Death of a Duchess

by Nellie H. Steele

  I pushed it aside. We would return in four days. Though I would anticipate it with much eagerness, I had business to attend to. My mind turned to my goal: engaging a ladies’ maid. I had a specific girl in mind. My mind dwelled on the girl of late, and I hoped my good fortune could become a turn of fortune for her in kind. The idea had occurred to me when, as I was reading in my tower room, a former classmate of mine, had pervaded my thoughts.

  Tilly, a friend close in age to me, had resided at the orphanage when I did. She left the orphanage several months before my surprise engagement. A romantic dreamer, Tilly insisted she’d be better off outside of the orphanage walls. According to Tilly, the orphanage quashed any chance she had at romantic happiness. She insisted if she could only live outside the restrictive walls, she would, without doubt, find a nice gentleman and settle into a good marriage rather than a life of servitude. The appeal of married life was more attractive than even a governess position, no matter how prestigious the household.

  Tilly ran away days after her seventeenth birthday. As the clock struck midnight, she and I stood in the foyer. I pleaded with her to remain at the orphanage, maintaining her scheme would turn disastrous. My pleas fell on deaf ears and, with a wink and a grin, fair-haired Tilly snuck from the front door and disappeared into the moonlight. I recall her flaxen hair flowing behind her, her cheeks pink with anticipation and excitement for her new adventure.

  I fretted for days, worrying over her plight. But over the course of a week, my worry subsided when she did not return. My mind assured me that, had the situation been intolerable, Tilly would simply have returned to the orphanage. Though her punishment would have been swift and serious, she would be safe and cared for. Perhaps my tainted view of the world prevented me from being open to more possibilities as Tilly was.

  Three months passed before I heard from Tilly again. In a letter, she detailed her luck after escaping the orphanage. She’d had wonderful luck in meeting several gentlemen who took a shine to her. She hadn’t settled on any as yet, but she hoped she would soon. The description of her situation gave me hope for her.

  I smiled as I read the letter, tucking it away in a secret spot where Headmistress Williamson would not find it, but not before I memorized the return address. At the orphanage, older girls were often required to run errands to assist with the running of the facility. It was during one of my errand outings, I planned a daring mission. I would visit Tilly and speak with her.

  I completed my tasks as quickly as possible, dashing, in some cases, from place to place. Once completed, I checked the time. I would not be expected back this soon, so my plan would work.

  I navigated to the address given on the envelope I’d tucked in my purse. Despite having the address memorized, I worried my memory may fail me. I checked it twice as I closed in on the location, concerned I had traveled to the incorrect area.

  While I did not anticipate the area to be opulent, I expected it to exhibit some charm. However, as I approached closer and closer to the address, the buildings became more and more dilapidated. Rough characters lurked in dark corners. I began to fear I had made a grave error in judgement.

  However, I steeled my nerves and approached the address. I knocked at the door and was met by a scantily dressed woman. Surely I must have the wrong address, I reflected, though I asked for Tilly, anyway. Shock coursed through me as the woman invited me in and disappeared up the stairs to fetch Tilly.

  As I waited in the building’s foyer, I glanced into the rooms visible from the entryway. Couches and chaise lounges in loud colors and the like were scattered around the rooms. Gauzy draperies hung at various angles. A piano sat in the middle of the largest room.

  My mind tried to process what I was witnessing, but before it could, Tilly rushed down the stairs. “Lenora!?” she exclaimed.

  “Tilly!” I greeted her, surprised I had the address correct.

  “Lenora,” she said, hurrying down the rest of the steps. “What are you doing here?”

  “I came to visit. The orphanage does not expect me back for a bit. I wanted to see how you were getting on.” I gazed at her, noting several changes. Her long flaxen hair, always a source of pride and which she kept carefully groomed while at the orphanage, hung in tangles. Her plump cheeks with their rosy countenance were sunken and colorless. Her sparkling blue eyes had lost their sparkle. Her dress, tattered now, hung loosely on her frame.

  Tilly glanced around before suggesting we step outside to speak. She ushered me out the door and down the street a few steps. “Tilly,” I queried as she tugged me further from the building, “whatever are you doing?”

  “You shouldn’t have come, Lenora,” Tilly stated as we came to a stop near the corner.

  “Why, Tilly?” Tilly glanced around, avoiding my eyes. “Tilly?”

  She met my gaze. “Oh, Lenora, I cannot explain. I am quite embarrassed. It is why I was not truthful in my letter to you, though that must be obvious to you now.”

  “Tilly, are you in some sort of trouble?”

  Tilly let out a long sigh, her shoulders sinking and a tear falling to her cheek. She wiped it away. “Tilly? What is it?”

  “Oh, Lenora,” she cried.

  I put my arms around her. “Tilly, you need not share any details with me. Come home where you are safe and cared for.”

  “I cannot.” Tilly sobbed in my arms. She righted herself, pulling away and drying her eyes. “That place is not a home, Lenora.”

  “It is,” I insisted. “It is OUR home.”

  Tilly shook her head. “No, it is no home. And they wouldn’t take me back. Not now.”

  “I am sure they would. Please, Tilly, you are miserable.”

  Tilly sniffled, swallowing hard. “I am not miserable. Forgive my outburst. It is not as bad as it may have seemed moments ago.”

  “What is ‘it,’ Tilly?” I inquired.

  “Oh, Lenora,” Tilly replied, with a roll of her eyes, “you must have deduced already.”

  My mind whirled at her words. I considered the information in front of me. My brow furrowed as I pieced the puzzle together. “Tilly!” I exclaimed in disbelief. “No!”

  “Yes,” Tilly admitted with a sheepish grin. “Yes, Lenora, I am a prostitute.”

  I shook my head, more in disbelief than in judgement. “Oh, Tilly…” I began.

  Tilly held up her hand. “So, you see, I would no longer be welcome at Saint Mary’s.”

  “No one must know, Tilly. I would never tell! Please, come home, this is no life!”

  “You were always a good friend, Lenora,” Tilly responded. “But I cannot.”

  “Why? What holds you here?”

  Tilly offered a slight smile. “Love.”

  “Love?” I cried. “Tilly, I believe you may be mistaking lust for love.”

  Tilly shook her head. “No, Lenora, no. Not everything in my letter to you was a lie. I have met someone. He is keen on me and I am keen on him.”

  “Has he made a promise?”

  Tilly gazed to the sky as she shrugged. “Not in so many words,” she began. I opened my mouth to reply, raising my eyebrows, but she interrupted. “Oh, he will, Lenora, he will! You do not know him as I do.” I imagined not. “He is not like the others. He is kind, caring, sweet and tender.”

  My heart broke for Tilly in that moment. She desperately clung to the hope that her supposed sweetheart would rescue her from her current situation. I imagined the likelihood of this to be slim. Though Tilly, always the dreamer, did not agree. I wouldn’t ruin the illusion for her. Perhaps she required the fantasy, desired to clutch at this fairytale to endure her new life.

  I nodded, pasting on a smile and hoping she could not glean it was disingenuous. “I am glad you have found him, Tilly. And I hope he offers soon. Will you keep in touch? Make me aware of where I can find you should you move?”

  Tilly smiled at me. “Of course, Lenora!” She flung her arms around my neck. “Oh, I hope it is soon! I cannot imagine it will be long wit
h the words he speaks to me.”

  I grasped her hands as she released me. “I hope it to be true. Please take care, Tilly.”

  “I will,” she answered. “And you, Lenora. I wish you the best. I hope you will find happiness as I have.”

  With a smile and a nod, I stepped away, leaving Tilly on that street corner. I held back a tear as I continued down the street. My beautiful and vivacious friend reduced to this. My mind refused to fill in the word describing her new profession. I refused to glance back as I continued to put one foot in front of the other. I prayed as I journeyed back to the orphanage that Tilly’s narrative was not fiction but truth and that she soon would be removed from the situation she found herself in.

  Chapter 5

  Another mile passed by the carriage window as I contemplated what I may find when I sought Tilly. I had heard from her only once more before my fantastic adventure began. She had received no offer yet, but still maintained a proposal was forthcoming. I would be shocked if, when I sought her at the same brothel, I found her to be gone. Though my heart hoped this would be the case. Despite my hope to engage Tilly as my ladies’ maid, I wished her to be unavailable for the position.

  After a day’s journey, we arrived in Glasgow. Henry had made arrangements at a local hotel where we also dined that evening. “Has the journey tired you very much, dear?” Robert asked me as we ate.

  “No,” I responded, “I do not mind travel. Though I do admit I shall be pleased to journey in the opposite direction.”

  “You do not like the city?” Henry inquired.

  “I prefer my home,” I responded, garnering a smile from Robert.

  “Will you call at the orphanage to engage your ladies’ maid?” Robert questioned.

  “No.” I hesitated. “The girl I had in mind no longer resides there.”

  Robert furrowed his brow. “She is engaged in another position and you hope to lure her away, is it, Lenora?”

  “Yes,” I confirmed, speaking no further.

  “I wish you luck, my dear. Should you call upon the girl alone? Perhaps Henry should accompany you, or perhaps you should wait until I’ve concluded my business.” While he did not press the issue, Robert obviously suspected there was more to the story than my simple explanation suggested.

  I offered a brief smile as I wiped the corners of my mouth. “I shall be fine. I require no assistance.”

  Robert chuckled. “No, I do not imagine you require assistance to do much of anything, Lenora. But as your husband, I must ensure you are not placed in any harm.”

  “I will not be in any danger. I have visited Tilly before and survived it.”

  “A fact for which I am most grateful,” Robert replied.

  We finished our dinner and retired for the evening. My mind could not settle as I crawled into bed that evening. Anticipation of my upcoming conversation with Tilly raced through my thoughts, as did a general sense of unease. As I tossed in my bed, I attempted to allay my anxiety by suggesting to myself it was merely the change of scenery causing it. I longed to return to Blackmoore Castle. Soon, I reminded myself, soon.

  Morning came at long last and I rose from my bed, dressing for the day. I’d received little sleep, hoping a resolution to my ladies’ maid position would set my mind at ease. Robert kissed my forehead, an affectionate habit he had developed of late, as he left on his business, reminding me to be safe today and wishing me luck. I thanked him as I pulled on my gloves and retrieved my purse.

  I stepped onto the pavement, purpose filling my stride. I wound through the streets, reminded again of my first journey to visit Tilly. I quickened my pace, wanting the conversation to be resolved.

  I approached the questionable section of town. The last time I’d traveled here, I likely looked out of place. This time, there was no doubt I appeared out of place. I wondered if Robert’s concern was less unfounded than I’d originally believed. My clothing on this trip made it clear I did not belong.

  Still, I pressed on, intent on speaking with Tilly. I approached the ramshackle building and knocked. A woman, or rather a girl, answered, and I asked for Tilly. The girl shouted up the stairs for her, assuring me she’d be down in a minute. She inspected me up and down, but Tilly appeared before any conversation could be struck.

  My jaw dropped open as Tilly waddled down the stairs. I covered my surprise, at least I hoped, by plastering a smile on my face. “Tilly!” I greeted her as she crossed the foyer.

  Tilly offered a brief smile. “Lenora,” she said with some effort.

  “May we speak outside?” I requested.

  Tilly nodded, and we proceeded several steps away from the building. I eyed Tilly sideways as we walked, realizing I could no longer ask her to become my ladies’ maid. “How are you, dear Tilly?” I inquired as we halted on the sidewalk.

  She offered a weak smile. “I am well. You look… quite well!” she responded, eyeing my clothing. Though I worked hard to remain kempt during my orphanage days, the clothing I wore now was obviously a better grade.

  “I am,” I answered. “I have had… an interesting development in my life.”

  “Oh?” Tilly prodded.

  I licked my lips, contemplating how to explain. “Yes.” I hesitated. “I am married.”

  Tilly’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Married?”

  I nodded. “Yes, I am three months wed. I reside in the highlands now. My husband is in town on business. I traveled with him to engage a ladies’ maid.”

  “Ladies’ maid? Lenora! To whom are you married? The Prince of Wales?”

  I chuckled. “No,” I assured her. “Robert is the Duke of Blackmoore.”

  Tilly’s eyes were wide with shock. “You… you… you are a duchess?”

  “I am,” I responded, feeling rather foolish for not having broken it more gently. I followed up quickly with, “But I am here to visit you, Tilly. I hope you are well.”

  “Well enough,” Tilly answered, both of us avoiding the obvious.

  I offered a polite smile, deciding to inquire after a moment. “I had hoped to speak with you about the position of ladies’ maid, but…” Again, I hesitated. “You are… with child?”

  Tilly glanced to her swollen belly. “Yes,” she admitted. “How sweet of you to consider me, Lenora. But as you can see, I am in no position to accept.”

  I offered a tight-lipped smile, worried about my friend. The offer for the position could no longer be made given her condition. I was uncertain of how my husband would react and, while he had proven to be understanding beyond measure, this scandal may prove too much. I was unwilling to risk displeasing Robert. “Tilly…” I began hesitantly, unsure what to say next.

  Tilly smiled at me, grasping my hand and squeezing. “Even if I weren’t in this position, I couldn’t accept, Lenora.”

  “Oh?” I questioned.

  She nodded, a grin on her face. “I’ll soon be in your position… married.”

  “Oh!” I exclaimed, squeezing her hand. “How wonderful. Have you set a date for when you shall wed? What sort of gentleman is he? Where will you reside?”

  Tilly’s smile faltered. After a moment, she forced the smile back on her face. “We… we have not set any date yet.” She paused before continuing. “He… he does not know yet… about the baby. Oh, but as soon as he’s aware, he will offer,” Tilly assured me.

  My brow furrowed at her statements. By her size, I judged her to be at least seven months along. “Doesn’t know?” I queried, unable to formulate a full thought.

  Tilly shrugged. “I… I was not aware when I saw him last. I suspected but did not want to mislead him. Oh, but once the precious babe is with us, he will be overcome with joy as I am, and we shall form our own little family.”

  I smiled, though my heart broke for her. Tilly, always the optimist, assumed the birth of her child would spur a proposal. Perhaps my realism colored my expectations too darkly, but I doubted the events would pan out as Tilly hoped.

  “I wish you the best of
luck, Tilly. I am certain the birth of your child will bring you much joy.”

  “Oh, I’m so sorry you wasted your trip,” Tilly replied, embracing me.

  “It was not a waste, Tilly! I have been able to visit with you, which is never a waste. I hope to visit again. If I do not return before your child is born and you are settled, will you leave a forwarding address?”

  “Of course, Lenora. How exciting, I expect the next we see each other, we shall both be settled into married life!”

  I offered another weak smile. And Tilly continued, “Now, walk me back and tell me all about your new life!”

  Before we began our return journey to Tilly’s home, Sir Richard Prescott approached us.

  “Duchess Blackmoore?” he inquired, squinting his eyes as though they deceived him.

  “Sir Richard, hello,” I answered.

  “Whatever are you doing in THIS part of town? And alone no less.” His eyes traveled up and down my form, sending a shiver up my spine.

  “She is not alone,” Tilly chimed in. She linked her arm in mine and pulled me closer to her.

  “I stand corrected,” Sir Richard said. “Though I do not imagine you plan to accompany Duchess Blackmoore to wherever she is staying, do you?”

  Tilly remained silent and Sir Richard continued. “Perhaps, duchess, I could escort you to your next destination.”

  “Thank you for the kind offer, Sir Richard,” I began.

  “But her business is not yet finished,” Tilly finished for me.

  “I could wait,” Sir Richard offered.

  “It is not necessary, Sir Richard. I am certain you have pressing matters to attend to, and I have no set time to return. Again, thank you for your kind offer.”

  Sir Richard nodded. “Please pass along my regards to your husband.”