Death of a Duchess

by Nellie H. Steele

  The redhead rubbed her thumb on Samuel’s head and smiled at him. Rude girl tugged at her arm. “Hurry now, Alice!”

  “Just a moment!” Alice insisted. She spun back to face me. “A bit of advice. Stay far away from that man.” She pointed in the direction of Sir Richard. “He’s a no good louse, that one. You’d do well to keep away from him.”

  I nodded at her. “Thank you,” I said.

  Rude girl tugged at her arm again. With a wistful glance to Samuel, she allowed herself to be led away. I sighed, snuggling Samuel closer to me and returned to the carriage where Robert and Ella awaited me. As I approached, I saw a third figure at the door. Tilly. She stood opposite Robert, her blonde hair flowing down her back. The color had returned to her cheeks and her blue eyes sparkled even from afar. She appeared as she had in life.

  I smiled at her as I neared the carriage. She offered me a tearful smile in return. “You will raise him?” she queried.

  I nodded. Robert noted my odd gaze, glancing between me and my focus point. “What is it?” he whispered.

  “Tilly,” I explained, without taking my eyes from her face. “She has come to inquire about her baby.” Robert’s expression betrayed a mixture of emotions including confusion, fear and discomfort. “She understands that we shall raise him. She is pleased.”

  Robert replaced his aghast expression with a soft smile. Tilly stepped close to me. She stared down at the baby, her hand finding his forehead. “My perfect boy,” she whispered.

  “We shall name him Samuel,” I informed her.

  “Samuel,” she repeated. “Little Sam. It is perfect, Lenora.”

  “It pleases me that you approve, Tilly,” I said, my heart soaring with contentment. “I shall always protect him.”

  “Please tell her we shall love him as though he is one of our own,” Robert announced, his voice raised as though the dead were deaf as well as deceased.

  A chuckle erupted from me at his tone. He offered me a strange look. I nodded to him. “She heard you. And she thanks you. If there is anything further you wish to convey, you can speak normally, they are not deaf.”

  “Oh,” Robert murmured. “I did not realize she could hear me.”

  “She can,” I assured him. “Though only I can see and hear her response.”

  “He seems a kind man, Lenora,” Tilly responded, her eyes unwavering from her child. “I am so pleased that Samuel will have a loving father and you as a mother. If I cannot raise him myself, I am pleased you will.”

  “Robert speaks the truth,” I assured her. “We shall love him as though he were our own.” I paused for a breath before adding, “And possibly spoil him. Robert shall have the nursery filled with gadgets to amuse him before long. He already has made a good start!”

  Tilly smiled up at me. She spent another moment gazing at Samuel before she bent to kiss his forehead. Samuel wriggled as her lips brushed his tiny head. Tears fell to her cheeks as she raised her head. She nodded to me as she stepped back.

  She was ready to say goodbye, though could not find the words to do so. A simple nod was all both she and I could manage. I moved toward Robert to suggest my readiness to depart.

  He smiled at me. “Ready?”

  I nodded, and we all climbed into the carriage to return to the hotel. As I settled Samuel before afternoon tea, Ella fidgeted in her seat across from me. “Is everything all right, Sinclair?” I inquired.

  “Yes, Your Grace,” she responded.

  “You seem… agitated. Did the funeral disturb you? Perhaps you should lie down.”

  “No, Your Grace,” she answered. “It is only…”

  “Yes?” I inquired.

  “Well…”

  My brow furrowed. “Speak up, Sinclair. There is no reason to hold your tongue.”

  “Your conversation with the child’s mother,” she blurted.

  “What of it?” I asked, spooning more formula into Samuel’s mouth.

  “I do not wish you to consider me rude, however, I could not help but consider the situation so very odd. How extraordinary yet vexing for you, Your Grace.”

  “I have grown accustomed to it,” I informed her.

  “Do they speak with you as we speak?”

  Robert, who was reading the paper in a nearby chair, set his paper down and joined the conversation. “Yes, I wondered the same.”

  “Some of them do, some do not,” I explained. “Tilly conversed with me as she did in life.” Robert’s brow furrowed, as did Ella’s as they considered my explanation. I shrugged and continued. “The reasons some can and cannot seem to vary. I assume the close relationship Tilly and I shared assisted in our communication, along with her concern for Samuel.”

  Robert spoke first. “Then Tilly behaved as she did in life, unlike Annie.”

  “Yes.” I nodded. “Her concern for the child seemed to be a driving force in her communication. Her death still was likely a shock, though the matter of her child’s wellbeing took precedence.”

  “I wish things were so simple with Annie,” Robert said with a sigh.

  “We are communicating more openly. I hope to reach this point. Her situation is quite different, though. As is the relationship between her and I. We were not acquainted in life. It shocked her to realize I could interact with her. She’ll come ‘round.” I offered Robert a reassuring smile.

  Ella, who had remained quiet until now, spoke up. She shook her head, saying, “Better you than me, Your Grace. I am not certain I could handle such matters. Even the discussion of them sets my nerves on edge.”

  I surmised the source of Ella’s agitation from her comment. It disturbed her being so close to the dead. Most people do not realize the dead walk amongst us and, henceforth, never realize when one is close. It alarms the normal person when they are forced to face the concept that a spirit has stood in close proximity to them.

  I did my best to set Ella’s nerves at ease. “They are not generally harmful, Sinclair,” I said. Ella nodded, giving me a nervous glance. My best attempt needed augmented. “There are no spirits here with us now. You may relax.”

  The last of my comments brought a slight smile and a deep sigh. I hoped that had done the trick. It is often easy to forget the trepidation that builds in others over a subject I had grown so accustomed to in my lifetime. I hoped, in time, those that shared my life would also find the situation normal.

  Chapter 18

  Blackmoore Castle stood tall on the hill. The carriage pitched at an angle as we began the climb toward it. A smile crossed my face, as it always did when I caught sight of my home. Samuel had endured the long ride home well, the jostling of the carriage lulling him to sleep for most of the journey.

  The castle brimmed with activity as we arrived. Servants bustled from place to place, carrying out extra tasks to ready the castle for its newest occupant.

  “I hope you do not mind, Your Grace,” Buchanan said as he greeted us outside, “however, I dismissed the staff of their duty to greet you in order to finish the tasks needed to properly welcome the young master.”

  “Quite prudent of you, Buchanan,” Robert responded.

  We stepped inside, shedding our cloaks as Ella held Samuel. “Might I see the child?” Buchanan requested.

  “Of course!” Robert exclaimed. I collected Samuel from Ella and sidled next to Buchanan, holding the child out for him to view.

  “A most handsome laddie!” Buchanan said. He rubbed his finger on Samuel’s cheek and then against his hand. Samuel latched on to his finger. “Quite a strong little one, too!”

  Robert beamed. “Yes, yes, he shall grow into a fine man.”

  “Indeed, Your Grace,” Buchanan agreed. “The staff has been busy readying the nursery. If Her Grace would care to inspect it now, you may suggest some adjustments. I understand Mr. Langford is already engaging a wet nurse and nanny.”

  “Yes, I shall go there now. Until we have engaged a caregiver, I shall keep Samuel in my bedroom,” I answered.

  “I sha
ll have the arrangements prepared at once,” Buchanan answered. “Mrs. Thomson, will you show Her Grace the nursery?”

  I followed our housekeeper up the stairs and through the halls to the nursery. Mrs. Thomson showed me the night nursery first, assuring me a bassinet would be placed in my bedroom until suitable childcare was brought on. I then perused the day nursery, appropriately set to face a south-easterly direction. It brought a smile to my face as I spotted the many toys Robert had purchased scattered in the large and well-lit room.

  Overall, the day nursery had a pleasant presentation, and I congratulated Mrs. Thomson on her fine work. She inquired as to whether I should be reviewing the qualifications of those interested in the positions to care for the child, or if Robert preferred to review them. Uncertain, I informed her I would speak to Robert and provide an answer to her later.

  With Samuel in my arms, I traversed the halls to speak with Robert on the matter. I arrived at Robert’s office, where I expected to find him reviewing correspondence missed during our time in Glasgow. I discovered an empty office. “Where might your father be, Samuel?” I asked the child in my arms.

  I navigated to the foyer in search of Buchanan. As I descended the stairs, I overheard Robert’s voice coming from the sitting room. The doors were slightly ajar, so I entered, expecting to find him discussing something with Buchanan.

  “Robert,” I said as I pushed through the doors, “Mrs. Thomson wished to know if you preferred to review applications for Samuel’s…” My voice stopped mid-sentence as I spotted another man in the room.

  Edwin spun to face me. “Forgive me,” I murmured to Robert, “I did not realize you were speaking with Mr. Fletcher.”

  Edwin’s jaw dropped and his eyes widened. His eyebrows raised high. He guffawed, setting his brandy glass on a nearby table and burst into applause.

  “Edwin, have you gone mad?” Robert questioned after his theatrical display.

  “Not at all, dear brother!” He turned to me. “I offer you my congratulations, Duchess! I have far underestimated your unique abilities!”

  “What nonsense are you prattling on about?” Robert demanded.

  “Why, your wife’s obvious talents, of course,” Edwin responded. “The extraordinary qualities she possesses.” For a moment, I assumed he had slithered through the more boorish gossipers and discovered my supernatural ability. “In an attempt to ensure her future here, she has conjured a baby from thin air!” He waved his arms around, imitating a magician. My face set into a frown at his comments. “And further, she has convinced you, big brother, to raise this child of enigmatic origin.”

  “Stop this behavior at once!” Robert bellowed.

  “Oh,” Edwin continued. “I underestimated the lengths you will go to, Duchess, to secure your place here!”

  “I said enough!” Robert roared, grasping Edwin by the collar. “I will not have you speaking this way about my wife or my child in this house.”

  Edwin wrestled himself from Robert’s grip. “Your child?” Edwin questioned, his voice incredulous. “YOUR child? It isn’t even HER child! Oh, Robert, she really has you wound around her finger, doesn’t she? I always considered you too proud to raise another man’s child.”

  “I will not discuss the matter further with you, Edwin. If you cannot control your tongue, we shall cease the discussion of our business immediately.”

  “I assume this development alters my prospects quite a bit?” Edwin questioned.

  “I shall leave you to discuss business,” I said.

  “Oh no, no, please stay, duchess,” Edwin responded. “Witness firsthand the product of your handiwork.”

  “Stop accusing Lenora of these things!” Robert shouted. “The product of her handiwork is the noble deed of providing a motherless child with a home. The world does not revolve around you and your needs, Edwin. It is a childish view to match your childish behavior.”

  “I assume this is why you summoned me?” Edwin queried. “To inform me of the demise in my future outlook.”

  I found the statement odd. Robert had requested Edwin’s presence? Why? “No,” Robert answered as I pondered Edwin’s comments. “While it is true Samuel will be named as heir, that is not what I invited you to discuss.”

  So, I mused, Robert had invited him to the castle. For what purpose?

  “Then what?” Edwin asked, his mind clearly pondering the same question.

  Robert sighed, clasping his hands behind his back in his usual manner. “We are choosing godparents for Samuel’s christening. Lenora, being kindhearted in nature, suggested you. Though I disagreed on the surface, in an attempt to model more of my wife’s virtues, I reversed my decision and asked you here to discuss the matter with you.”

  Edwin did not respond. I read his expression to convey a mixture of confusion, regret and surprise. Robert continued, “Though I can see that this was a mistake. You have no tact nor courtesy. Your demeanor makes you both an improper and undesirable choice.”

  Edwin slammed his brandy glass on the table next to him. “Yes, I’ve always known that,” he hollered before storming from the room.

  The door slammed behind him as he departed. Samuel jumped in my arms at the noise and began to wail. Robert closed his eyes in frustration and disgust as I quieted the child. “I am sorry, Robert,” I said.

  Robert waved his hand, opening his eyes. “Do not apologize, Lenora. The man is an… well, never mind.”

  “I should not have suggested you ask him. It was not my place. The fault is mine.”

  “As the child’s mother, it is your place. I had hoped the conversation would go differently, but, alas, even this olive branch he has spat out.”

  “Perhaps he will come ‘round,” I offered. “Though if you prefer, we may move forward with Lord and Lady Sinderby.”

  “Yes, I shall write to Lord Sinderby in a few days’ time.” Robert paused a moment. “Oh, you wished to speak with me? I had nearly forgotten with all the fuss.”

  “Yes,” I replied. “Mrs. Thomson wished to know which of us would review those applying for the nursery positions. I should be happy to do it. Though, if you prefer to oversee the task, I have no objections.”

  “I leave the task in your capable hands. I prefer you to select the women you will entrust Samuel’s care to.”

  I smiled and nodded. “I shall inform Mrs. Thomson to forward all correspondence on the matter to me.”

  “Are you pleased with the nursery? I have not had the chance to inspect it as yet.”

  “Very,” I informed him. “The day nursery will receive excellent morning light.”

  “Yes, I can recall many a pleasant morning there with Nanny as a young laddie.”

  “And I am certain Samuel will enjoy many happy days there as well.” The child began to fuss in my arms. Robert glanced to him, giving his cheek a stroke. “It is time for his feeding. I shall be in my bedroom with him.” Robert smiled at me, kissing Samuel on the forehead, then me.

  I took my child to my bedroom to feed him. When finished, I gathered him into my arms, intending to take him to my tower room for a nap while I read.

  As I navigated the halls, I quieted Samuel with a lullaby. My focus on the child caused me to miss the figure lurking in the hallway just before the tower stairs.

  The dark figure approached me and we nearly collided due to my carelessness. I noticed at the last moment, stumbling back a few steps as I exclaimed aloud my surprise. Strong hands steadied me from toppling over as I lurched backward.

  “My sincere apologies, Duchess,” Edwin said.

  “Mr. Fletcher,” I choked out. “I thought you had left the estate.”

  He paused, staring at me a moment, before answering. It was the first time I had gotten a good look at him. His eyes were stormy gray, a match to Robert’s. His unruly dark, curly hair similar to Robert’s as well, though his contained no streaks of gray. The family resemblance between the brothers ran strong. Though where Robert carried himself with a regal air and poss
essed a charming demeanor, Edwin’s countenance suggested a troubled man. His features betrayed a man deeply disturbed by something. On the surface, I could not identify the source of these troubles, though.

  “The fault is mine. I did not mean to startle you,” he said. His voice, calm and measured, sounded unlike Edwin.

  “It is no trouble, Mr. Fletcher,” I answered. I glanced to Samuel to ensure his wellbeing after my startled outcry.

  “Please, call me Edwin,” he said. My brow furrowed, and I glanced to him for a brief moment. This new version of Edwin baffled me. “We are, after all, family. We have gotten off on the wrong foot, haven’t we?” Edwin added when I did not respond to his comment. “For that, I apologize. It is also my doing.”

  I shook my head. “Think nothing of it,” I stated, still uncertain of his motives.

  Edwin paused for a moment. “I intended to leave the castle after our earlier conversation, but I returned before even collecting my horse. I…” His voice trailed off. I stared at him, waiting for him to continue. “I wished to speak with you. That is, if you are agreeable.”

  “To speak with me? Concerning what?” I questioned.

  “I wished to thank you, Lenora. Oh, do you prefer I use your formal name?”

  “Lenora is fine,” I answered. “To thank me for what?”

  “The gesture of including me as the child’s godfather. I reacted badly, I realize, though it never occurred to me to have been considered for the role. I confess I was taken a bit off guard.”

  I heaved a deep breath, pondering my response. What was his aim, I wondered? This about face confounded me. Was he earnest in his remarks or was this some sort of game?

  “There is no need to thank me,” I replied. “I am only sorry the request proved to drive the wedge further than to close the growing distance between yourself and Robert, as it was intended.”

  “Yes, I understand, and you need not offer your apologies. The fault is altogether mine.” I offered a slight, tight-lipped smile. “Though even I maintain I am a less-than-desirable choice for the role. I am certain you and Robert shall choose far better. And I shall be satisfied to be simply ‘Uncle.’ May I see the child?”