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

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 breakfast, 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.

“Yesterday, my wife called upon you to discuss the placement of a girl from your school as a ladies’ maid. You were unable to accommodate the request. I find it surprising you were unable to assist her, though I suspect that had little to do with the lack of availability of a suitable girl.”

“Well…” Headmistress Williamson began, her eyes darting around the room as though searching for an answer. “I… I…” The headmistress swallowed hard. “I am not sure what Len… Duchess Blackmoore imparted about our discussion, but the fact is, Duke Blackmoore, there were simply no girls I felt acceptable for the position.”

“No girls acceptable for the position or my wife not acceptable for your girls?” Robert pushed. I realized in that instant the true nature of the visit. My husband had no intention on offering a donation. He meant to scold the headmistress for her treatment of me. Guilt washed over me. I should not have mentioned my disappointment over the incident yesterday.

“Robert,” I whispered, reaching for his hand behind his back.

Headmistress Williamson’s mouth quavered as she considered her answer. “I... That is…”

“That is what, headmistress?” Robert pressed on.

“This isn’t necessary,” I breathed as I stood.

“An apology from Headmistress Williamson is completely necessary,” Robert assured me. “Please sit, dear.” I regained my seat at my husband’s behest.

“Apology?” Headmistress Williamson queried as she seated herself. “Yes, I do apologize for our inability to fill your staff position, however…” Her voice faltered as she glanced to Robert. Robert raised his eyebrows at the word, waiting for her to continue. “However, given Duchess Blackmoore’s… unique view of the world…” she paused. “I am not sure if you are aware of it, but I felt it most inappropriate to …”

Robert held up his hand. “I shall stop you there, madam.” Robert clasped his hands behind his back again, pacing in front of the desk. “Your apology should be directed toward my wife for your less than courteous treatment of her. I am very much aware of her ‘unique view of the world,’ as you put it. And it has carved her into a beautiful, caring, compassionate individual. Qualities that should be prized but instead are scorned. Qualities you obviously lack, headmistress.”

“I am sorry if you deigned my behavior less than suitable, Duchess Blackmoore,” Headmistress Williamson responded. “It was not my intention. I merely considered the situation less than ideal. Though I…”

Robert held up his hand again, stopping her. He raised his voice, heat entering it. “That’s quite enough. You misunderstand my meaning, headmistress. I do not wish you to apologize for my wife’s perception of your attitude. I wish you to apologize for your attitude, intended or otherwise.”

Headmistress Williamson stared at Robert, swallowing hard again. She offered a brief smile at him, turning her gaze to me and repeating the gesture. “I am sorry, Duchess Blackmoore,” she responded just above a whisper.

For a decade, I had endured poor treatment at this woman’s hands. She spurned me for my ability, though, as with most, she failed to understand