Jason found Austin and Lee with a broken nose and a few other broken bones. Poor Ronald was going to need a hospital and for a long bit, it looked like. Austin had defended Nicole to the fullest without killing him and only hoped she knew what kind of hold she had on him already. He had to admit after dancing with her, she carried herself differently. She didn't act like the normal spoiled child. She was the only daughter of the richest duke in the country yet she was best friends with a lord's daughter, who he heard worked for her father. He needed to tell Austin what happened after he left. Rebecca said some nasty things and he needed to know.
"So, how was Miss Rebecca?"
"Not seeing that one again."
"What? You looked like you were into her."
"A little and then she did something."
"Like what?"
"She insulted Lady Nicole."
"What did she say?"
"Easy Austin."
"What was said?"
"She said she was disrespecting her name and just asking for men to take advantage of her since she is promised."
"That little stuck up bitch."
"Austin, I dealt with her."
"Nicole?"
"She seemed upset and didn't want to admit it. Even when we danced."
"You danced with Nicole?"
"Took your spot. She was left on the side by herself."
"Thank you for not leaving her alone."
"It's no problem. She seems charming, educated, defiantly beautiful, caring, and..."
"Jason?"
"I wouldn't do that to you. Besides she told me she wants to get to know you better."
"She did?"
"When I danced with her."
"What else did she say?"
"Asked if you were seeking marriage and when I told her I was unsure, she just said she wants to get to know you better."
"Did you hear that?"
"Yes, I'm right here."
"She wants to know me."
"Careful, Austin. She is promised to Francis. No doubt word will spread about this by the time we get home."
"You think Francis will challenge me?"
"Possibly."
Austin thought about it only for a second and knew she was worth that risk. He would see her again and again until she knew him as well as she wanted to. The next night, he went to the ball. He waited for her to show and when Marie walked in without her, he grew worried. He signed Marie's dance card first to know what happened. On the dancefloor is where one could take to another.
"Where is she?"
"Did you hear about Rebecca?"
"Yes. My brother told me."
"She doesn't want to insult anyone and after the incident with Ronald, she didn't know if you would be here again."
"Where can I find her?"
"The Bradshaw Mansion."
"Thank you, Miss Marie."
"Go get her."
Once the dance was finished, Jason watched him leave out the front and knew he was going for Nicole. He just hoped they didn't get caught.
He arrived at the mansion and snuck into the back where he saw a light burning in a top window with a balcony. He saw some pebbles and threw them at the window. A few minutes later, Nicole stepped onto the balcony.
"Mr. Duncan, how dare you show up like this."
"I know what happened. Jason told me everything."
"I heard about Ronald. Did you do that?"
"I couldn't let him hurt you."
"Austin, I can't..."
"You can. Come to the ball tonight."
"I can't."
"You have to."
"Why do I have to, Mr. Duncan?"
"You owe me a dance, Lady Bradshaw."
"I do owe you a dance, don't I?"
"Afraid so, my lady."
"Alright. I'll be there in an hour."
"Promise me, Nic."
"Nic?"
"Promise me?"
"I promise, Austin."
He smiled so brightly she laughed and watched him hop the fence and take off toward where the ball was. She announced to her parents she would be going and they were thrilled. She dressed and headed for the ball and an hour later she walked in. Marie came over to her and took her by the arm.
"Someone likes a certain Duncan brother."
"Shut up. Maybe a little."
"Here he comes."
Nicole turned in time to see Austin walk up to her. Before he could reach her, an older gentleman swept her onto the dance floor. He knew it was Robert Ravenport and grew worried for her.
"My dear."
"Lord Ravenport. Lovely to see you again."
"You are to stop this nonsense. I gave you and my son leave to do as you please but I still want this marriage."
"Does Francis know you are here?"
"No. It will stay that way and you will behave as a promised woman should."
"Is that a threat?"
"Just remember what I said."
He left her on the dance floor and before she could turn around, her father took her hand and swung her around.
"What did he say?"
"He threatened me, father."
"I'll deal with him. I will tell your mother and see you back at home."
"Father?"
"No one threatens my daughter."
The song ended and he led her back to her mother and he went to Robert and they went outside, not to be seen again. Anne grew worried and got Thomas and asked if Nicole if she would go home with Marie and Cathrine. She said of course because she worried about her father. Soon after, Austin saw her face and asked her to dance.
"If it's alright with you, can we walk through the garden?"
"Anything you want."
They walked out and along the path until they came to a bench. He sat next to her and waited for her to speak.
"He threatened me?"
"Robert?"
"Yes."
"Why that.."
"My father said he'd deal with him."
"Your father looks capable."
"I know I owe you a dance but I just want to go home."
"I'll take you. Marie looked like she was enjoying herself."
"Thank you."
What they didn't realize it what that started. Too many people saw just the two of them climb into a carriage together. After that, they were seen together and people claimed he was courting her. By the end of the season, they had traded information to write to each other. No proposal was made as her request. He didn't mind and she was glad. He went home separately from his brothers. When he got there, Lee was packing to leave.
"Where are you going?"
"Finally traveling little brother."
"Jason?"
"Introducing his fiance to father."
"His fiance?"
"Yes. You've been so caught up in Lady Nicole you missed everything."
"Who is she?"
"Lady Claire Baldin. Daughter of The Earl of Essix."
"That's good."
"Austin do you not realize what you have done?"
"What are you talking about?"
"People are saying you were courting her. Too many people have been talking and it had gotten back to Francis. Especially after what happened to his father. Lord Henry gave him a piece of his mind to take home. People know you took her home that night, alone."
"What's going on?"
"Francis is going to challenge you."
"He'll lose."
"Which is why you have to leave and forget about her."
"Leave Nicole?"
"Yes. You cant shoot the marquess' son."
After much consideration and talk with his father, he wrote to Nicole and told her what was going on. He told her he could face jail time for shooting Francis if they dueled or he had to leave. Instead of running and possibly bringing her shame, he enlisted in his majesty's army. Nicole understood and hoped he would be well. She promised to still write if he would let her know where to send her letters. He promised to keep in touch as well.
Austin was now a red coat and just hoped he would see her again one day and she would be unmarried. Maybe fate would be kind to them both.
Nicole was upset at Austin's departure but knew he would make an excellent soldier. She kept in touch with him but she knew he was being sent out and prayed for his safe return. Meanwhile, she stopped going to balls with Marie and they talked for hours when she got back. After only two meetings, Marie knew where Nicole's heart was and felt sorry for her friend. Francis wrote to her even though she had never seen him. One letter had her upset and she feared for her future. My Dearest Fiance, I bring the sad news of my father's death. Sickness has taken him rather suddenly. My mother is beside herself. I am now the new Marquess and hope to see you soon. I want to tell you that my father and I had plans of taking our busi
Francis was always told he had to help the family. His father was always power-hungry and so when he could arrange for Francis to wed Nicole, he didn't hesitate. Francis grew up resenting the idea and even when he met her as a baby, he didn't agree with it. As he got older, he prided himself in knowing much about the opposite sex. He did have the occasional visits and each time he did, she got lovelier. He considered that she would make a beautiful bride and if he were going to marry her, he would do it for himself and not because that's what his father wanted. Over the years, she seemed to have a good upbringing and she was respectable. He knew she knew of the agreement, so when she turned sixteen, he kept a close watch on her. At the first ball she attended with Marie, he heard of Ronald and he was ready to storm out before he was told that his neighbor Austin handled it, even put Ronald in the hospital. Then he heard of Rebecca and grew furious someone would insult his fi
When Henry saw Austin step out of the carriage with Marie and Nicole, he was skeptical. When they walked in, Henry asked to speak with him in his office. Austin agreed and smiled at Nicole and followed Henry inside. Once inside, Austin was very professional. "How are you, Austin?" "I am well, My Lord." "A Lieutenant-General now?" "Yes, My Lord. It is a great honor." "One you earned?" "Not in the way I want to earn it, My Lord." "Tell me." "While in Scotland, a war chief was gathering forces in secret. I was on patrol and happened across him seeking through the woods. I followed and uncovered their whole operation. I told my commanding officer and unfortunately, it ended with us killing about fifteen of them. I feel responsible for their deaths." "But you uncovered an entire rebellion." "Yes and that is why I was promoted." "So, you like Nicole." "Yes, sir, I do." "You really broke
Once back home, she walked in the door, and from the look on her father's face, they both knew it had gotten back here. Henry looked at Austin and scowled. "In my office, now." "No, father. I made my choice." "I know. Things need to be sorted out, my dear." Nicole watched as Austin walked into the office. She wondered what would happen and when Francis would show up. She went with her mother to the parlor and she told her everything and that the kiss was unexpected for both of them but it was the best thing she had ever experienced. "I don't know if it makes sense, but when his lips touched mine, my heart felt like it was dancing." "It makes sense to me. I got the same feeling with your father." "Really?" "Yes, But there is something I must ask you." "What is it?" "Austin is in the army. At any given moment he could be called away and it could be the last you see him. I do believe it's why he let you go
Nicole had walked out of the shop and was waiting for the maid Claire had sent with her. She turned around to look for her when she was snatched from behind. Panic set in as she didn't know what was happening. When she was tossed into the carriage, she took the moment to turn and she paled as she saw Francis. The ride to the docks was rogh as she was tied up and left on the floor. Francis didn't say a word and didn't even look at her as they rode. Once they got to the docks, he pulled her out and took her by the arm and led her onto his ship.Once on the ship, she was thrown into the cabin and the door was shut and locked. She walked over to the window in the cabin and watched with sickening fear as she watched England get smaller and smaller and she feared the worst. Austin arrived a day early and when he showed up at the Birkshire mansion, the authorities were everwhere. Lee was deep in his cups and Jason was trying to calm a hysterical Claire. They were ques
In order to bring Francis and his crew to justice, his ship was towed behind Ryan's. Austin chose to stay on Francis' ship, unable to face Nicole. Not only was he not there when she needed him most, but he failed to protect her. One of his biggest fears was that he was unsure if he was unable to protect her virtue. Nicole woke up in Ryan's cabin and panicked. She didn't know this man sitting in front of her and she looked for Austin. The doctor came in and checked her over, day after day. The doctor finally advised she have no visitors. Her wounds had healed and he confirmed her virtue was intact. He did report that when he told her where Austin was and why she began to cry. She understood that Austin felt like he failed and she could have comforted him about that but what really got her was that he felt shamed by her without even asking her anything. As she thought more about it, she grew angry. A man just kidnapped her but what he cared about was if her virtue was in
Nicole sat in her window and kept watching to see if Austin would return, but after two months, she gave up hope. Maybe he had moved on and that was what was best for him. How could she ever make him happy if he constantly saw her as the worst possible version of herself? She would've come down to him the day he was here, but she couldn't do it. She couldn't see the looks of pity, shame, anger, or even guilt if he had it. She kept herself locked in her room and refused to come out. Food was left for her at her door, but not even Marie had seen her. Nicole told her what happened and why she couldn't face him, even when nothing happened. It was the sting that he thought it did and it hurt. Even if she gave her word, would he believe it? Would he force her to go through an examine and humiliate her just to prove she would be a virginal bride? She didn't dare ask and she didn't want to know. Night after night, she cried for hours. Some nights, she only shed a few tears, and others, her
As Nicole waited on her knees in front of him, she began to cry. His face and emotions were unreadable to her at that moment and she was fearful he would reject her and she felt her heart crumble into a million pieces. His face softened and his eyes grew sorrowful as he saw her tears and joined her on the floor and took her hands in his. He cleared his throat, but she stopped him. "If it's bad, I don't want to know. It'd be easier if you just left." "Nicole, I...." "Autin, please. I need you. Just stay with me." He took a deep breath and stared at her. "I have to go, right now I will be back." "What?" "I'm sorry." Nicole was a mess on the floor as Austin left her heart in pieces when he walked out of the door and basically out of her life. Marie found her and saw the numbing look on her friend's face as she saw Austin leave. She didn't know what to do and then she went t the window and realized that she couldn't do anyt