Death of a Duchess by Nellie Steele (the beginning after the end novel read TXT) 📗

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