THE DUKE AND HIS RELUCTANT BRIDE

Chapter 5

Helen

I climbed the stairs and walked through the corridor to greet my father before going to bed. While I held the doorknob, I heard voices from the room; it was definitely my brother.

“They know,” he said quietly.

My father replied. “The buyers?”

“They know we need the money urgently,” Frederick replied. “They offer a very low price.”

“How low?” he said.

“Low enough to insult us,” Frederick said. “It would not settle the debt. It would barely soften it.”

Silence covered the room. “To accept such a low price would ruin us beyond repair.”

“And delaying the payment will do likewise,” Frederick said grimly.

Frederick nodded. “Then we have to find another way.”

My father replied, his voice lowering. “One that does not insult us but benefits us.”

I stood there, I didn’t know if I should open the door or leave. I could feel the tension in their voices, the fear written all over their eyes when I looked into them. For some reason, I knew something was wrong, but I couldn’t say for sure; they never let me into their affairs, and all business matters were hidden from me. I took a deep breath and walked away slowly.

The next morning, I lay on my bed, still in my night gown, as the morning sunlight flashed through my room. My maid was walking about the room, setting things in order, while my thoughts wandered.

The door opened. My father stepped in, his expression unusually serious.

“Helen,” he said, “I shall be attending a gathering of the city’s merchants. Would you like to accompany me?”

I blinked. “A business gathering? Father, surely this is a place for men.”

“It is,” he admitted, “yet there is always a meet and greet before the meeting begins. Women are not allowed to participate in the negotiations; instead, they are there to be introduced and to observe. Consider it your first step into the world of commerce.”

A thrill ran through me. I had always longed for more than the embroidery, flower arranging, and events that filled the lives of women. Here was a glimpse of the world beyond, a chance to be seen, to learn, and perhaps even to engage in conversation that mattered.

“I shall prepare at once!” I exclaimed, springing from my bed, excitement dancing in my eyes. I rushed toward the washing chamber.

My father faced the maid, “Ensure she is most presentable and let her scent announce her presence.”

The maid smiled. “All shall be to your pleasing, sir. Miss Helen shall look the best she has ever looked.”

I laughed, already swept up in anticipation of the day, unaware of how my father’s intentions would determine my path with a man whose reputation irritated me and intimidated London society: the Duke of Greystone.

The carriage stopped in front of a large building. I jumped out of the carriage happily, my skirts swaying with a natural elegance that turned heads. The subtle scent of lavender and rosemary surrounded me. I paused a moment and took a look at the building before me, and allowed myself to imagine what my future in this world could be like: a realm of commerce, of negotiation, of intellect, a world I longed to be part of.

My father took my hands in his and led me gracefully inside. The room buzzed with conversation, the murmur of merchants and gentlemen creating a rich atmosphere. I beamed as I moved from one group to another, my laughter light. Father introduced me carefully.

The entrance doors opened suddenly, and the room shifted. James Ashford, Duke of Greystone, had arrived. All eyes focused on him. Tall, beautifully dressed, with dark hair, he carried a presence that both commanded and amused.

My father guided me towards the duke, weaving through the crowd gently without inviting attention. “Your Grace, may I present my daughter, Miss Helen Carver”

My smile disappeared as I saw the duke, yet I looked nonchalant. I was neither in awe nor intrigued. He inhaled briefly. I knew he perceived the smell of lavender and rosemary that preceded me, and then my smile as it disappeared.

“She… sings your praises all the time,” My father said.

My eyes opened wide as I turned to look at my father. “I hardly think my admiration requires such exaggeration, Your Grace,” I countered, my voice polite but firm.

The duke’s lips curved in amusement. “Ah, a sharp tongue is valuable in every gathering. Confidence and wit; most refreshing. One rarely finds both at the same time.”

Something in my measured defiance interested him: the courage, the cleverness, the undeniable poise. I found his eyes studying me, smitten by the charm in my gestures and the spark in my eyes. For reasons I cannot yet say, something about him fascinates me, but I won't give it a thought. My father took my hands, and we walked away.

I stand before my maid as she unfastens my gown. I could not hide my joy; the prospect of the day, of stepping into the business world, was still overwhelming. The duke, however, I dismissed entirely; he was nothing more than a name, a man who got more admiration than he deserved.

I changed into my nightwear and hurried toward my father’s room. I thought to thank him for the privilege.

As I reached for the door to his room, I heard voices from within, low and scared. I paused, frowning.

“…if he finds her pleasing,” Frederick’s tone was uncertain, laced with fears.

“Everything depends on it,” Father replied firmly; from his voice, his trouble was obvious. “If he finds her desirable, perhaps he may forgive the debt for her hand in marriage. Otherwise…”

I stood there like a statue. My pulse raced; saliva dried up in my mouth, and I almost choked. I had not anticipated this.

With a trembling hand, I pushed the door wide open. Both jumped to their feet, eyes wide with shock.