Death of a Duchess

by Nellie H. Steele

  After a glance in the mirror, I smoothed my skirts and navigated to the foyer. Buchanan awaited me, though Robert did not. I glanced at the grandfather clock that ticked away the time. Was I early?

  “Your Grace,” Buchanan greeted me. “Duke Blackmoore has requested you meet him in the drawing room.”

  “Thank you, Buchanan,” I responded and made my way to the drawing room doors. I entered the room, lit mostly by the roaring fire. Robert sat in his usual chair, fireside. “Robert?” I questioned, drawing his attention. I wondered for a moment if he had changed his mind about attending.

  “Lenora,” he said, standing and facing me. “Oh!”

  I swallowed as his gaze fell on me, his eyebrows raising. “Is anything wrong? Is the dress inappropriate? I considered it perhaps too much, though Madame Worth assured me…”

  “Yes, I would say something is wrong,” he interrupted. “I am quite sure every woman at the party will be eaten away with jealousy when they view you in this dress.”

  I let out a relieved sigh. “Oh, is that all?” I quipped. “Buchanan informed me you wished me to meet you here.”

  “Yes,” Robert answered, retrieving a box from the nearby table. “I have a gift for you. To mark the occasion.”

  “A gift?” I inquired. “Thank you, though it was unnecessary.” He motioned for me to join him, and I approached him as he opened the box. My eyes widened at the contents. My jaw dropped open, and I clutched my stomach. “Robert!” Inside the box lay a jeweled necklace with a large yellow, teardrop-shaped stone in the middle surrounded by deep blue gems. Sparkling diamonds jutted from each side, forming the chain.

  “Do you fancy it?” he inquired.

  “Fancy it? It is absolutely stunning!” I glanced up to him, shaking my head. “It is too much. I cannot accept this.”

  “Nonsense,” he quibbled, removing the necklace from the box. “Of course you can, and you will. You cannot deny your husband the opportunity to bestow such a gift. Turn around while I fasten it.”

  Shock still coursed through me, but I complied with his request. He placed the necklace around my neck, its heavy coolness caressing my skin. “The large stone is a yellow sapphire, which I’m told is rare, but I was assured by Madame Worth that it would complement your dress. The smaller stones are traditional sapphires. Often, they are set to contrast their yellow cousins. The color reminds me of your eyes. And, of course, the diamonds, no woman should be without them.” He clasped the necklace. I grasped it between my thumb and forefinger, glancing down at it.

  “You spoil me,” I murmured, turning back toward him.

  “You are a duchess, you deserve to be spoiled. Now that your outfit is complete, shall we depart?” He held out his arm to escort me to don my cape and climb into the carriage.

  During our journey, my hand found its way under my cape several times, my fingers grazing the necklace. I had never seen anything so ostentatious in my life, and certainly never expected to wear anything so extravagant.

  We arrived at Lord Cunningham’s estate and were announced. The broadcasting of our names into the room reminded me how truly odd the situation remained in my mind. Lord and Lady Cunningham greeted us, making polite conversation before moving to another guest. We mingled with several guests and I was introduced to a plethora of people. I possess a good memory, which, at that moment, came in handy for the multitude of names, positions and peerage imparted to me in a short time.

  As the dancing began, a wiry gentleman approached us. He appeared to be near to my husband’s age. Sir Richard Prescott shook Robert’s hand and Robert introduced him to me. “So,” he inquired, sipping his brandy, “you are the orphan with the special talent?”

  My reputation preceded me, though I hadn’t expected it not to. However, the other guests had possessed enough good manners not to mention it, particularly in my husband’s presence. I opened my mouth to answer, but Robert responded first. “She is my wife, Sir Richard, beyond that is not your concern. Come, dear,” he retorted, guiding me away by the elbow.

  I glanced behind me as Robert escorted me away. Sir Richard stared after us, his eyes narrowed as he followed our retreat across the room. We chatted with several others before two gentlemen stole Robert away to discuss some form of business. I remained in the company of several ladies.

  As our group broke up, I made my way to the fringes of the room to await Robert’s return. As I watched the dancers twirl across the ballroom, Sir Richard cornered me. “Well, if it isn’t the orphan duchess,” he remarked. As he closed in nearer to me, the thick scent of alcohol became apparent. “What a beautiful necklace. Is this the going rate for your special skills?”

  I did not dignify his remark with a response, instead I turned to escape his drunken ramblings. He grasped my arm, pulling me toward him and into the hallway outside the ballroom. “Tell me, orphan duchess, do your special skills extend to the bedroom? Is this how you’ve earned your position?”

  I tugged at my arm but failed to loosen his grasp. His hand’s crushing grasp twisted to pull me closer, and he forced his lips upon mine. I pushed against him with all my strength but was no match for his overpowering brawn. As I struggled, he began to fall backward, and I wondered if he might be having some sort of attack.

  As I followed his falling form, I caught sight of Robert, pulling the man by the collar. He struck him square on the jaw, knocking his sinewy form to the floor. “I informed you once, my wife is no concern of yours. Do not lay a hand on her again.”

  Sir Richard wiped a trace of blood from the corner of his mouth where Robert’s fist landed moments earlier. He pulled himself up to standing. “The whore cannot possibly be worth this much to you, Robert,” he hissed.

  Robert’s eyes burned with fury. “Robert,” I whispered, “leave it. It is no bother.”

  “Listen to her, she understands her worth,” Prescott breathed. With that comment, Robert cocked his fist, striking him again, sending him sprawling. I exclaimed aloud, covering my mouth with my hand as he landed.

  Several gentlemen rushed into the hall. “Is something amiss?” one questioned.

  “Sir Richard seems to have had too much to drink. He is having trouble keeping to his feet. Call for his carriage, he should be on his way,” Robert answered, then guided me across the ballroom and outside to the balcony.

  He squared my shoulders, forcing me to face him. “Are you all right, Lenora? Did he harm you?”

  I shook my head, still catching my breath. “No,” I answered after a few breaths. “I am not hurt.” He relaxed, and I continued, “Robert, I am sorry.”

  “Sorry?” he exclaimed. “Dear Lenora, you have nothing to be sorry about!”

  “You shouldn’t have struck him on my account.”

  “I damn well should have done more than that,” Robert responded, leaning against the balustrade. “Oh, please excuse my language.”

  “There was no need to cause a scuffle over me.”

  “The man is an insufferable jackass. He’s made enough money in the rail system to buy his way into society. Unfortunately, he did not buy any manners. Are you certain you are unharmed, Lenora?”

  I nodded. “Yes, I am certain.”

  Robert shook his head. “It seems what you maintain as a generous offer on my behalf has caused you more trouble than any woman should encounter.”

  “That isn’t true,” I insisted. “Your offer remains generous. It is my reputation that causes the trouble.”

  “Lenora,” Robert said, taking my hands in his, “do not take this upon yourself. You share no blame in this.”

  “Nor do you,” I asserted.

  Robert stared off in the distance for a moment. “Would you prefer to depart?” he inquired after a breath, focusing his gaze on me.

  “There is no need to depart on my account,” I assured him.

  “Then perhaps you’d care to dance with your husband?”

  “But your leg…” I began.

  “It is quite fine, my d
ear,” Robert promised. “I use the cane only because I prefer the rakish appeal it lends me.” He grinned, and I matched his expression. He offered his arm, and I accepted, being led to the dance floor to join the others.

  I had never danced with a man before, nor at a ball, though I had learned the steps for most popular dances at the orphanage. We were expected to learn them in the event we were engaged by a wealthy family and needed the skill. In a cloud of giggles, the girls would practice with each other and dream of being swept off their feet. I silently thanked my instructors for providing the lessons as Robert whisked me across the dance floor. My dream had come true. I had the world at my feet.

  A smile crept across my face as we continued to swirl around the floor. When the music ended and we applauded the orchestra and dancers, my smile had not diminished. Robert glanced to me, leaning closer to say, “I’ve never seen you smile so much, Lenora. It is quite beautiful. You should do it more often.”

  We spent the rest of the party enjoying the company and entertainment, remaining unbothered by any additional rude guests. We returned home in the wee hours of the morning. Poor Elsie was roused from her bed to help me undress.

  I climbed into my bed, exhausted but exhilarated. As I relaxed into the pillows, I considered my task over the next several days. I’d prepare for our trip to Glasgow to engage my ladies’ maid. I considered the packing to be done before the trip, planning what I might need.

  My musings were interrupted by a loud banging at the door. I shot up to sitting, listening as the pounding continued. The sound, enough to rattle my bed, could not emanate from an earthly source.

  I swung my legs over the side of the bed, sliding onto the floor. My bare feet touched the cold floor as I crossed the room to the door, pulling on my dressing gown. Dust shook from the ceiling as the battering of my bedroom door continued.

  I pulled the door open, staring out at an empty hallway. Moonlight cast shadows down the corridor from the large window at the hall’s end. I peered up and down the hall, searching for the cause of the disturbance. I found nothing.

  Sighing, I latched the door behind me, shuffling back to my bed. I climbed in and settled back into my pillows. The moment I relaxed into the bed, the pounding began anew. I did not rise this time, hoping the noise would stop on its own. I waited for several moments until I could stand it no longer. The noise grew so loud I shook within the bed each time it sounded.

  I rose again, plodding to the door and opening it. Silence and emptiness stared back at me. This time I ventured into the hall, striding up and down but finding nothing. I returned to my quarters and closed the door behind me. I ambled back to bed, pulling the covers high around me as I settled for a third time into the pillows.

  Several minutes passed in silence. Perhaps the game was over. I closed my eyes, prepared to sleep. I took a deep, steadying breath and as I felt my body relax, a new sound reached my ears. A creak sounded, and I snapped my eyes open. My bedroom door swung open on its hinges.

  I sat up, staring at it as it made its slow journey into the room. “Annie?” I called, wondering if she’d halted her antics and was prepared to be reasonable. I received no answer. I waited a few more moments, staying still so as not to spook her. No one appeared.

  I slid from the bed for a third time, crossing the room and closing the door. This round, I locked it behind me. I strode across the room and crawled into bed for what I hoped was the final time. With the sheets gathered around me, I closed my eyes again.

  As I lay on my back, a small breeze caressed my cheek. I ignored it until it tickled my cheek again. With a groan, I opened my eyes. I sat up, glancing around. Nothing appeared amiss in the room.

  I was almost ready to lay down when the room erupted into pandemonium. Both bedroom doors swung open, along with all the windows. Wind whipped through the room, blowing the bed curtains in a frenzied display. The linens were lifted off the bed and flung across the room. The doors and windows banged open and shut. The bed began to shake, bouncing off the floor. I tumbled out, falling on my rear. I climbed to my feet and fled the room.

  I glanced back toward the room as I stood in the hallway, barefoot and in only my nightclothes. The commotion had settled. I took a step toward the door, but it slammed shut. I jiggled the handle, finding it locked. I pounded against the door with my hand. “Annie? Annie! Open this door!” I pushed on the door, twisting the handle, but to no avail. “Annie!” I shouted again. “Your mischief has gone far enough. Open the door!” I tried again but found the door stuck fast.

  With a sigh, I considered my options. I would not upend the household at this hour to retrieve a key for my room. I settled on climbing the winding stairs to my tower room. There a fur blanket awaited me, and I could curl up on the chaise and perhaps sleep would come.

  I weaved my way through the halls, my arms wrapped tightly around me. I cursed the loss of my dressing gown behind the locked bedroom door. I had spent many a cold evening at the orphanage though, so I would survive.

  I climbed the frigid stone steps to the tower and retrieved my fur blanket from the window seat. I curled in a ball on the chaise, draping the fur blanket over me. I rubbed my arms and legs until I felt warmth returning to my body. I nestled further under the blanket, tucking it around me.

  The next sensation I experienced was a gentle shaking. Startled, I snapped my eyes open, flailing at my attacker. “Lenora,” Robert soothed, “it’s me. It’s Robert.” I breathed a sigh of relief, relaxing. “You’re freezing. Where is your dressing gown? What happened?” Robert removed his suit coat, placing it around my shoulders.

  “Thank you,” I replied, shrugging it tighter around my shoulders. “There was a disturbance in my room last night.”

  “To say the least,” Robert replied. “When you didn’t appear at breakfast this morning, I came to check on you. We found your door locked and when Buchanan opened it, the room was in shambles.”

  “Yes,” I explained, sitting up straighter, “after the uproar I retreated to the hallway and found myself locked from my room. I’m sorry for the trouble, I did not intend to sleep this late.”

  “You need not apologize. You must be quite tired. What happened, Lenora?”

  “After I climbed into bed, there was a pounding at my door. When I investigated, I found nothing. It happened once more. Then my door opened. I locked it and returned to bed. That is when the melee ensued. The windows and doors rattled open and shut. Winds whirled through the room and the bed shuddered until I was thrown from it.”

  “Was it…” Robert began, his voice trailing off.

  I nodded. “Yes, I believe so. I did not see her, but I’m convinced it was her.”

  “I do not understand this. Why does she behave so?” Robert questioned with a shake of his head. He stood and stalked a few steps away.

  “This is not abnormal. She met with a violent end. She is confused, agitated. Her mind is troubled. But last night’s occurrences indicate a step in the positive direction.”

  “Positive?” Robert twisted to stare at me, an incredulous expression on his face. “Lenora! Only you can discern being thrown from your bed, chased from your room and risking illness in freezing temperatures as positive!”

  “This is her first attempt at communicating,” I explained. “In the past, she’s only appeared to me. Last night went well beyond that. This is her reaching out.”

  Robert pondered my comments for a moment. He gave a slight nod. “I’m glad you are traveling with me to Glasgow tomorrow. I should be uncomfortable leaving you in the castle alone. And if this should happen again, you shall wake the household no matter what time of night it is. I will not risk you catching a chill.”

  I nodded in agreement. In the three months of our marriage, I had already learned not to argue with my husband. I climbed from under my blanket to return to my room to dress. “I hope to have a better encounter with Annie in the future.”

  “If it is not, you shall awaken me, and I shall rouse Buch
anan.”

  Elsie appeared in the doorway, carrying my dressing robe and slippers. “Your Graces,” she greeted us. “I have your dressing gown and slippers.”

  “Thank you, Elsie,” I replied as she slipped the robe around my shoulders after I returned Robert’s jacket. She placed the slippers on my feet.

  “Would you like to dress for the day now, Your Grace?” she inquired.

  “Yes…” I began when I was interrupted by Robert.

  “No, she would not. She is to go straight to bed and spend the day there. Has the room been restored yet?”

  “Yes, Your Grace,” Elsie responded. “Everything is restored. I shall take Her Grace there and see that she is brought hot tea.”

  “Thank you, Elsie. Do not object, Lenora. It will do you no good. You shall spend the day resting. You must recover your energy before we travel tomorrow.”

  “I must oversee preparations for the trip,” I protested.

  “And you may oversee them from your bed,” Robert countered. Exasperated as I was, arguing was futile. Robert doted on me for reasons unknown to me. As foreign as it was to me, I was learning to accept it.

  I nodded, collecting my book from the side table. “I shall rest,” I agreed.

  Elsie saw me to my bedroom which had been restored already. A few small items were still being handled. “Your Grace,” Buchanan greeted me with a bow of his head. “I shall have a tray of breakfast brought to you at once.”

  “Thank you, Buchanan. I shall also require assistance to prepare for our journey to Glasgow tomorrow. I have been confined to my bed by Duke Blackmoore.”

  “I shall arrange the maids to assist at once, Your Grace.”

  “Thank you, Buchanan.”

  Chapter 4

  Despite my stay in bed, I managed to be ready for travel the next day. After assuring Robert of my ability to travel after my experience, we climbed into the carriage with Mr. Langford for the long trip to Glasgow.

  The countryside passed us by as we traveled away from the castle. While I possessed a purpose on my trip, I found myself already missing Blackmoore Castle. The castle which had been my home for only three months, provided me more stability and comfort than I’d ever experienced in my eighteen years. Homesickness swept over me as we traveled away from the castle.