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

A knock sounded on the door and Ella entered when I called. “Your Grace,” she said with a curtsy, “Mr. Fletcher is downstairs requesting to see you.”

“Edwin?” I questioned with a frown.

Ella nodded. “Should I make your excuses, Your Grace?”

“No, I had better take his call. I do not wish to cause any further strife within the family.”

“But your ankle! Can you manage a walk to the sitting room?”

I pushed myself up to sitting. “No,” I admitted. “No, you are correct, I do not believe I should. Perhaps you had better offer my apologies.”

“I shall pass it along to Mr. Buchanan.”

I returned to fussing over Samuel. My mind dwelled on the repercussions of refusing to speak with Edwin. I hoped it caused no issues.

“I hope your uncle does not take this personally,” I said to Samuel. “He can be quite melodramatic.”

Samuel’s blue eyes stared up at me as I spoke. I smiled down at him. A ruckus in the hall drew my attention from my child. Loud voices conversed for a moment before my door burst open.

“… most objectionable, sir!” Buchanan said, following Edwin through the door.

Edwin waved his hands at Buchanan. “I am her brother-in-law. I assure you there is nothing untoward. Besides, Miss Sinclair can chaperone.” He grinned and winked at Ella who stood, her mouth hanging open in shock at the turn of events.

“Edwin!” said I. “What a surprise. Thank you, Buchanan, you may go.”

Buchanan glanced between me and Edwin before turning on his heel with a huff and exiting.

“Lenora. When Buchanan said you were under the weather and abed, I took it upon myself to visit you here. I do hope it is not a problem. I have a gift for my nephew!” He waved a wrapped item in the air.

“How kind of you,” I answered. “I am sorry I was unable to take your call elsewhere. I am still unable to bear much weight on my ankle.”

“Yes, terrible shame. And on your first outing with the horses. I hope it hasn’t put you off riding entirely.”

“Not at all,” I assured him. “I do hope to try my hand again at it soon. I found it enjoyable.” Edwin smiled at me. “You said you had a gift?” I prompted.

“Oh, yes!” Edwin exclaimed, passing the wrapped item to me.

“Again, how kind.” I unwrapped it, finding a model ship in the package. “A ship!” I admired the item, turning it around in my hands.

“Yes!” Edwin exclaimed. “I had one like it when I was a boy. I enjoyed it in the nursery on many occasions!”

“How lovely. I am certain Samuel will enjoy it.”

“I see the little chap is here rather than in the nursery,” Edwin commented. “You are quite the hands-on mother.” I nodded. “When Robert and I were children, we saw Mum for one hour per day, no more!”

“Yes, my methods are unorthodox, I realize, and quite distressing to Nanny Browne.”

Edwin chuckled. He approached the bed, staring down at the child. “Such bright blue eyes!” he commented.

“Yes, I wonder if they will remain. I do hope so. They remind me so much of Tilly’s.”

“Tilly?” Edwin questioned.

“Yes, his mother,” I responded. “Her name was Tilly.” A crease formed in Edwin’s forehead and his eyebrows pinched together. I continued, picking up Tilly’s scarf, “She would have made a loving mother. This is her scarf. I brought it with me when I took Samuel. I try to keep it close to him. Silly, really, I suppose, but I feel he’s comforted by it.”

“That is her scarf?” he inquired.

I smiled down at it. “Yes,” I answered, fondling it. “I understand she cherished it while alive.”

Edwin stalked a few steps from the bed, his finger pressed to his lips. “Edwin?” I questioned.

He spun on his heel to face me. “Oh, yes.” He waved his hand in the air. “Forgive my pensiveness. It is such a fascinating story. And you said… ah… Tessa, was it?”

“Tilly,” I corrected.

“Ah, yes, Tilly. Tilly was a friend?”

“Yes. We spent several years together at St. Mary’s.”

“St. Mary’s?”

“Yes,” I confirmed. “The orphanage where we resided.”

Edwin pursed his lips. “And she remained there after you came to Blackmoore?”

“No,” I answered. “She left the orphanage several months before I did.”

The crease in Edwin’s forehead deepened. “I see,” he answered, rubbing his chin.

His reaction puzzled me. His interest seemed odd, though perhaps he hoped his curiosity would be taken as polite. Edwin’s gaze fell on Samuel. Several moments of silence passed between us before Edwin changed the subject.

“And how is your other project going, sister-in-law? Making any progress in your exploration of Annie’s untimely demise?”

I waved the scarf over my face, peeking at Samuel as Edwin spoke. “Very little, I’m afraid,” I responded, glancing to him.

“A pity. I realize how important the project is to you. Though as I mentioned when we last spoke, it is undoubtedly for the best.”

“And as I mentioned when we last spoke, I disagree.”

“So, Annie has not appeared further to you? No additional information?”

I stopped playing with Samuel to gaze at Edwin. I hoped my survey of him may provide some subtle hint regarding his inquiry. It did not. “No additional information,” I responded, deliberately evading his question about Annie’s appearances.

“Perhaps it is time to abandon the pursuit.”

My eyes narrowed at Edwin. What was his motive? “That seems premature,” I said. “I have only begun to make progress.”

“Some things are best left alone, Lenora,” Edwin responded, his gray eyes set upon me.

He seemed insistent that I cease in my search for answers. I did not wish to start an argument, yet I had no intention of backing down. As I pondered my response, the door swung open and Robert entered.

“Edwin,” he said. “What in heaven’s name…”

I interrupted his statement, recognizing the temper rising in his voice. “He brought a gift for Samuel. A ship!” I exclaimed, holding up the object. Robert’s gaze flicked between us. “Is it not handsome? I am certain Samuel will be keen on it. Very thoughtful.”

“Oh…” Robert paused, his forehead wrinkling.