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

presence. Still, the deed had been done. I had accepted the responsibility of placing the child. I would do my best to explain the situation to Robert and hope he could accept the temporary disruption to our lives. With any luck, I mused, Mr. Langford could place the child tonight.

I convinced myself all would turn out well as I descended the stairs leading to the brothel. I glanced up to the sunny sky, glad for a bright, warm spring day. I worried the child may catch a chill had the weather been damp.

As I began down the street, a clock tower chimed. Already half-past one, I realized. With a sigh, I hurried through the streets. Even at this frenzied pace, I would be late to meet Robert. The entire somber business at the brothel had taken longer than I’d expected. I used the time to practice what I might say to my husband. Explaining the sudden presence of a newborn may prove complex.

Our hotel came into sight and I hastened toward it. I rounded the corner, spotting Robert checking his pocket watch as he stood near the gates to the park. A sigh escaped my lips and my heart thudded in my chest as I crossed the street to the park.

As I approached him, he caught sight of me. His eyes widened and his brow furrowed in confusion. “I apologize,” I puffed, winded from my hasty excursion through Glasgow’s streets. “I was unexpectedly detained.”

His eyebrows raised as he continued to stare at the babe in my arms. “Clearly.”

“I can explain,” I added.

“I hope so,” Robert exclaimed, “as this is a most unexpected turn of events!”

The baby mewled, fussing as he wiggled in my arms. “May we walk as I explain?” I requested. “It may calm the child.”

Robert motioned for me to proceed him into the park and I followed the path, taking a leisurely pace. Robert remained silent as we strode along. I waited a few moments before proceeding, unsure where to begin. “I am not certain where to begin,” I confessed. “Though I shall try to make sense of this. Please know that I am most regretful of the inconvenience and beg your understanding in the matter.” My words came in a breathless, clipped manner as I fretfully attempted to gain Robert’s compassion. If I’d had use of my hands, I am certain I would have wrung them, though they remained clutching the child to my bosom.

Robert waved his hand at me. “Calm yourself, Lenora. I am not angry, only curious. Tell me what’s happened.”

Robert’s understanding astounded me. I hoped his calm, measured manner persisted throughout my wild tale. I nodded, taking a breath before relaying the story. “It is Tilly,” I said. “Oh, I am afraid I haven’t been entirely honest with you. You see, Tilly… she left the orphanage to strike out on her own. It did not turn out at all as she expected. And… she fell into a rather bad way. I had hoped to liberate her from her circumstances by taking her on as my ladies’ maid. But when I called on her to make the offer, I found her… unable to accept. She found herself in the family way. Only…” I struggled to make clear the more disgraceful details.

Robert nodded his head as I labored to explain. He raised his hand, ceasing my stuttering. “I understand. Presumably this sort of thing happens quite often in her profession.”

I stared at Robert, aghast. “You…”

“Yes, I realized after our first conversation about her. You carefully danced around the details. It seemed obvious to me what you were attempting to hide. Of course, there was no need to dwell on such a vulgar topic, so I did not.”

“You said nothing to betray your understanding to me,” I mused aloud.

“It seemed important to you to protect the girl’s reputation, so I said nothing.” How kind, I reflected. “So, she has had her baby, I presume.”

My mind snapped back to the matter at hand. “Yes,” I said, glancing to the child.

“And she has asked you to care for it?” Robert queried.

“More or less,” I replied.

Robert glanced to me and I ceased my walking. I faced him and explained further. “Tilly died this morning, shortly after birthing the child. I arrived too late. She was already passed. But… given my ability…” I paused, pushing back the tears that threatened to spill onto my cheeks.

Robert’s expression softened, and he put his hand on my arm. I pulled myself together and pressed on. “She asked me to take the child. I could not deny her that request. Given Tilly’s death, the boy was to be left on the nearest orphanage’s doorstep. She begged me to provide him with better. I could not bring myself to refuse her. I grew up in an orphanage! I realized the life he would lead there. So, I took the child. I thought…” I paused again, glancing around the park as I searched for the strength to finish. “I thought we could find a placement for him. I realize the disturbance taking the child will cause, but it will only be temporary. I shall do the work myself to find the placement. And I shall care for any of his needs myself. I am accustomed to infants. I cared for several at St. Mary’s. I promise it shall be no trouble to you. Though I understand if you object. If you do, please say it and I shall rectify my mistake at once.” I babbled on, my voice growing frantic with upset. The child awoke in my arms during my frenzied speech and began to whimper. The whimper soon turned into a forlorn wail.

Robert took my shoulders in his hands. “Lenora, Lenora, stop, please.” I ceased my chattering and stared at him, awaiting his decision. “You have worked yourself into a quite a state. And your upset has disturbed the poor child.” I did my best to hush the baby, rocking him gently in my arms and