No Choice But A Red Coat

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.