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

replied, motioning to the pull cord on the wall. “Or I can inform her to arrive at the time of your choosing.” He paused, awaiting my answer.

At the orphanage, I dressed myself, never requiring assistance, though I had no ladies’ maid at my disposal even if I needed it. I evaded the question. “I shall ring if I require assistance,” I informed him.

“Very good, miss.” He nodded his head to me, taking a step toward the door. He hesitated a moment as though considering something, then said, “And welcome to Blackmoore Castle. I do hope you will find yourself at home here.” He offered a kind smile.

“Thank you,” I responded, matching his expression. “The castle and my room are quite beautiful. I am sure I will find myself content here.”

He nodded again and departed, pulling the doors shut behind him. Alone, I continued gawking at the room. The bedroom I shared with seven other girls at the orphanage was smaller. I wondered if the room may compete in size with the entirety of the upper floor at the orphanage. A silly thought, of course, but it adequately conveys the overwhelming size of the room in comparison to what I was accustomed.

Despite the journey being tiring, I sank onto the chaise lounge before undressing. I took several deep breaths as I surveyed my surroundings again, each time noticing something new. Shock began to set in as silence settled around me. What had I agreed to, I pondered? I was engaged to be married in three days’ time to a man I’d only met one hour ago. A man who had me driven sight unseen from an orphanage to a castle in the Scottish Highlands.

I shook my head. I’d given my response, and I intended to keep to my word. Dwelling on my choice would only prove to drive me mad. It appeared my life had taken a turn for the better, regardless of the strange circumstances that brought this to fruition.

Before my mind chose to wander any further, I rose from my seat and dressed for bed. Carefully, I folded my dress and opened the wardrobe to place it inside. I found three other dresses inside, none of which were mine. Fine materials made up each elaborate dress. Two appeared to be for day and one for evening.

I placed my dress in an empty spot and closed the wardrobe, crossed the room and climbed into bed. As I slid beneath the bed linens, my feet touched warmth. A bed warmer had been placed at the bottom of the bed. I’d never experienced the luxury of warm sheets on a chilly night in the past. The sensation was pleasant. I laid in bed staring at the canopy over me, my thoughts crowding my mind, each vying for my attention.

I recalled those thoughts as I gazed out of the window from my tower room. Thoughts which seemed foreign to me now. In three months, I had grown into my role. Tomorrow night, we would attend our first event as a married couple, my first event in high society. I would ring in the New Year as a duchess among the lords and ladies of the land.

The dinner gong sounded, breaking into my thoughts. I pulled myself from my ruminating, setting my book down on the nearby table. I traversed the many halls to my room, pulling the cord on the wall as I entered to summon the maid.

She arrived within moments, undoubtedly anticipating the call. “Good evening, Your Grace,” the girl greeted me.

“Good evening, Elsie.”

The girl, a housemaid, doubled as a ladies’ maid, helping me to fasten my dresses and finish my hair. I used her as little as possible since it pulled her from her other duties. It was a rather unfair situation to have thrusted upon the poor girl and one that I planned to remedy soon. I thanked her for her assistance as I pulled on my gloves. She excused herself from the room with a curtsy and I found my way to the drawing room where Robert and Henry Langford awaited me.

“Good evening, Your Grace,” Henry addressed me.

“Good evening, Mr. Langford. I am so pleased you could join us for dinner.”

“Good evening, Lenora,” Robert said. “And how was the dress fitting? Ready for tomorrow?”

“Yes,” I replied.

“Are you looking forward to the party?” Mr. Langford inquired as we made our way into the dining room.

“I’m afraid Lenora may be rather dreading it,” Robert admitted as he took his chair at the head of the table.

“I am not,” I countered. “Though I cannot imagine you are looking forward to explaining my humble beginnings on our first outing.”

“You care too much of others’ opinions, Lenora,” Robert warned. “I shall explain nothing to anyone beyond what I want them to know.”

We continued the meal, discussing the advent of the new year and Robert’s upcoming trip to Glasgow in early January. I excused myself after dinner, allowing the men to speak about their business, and retired to my bedroom.

Chapter 3

I presented myself early the following morning, awaiting Robert’s arrival at the breakfast table. “Good morning, Lenora,” he greeted me. “You are up early.” He seated himself at the head of the table, retrieving his newspaper.

“Good morning, Robert. Indeed, I am. I confess to having an ulterior motive.”

“Oh?” he inquired, setting his paper aside.

Our breakfast was served, and I proceeded with my request prior to my meal. “I should like to take on a ladies’ maid. I hoped to travel with you to Glasgow to engage one. Are you agreeable?”

“To Glasgow? Have you someone specific in mind?”

“Yes,” I confirmed. “I won’t be any trouble. I shall not interfere with your business dealings, I promise.”

Robert chuckled and set his gaze on me. “Dear Lenora, you could never be trouble.”

“So, you agree?”

“Yes, I agree. It is a splendid idea.” I offered a slight smile, beginning my breakfast. “I’m quite pleased, Lenora. You are finally settling in to your new role.”

“I am quite settled,” I assured