Death of a Duchess, Nellie Steele [non fiction books to read .txt] 📗

his sorrow, though, I caught a glimpse of something else in his eyes: hope. I could not extinguish that small glimmer that kept him clinging to life. I nodded slowly. “Yes. I agree.”

He breathed a visible sigh of relief as he leaned back in the chair, sharing a relieved glance at Mr. Langford. He nodded toward Henry who said, “I will see that all the appropriate changes are made to the estate documents first thing in the morning. And make the necessary final arrangements.” Henry swallowed the last of his brandy, setting the glass down. “I shall have documents to you by afternoon for signatures. I shall take my leave now. Lenora, I hope you enjoy a restful first night in your new home. Good night, Your Grace,” he said, bowing toward Duke Blackmoore. He strode from the room.

“Thank you, Lenora,” Robert said, once we were alone. “We shall wed at mid-week. A simple ceremony. My apologies that you won’t receive a lavish wedding. The dressmaker has been engaged to come tomorrow. She should have a dress prepared by the wedding, along with whatever else you desire. I’ve had several dresses ordered along with other things you may need. Feel free to order whatever may appeal to you.”

The statements confounded me. I still wrestled to comprehend the sudden turn of events. My husband-to-be set a generous bounty at my feet. And he continued as my mind struggled to catch up. “If there is anything you prefer to change within the household, you have free rein. Make the castle what you want, Lenora. It hasn’t known a female touch in three years.”

I mustered a tight-lipped smile. “Thank you, your offer continues to prove most generous.”

“Do not thank me, Lenora. I offer no more than any man should offer his wife. What you provide in return goes beyond anything material.”

“Concerning your request,” I began. “I do not control my ability. That is, I cannot initiate it at the snap of a finger. This may take time…”

Robert interrupted me. “I understand, my dear. I ask only that you keep me apprised of anything you learn as you learn it.”

“I shall,” I agreed.

“Do you require any …details?” The man’s face contorted with grief as he asked the question.

I shook my head. “No, Robert. I shall not press you for details. I am capable of retrieving them on my own and should prefer to. I shall not ask you to relive the painful memory.”

He offered a weak smile. “I am most grateful.” We sat for a moment near the fireside, allowing the conversation to settle around us. “Your journey must have been tiring. I am sure you would like to retire.”

“Yes,” I agreed. I stood from my chair as he rose, steadying himself with the cane. “Please do not trouble yourself. If you provide direction, I am certain I am capable of finding my place.”

“You must learn to be less accommodating, Lenora,” Robert answered with a chuckle. “You are soon to be a duchess.”

“Duchess or not, I shall remain the same independent woman I was when I arrived on the property,” I assured him, earning a half-smile from him. “And I do not wish to trouble you with your injury.”

“If you are determined to be so understanding of me, I shall ring for Buchanan, who will show you to your room and ensure you have everything you need.”

I returned his slight smile. “I am determined and am capable of ringing,” I informed him, pulling the cord on the wall.

Within seconds, Buchanan appeared, obviously awaiting word on whether or not I would join the household. “Buchanan,” Robert said as Buchanan entered the room, “please show Miss Hastings to her room and ensure she has everything she needs for her first night in the castle.”

“Very good, Your Grace,” Buchanan said with a head bow. He turned to me. “If you’ll follow me, Miss Hastings, I shall show you to your room and arrange for anything that may be lacking.” He motioned for me to precede him through the doors leading to the foyer.

I stepped toward the door, turning back before leaving. “Good night,” I said.

Robert craned his neck around the chair. “Good night, Lenora. Sleep well.”

I stepped into the foyer and waited for Buchanan to lead the way to the bedroom. We ascended the curving stairway to the balcony overlooking the foyer. He led me through several hallways, arriving outside of large peaked double doors. He pushed both doors open into the room, standing aside to allow me to enter first.

I stepped through the doorway, my eyes drawn upward within the impressive room. A fire roared in the enormous stone fireplace near to which stood a four-poster bed with heavy navy wool draperies. A white dressing gown and heavy red velvet robe were laid out on the bed, their colors contrasting with the navy bed covering. A chaise lounge was positioned near another fireplace in the room, along with a small table and two wing-backed armchairs. A large wardrobe adorned the space as well. Overall, the room was elaborately decorated. I noticed my well-worn copy of Frankenstein laid out on the night table next to the bed.

The entire room had been prepared for my arrival. The room and its preparations left me speechless for a moment. As I gaped around, Buchanan cleared his throat. The small sound reminded me of his presence. I had forgotten, so caught up in the beauty of the room. “I have taken the liberty of having your case unpacked. Everything you need should be available. I shall send a maid to assist you with undressing. If there is anything I have not attended to, please inform her and I shall see to it at once.”

“Thank you, Buchanan. It appears you have taken care of everything. I do not require a maid this evening. What time should I present myself for breakfast?”

“Duke Blackmoore takes his breakfast in the dining room at six-thirty. Ring for the maid when you would like to dress,” he