Death of a Duchess

by Nellie H. Steele

“I shall. Good day, Sir Richard.”

  Sir Richard tipped his hat to us. “Good day, Duchess Blackmoore.” He glanced to Tilly, repeating his gesture. “Miss.”

  He disappeared down the street. Tilly turned me to face her, staring in my eyes, a serious expression on her face. “Lenora,” she said in a low tone, “do not trust that man.”

  While I agreed with her sentiment, I was surprised at her comments. “I do not.”

  “Good,” she answered. “He is a cruel, heartless man. A terrible man.” I raised my eyebrows at her statement. It confirmed the experience I had with him was not a singular event. She read my expression and continued her explanation. “He is a frequent visitor to our establishment. On occasion, he is rough with the girls. He bruised Minnie terribly and gave her a nasty cut on her head.”

  “I have not had a pleasant experience with Sir Richard either,” I admitted, though I did not explain the details. “I would prefer not to be alone with the man.”

  Tilly nodded at me. “Now, about that wonderful new life of yours.”

  I imparted a few details as we strode down the street, arm-in-arm. Tilly acted genuinely enthusiastic for my change in circumstances. Each statement I imparted stabbed at my heart. I felt as though I bragged even as Tilly suffered. I attempted to keep my statements brief and factual, though when Tilly asked if Duke Blackmoore’s estate was grand, the admittance that my new home was a castle felt awkward.

  On that note, we arrived at the brothel’s doorstep. Embracing, we wished each other well, and I watched her climb the steps into the building. She waved and smiled as she entered the building. I did the same as she disappeared through the door. A thought wandered across my mind, depressing and disheartening. I wondered if, or rather worried that, this would be the last time we spoke. I dismissed it, pushing the desolate notion from my mind, and forced myself to walk away.

  I glanced back at the building, resisting the urge to return and drag Tilly from inside. Though, despite my intentions being admirable, I overstepped my rights by assuming I knew what was best for Tilly. Instead, I pushed myself to continue across the street, convincing myself with every step that my decision to leave was correct.

  Chapter 6

  I pushed the peas around on my plate as we dined that evening. “You’ve been quiet, Lenora,” Robert mentioned. “Did your plan not come to fruition?”

  “It did not,” I admitted with a sigh. “The girl I considered suitable… was not able to accept.”

  “I’m sorry, though the position should not be difficult to fill,” he answered.

  “Not at all,” Henry agreed. “I could assist you.”

  I smiled at him. “Thank you, though I have another avenue to pursue first.”

  “Oh?” Robert inquired.

  “Yes,” I informed my companions. “I shall try at the orphanage, my former home. I am well acquainted with many of the girls there. It is a good position. I hope to find someone suitable there to accept.”

  “Indeed,” Robert agreed.

  “If you find no success there,” Henry said, “I shall be happy to assist in the matter.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Langford,” I responded with a nod.

  After dinner, I undressed, considering both the events of my day and the task ahead. Nervousness filled me, though I did not understand if the cause was my reunion with Tilly or my upcoming encounter with Headmistress Williamson. Returning to the orphanage after three short months as a duchess overwhelmed me. I could only imagine the reaction such news would garner from the headmistress.

  As I eased back into the pillows, I attempted to push both events from my mind. Tilly’s life was her own, not mine to interfere in. She made her choices. I fell asleep repeating this to myself as disturbing thoughts crept through my mind.

  I stood outside the run-down form of St. Mary’s Orphanage for Girls, staring up at the building. I had spent over one decade here, yet it now seemed so foreign to me. Invisible hands held me back from crossing the street and entering the place I’d once considered my home.

  Nervousness was a sentiment I rarely suffered from. Given my experience with the dead, I seldom found many circumstances with the living that flustered me. Still, my experience here, while not horrid, could not be categorized as pleasant. My life had taken a tremendous turn for the better, and I had no desire to return to my previous world.

  Nevertheless, I had a task to complete. I drew in a deep breath, steadied myself, and took my first step toward the building. I drew confidence with every step I took. And by the time I climbed to the top step, I knocked on the door without hesitation.

  One of the younger girls, with whom I was not well acquainted, opened the door. “May I help you?” she asked in a crisp voice, as we were instructed.

  “Yes, Mrs. Lenora Fletcher to see Headmistress Williamson,” I announced. The girl stood aside, motioning for me to enter the foyer.

  “Wait here, please, madam, I shall announce you,” she responded.

  “Thank you,” I said, clutching my purse in both hands as I stood awaiting an audience with the headmistress. Normally being in this position was not something to be enthusiastic about, however, this time was different. Still, my stomach disagreed with my breakfast as old sentiments swept over me.

  The girl disappeared into the headmistress’ office, then returned a moment later. “You may enter,” she stated, motioning to the door.

  I nodded at her, entering the room and closing the door behind me. Headmistress Williamson tended a plant near her window. She glanced to me as I entered, nodding her head as she returned her gaze to the plant.

  “Headmistress Williamson,” I began, though the waving of the headmistress’ hand interrupted me.

  She finished watering her plant before speaking. I expected an offer to be seated, however none came. “Well, Lenora,” she stated as she set the watering can aside, “I cannot say I am surprised to see you. I suspected it was you when Molly announced the name, though I was not sure. I believe she misspoke your name, assuming you a married woman. I shall speak to the child about the danger of assumptions.”

  “But…” I began, attempting to set the record straight.

  Another dismissive wave as Headmistress Williamson spoke over me. “Lenora, please. You have not been given permission to speak! Now,” she continued as she paced behind her desk, “you may NOT have your old room back. I am afraid you shall be given the only available bed remaining in the facility in the attic. You are quite lucky there is any space at all, girl!”

  I sighed and the headmistress finally set her gaze upon me. I prepared myself for the inevitable chiding about my sighing, but she stopped short. I glanced up at her, noting her furrowed brow and slack jaw. For the first time in my visit, she had looked at me and actually seen me. My appearance should have made it obvious I did not plan a return to the orphanage for boarding.

  I took advantage of her lost voice to fill in the details before any embarrassment occurred on either of our parts. “Headmistress Williamson, please allow me to make clear my purpose here. I have not returned to reclaim a space at the orphanage, quite the opposite.”

  “Oh?” Headmistress Williamson queried in a hoarse voice.

  “Yes,” I continued. “I am here seeking a girl to fulfill the position of ladies’ maid.”

  Her brow remained furrowed as she processed the information. “You… wish… You wish to fulfill a ladies’ maid position for your mistress?”

  “No,” I corrected. “I wish to fulfill a ladies’ maid position for myself.”

  “Yourself? Lenora, stop talking nonsense and explain yourself. How many times have I told you to be clear when you speak? Now, what is it you wish to achieve?”

  My shoulders sagged for a moment as I bit my tongue. After a clarifying breath, I explained, “Headmistress Williamson, I apologize if I’ve been unclear. I wish to fulfill a ladies’ maid position within MY household. I am married and mistress of the Blackmoore estate.”

  Shock was
apparent on the woman’s face. She blinked at me as though understanding would not come to her. “You…” she gasped, hesitating and struggling to find words. “You are… the Duchess of Blackmoore?”

  “Yes, I am,” I confirmed.

  The woman collapsed to her chair. After a moment, she motioned for me to sit across from her. Perplexed, she gazed at me. I perched on the edge of my chair, wondering if I should fetch a glass of water for the poor woman. “I see,” she murmured. She raised her eyebrows, swallowed hard, and sat straighter in her seat. “Well,” she began, pushing her shoulders back and raising her chin, “unfortunately, I am unable to assist you.”

  This time, my brow crinkled. Surely, I reflected, there were girls seeking positions at the orphanage. Within three months’ time, all eligible girls could not have found positions. I opened my mouth to question her meaning, but she continued speaking. “There are simply no suitable girls at this time. None that would be able to fill such a role within your particular household.”

  “Oh,” I muttered, formulating my response. “I assumed there may be girls seeking a position. Since I have not been gone long and there were several when I departed. How fortunate they have all been placed.”

  “Well,” Headmistress Williamson explained, “they have not ALL been placed, but again, there are none suitable to join your staff.”

  “Has Margaret found placement?” I inquired.

  “No,” the headmistress answered, drawing the word out. “But I could not let her go at this time, though your husband may prefer I did, pretty girl that she is.” She narrowed her eyes at me, letting out a harsh cackle.

  “Well,” I retorted as I rose to stand, “it appears our business is concluded.” Headmistress Williamson also stood. “I shall see myself out.”

  I approached the door when the headmistress ceased my departure, calling, “Oh, Lenora…”

  “Yes?” I questioned, turning to face her from the doorway.

  “If you are in any position to make a request of your husband, it would prove most helpful for Duke Blackmoore to make a donation to the orphanage.”

  Try as I might, I could not force my lips into a smile, fake or otherwise. Instead, I struggled to stop them from forming into a grimace. “I shall speak with him regarding your request with the utmost haste.” With those words, I stormed across the foyer and departed through the front door. Only once outside did I take a moment to allow the emotions boiling under the surface to bubble up.

  I breathed a shaky breath, my hand still gripping the door handle leading to my former home. My change of position failed to affect Headmistress Williamson’s attitude toward me. Had I expected it to? I was not certain, though in my deepest heart, I had hoped for a different result.

  I set my jaw, pulling myself straighter. I released the door handle and smoothed my skirts, drawing in a deep breath. I should not let it affect me, I decided. As I descended the steps, I caught sight of Robert crossing the street.

  “Robert!” I exclaimed. “Whatever are you doing here?”

  “Collecting you,” he responded. “My business concluded early. I hoped to locate you and lunch at my favorite restaurant. I warn you, it is a pub. Are you game?”

  “I am,” I answered, accepting his arm to walk. We wound through the streets, ending our journey outside a pub.

  Robert stared up at the building, then eyed me. “I hope you don’t find the establishment too coarse. The food is quite good.”

  I smiled at him. “I do not object.”

  “You are quite a good sport, Lenora,” Robert mentioned, holding the door open for me.

  We sat in a booth near the fireplace. Warmth flowed from its crackling fire. “How was your visit to the orphanage?” Robert asked after our order was placed.

  “Brief,” I stated, not meeting Robert’s eye. “Headmistress Williamson is very busy.”

  “Was she able to help you settle the position?”

  “No,” I admitted, “she had no suitable girls available.”

  “Really?” Robert questioned. “I am quite surprised.”

  “As was I,” I conceded. “I have not been gone long. I assumed several of the girls there when I departed remained. Had I realized she had no suitable girls, I would not have wasted her time and mine.”

  “The headmistress must be well-connected to have gained placements for all of them,” Robert commented.

  “I did not gather the impression they were all placed, merely that none of them were suitable to join our household.”

  “That seems an odd statement,” Robert commented.

  “Odd or not, it was the entirety of her response. I am not surprised. She and I were not cordial. Though I admit not to have expected the cool reception I received. Despite her lack of help, she did solicit a donation request on your behalf.”

  Robert lifted his eyebrows but allowed the subject to drop. “Unfortunate she was unable to settle the position. Though, allow Henry to handle it. He will make short work of the matter, I imagine.”

  “I will,” I agreed.

  Our food was served, and I realized as a whiff passed under my nostrils, how hungry I was. “Are you anxious to return to the castle?” Robert inquired as we began eating.

  “Yes,” I confirmed, “I am most anxious to return home.”

  Robert offered a half-smile. “It warms me to hear you call it your home.”

  “I am glad it pleases you,” I answered.

  “And I am glad it pleases YOU,” Robert replied with a chuckle.

  “It does,” I disclosed. “I have a tremendous sense of contentment there.”

  “Despite your midnight hauntings?”

  “I am accustomed to these phenomena.”

  “I must admit, it is odd to me how you take these events in stride.” I nodded, familiar with the sentiment. Most others with whom I was acquainted found me odd. “Do not misunderstand me, Lenora. I do not find YOU odd. Merely the ease with which you accept the events surrounding you.”

  A half-smile crossed my face as, for the first time in my life, I experienced acceptance from another living person. “I am glad,” I murmured, unsure how to respond, having no experience with this feeling.

  We spent the remainder of the meal discussing household details. During the afternoon, we took in the scenery in a park despite the chill in the air before returning to our hotel. As we approached the building, Robert confessed he had a surprise for me.

  “A surprise?” I questioned, shocked but curious.

  “Yes,” he mentioned as we entered our suite of rooms. A crate sat on the table inside the entryway. “I hope you shall be pleased.” Robert removed the lid, allowing me to view the contents.

  Books filled the crate to the brim. “For your library,” Robert added, with a grin.

  I smiled at him, a genuine, open smile. “Robert!” I exclaimed.

  “Are you pleased?”

  “Pleased is an understatement,” I assured him, returning my gaze to the books. I reached out to touch them, feeling their covers beneath my fingertips. Excitement coursed through me at the thrill of discovery and promise of new adventure the books brought. I imagined the words on each page, inhaled the scent of the paper and bindings.

  “Your books seem to bring you much joy. Again, I confess to have seldom used the library at Blackmoore Castle, though, your zeal for reading is obvious. I hope these additions will bring you delight.”

  “I have no doubt they will,” I voiced, eyeing the books with eagerness. I turned to Robert and, with a wide grin, exclaimed, “Thank you!”

  He matched my expression. “You are most welcome, Lenora.” He kissed my forehead before suggesting we change for dinner.

  The following morning brought a dreary January day. Eager to return home, I awoke early and prepared for the journey. Dressed in my peach traveling dress, I awaited the carriage to be loaded for the return trip. My crate of books was placed with the luggage, bringing a smile to my face.

  We departed following b
reakfast, and I settled in for the long journey to the highlands. “Oh, I hope you do not mind, Lenora,” Robert stated as we climbed into the carriage, “I have one stop to make. I trust it shall be brief.”

  “Not at all,” I replied. With a crack of the whip, the carriage lurched forward, and we set off. The buildings passed by the window as the carriage wound through the streets.

  After a few moments, the buildings passing us became shabbier. I did not recall traveling into town past these squalid buildings. Within another moment, I recognized my surroundings. Our carriage approached the orphanage.

  Surprise surged through me as the carriage pulled to a stop outside St. Mary’s. Perhaps Robert planned to acquiesce to Mistress Williamson’s request for a donation. The door to the carriage popped open and Robert exited, reaching inside for my hand. “Come, Lenora, this shan’t take long.”

  I accepted his hand as I climbed out of the carriage, still unclear on the nature of our business. We climbed the steps and Robert introduced us to the child who answered the door. We were shown inside and asked to wait while we were announced.

  The child ushered us into the headmistress’ office moments later. The headmistress sat overlooking papers on her desk. Without glancing up, Headmistress Williamson began speaking. “Lenora, I informed you yesterday that…”

  “Excuse me, madam,” Robert interrupted. Headmistress Williamson’s head shot up from her desk and her mouth gaped open.

  “Duke Blackmoore!” she exclaimed, leaping from her chair.

  “Yes, and my wife. You should take greater care, madam, to address her in the proper fashion.”

  “Oh,” she hesitated, “yes. My apologies, Duchess Blackmoore. Won’t you both be seated?” Headmistress Williamson motioned to chairs across from her. I had never witnessed the headmistress flustered before, though it was obvious she was at this moment. “May I offer you tea?”

  “No, we shan’t be long,” Robert responded. Turning to me, he said, “Please sit, dear.”

  I took a seat across from the headmistress, still unclear on the purpose of our visit. Robert remained standing. “What may I help you with, Duke Blackmoore?” she inquired.