Page 110 of The Duke's Dream
"Can't you see she's your Cleopatra, your Caroline Lamb? A man of your stature can't afford such weaknesses. Think of the power she wields over you. Rodrick believes she has connections in France."
William shook his head repeatedly. "Miss Beaumont has opinions, but she doesn't have an agenda."
"How can you be so sure? What if she has family there? A lover?"
William grabbed Thornley's lapels, his face inches from the older man's. "You won't say a word about her."
Thornley's eyes widened, his mouth gaping.
William released him, stepping back in shock.
"You see what she does to you? I only ask that you wait for your passion to cool before you act."
William shut his eyes against the dull ache in his head. He was not ruled by passion, damn it. He. Was. Not. "Enough."
"What would your father say if he saw you now?" Thornley's tone softened.
The door opened with a gust of cooler air.
“There you are, Your Grace,” Baines said breathlessly, stepping inside. “I’ve been looking everywhere.”
William straightened. One look at the valet’s face—pale, tense—and dread coiled in his gut.
“Helene?” he asked, already moving. “Is she—?”
“No, Your Grace,” Baines interrupted quickly, holding out an envelope. “This arrived from Brighton. I thought… I should bring it straight to you.”
William’s hands trembled as he unfolded the note.
His mother.
He hadn’t yet read a word, but he already knew.
Something was wrong.
William sank into a chair, his strength bleeding out as he stared at the delicate scrawl of his mother’s hand. The room closed around him, the urgent voices of Thornley and Cavendish fading into dissonant chords.
Cavendish placed a hand over William's shoulder. "What is it?"
"My mother."
Exhausted, William pressed his fingers against his temples. It was his fault. How many notes had his mother sent him this season, asking him to visit? But he hadn't gone, unwilling to leave Helene's side.
"Go to the Dowager Duchess, Will," Cavendish urged, extending his hand with a solemn nod. "It's the bet page. I removed it. I promise I will look after the rumors while you are away."
Helenedriedherperspiringskin and tried to hold a passé balance, lifting her arms in the fifth position. Before she reached the count of ten, her supporting leg gave way, and she wobbled. Panting, she held her knees. Her gaze went to the door again. William would come. How silly of her to be as knotted and twisted as an old oak. Just because he hadn’t returned last night didn’t mean he would abandon her.
Steps on the landing made her heart race. She knew her lovable tyrant would come! Releasing her barre, Helene ran to the entrance. Before her visitor could twirl the key, she flung the door open.
She found herself staring at a startled Baines.
William’s valet gazed at her, his hand lifted mid-knock.
“Baines. It’s you. Would you like to come in? I’m out of the blend you prefer, but I can heat water for a cup. Oh, and you don’t have to grumble that you can’t find a place for His Grace’s clothing. I finally made up my mind to let go of my old costumes.”
He cleared his throat. “Miss Beaumont, I have distressing news to impart.”
Helene gasped. “Is William all right?”
