Death of a Duchess by Nellie Steele (i like reading books .TXT) 📕

direction. It brought a smile to my face as I spotted the many toys Robert had purchased scattered in the large and well-lit room.

Overall, the day nursery had a pleasant presentation, and I congratulated Mrs. Thomson on her fine work. She inquired as to whether I should be reviewing the qualifications of those interested in the positions to care for the child, or if Robert preferred to review them. Uncertain, I informed her I would speak to Robert and provide an answer to her later.

With Samuel in my arms, I traversed the halls to speak with Robert on the matter. I arrived at Robert’s office, where I expected to find him reviewing correspondence missed during our time in Glasgow. I discovered an empty office. “Where might your father be, Samuel?” I asked the child in my arms.

I navigated to the foyer in search of Buchanan. As I descended the stairs, I overheard Robert’s voice coming from the sitting room. The doors were slightly ajar, so I entered, expecting to find him discussing something with Buchanan.

“Robert,” I said as I pushed through the doors, “Mrs. Thomson wished to know if you preferred to review applications for Samuel’s…” My voice stopped mid-sentence as I spotted another man in the room.

Edwin spun to face me. “Forgive me,” I murmured to Robert, “I did not realize you were speaking with Mr. Fletcher.”

Edwin’s jaw dropped and his eyes widened. His eyebrows raised high. He guffawed, setting his brandy glass on a nearby table and burst into applause.

“Edwin, have you gone mad?” Robert questioned after his theatrical display.

“Not at all, dear brother!” He turned to me. “I offer you my congratulations, Duchess! I have far underestimated your unique abilities!”

“What nonsense are you prattling on about?” Robert demanded.

“Why, your wife’s obvious talents, of course,” Edwin responded. “The extraordinary qualities she possesses.” For a moment, I assumed he had slithered through the more boorish gossipers and discovered my supernatural ability. “In an attempt to ensure her future here, she has conjured a baby from thin air!” He waved his arms around, imitating a magician. My face set into a frown at his comments. “And further, she has convinced you, big brother, to raise this child of enigmatic origin.”

“Stop this behavior at once!” Robert bellowed.

“Oh,” Edwin continued. “I underestimated the lengths you will go to, Duchess, to secure your place here!”

“I said enough!” Robert roared, grasping Edwin by the collar. “I will not have you speaking this way about my wife or my child in this house.”

Edwin wrestled himself from Robert’s grip. “Your child?” Edwin questioned, his voice incredulous. “YOUR child? It isn’t even HER child! Oh, Robert, she really has you wound around her finger, doesn’t she? I always considered you too proud to raise another man’s child.”

“I will not discuss the matter further with you, Edwin. If you cannot control your tongue, we shall cease the discussion of our business immediately.”

“I assume this development alters my prospects quite a bit?” Edwin questioned.

“I shall leave you to discuss business,” I said.

“Oh no, no, please stay, duchess,” Edwin responded. “Witness firsthand the product of your handiwork.”

“Stop accusing Lenora of these things!” Robert shouted. “The product of her handiwork is the noble deed of providing a motherless child with a home. The world does not revolve around you and your needs, Edwin. It is a childish view to match your childish behavior.”

“I assume this is why you summoned me?” Edwin queried. “To inform me of the demise in my future outlook.”

I found the statement odd. Robert had requested Edwin’s presence? Why? “No,” Robert answered as I pondered Edwin’s comments. “While it is true Samuel will be named as heir, that is not what I invited you to discuss.”

So, I mused, Robert had invited him to the castle. For what purpose?

“Then what?” Edwin asked, his mind clearly pondering the same question.

Robert sighed, clasping his hands behind his back in his usual manner. “We are choosing godparents for Samuel’s christening. Lenora, being kindhearted in nature, suggested you. Though I disagreed on the surface, in an attempt to model more of my wife’s virtues, I reversed my decision and asked you here to discuss the matter with you.”

Edwin did not respond. I read his expression to convey a mixture of confusion, regret and surprise. Robert continued, “Though I can see that this was a mistake. You have no tact nor courtesy. Your demeanor makes you both an improper and undesirable choice.”

Edwin slammed his brandy glass on the table next to him. “Yes, I’ve always known that,” he hollered before storming from the room.

The door slammed behind him as he departed. Samuel jumped in my arms at the noise and began to wail. Robert closed his eyes in frustration and disgust as I quieted the child. “I am sorry, Robert,” I said.

Robert waved his hand, opening his eyes. “Do not apologize, Lenora. The man is an… well, never mind.”

“I should not have suggested you ask him. It was not my place. The fault is mine.”

“As the child’s mother, it is your place. I had hoped the conversation would go differently, but, alas, even this olive branch he has spat out.”

“Perhaps he will come ‘round,” I offered. “Though if you prefer, we may move forward with Lord and Lady Sinderby.”

“Yes, I shall write to Lord Sinderby in a few days’ time.” Robert paused a moment. “Oh, you wished to speak with me? I had nearly forgotten with all the fuss.”

“Yes,” I replied. “Mrs. Thomson wished to know which of us would review those applying for the nursery positions. I should be happy to do it. Though, if you prefer to oversee the task, I have no objections.”

“I leave the task in your capable hands. I prefer you to select the women you will entrust Samuel’s care to.”

I smiled and nodded. “I shall inform Mrs. Thomson to forward all correspondence on the matter to me.”

“Are you pleased with the nursery? I have not had the chance to inspect it as yet.”

“Very,” I informed him. “The day