My thoughts turned to my marriage, specifically, to the manner in which it was announced. Mr. Langford’s revelation of my impending nuptials as we climbed the moors to the castle astounded me. I had assumed I had been engaged for a governess position. My training at the orphanage had prepared me well for such a venture. I had excelled in my classes there. Miss Pepperidge, one of my favorite teachers, who had taken a shine to me despite my curious traits, had called me the cleverest student she had ever taught. Indeed, I clung to my studies as a child clings to a cherished toy. Despite my quick mind and academic talent, I had never been engaged as a governess by anyone who sought such a girl at the orphanage. Though qualified, Headmistress Williamson had a knack for guiding the employing family away from me and on to “more suitable” girls. She told me once, in a private meeting in her office, that she preferred I not be selected in case there were any “incidents” caused by my wicked vice, as though I had some control over my ability to see the dead.
Still, it seemed the most likely conclusion when Mr. Langford loaded me into a carriage and transported me to the Scottish countryside. I recalled my reaction to his announcement that I was to become the Duchess of Blackmoore.
“Married? A duchess?” I cried. “Sir, do you jest?”
He chuckled before answering. “No, Lenora, I do not. However, I shall allow Duke Blackmoore to explain further.”
I sat back in my seat, considering the information. I had not anticipated such a turn of events. In truth, given the revelation, I wondered if the events of the morning were as fortuitous as I originally assumed. Still, I assured myself in the quiet moments as the castle drew ever nearer to us, that whatever may come, I should survive it.
“Fear not, Lenora,” Mr. Langford commented, breaking the silence between us. “There is nothing nefarious in the offer.”
The carriage slowed to a stop in front of the castle and we disembarked. Mr. Langford led me into the castle where Mr. Buchanan met us. “Good evening, Mr. Langford. His Grace is awaiting your arrival in the drawing room.”
“Thank you, Buchanan. Before we seek an audience, allow me to introduce Miss Lenora Hastings, Duke Blackmoore’s fiancée.”
I managed a tight-lipped smile and a soft hello, still finding the words of my engagement strange sounding to my ears.
Buchanan bowed his head to me. “A pleasure, Miss Hastings. I shall anticipate working for you as mistress of Blackmoore with much eagerness.”
My mind, still reeling, struggled to comprehend his words. Overseeing a castle as mistress was never a position I imagined I’d find myself in. “As shall I,” I managed with another curt smile.
“To begin, may I take your cape, miss?”
“Oh!” I answered, feeling foolish and raising my eyebrows as I undid the tie. “Certainly and thank you.”
“I shall place it with the others. Should you need it merely ask myself or one of the servants.”
“Oh,” Mr. Langford interjected, waving a hand in the air. “I do not mean to overstep, Lenora, but the cape may be given away. Duke Blackmoore has already arranged several articles of clothing for you. And the dressmaker shall arrive tomorrow. Should you find the cape already ordered unacceptable, she can see to a new one for you.”
I handed the cape to Buchanan as I stared in disbelief at Mr. Langford. So, my things were to be discarded? “Mr. Langford…” I began to protest.
He held up a hand to hush my tongue. “Do not dispose of it yet, Buchanan, however, I am quite sure Lenora will find no more use for it after this evening.”
I blinked my eyes several times, stunned by the situation, yet allowed it to unfold around me.
“Very good, Mr. Langford,” Buchanan’s deep voice boomed as he bowed his head and trundled across the room and down the hall. I followed his large form as it disappeared down the hallway, my cape with him.
“Come, Lenora,” Mr. Langford encouraged me. “It is time to meet Duke Blackmoore.” I didn’t move for a moment, my hesitation clear as the situation spiraled beyond my grasp. I possessed no details and only a vague understanding of the expectations of me. My discomfort with the lack of information must have been apparent to Mr. Langford, because he continued speaking when I did not budge from my spot. “There is nothing to fear, Lenora. I expect after discussing the details with Duke Blackmoore, you shall find yourself most comfortable with the arrangement.”
I drew in a deep breath and nodded my head. I had come this far. There was no harm in hearing the man out. Mr. Langford ushered me into a room off the large foyer. A fire roared in the massive fireplace across the room. The rest of the colossal room remained dimly lit. A man’s figure, visible only from the side, stared at the dancing flames.
“Duke Blackmoore,” Mr. Langford addressed him.
The man spun in his seat to face us. “Henry,” he answered without standing. “And Lenora, I presume?” His gaze rested on me.
“Yes, Duke Blackmoore,” Mr. Langford confirmed, “allow me to present Miss Lenora Hastings.”
“Come closer, my dear,” Duke Blackmoore instructed.
With my hands folded in front of me, I approached the man in his chair. He struggled to standing with the assistance of a cane. As I approached, I noticed his thick, dark, unruly hair was streaked with gray and hard lines cut into his face. He could easily pass for my father. His light gray eyes studied me. Though his face, hair and reliance on a walking aid suggested old age, his eyes disagreed. I detected something unusual in them, as though he was seeing for the first time. “Good evening, Duke Blackmoore,” I greeted him with a curtsy as I had been instructed in the orphanage.
“Do not curtsy, my dear,” he chided. “You shall soon be a duchess. We shall share the same rank. Hmm, you are more beautiful than I expected.”
I swallowed hard, finding my voice. “Your Grace…” I began but was stopped by Duke Blackmoore’s waving hand as he teetered on his cane.
“Please dispense with the formality, Lenora. My name is Robert, you shall address me as such.”
I swallowed again. “Robert,” I began, my voice faltering as I struggled to speak his name outright, “I hope you will not find my comments out of turn, but I am quite in the dark regarding my role at the castle. Mr. Langford has explained what I am NOT to be, yet my mind struggles to comprehend the implication of the role I shall fulfill.”
Robert smiled at me, the expression softening his face immeasurably. He motioned to the chair across from him. “Please, sit down, Lenora. I shall explain.” He collapsed in a heap into the chair behind him, still clutching his cane. I crossed to the open chair, perching on it as I set my gaze on him.
Mr. Langford poured himself a brandy from the bar, bringing a glass to Robert. He offered me a brandy, though I refused. After a sip of the amber liquid, Robert began his explanation. “Allow me to apologize first for the lack of detail provided to you. I instructed Mr. Langford to leave the details to me. It is, after all, my request. I should have preferred to retrieve you myself from the orphanage, however,” he disclosed, waving his cane in the air, “I am still recovering from a recent spill while riding my horse. Rather careless of me. Though I should be up and about soon.
“As Mr. Langford may have alluded to, you are not here to take up a position on the staff, you are here to become mistress of this house.” He said the words so matter-of-factly, I wondered if he may be mad, suffering from some head injury after falling from his steed.
“Sir, forgive me, but are you quite certain you understand what you are saying?”
My query elicited a hearty laugh from the man. I glanced to Mr. Langford, who also enjoyed a chuckle over my question. “I assure you, Lenora, Duke Blackmoore is quite sane.”
“Yes, yes, my dear,” Robert assured me. “I am in full command of all my faculties. Are you quite sure YOU understand what you are saying?” he posed.
“Sir?” I asked, not understanding the question.
“I’m not certain I have come across a girl less eager to beco
me a duchess, Lenora.”
“May I speak in earnest?” I inquired.
“By all means,” Robert granted.
“It has little to do with assuming the position you offer and more to do with a lack of understanding as to why the offer is being made. What is expected of me? Why have you sought me out? Surely there are many women who long for such a position, who may be better suited for the position, having been bred for it. Yet you seem to have sought me, an orphan, out very specifically.”
He offered a sly half-grin. “And you are not one of these women? A woman who longs for a position?”
“I have come to expect nothing in particular from life, sir. And you have not answered my questions.”
“You are quick-witted, Lenora. A trait I admire. Yet you, also, avoid my question. Have you some aversion to assuming such a social position?”
I considered the question a moment, then responded, “No. I have no aversion, yet, I still fail to understand why I have been sought for it. It is an odd turn of events for an orphan. What is it you expect me to provide in return?”
Robert smiled at me again, leaning forward in his chair, steadying himself on the cane. “Again, I admire your tenacity. You wish to learn the terms. I shall lay them out for you. This shall be a marriage of convenience. I shall provide you with a prestigious position, a lavish home, any goods your heart may desire, a comfortable life from here forward. You shall provide me with something very special in return. You are correct, I have sought you out for a specific reason. You have a unique ability, do you not, Lenora?”
I swallowed hard as I contemplated my response. Without doubt, he referred to my consciousness of the dead that walked among us. But how much did he know of my situation, I wondered? And how had he learned it? “I suffer from a peculiar view of the world,” I hedged.
“By this you mean you can see those who have died. As plainly as you can see me in front of you?”
I nodded. “Yes.”
Robert shared a glance with Henry before continuing. “This is why I sought you out.”
“You wish to use my ability for yourself?” I questioned.
He nodded. “Yes. You see.” He paused, his face darkening. “My first wife passed away three years ago. Took her own life. I haven’t a clue as to why and I must learn the reason.”
“She left no missive? No explanation?”
He shook his head, remaining silent for a breath. “I have no other options. Lenora, you are my only hope to determine why my beloved Annie chose such a tragic end.”
My brow furrowed as I considered the exchange. “What if you are displeased with the answers I find?”
He shook his head. “I must learn the truth, no matter what it is. There is no expectation on your behalf to provide me with an answer I approve of.”
“The offer seems to favor me,” I noted aloud as I grappled with the revelation.
“Then you agree?” Robert pressed, leaning further forward, his eagerness obvious. I glanced at him as I weighed the options. “Please, Lenora, you are my only hope.”
“I do not suppose I have much choice to refuse. It appears the decision has been made.”
“You have every right to refuse,” Robert informed me. “And I shall return you to your life, posthaste. You have no obligation. You are not a prisoner. Though I pray you choose to stay.”
I studied the man’s face. The firelight cast shadows across it, though the darker shadows were not caused by the fire’s light, but rather by the sorrow he experienced. It was etched in every line of his face, in the way he clutched at the cane, in his posture, hidden behind his stormy gray eyes. The man has experienced true grief and had not yet recovered. My heart experienced a great deal of pity for him. In his desperation, he offered anything he could to win me to his cause.
Despite his sorrow, though, I caught a glimpse of something else in his eyes: hope. I could not extinguish that small glimmer that kept him clinging to life. I nodded slowly. “Yes. I agree.”
He breathed a visible sigh of relief as he leaned back in the chair, sharing a relieved glance at Mr. Langford. He nodded toward Henry who said, “I will see that all the appropriate changes are made to the estate documents first thing in the morning. And make the necessary final arrangements.” Henry swallowed the last of his brandy, setting the glass down. “I shall have documents to you by afternoon for signatures. I shall take my leave now. Lenora, I hope you enjoy a restful first night in your new home. Good night, Your Grace,” he said, bowing toward Duke Blackmoore. He strode from the room.
“Thank you, Lenora,” Robert said, once we were alone. “We shall wed at mid-week. A simple ceremony. My apologies that you won’t receive a lavish wedding. The dressmaker has been engaged to come tomorrow. She should have a dress prepared by the wedding, along with whatever else you desire. I’ve had several dresses ordered along with other things you may need. Feel free to order whatever may appeal to you.”
The statements confounded me. I still wrestled to comprehend the sudden turn of events. My husband-to-be set a generous bounty at my feet. And he continued as my mind struggled to catch up. “If there is anything you prefer to change within the household, you have free rein. Make the castle what you want, Lenora. It hasn’t known a female touch in three years.”
I mustered a tight-lipped smile. “Thank you, your offer continues to prove most generous.”
“Do not thank me, Lenora. I offer no more than any man should offer his wife. What you provide in return goes beyond anything material.”
“Concerning your request,” I began. “I do not control my ability. That is, I cannot initiate it at the snap of a finger. This may take time…”
Robert interrupted me. “I understand, my dear. I ask only that you keep me apprised of anything you learn as you learn it.”
“I shall,” I agreed.
“Do you require any …details?” The man’s face contorted with grief as he asked the question.
I shook my head. “No, Robert. I shall not press you for details. I am capable of retrieving them on my own and should prefer to. I shall not ask you to relive the painful memory.”
He offered a weak smile. “I am most grateful.” We sat for a moment near the fireside, allowing the conversation to settle around us. “Your journey must have been tiring. I am sure you would like to retire.”
“Yes,” I agreed. I stood from my chair as he rose, steadying himself with the cane. “Please do not trouble yourself. If you provide direction, I am certain I am capable of finding my place.”
“You must learn to be less accommodating, Lenora,” Robert answered with a chuckle. “You are soon to be a duchess.”
“Duchess or not, I shall remain the same independent woman I was when I arrived on the property,” I assured him, earning a half-smile from him. “And I do not wish to trouble you with your injury.”
“If you are determined to be so understanding of me, I shall ring for Buchanan, who will show you to your room and ensure you have everything you need.”
I returned his slight smile. “I am determined and am capable of ringing,” I informed him, pulling the cord on the wall.
Within seconds, Buchanan appeared, obviously awaiting word on whether or not I would join the household. “Buchanan,” Robert said as Buchanan entered the room, “please show Miss Hastings to her room and ensure she has everything she needs for her first night in the castle.”
“Very good, Your Grace,” Buchanan said with a head bow. He turned to me. “If you’ll follow me, Miss Hastings, I shall show you to your room and arrange for anything that may be lacking.” He motioned for me to precede him through the doors leading to the foyer.
I stepped toward the door, turning back before leaving. “Good night,” I said.
Robert craned his neck around the chair. “Good night, Lenora. Sleep well.”
I stepped into the foyer and waited for Buchanan to lead the way to the bedroom. We ascended the curving stairway to the balcony overlooking the foy
er. He led me through several hallways, arriving outside of large peaked double doors. He pushed both doors open into the room, standing aside to allow me to enter first.
I stepped through the doorway, my eyes drawn upward within the impressive room. A fire roared in the enormous stone fireplace near to which stood a four-poster bed with heavy navy wool draperies. A white dressing gown and heavy red velvet robe were laid out on the bed, their colors contrasting with the navy bed covering. A chaise lounge was positioned near another fireplace in the room, along with a small table and two wing-backed armchairs. A large wardrobe adorned the space as well. Overall, the room was elaborately decorated. I noticed my well-worn copy of Frankenstein laid out on the night table next to the bed.
The entire room had been prepared for my arrival. The room and its preparations left me speechless for a moment. As I gaped around, Buchanan cleared his throat. The small sound reminded me of his presence. I had forgotten, so caught up in the beauty of the room. “I have taken the liberty of having your case unpacked. Everything you need should be available. I shall send a maid to assist you with undressing. If there is anything I have not attended to, please inform her and I shall see to it at once.”
“Thank you, Buchanan. It appears you have taken care of everything. I do not require a maid this evening. What time should I present myself for breakfast?”
“Duke Blackmoore takes his breakfast in the dining room at six-thirty. Ring for the maid when you would like to dress,” he replied, motioning to the pull cord on the wall. “Or I can inform her to arrive at the time of your choosing.” He paused, awaiting my answer.
At the orphanage, I dressed myself, never requiring assistance, though I had no ladies’ maid at my disposal even if I needed it. I evaded the question. “I shall ring if I require assistance,” I informed him.
“Very good, miss.” He nodded his head to me, taking a step toward the door. He hesitated a moment as though considering something, then said, “And welcome to Blackmoore Castle. I do hope you will find yourself at home here.” He offered a kind smile.
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