The Duke and Duchess of Havenshire were known as one of the wealthiest families in England. Only the royals were above them in class and they were well respected. Duke Henry Bradshaw had much to look forward to in his life but when his wife, Lady Anne Bradshaw, gets sick during her first pregnancy, his life changes. She delivered early and found she was to have twins. One girl, Nicole, and a boy, James. Much to the Duke's displeasure, the boy did not survive. After the Duchess was given the news that she could not conceive again, she felt like she had let the Duke down. Henry assured his wife that he loved her still and they had a beautiful baby girl. With her dark brown wisps of hair and honey-colored eyes, she was a perfect vision. Henry knew he would make it work as she had been promised to Count Ravenport's son. The boy was now only three but was encouraged to visit his baby bride anytime. Francis thought it interesting that he had a bride already. Over the years, however, he began to be bitter about it and stopped seeing her.
Nicole grew up a spoiled but very welled loved girl. All the servants loved her and her parents devoted all of their time to her. Even though she was promised before birth, her mother assured her if she did find love, they would break things with the Count. She was happy in knowing this but she never laid eyes on Francis that she could recall. She hoped to see him before the wedding at least and maybe get to know him. She remained most of the time in the county at the Havenshire estate that would be part of her dowry. Her husband would inherit everything, the title, the lands, and everything else that came with the position. That was something that was kept silent. She traveled occasionally with her best friend and her family to London. Her mother hated London so her father gave her leave to go. The Lord and Lady Peterson were not the wealthiest on their own but Lady Cathrine was an heiress to a large fortune and so people considered them money. Nicole and their daughter, Marie, were close friends and the Duke liked her having a friend of less wealth to give her a perspective of humbleness.
As Nicole got older, Henry and Anne began to worry as she started showing a rebellious streak. A wild child in the making and they didn't know how to tame her. As Henry often saw his daughter as perfect, he refused to change anything about her. She learned how to shoot a bow, a pistol, and to use swords. She learned how to ride a horse and swim and often climbed trees alongside Marie. He decided to let the wild-side burn itself out. She was only thirteen and had some time to be just herself. She focused on her studies as well, reading, writing, mathematics, the sciences, and often was curious about the stars. She was an intelligent child but also a beautiful child. She had long curly brown hair with evenly tanned skin and honey brown eyes that melted a person's heart just looking at them. She had a laugh that would make anyone laugh and it lit up the whole room. Other boys tried their hardest to hear it from her, but most had no luck. Most knew she was promised but it was also well known that she could pick her own husband.
This news reached Francis. At fifteen, he didn't much care for his child bride and hoped she found someone else. He would never admit that he secretly hoped no one caught her eye. In five years, she would be his wife. Though she had not seen him since she was a toddler, he made visits just to see her. He was amused by her wild streak and couldn't look away from her. She would make a wonderful Countess and he was sure he could make her happy. She rejected all her offers even at thirteen. He wondered what things would be like when she turned sixteen and started going to the balls she would surely be invited to. He wanted her for himself but would never admit that.
Nicole often stayed with Marie and her family at their London townhouse and she was sure to act as the proper young lady in public to make her parents proud. She held up the Bradshaw name with pride and grace. While she was in London, she was invited to luncheons and outdoor picnics, and such events. While she was home, she had visitors and friends come but she mostly spent her day with Marie.
As the years passed, however, she and Marie grew closer but looked so much different. Marie saw Nicole as her friend but others tried to get in between saying Nicole needed to hang out with her own class and asked Marie if she ever felt threatened to be around Nicole. Being the Duke's daughter was hard enough and Marie knew that. Nicole was her friend and she knew her better than anyone. No matter what anyone said, she'd never leave Nicole just because of who she was. Nicole was grateful for Marie and they truly were the best of friends.
When she turned sixteen, she was invited to London with Marie. This time, her parents came with her. She didn't question it due to her coming out even though she was promised. Marie was excited to be staying in the mansion with her. What they didn't know was due to the dresses for Marie and everything to find her a good match, Lord Peterson could not afford to keep the townhouse. To keep everyone from gossiping or even finding out, no one thought it strange that they were staying with the Duke. Henry and Thomas were the only two who knew. Cathrine had no clue and he didn't want to touch her money to pay for it. She was dipping into the inheritance for Marie. Unfortunately, Cathrine and Anne ended finding out. Cathrine was afraid they would have to go back to the estate or sell it to keep up appearances long enough to find Marie a match. Anne and Henry offered their help, but they refused. Marie and Nicole listened in and they hatched a plan.
The next day, Thomas saw the girls walk into the office with Henry. He hated having to separate them and didn't know how to tell them. What he didn't know was that they were telling Henry of their plan. For a while, Henry had struggled to find a reliable bookkeeper to keep track of all the estates that he could trust. Cathrine confirmed when Marie said that Thomas was the best records keeper for a courthouse before he married. Henry knew how to help and only hoped it would work.
After lunch, Henry put the girls' plan to work. He called Thomas into the office.
"The girls have gone out to do dress fittings. I need your help with something."
"Anything, Henry."
"Do you know of a good book or records keeper? I caught the last one stealing from the estates. I need someone I can trust to keep up with the three estates and two townhouses. Not to mention the offshore companies as well. Do you know of anyone?"
"Well, Henry, not a lot of people know this, but I was the records keeper for his Majesty's Court."
"Really?"
"Yes. I left due to marrying Cathrine."
"Well, then it's settled. You are hired. When can you start."
"No, Henry, I couldn't."
"Listen. You need the money and I need the help. We are friends, Thomas. Everyone knows the trouble I've had with record keepers. No one will think anything of it, like now."
"Henry, I don't know how to thank you."
"I can trust you not to steal. That's enough."
"Thank you, Henry."
They talked more business and sent word to have the records and books sent to the mansion to be looked over. Everything seemed to be going perfectly and now the girls had their first ball coming up. Things were about to change and Marie and Nicole were about to be the belles at the ball. The friends just agreed not to compete. Since Nicole was promised, she couldn't actively participate as Marie would. She would dance but not encourage anyone. Even though it was common knowledge that she could pick her own husband, she couldn't very well mess up an agreement her father made so long ago. She would help Marie as much as possible but she didn't think she would need it. Marie was petite with slightly tanned skin. She had bright blonde hair and deep blue sapphire eyes. She was beautiful all on her own and sometimes Nicole was envious of her beauty. The two standing side by side were any man or boy's undoing. Tonight's ball would prove that as they walked in together and all heads turned towards them. Marie wore a soft pink gown with overlaying lace and gloves that reached her elbows. Her hair was done up with pins and ribbon and she wore a sapphire necklace and earrings to compliment her eyes. Nicole wore a lilac dress with white gloves that came past her elbows. She wore matching shoes and her hair was curled and pinned behind her ears to shape her face. She wore a diamond necklace and studded earrings that made the honey color of her eyes stand out. Before they both knew it, their dance cards were full for the night. They became excited as every ball seem to be this way. Everyone begged for their attention, but what Nicole didn't know was that even trying, she made an enemy. Rebecca Sanford was the daughter of Viscount Sanford. She thought it unfair and cruel that Nicole would even show up.
"You are already promised. Do you disrespect your family that much by being here or just tempting men to do what they want with you since you can never marry any of them?"
"Rebecca, I may be promised, but like everyone, including you, knows if I find another, I no longer have to marry Francis. I've never even seen Francis."
"The shame you bring to the Bradshaw name is unbelievable."
Maire came over and grabbed Nicole's hand before her temper got out of hand. Later that night, she asked her mother if she did bring shame and even when both her parents confirmed that no shame was ever brought to the Bradshaw name, Nicole refused to go to another ball. Marie was upset and would confront Rebecca again if given the chance. No one would disrespect Nicole like that again and she would make sure of it.
The Earl of Berkshire was fortunate to have four sons. Vincent Duncan and his wife, Amanda Duncan, lived out in the countryside south of London. Their closest neighbor was the Marquess of Reading. They lived with their only son, Francis. Robert and Julia Ravenport took pride in their appearance and never socialized with those lower than them. It was no surprise that Francis was promised to the Duke of Havenshire before she was born. The Earl was happy with his life and prided himself on his sons. Amanda loved all four boys equally, even though most of them acted like their father in some way or another. The eldest, Jason, was to inherit everything of the earldom and was to marry a fine young lady to be his countess. Next was Lee, he was carefree and spirited and loved to talk about traveling the world one day. Then there was Austin, his mother's favorite. He never saw a point in learning the skills his father pushed on him. He knew he'd never need them but he learned t
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
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