The Duke's Dilemma
Lords of the Realm

Moonlight shone across the kitchen floor and the lingering smell of food brought a smile to Helena’s lips. All the servants were abed and the fire had burned down to a small ember.

Cold beef and thick slices of bread sat on a platter. She poured herself some milk, got the butter, and cut herself a slice of the beef. The moonlight provided plenty of light to see by.

“May I have a piece?”

Helena jumped, dropping the knife onto the metal pan. The clatter echoed in the silent house. They stood breathless for a moment, but no one seemed disturbed.

“Your Grace, what are you doing here?”

“The same as you, I suppose. I couldn’t sleep and I was hungry. It is rather forward of me to come into your kitchen in the middle of the night, but I’ve always thought it the best time and place to relax and think.”

“I too. None of my family knows of my midnight jaunts, but cook usually leaves something out in case I come down.” She couldn’t stop herself from smiling at him, as though they were fellow conspirators.

He seemed more approachable tonight in his open-necked white shirt and black trousers. Her heart tripped faster when his green eyes looked at her so intently. She studied him. She’d never paid attention to his handsomeness. Of course, she rarely considered any of the men she saw during the season in London. They all circled around her sister and didn’t notice her.

Forcing herself to look away, she cut the duke a larger piece of the meat, handed him the bread plate, and poured out another glass of milk. Then she sat at the old wooden table and put her beef between two slices of buttered bread.

The silence of the house created an atmosphere of intimacy and Helena knew her behavior was improper. Her nightdress left few barriers to the imagination and her skin heated every time he gazed at her. She didn’t want to leave. He fascinated her and brought back color and feeling into her life. Something she’d almost forgotten. What harm could come of a few stolen moments?

* * * *

The enjoyment on her face when she bit into her sandwich made him smile. How had Helena managed to always stay on the sidelines? Tonight, her golden hair fell in waves down her back, making his hands tingle with the desire to run his fingers through it.

Although he busied himself, putting the meat slices on his bread, he couldn’t ignore her. Her light blue robe did nothing to hide the soft curves of her body. And yet he’d never noticed Mary Ann’s figure. How odd. When Helena bent to slice his meat, her robe had parted just enough to tantalize him with a brief glance of one soft rounded breast. His body hardened at the thought, desire flickering along the pathways of his nerves.

Did she hide her real self deliberately? If so, why?

“Don’t you like the food?” she asked.

He bit into his sandwich, washing it down with milk. But his hunger for food was gone, replaced by a different craving.

Forcing his mind into a safer direction, he asked, “Did your sister discuss our conversation?”

* * * *

“Yes, I’m sorry things did not work out to suit both of you.” She studied him. “I suppose you will all leave tomorrow.” For some unexplainable reason the thought made her sad.

“No.”

“But Mary Ann said she made it very clear she wouldn’t marry you.”

“She did. I intend to speak with your parents tomorrow,” he said.

His voice was cool and reserved. Helena realized the friendly warmth had faded, replaced by the proper duke.

“They won’t force her, you know.”

“Don’t worry. That’s not the reason I wish to speak with them.” He leaned back and pushed his plate away. “I want to be certain we leave on good terms with your family. Our parents have been friends for many years and your mother has been a support for mine, since my father’s death.

“We are here now.” He shrugged. “It would be rather awkward to wake everyone up tomorrow morning and leave right away.”

“Of course, I only thought it might be uncomfortable for you. My sister is not the most tactful person as you saw tonight. Although, do not misunderstand me, I love her very much.”

“I’m sure you do and I appreciate your thoughtfulness.” His lips curved into a half smile. “Don’t concern yourself about me. I’m a grown man and quite able to handle disappointment or rejection. It is nothing.”

His words rankled. They made him sound cold and uncaring. She resented the confused emotions he created inside her. Disappointment swept over her as she realized the man she’d been attracted to earlier only existed in her imagination.

“Mary Ann is right. You aren’t the man for her. She needs someone with feelings, someone who will love and cherish her.” Standing, she glared at him. “Not a man who sees her as a slight inconvenience.” With those words, she pulled the skirt of her bed robe to the side and marched out.

* * * *

Nicholas chuckled after she left. He hadn’t seen such a grand exit since watching a play, several months ago, at Drury Lane.

Head high, she walked as though clothed in a ball gown of heavy satin and not the thin robe of silk that did little to hide her enticing figure.

What he wondered would have happened if someone had come into the kitchen and found them having a midnight snack? Would the man she loved reject her? And more importantly, would she be considered compromised and he forced to marry her?

Feeling the lingering remnants of desire in his body, he wasn’t sure he’d mind. Mary Ann’s twin sister became more intriguing each time they met and most especially when alone.

He stood and stretched. No, he wouldn’t leave tomorrow. This week-end had become much more interesting then he’d expected.