Death of a Duchess

by Nellie H. Steele

  “I understand and will use the utmost discretion when discussing the subject with anyone, including Duke Blackmoore.”

  Dr. MacAndrews nodded. “The answer to your question is yes. Mrs. Fletcher was pregnant when she passed. I had not confirmed the pregnancy when she was alive. Though she was far enough along that she must have suspected.”

  “How far?” I questioned.

  “About four months.”

  I nodded. Yes, at four months, a woman would know, I concluded. “Thank you, Dr. MacAndrews. The information helps. I have no additional questions at this time. I thank you for your time and your candid response. Good day, doctor.” I turned to exit.

  “Oh, Duchess Blackmoore,” Dr. MacAndrews said, halting my departure. “Do let me know the results of your investigation. I am most fascinated by your ability. And by whatever answers you may find as to why the poor woman chose to end her life.”

  “I will,” I assured him and took my leave. I exited onto the street into the cool morning air.

  Ella greeted me. “Was Dr. MacAndrews able to help, Your Grace?” she inquired in a hushed tone.

  “Yes,” I responded. “Let us go to the milliner and discuss the conversation privately as we return to the castle.”

  Ella nodded, and we proceeded down the street at a slow pace, though my ankle withstood the jaunt. I concluded my business, and we climbed into the carriage to return to the castle. Once alone, I rehashed the story after reaffirming the tale would remain between us.

  “So, you were correct, Your Grace!” Ella exclaimed.

  “Yes,” I answered, my gaze falling on the scenery as it passed outside the window.

  “You do not seem pleased,” Ella noted.

  I pursed my lips. “It is true I gained the information I sought. But now I must piece together how it helps.”

  “But it explains why Mrs. Fletcher has shown you a child and motioned to you about a child.”

  “Yes, it resolves that mystery but adds several others.”

  “I am not sure I understand,” Ella answered.

  “The main question remains. Why did Annie fling herself from the tower? What caused her to choose to end her own life?”

  Ella nodded. “And the confirmation of her pregnancy does little to answer that question.”

  “No, in fact, it confounds me further.”

  “How so, Your Grace?”

  “If Annie was with child, why did she kill herself? Was she not overjoyed to provide Duke Blackmoore with a child? What would cause an expectant woman to become so despondent she would end her life and the life of her unborn child?”

  Ella settled back into her seat, her gaze falling to the passing scenery as we climbed toward Blackmoore Castle. She possessed no answers, and neither did I. It reduced us both to silence as we parsed through the information at hand.

  We arrived at the castle and I found myself greeted in the foyer by not only Buchanan but also Annie. She hovered at the top of the stairway, her gaze on me unwavering. I met her stare as I removed my gloves.

  “Your Grace,” Buchanan said as he collected my cloak, “Duke Blackmoore requested your presence immediately upon your return.”

  “Oh!” I replied, handing him my gloves. “I shall go as soon as I have removed my hat.”

  “Very good, Your Grace. You will find His Grace in his study.”

  “Thank you.”

  I climbed the stairs with Ella in tow to remove my hat. Afterward, I navigated to my husband’s study. My ankle, now swelling slightly, offered some protestation, though the pain was tolerable.

  I took care not to limp into the study when I entered after a quiet knock.

  “Ah, Lenora!” Robert greeted me, standing from his work and approaching me.

  “Buchanan said you wished to see me at once.”

  “Yes. How was the outing? Did you secure a new hat?”

  “I did,” I reported. “And my ankle gave me almost no trouble. Though I believe I will rest it this afternoon. But not before I visit Samuel.”

  Robert smiled at me. “Before you depart, dear, I hoped to discuss a small matter with you.”

  “Of course,” I responded.

  Robert crossed behind his desk. “Edwin managed to become wrapped up in some sort of business arrangement with the vile Sir Richard. As a goodwill gesture, he took it upon himself to invite the horrid man to our home for a dinner party. It is against my better judgement, but he has put me in a rather tricky position.”

  “I understand, dear. I shall do my best to be a gracious hostess. When is the dinner party to occur?”

  “As always, you prove gracious and valuable beyond measure, Lenora. In his infinite wisdom, Edwin extended the invitation for tomorrow evening. Though he mentioned there being no need to make arrangements for a balanced party. Apparently, Edwin is seeing to that. I shudder to think.”

  I suppressed a chuckle. “I shall be prepared and will discuss special arrangements with Mrs. MacAlistair.”

  “Good, thank you, dear. I have already had Buchanan warn her, though meal choice is best left to you and her.” I nodded and turned to depart before Robert called me back. “Oh, Lenora?”

  “Yes?”

  “Sir Richard is… well, I am sure I do not need to remind you of his boorish tendencies. I apologize for subjecting you to a night with the man though…”

  I waved my hand in the air. “I understand, Robert. Business is business. I shall entertain him for your sake and Edwin’s, despite his churlish nature.”

  “Again, I am indebted to you. Though I shall do my best to ensure you are not found alone with him at any moment. Annie did not care for the man either. Why I continue to involve myself with him is beyond me. I suppose because Edwin entraps me into dealings with him.”

  “He is detestable, though, obviously he excels at business dealings.”

  Robert grinned at my response. “Indeed. You are quick-witted, Lenora. I enjoy that so.”

  I returned his expression. “I am glad you enjoy it.”

  “Give Samuel a kiss for me, won’t you, dear?”

  “I will,” I promised before departing.

  After visiting with Samuel and settling meal courses with a frazzled Mrs. MacAlistair, I lunched and returned to my room to rest my ankle. After my active morning, my ankle had grown to twice its normal size.

  I planned to spend the afternoon reading and resting. My mind failed to focus on my book. Instead, it returned to my investigation into Annie’s death. I flung the book onto the bed next to me as I pondered the latest developments. My suspicions were confirmed by Dr. MacAndrews this morning. Annie had been pregnant. She had likely been aware of her pregnancy, or at least suspected it, though she had sought no medical care. Why?

  In the dream version of my message from Annie, Edwin had been present. Why Edwin? What had he to do with this piece of the puzzle? My mind stretched to fill in the gaps but found only blanks.

  If Annie was about to provide Robert with his first child, what could have happened to drive her to such lengths? My mind searched and searched, yet found no answers. I brooded over my lack of progress. I settled one matter only to have more questions crop up.

  I felt further from resolving the matter than I had when I arrived. “What am I missing?” I mused aloud. I recalled Annie lingering at the top of the stairs upon my return to the castle. Perhaps she had more information to share.

  “Annie?” I called out. “Annie, are you there?” Silence met my query. I sighed. “Annie, you must provide me with more information!” Quietness hung in the room.

  I crossed my arms in frustration. My foot tapped the air, and I pursed my lips. I must seek more information. Resolute, I swung my legs over the bed and slid to standing. I winced as my ankle objected to my activity.

  I ignored it and proceeded to the hallway. I navigated to the fated tower room. I stood at the bottom of the curving stairway, vacillating about my decision to seek information. With a shake of my head, I dismissed any misgi
vings and decided to proceed. I swallowed hard as I placed one foot on the first step.

  I forced myself up the stairs. My previous experience here still haunted me despite having been here several times since. I stood outside the doorway and peered into the room. My breath caught in my throat as I spotted the boarded windows and the bare hinges.

  I leaned into the room. “Annie?” I whispered.

  Nothing moved or responded. I stepped inside, my hand still clutching the door jamb. “Annie?” I asked in a hushed tone. My eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign of the specter. I found none.

  “Annie,” I said, raising my voice to a normal level. “Annie, I realize what you have been attempting to communicate to me.” I paused, awaiting a response. After a breath, I continued. “I know about the baby, Annie. I have deduced it! Are you proud of me? I have done it!”

  No response greeted me. Silence hung heavy around me. “But now I need more! You were with child, what drove you to take your life? Please! Give me more information!”

  My words echoed in the empty room. I waited with bated breath for any signal. None came. With a sigh, I retreated from the room. Dejectedly, I stepped onto the first step leading down the stairs. I took a wistful glance back toward the room. Movement caught my eye.

  “Annie!” I exclaimed, racing back inside.

  At this juncture, dear reader, I must pause. The memory of what occurred next remains painful and haunting. To this day, I have wondered if my decision to return to the tower was a mistake. Should I have continued back to my bedroom? Should I have left well enough alone?

  In all honesty, I suppose the truth would always have come to light. I realize my discourse with the dead would mean I would likely have learned the truth, eventually. I suppose the point is moot. Though I still have difficulty with the memory, I shall press on so you are aware of the full story.

  I returned to the tower room to find Annie. Her dark eyes were fixed upon me and her cheeks were tear-stained.

  “There you are!” I said. “Oh, Annie. I am sorry this is painful for you. Though I have gained a piece of the puzzle. I realize what you have been attempting to impart to me. You were with child when you died.”

  Annie’s specter shuddered as fresh tears streamed down her face. I continued, unaware of what troubled her beyond the death of her unborn child. “What disturbs you about the child so? I saw her playing by the stream. She is lovely. I…”

  My words were cut off by Annie. Her figure charged at me and an icy hand clamped over my mouth. My eyes went wide with shock. I stumbled back a step, shrinking away from her. “I did not mean to cause you distress,” I apologized.

  Annie retreated across the room, her shoulders slumping as sobs wracked through her. After a moment, I tried again. “Annie,” I said in a hushed tone, “what troubles you so?”

  She did not answer. I urged her again. “Annie, please. I do not understand. I am stumbling in the dark. I have learned of your pregnancy, yet this seems to distress you more. Were you not overjoyed to learn you would give Robert a child? Were you unaware of the child? How does this play into your death? Please, I am struggling to understand, you must help me.”

  Annie turned back to me, her eyes blazing red. They bored into me and I shrank back from her piercing gaze. I wondered if I should, perhaps, leave. Annie’s behavior continued to devolve as her upset grew. She balled her fists at her sides and growled.

  It seemed an opportune moment to depart. I would learn nothing more, and my presence seemed only to antagonize Annie. I stepped backward toward the door. As I reached it, I turned, intent on descending the stairs.

  However, I found myself unable to pass through the doorway. Despite there being no door on the hinges, it was as though one stood in my way. I pressed my hand into the empty space and found it unable to reach beyond the threshold. Mystified, I spun to face Annie.

  Her face contorted into a mask of pain. I had never witnessed her this distraught. Even when she lured me to the tower and I pitched over the side, Annie remained calm. What disturbed her so? The thought flitted through my mind before worry replaced it. Why did she bar me from departing? What about the revelation of her pregnancy caused such strife?

  “Annie…” I began to protest when Annie let out an ear-splitting shriek. I clasped my hands over my ears and attempted to depart a second time. I could not.

  When I turned to face Annie again, I found her huddled on the floor, her back toward me. I took one step toward her when I lost my footing. Invisible hands clutched at me. I struggled against them, but escape was impossible. The unseen force shoved me to the floor, my arm twisted behind my back. My chin scraped against the cold stone floor as weight bore down on top of me. Pain shot through my wrist and shoulder as my arm wrenched as I struggled to free myself. With my free hand, I sought to crawl away, my fingernails digging into the hard stone until they bled.

  I was flipped onto my back. I lashed out at the air, attempting to stop whatever was happening to me. I screamed for help, but an icy, invisible hand clamped over my mouth, muffling any sound. A crushing weight held me in place and hot air swept past my neck. I experienced the sensation of lips being forced upon mine. I grimaced as hands grabbed me in unwanted places. The sound of ripping fabric reached my ears before pain shot through my body. I fought to free myself, but the task was impossible. Tears spilled down my cheeks as I bit my lower lip until it bled. Time stopped. Seconds seemed like hours and I fought to maintain my senses.

  When the pain ceased and the weight lifted off me, I curled on the floor for several more moments, weeping. When I was able, I lifted myself from the floor, half-crawling, half-running to the doorway. I prayed my progress would not be impeded this time.

  I found the way open, and I stumbled blindly down the stairs, tears clouding my vision. I choked on sobs as I scrambled through the hallways, desperately seeking the safety and comfort of my room.

  I tumbled through the door, shutting it behind me, and stumbled to the chamber pot across the room. I retched several times before collapsing on the floor next to it. Curled in a ball, I remained there for several moments, tears still falling freely.

  My mind struggled to comprehend the entirety of what happened and to push the horrible memory away. In only a few moments, my world had been turned upside-down. Physical and mental pain pummeled my very soul. As I grappled with the experience, I was unable to do more than lay still on the floor until my mind calmed.

  Time passed without my realizing. I focused all my energy on calming my mind. I did not hear Ella enter the room. When she touched me, I recoiled. My body still trembled from my experience.

  “Your Grace?” she inquired. “Your Grace, are you ill?”

  I nodded, searching for my voice. “Yes,” I choked out. I grasped her hand, and she lifted me from the floor.

  “Oh, no!” Ella exclaimed. “Allow me to help you into bed.” Ella steadied me on my feet, and I strove to cease the tremors in my body. “I shall fetch the doctor.”

  “No!” I exclaimed. “Please.”

  Ella raised her eyebrows but acquiesced. “As you wish, Your Grace. I shall have a toddy sent up along with a light meal.”

  “No, I could not stomach anything. But I would like to change.”

  Ella nodded, offering a sympathetic gaze to me. “Sit here,” Ella instructed, easing me onto the edge of my bed. “I shall handle everything.”

  I swallowed hard, searching my mind for a response. My eyes stared ahead, focusing on a spot on the floor. After a moment, I forced myself to follow Ella as she flitted around the room.

  “You should have rung for me at once, Your Grace,” Ella offered.

  “I… I was unable,” I forced out.

  Ella pulled my shoes off then stood, placing her hand against my forehead and cheek. “You do not feel feverish. From what symptoms do you suffer, Your Grace?”

  I paused a moment, attempting to hold my emotions in check. “I…” I began. “I…” I tried again, my vo
ice breaking.

  “Your Grace!” Ella exclaimed, her eyes widening. She sunk onto the bed next to me and placed her hand on my shoulder. “I have never seen you like this. What is it?”

  I met her gaze, tears forming in my eyes. One escaped, spilling down my cheek. “I cannot explain.”

  “Did you endure another experience with Annie?” Ella guessed.

  I nodded. “Yes,” I responded in a hushed tone. “It… disturbed me.”

  Ella offered a supportive smile before pulling me into a warm hug. “It is all right, Your Grace. You are safe now. I shall stay the night with you to ensure she does not disturb you again.”

  The genuine caring soothed me and for the first time since the incident, I began to relax. I pulled back and wiped my tear away. I nodded, managing a tiny smile in return.

  “Now, let us get you into bed. And you should put something into your stomach. Perhaps some broth or bread. Even if you are nauseous, you must try to keep something down.” I began to shake my head when Ella continued, “Do not fret, I shall not leave you. I shall ring for one of the maids.”

  Ella continued with my undressing. As she removed my dress and I slipped into my nightgown, I began to feel more normal. After a deep inhale, I said, “Thank you. The sentiment is very much appreciated.” When she finished, I added, “Please give my apologies to Duke Blackmoore regarding dinner.”

  “Of course, Your Grace. Just allow me to ring for service.” She retreated across the room and pulled the bell then returned to my bedside. “Feeling any better?”

  “Yes,” I said as I pulled the sheets a tad higher on my lap. “Yes, I am beginning to improve.”

  Ella took my hand in hers. “Can you tell me what happened? Perhaps it would help.”

  I bit my lower lip, wincing a bit as I hit the area I gnawed earlier. “Annie and I…” I paused. “I went to the tower.”

  “Your Grace!” Ella exclaimed. “Thank goodness you were not harmed!”