit and I don't plan to let him interfere with my success. We'll see how he likes it when his future wife's life is threatened."
"He may sacrifice her for his country,” Lawson interjected.
"No, he will come. He will come to rescue her and to get the traitor. He does not believe he can fail and that will cause his downfall.” Odell rubbed his hands together with glee.
Miles spoke up “What about the other one, Lord Gates?"
"The other sister will draw him out, that and the fact the duke is his best friend. He won't let him come alone."
Voices and the clatter of glasses drowned out their conversation. Lawson watched Odell sit back in his chair a look of satisfaction and excitement on his face. Odell will kill them all. The women, the duke, Lord Gates, and the men who knew of his plan. Maybe he'd let a few trusted men survive, but he doubted that would include Miles or himself. He'd seen the looks Odell gave them, one of dislike and distrust. No, once Odell succeeded in his plan, he and Miles were of no more use to him.
A shrewd expression on his face, Odell motioned to Miles, Lawson, and two of his men sitting at his table. “You will stay with me today. We leave within the hour for the Inn and tonight we capture the women."
Lawson's heart sank. He had no way to get a message to the duke. Hopefully, the duke knew the Steeple family planned to go home and maybe he'd added men to their regular guard. If not this night would be dangerous for them all.
He watched for an opportunity all morning to speak with anyone who he could send to the duke with a message. Finally, on a stop to change horses Lawson saw his chance.
He scribbled a note and placed a large coin in
the young boy's hand. “Get your father to ride to London now. I will pay for a horse to be saddled and ready. Run and tell your father to be of the utmost haste to deliver this note, only to the Duke of Monteroy. He will be well rewarded."
Lawson turned away and casually walked around the side of the Inn. One of Odell's men gave him a strange look. He breathed a sigh of relief when Odell motioned for them to be on their way again.
Would the boy go to his father? Even if he did, the man might laugh and take the coin not bothering to deliver Lawson's message. Well, he had done his best. Time and events were moving quickly. He needed to be very careful.
The horses galloped along the road making good time. They weren't far behind the coach and daylight was beginning to fade.
A light drizzle of rain started and soon raindrops soaked the men and water ran down the collar of Lawson's coat. The chill of the rain and another type of chill swept over him, fear
* * * *
Concerned he had not heard from Lawson, Nicholas and Franklin came to the Southerly afternoon tea in hopes of seeing and speaking to him. Nicholas felt a prickle of uneasiness along his tense muscles.
He'd received Helena's note early this afternoon, after his return home from their unsuccessful morning hunt for Lawson. He considered immediately striking out to follow after the Steeples carriage, but they did have the guards, who had also sent a note. It seemed equally important to reach Lawson, but it soon became obvious he was at none of the usual places.
"Let's go.” Nicholas said. “Get as many of the men as you can and saddle up. We leave shortly to follow the Steeples. Something is up."
"I feel it too.” Franklin strode briskly out behind Nicholas, who didn't take time to make the proper courteous goodbyes.
Nicholas’ sense of urgency increased and he wasted no time on arriving home. He was halfway up the stairs to change when the butler hailed him.
"You got my message, sir?"
"No, what message?"
"I sent it around to Lady Southerly's house. There is a man in the kitchen. He has a note and will not give it to anyone but you."
The Duke's Dilemma Page 21