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

my curious traits, had called me the cleverest student she had ever taught. Indeed, I clung to my studies as a child clings to a cherished toy. Despite my quick mind and academic talent, I had never been engaged as a governess by anyone who sought such a girl at the orphanage. Though qualified, Headmistress Williamson had a knack for guiding the employing family away from me and on to “more suitable” girls. She told me once, in a private meeting in her office, that she preferred I not be selected in case there were any “incidents” caused by my wicked vice, as though I had some control over my ability to see the dead.

Still, it seemed the most likely conclusion when Mr. Langford loaded me into a carriage and transported me to the Scottish countryside. I recalled my reaction to his announcement that I was to become the Duchess of Blackmoore.

“Married? A duchess?” I cried. “Sir, do you jest?”

He chuckled before answering. “No, Lenora, I do not. However, I shall allow Duke Blackmoore to explain further.”

I sat back in my seat, considering the information. I had not anticipated such a turn of events. In truth, given the revelation, I wondered if the events of the morning were as fortuitous as I originally assumed. Still, I assured myself in the quiet moments as the castle drew ever nearer to us, that whatever may come, I should survive it.

“Fear not, Lenora,” Mr. Langford commented, breaking the silence between us. “There is nothing nefarious in the offer.”

The carriage slowed to a stop in front of the castle and we disembarked. Mr. Langford led me into the castle where Mr. Buchanan met us. “Good evening, Mr. Langford. His Grace is awaiting your arrival in the drawing room.”

“Thank you, Buchanan. Before we seek an audience, allow me to introduce Miss Lenora Hastings, Duke Blackmoore’s fiancée.”

I managed a tight-lipped smile and a soft hello, still finding the words of my engagement strange sounding to my ears.

Buchanan bowed his head to me. “A pleasure, Miss Hastings. I shall anticipate working for you as mistress of Blackmoore with much eagerness.”

My mind, still reeling, struggled to comprehend his words. Overseeing a castle as mistress was never a position I imagined I’d find myself in. “As shall I,” I managed with another curt smile.

“To begin, may I take your cape, miss?”

“Oh!” I answered, feeling foolish and raising my eyebrows as I undid the tie. “Certainly and thank you.”

“I shall place it with the others. Should you need it merely ask myself or one of the servants.”

“Oh,” Mr. Langford interjected, waving a hand in the air. “I do not mean to overstep, Lenora, but the cape may be given away. Duke Blackmoore has already arranged several articles of clothing for you. And the dressmaker shall arrive tomorrow. Should you find the cape already ordered unacceptable, she can see to a new one for you.”

I handed the cape to Buchanan as I stared in disbelief at Mr. Langford. So, my things were to be discarded? “Mr. Langford…” I began to protest.

He held up a hand to hush my tongue. “Do not dispose of it yet, Buchanan, however, I am quite sure Lenora will find no more use for it after this evening.”

I blinked my eyes several times, stunned by the situation, yet allowed it to unfold around me.

“Very good, Mr. Langford,” Buchanan’s deep voice boomed as he bowed his head and trundled across the room and down the hall. I followed his large form as it disappeared down the hallway, my cape with him.

“Come, Lenora,” Mr. Langford encouraged me. “It is time to meet Duke Blackmoore.” I didn’t move for a moment, my hesitation clear as the situation spiraled beyond my grasp. I possessed no details and only a vague understanding of the expectations of me. My discomfort with the lack of information must have been apparent to Mr. Langford, because he continued speaking when I did not budge from my spot. “There is nothing to fear, Lenora. I expect after discussing the details with Duke Blackmoore, you shall find yourself most comfortable with the arrangement.”

I drew in a deep breath and nodded my head. I had come this far. There was no harm in hearing the man out. Mr. Langford ushered me into a room off the large foyer. A fire roared in the massive fireplace across the room. The rest of the colossal room remained dimly lit. A man’s figure, visible only from the side, stared at the dancing flames.

“Duke Blackmoore,” Mr. Langford addressed him.

The man spun in his seat to face us. “Henry,” he answered without standing. “And Lenora, I presume?” His gaze rested on me.

“Yes, Duke Blackmoore,” Mr. Langford confirmed, “allow me to present Miss Lenora Hastings.”

“Come closer, my dear,” Duke Blackmoore instructed.

With my hands folded in front of me, I approached the man in his chair. He struggled to standing with the assistance of a cane. As I approached, I noticed his thick, dark, unruly hair was streaked with gray and hard lines cut into his face. He could easily pass for my father. His light gray eyes studied me. Though his face, hair and reliance on a walking aid suggested old age, his eyes disagreed. I detected something unusual in them, as though he was seeing for the first time. “Good evening, Duke Blackmoore,” I greeted him with a curtsy as I had been instructed in the orphanage.

“Do not curtsy, my dear,” he chided. “You shall soon be a duchess. We shall share the same rank. Hmm, you are more beautiful than I expected.”

I swallowed hard, finding my voice. “Your Grace…” I began but was stopped by Duke Blackmoore’s waving hand as he teetered on his cane.

“Please dispense with the formality, Lenora. My name is Robert, you shall address me as such.”

I swallowed again. “Robert,” I began, my voice faltering as I struggled to speak his name outright, “I hope you will not find my comments out of turn, but I am quite in the