The End
The Disappearing Duke
©2018 by Sophia Wilson
All rights reserved. No part of this may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are a product of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, events or locales is completely coincidental.
Prologue
They say our soulmates have already been decided for us, scribbled on some divine scroll in the Heavens with God and the rest of our future. Us being mere humans, our job is to simply wait patiently as our destiny unfolds itself each passing day; with only time revealing a name and face. Unfortunately, as with the risk of many things unseen and unknown, sometimes both time and fate are not a friend; sometimes they are lessons.
Still, there is a funny little thing that sits in us all. Despite the clear signs of things going wayward, we hold on dearly to that one thing; hope. It becomes a reason for mockery by people who don’t have any, being labeled wishful thinkers or downright oblivious, but still we keep it for it is the only thing we have, when all is lost. Are we naïve to dream? Or are we scared we may dream too much?
Chapter 1
Not many days at the Quinn’s manor were eventful. Usually, everyone from the maids to the house members were expected to follow a properly old-fashioned routine. Dinners, lunch and breakfasts were served not a minute over their due time. Learning hours and other various activities were allotted their own separate time frames. This was the only way that Lady Claire Quinn could keep control of everything perfectly; she could not bear it any other way.
An admirer of good etiquette and manners, her principles rooted from a strict upbringing influenced by her own father. He had been a man who had proudly served in the military and now she made sure to implement his shadow on her own family. Seven children had not been easy to raise, especially with her husband being far too committed to his work. Lord Henry Quinn was no ordinary man, he was a scholar famous for numerous writings and celebrated at every social event; always received and welcomed as a prestigious guest. His hard work and dedication had secured his and his family’s name as nobles, and they had been raised in status. Lady Quinn no longer minded her husband’s absence, both physically and mentally, as she kept herself occupied with tending to household matters.
Lady Hannah Quinn was the third eldest child and would often go unnoticed in a house as full as hers. Her days were spent curling in bed reading romance novels and daydreaming of a different, more adventurous life somewhere else. At the tender age of nineteen, she had all that a girl living in Northampton could ever ask for; and yet she always felt an empty space inside of her. She was skilled and a graceful dancer with a spark that could not be tamed, her long legs gifted from her mother and her wit and charm gifted to her from her father. Just like her father, she always had too much to say and even more that she thought about, the gears in her mind constantly turning. She was the only one who took after Lord Henry and he was overly proud of her. It was often her who would ask ridiculous questions at the dinner table leaving everybody else baffled.
“Do you think that people actually want a moment to freeze like they say in the books? What good would come of being stuck in something, even if it’s something you love?” asked Lady Hannah curiously in the middle of having dinner.
“Where do you come up with such questions, Hannah?” asked her older sister, Lady Beatrice with a questioning expression on her face.
“It has to be those books she’s always reading,” her older brother Thomas said laughing.
“Now, now! Her question is a good one. Just because you can’t understand it doesn’t mean you should ridicule it, now does it?” Lord Henry said in a sterner tone than an inquisitive one.
“I suppose not,” replied Thomas, annoyed of how she would always have Father sticking up for her.
“Can we please talk about something more important? Hannah you’ve got to leave tomorrow for your Aunt Isabelle’s place by the afternoon. She’s expecting you there by the evening and I want you to be at your best behavior, please none of this nonsense,” said Lady Claire, almost pleading.
“Yes Mother, I will finalize my things after dinner, but I can’t promise you about my behavior,” replied Lady Hannah laughing.
“Hannah Elizabeth Quinn! You promise me this instant that you will not do anything to embarrass me! The last thing I need is for people to think you came from the loony bin!” joked her mother as everyone at the table laughed.
“Okay Mother, I promise to tone it down but you’ll see you will miss me when I’m not here!” replied Lady Hannah cheekily. Her mother smiled softly at her.
“We will miss you dear, just as we miss the four little ones right now. The table is so empty without them,” said Lord Henry looking at the four empty seats where his younger set of twin boys and two little girls would sit.
“They’ll be back from their grandmother’s by tomorrow dear,” comforted Lady Claire as she placed a loving hand on her husband’s hand. He nodded at her smiling.
“Yes, not long now before the racket is back! Goodbye peaceful days, goodbye silence!” Lady Beatrice sighed dramatically placing a theatrical arm on her forehead.
“Oh stop it Beatrice! What an odd bunch of children we have Claire, where did we go wrong?” asked Lord Henry looking over at his wife laughing.
Lady Hannah smiled to herself, she really did love her family; it was going to be difficult being away from them for two weeks.
Aunt Isabelle was fifty-five years old and unwell. Being Lady Claire’s older sister, she offered to send Lady Hannah to go take care of her until she got better. She had no children of her own and was overjoyed at the thought. A rich marchioness that loved her; Lady Hannah couldn’t refuse the offer.
Chapter 2
The next day, Lady Hannah had made all preparations and was ready to set off to go to her aunt’s. The chaise was waiting for her, and the servant who was to drive her loaded her bags into the carriage. After saying her goodbyes to her loved ones, she was on her way.
Being a compulsive daydreamer, the ride to her aunt’s had been wonderful for her imagination, which was allowed to roam freely. The sky was always dreamy to watch. That was where people sent their dreams and their wishes, and that was where all her loved ones had gone when they died.
Yet, this is the same sky that also shelters us, she thought.
She watched the clouds, truly fascinated in all that they had to offer her in shapes so alluringly perfect, almost like her life. Her thoughts wandered off yet again, deep into the sacred vaults of her mind. The birds were singing their songs and there was a light cool breeze flowing in her hair. It was a near perfect day, and she made sure she didn’t take a moment for granted. Hannah always appreciated the little things as much as the big things because her mind and heart craved things near and far, close and dear, just like what she read in books.
She soon arrived at her aunt’s estate. Her house was a very majestic building and a beautiful sight to see every time that she visited. The servant helped her out of the carriage, unloaded her bags and took them inside for her. Hannah stood admiring her surroundings and then stepped inside after the servant had bid her farewell. She was instantly welcomed by the servants and then her Aunt Isabelle appeared and beamed at the sight of her lovely niece.
“Oh, hello Hannah! You’ve grown so much in just a year!” she said embracing her and kissing her on the cheek.
“Hello, Aunt Isabelle!” replied Lady Hannah, smiling at her aunt’s excitement to see her.
“Just look at you! What a beautiful woman you’ve grown up to be. You have your mother’s beauty that’s for sure!” she said, touching Hannah’s face lovingly.
“Yes, Mother is beautiful,” replied Lady Hannah, admitting to only that for she did not want to appear snobbish for seeing herself as beautiful.
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“Come, come; sit here. You must be exhausted from your ride,” said her aunt, leading her by the arm into the sitting room.
“Actually, I’m quite refreshed, Aunt Isabelle. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride here; there was so much to see and it was very relaxing,” replied Lady Hannah.
“I’m glad you had a nice trip dear. I had told your mother that I could manage just fine on my own but she insisted and said that you were more than willing to come. You know how my sickness comes and goes; today I felt good enough to get out of bed,” explained her aunt.
“That’s good to hear, Aunt Isabelle. It’s nice to have family around, and even if you are managing it, it is better to have somebody with you who loves you,” Lady Hannah said caringly as she smiled softly at her aunt.
“You are such a delightful young woman, Hannah. And, I almost forgot to tell you. Another reason why I had accepted your mother’s kind gesture was because there is going to be a ball held in two days and, of course, I’ve been invited. I wasn’t able to organize much of it this year because of my poor health but since I will be attending, you will be, too!” her aunt said excitingly.
“What? But I have nothing to wear, Aunt Isabelle,” Hannah said nervously, trying to think if she had brought a dress suitable enough for the occasion, but excitement welled up inside her and she continued on. “I’m going to attend an elite ball? Aren’t there Dukes, Duchesses and high ranking nobles at such balls? I’ve even heard some people of royal blood lines can be there!” Hannah rambled on, somewhat scared yet secretly thrilled at the opportunity that had presented itself.
“Yes, there are many high-ranked nobles attending but I have not heard which royalty will be attending. This will be a great social event for you, you never know who you might meet, Hannah. I’m sure you will have many eligible men wanting to court you. You’re absolutely stunning and very smart; all eyes will be on you. Now that Beatrice is betrothed, it is your turn in line,” Aunt Isabelle said eagerly and lovingly, as if Lady Hannah was her own child.
“Thank you, Aunt Isabelle! Will you go through my bags with me to find a suitable dress? I must say, I am very excited! This is my first ball”, said Lady Hannah, hugging her aunt tightly.
“You are most welcome, my child. Now you run along and freshen up. Dinner will be served in about quarter of an hour. I’ve asked the cook to make your favorite, roasted turkey with cranberry sauce,” said Aunt Isabelle smiling at her lovingly. Though she would never admit it to Lady Claire, Hannah and Beatrice had always been her favorite nieces.
“Now that you’ve said it, I am very hungry. I’ll be downstairs for dinner as expected,” said Lady Hannah as she left the room to freshen up.
The rest of the evening had been wonderfully spent with her aunt. After dinner, they sipped tea and shared stories, some funny and some sad. When her aunt grew tired, Lady Hannah took her upstairs to her bedroom and helped her change into her night dress. Her joints still hurt; the elixirs they had given her had not helped much. She tucked her aunt into bed, making sure she was comfortable and kissed her on the forehead, closing the door behind her as she left.
In her own room, she lay in her bed ready to sleep, but she couldn’t. She was too excited about the ball and all of her weariness had disappeared.
I’m going to find my own prince at the ball, well maybe not exactly a real prince but definitely a man that will be charming. I’m going to a ball! I know I’m beautiful! I’m going to make heads turn and hearts yearn for me! she thought excitedly to herself.
Hannah stayed up all night, her heart beating fast as she hoped and prayed that she would fall in love like the couples did in the books that she read. She wanted her very own fairytale.
But deep down, she knew that fairytales did not exist, not in real life. Dreams were a luxury, wishes were the ticket there, but the final destination no one really knew. You got where you wanted to with a lot of sacrifice, none of which anyone was ever prepared for. She would soon find out for herself. Her eyes closed slowly as she drifted off to sleep, to dream some more.
Chapter 3
The next two days, Lady Hannah spent alongside her aunt continuously. She made sure that she took her medicines on time and helped her going up and down the stairs but mostly she just kept her company. It was having Lady Hannah there that had made her aunt feel instantly better. An empty house and her living in it alone, not counting the servants who were there during the day, had made a small ache feel like an unbearable pain.
The day of the ball arrived, and Lady Hannah could not have been more nervous. It was unlike her to be so anxious since she was usually very confident of her beauty and tall figure. She was used to receiving compliments at every gathering she attended, which always fed her ego well. But she knew that many women would be attending this ball and that many would be more beautiful and worldlier than her. It was a petty thought, but it had come to her regardless. It wasn’t that she was not nice or kind natured, it was an instinct. She was usually competitive but not with herself; she would now be competing against others.
Her father also had this trait, except he had used it to help himself grow into the renowned scholar he now was. Lady Hannah wasn’t quite using it that way. She continued to stare into the mirror, studying herself in detail, and soon discovered all of her flaws. The longer she looked, the worse she felt.
What if I’m not beautiful enough? What if nobody asks me to dance? Although, it sounds absurd, it could be true! These are different people from whom I know back home. I could simply not be good enough, she thought to herself, feeling a little nauseous and very insecure. Her aunt knocked on the door asking to come in.
“Yes, come in,” said Lady Hannah after the second knock.
“Hannah, are you getting ready dear?” she asked opening the door and walking in.
“Yes, I was just about to get dressed,” replied Lady Hannah in a dull tone.
“What’s wrong dear? Why do you look so sad?” asked her aunt, concerned as she saw her niece’s face.
“It’s nothing really. I just… I’m just a little nervous now, all of a sudden,” she said hesitantly.
“Nervous?! Why ever would you be nervous dear?” her aunt asked surprised.
“It’s just that, well, there are going to be so many nobles, duchesses and dukes there. I’m not sure if I will even get noticed amongst all of them. What if…nobody notices me?” asked Lady Hannah, her hands shaking and tears forming in her eyes.
“My dear, you’ve got it all wrong. A person is not defined by their rank; they are loved for what beats in their chest and for who they are. A rude Duke is no match for a humble lady like you. You need to think of it this way; you are beautiful but that does not mean someone else will not be, what makes you unique and different is your nature and behavior. You should just focus on being who you are and knowing that that person is a good one. Love is lured by this, you won’t even have to look for it,” her aunt consoled her wisely.
She wanted to believe her Aunt, it would have made things so much easier for her, but she couldn’t. She kept imagining walking in to the ballroom to find everybody looking at her haughtily and in disgust. It was a natural fear for a lady her age; old enough to leave her childish things behind but too young to be with the adults. At this blooming age, a worry like hers was not uncommon; the only strange thing about all of this was that Lady Hannah had never been apprehensive before. She was usually so self-assured that she made others doubt their presence, today it seemed like it was her turn.
She smiled politely at her Aunt, knowing she only meant well and that there was nothing she could say that would ease her mind.
“Thank you, Aunt Isabelle,” she said, forcing a smile.
“You’re most welcome, dear. Well I best leave so you can get ready,” said Aunt Isabelle as she left the room to let her get dressed.
Lady Hannah looked at the dress she had brought with her that was now hanging in her closet; it was a gorgeous ivory colored silk dress, laced
intricately around the edges. She had requested it to be made especially for her from her professional seamstress and wanted every detail of the dress to be perfect. Who knew she’d be wearing it among the rich and famous one day; certainly not her.
After a lot of hesitancy, Lady Hannah finally descended the stairs to go to the front door ready to leave. She had struggled with how to style her hair, back home her maid would help pin her hair up into delicate and sophisticated buns for special events. Today, when she needed her more than ever, she was left on her own. Giving up, she decided to let her golden waves fall loosely, reaching halfway down her back. Her mother had always said that her hair was only one of her most attractive features, and now she was relying on it to be; to do some magic at the event.
Aunt Isabelle was already dressed and waiting at the door when she saw Lady Hannah coming down the stairs. Her heart filled with glee when she saw that her niece had transformed into a stunning young woman; she was as elegant as a swan. Lady Hannah saw her Aunt’s look of immense approval and she felt a whiff of confidence come back to her.
“Oh, my dear Hannah! You look absolutely stunning! I can’t believe you’re already old enough to go the ball and be courted by an eligible bachelor. I’m getting emotional just thinking about it,” her Aunt said pulling out a handkerchief from her purse to wipe her teary eyes.
“Aunt Isabelle, this will only matter if a gentleman actually asks me to dance,” she said softly laughing at how emotional her Aunt was getting.
“Of course they will! You just wait and see!” her Aunt replied, astonished that Lady Hannah could even suggest such a thing.
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