Death of a Duchess Nellie Steele (young adult books to read TXT) 📖

“Yes, I can recall many a pleasant morning there with Nanny as a young laddie.”

“And I am certain Samuel will enjoy many happy days there as well.” The child began to fuss in my arms. Robert glanced to him, giving his cheek a stroke. “It is time for his feeding. I shall be in my bedroom with him.” Robert smiled at me, kissing Samuel on the forehead, then me.

I took my child to my bedroom to feed him. When finished, I gathered him into my arms, intending to take him to my tower room for a nap while I read.

As I navigated the halls, I quieted Samuel with a lullaby. My focus on the child caused me to miss the figure lurking in the hallway just before the tower stairs.

The dark figure approached me and we nearly collided due to my carelessness. I noticed at the last moment, stumbling back a few steps as I exclaimed aloud my surprise. Strong hands steadied me from toppling over as I lurched backward.

“My sincere apologies, Duchess,” Edwin said.

“Mr. Fletcher,” I choked out. “I thought you had left the estate.”

He paused, staring at me a moment, before answering. It was the first time I had gotten a good look at him. His eyes were stormy gray, a match to Robert’s. His unruly dark, curly hair similar to Robert’s as well, though his contained no streaks of gray. The family resemblance between the brothers ran strong. Though where Robert carried himself with a regal air and possessed a charming demeanor, Edwin’s countenance suggested a troubled man. His features betrayed a man deeply disturbed by something. On the surface, I could not identify the source of these troubles, though.

“The fault is mine. I did not mean to startle you,” he said. His voice, calm and measured, sounded unlike Edwin.

“It is no trouble, Mr. Fletcher,” I answered. I glanced to Samuel to ensure his wellbeing after my startled outcry.

“Please, call me Edwin,” he said. My brow furrowed, and I glanced to him for a brief moment. This new version of Edwin baffled me. “We are, after all, family. We have gotten off on the wrong foot, haven’t we?” Edwin added when I did not respond to his comment. “For that, I apologize. It is also my doing.”

I shook my head. “Think nothing of it,” I stated, still uncertain of his motives.

Edwin paused for a moment. “I intended to leave the castle after our earlier conversation, but I returned before even collecting my horse. I…” His voice trailed off. I stared at him, waiting for him to continue. “I wished to speak with you. That is, if you are agreeable.”

“To speak with me? Concerning what?” I questioned.

“I wished to thank you, Lenora. Oh, do you prefer I use your formal name?”

“Lenora is fine,” I answered. “To thank me for what?”

“The gesture of including me as the child’s godfather. I reacted badly, I realize, though it never occurred to me to have been considered for the role. I confess I was taken a bit off guard.”

I heaved a deep breath, pondering my response. What was his aim, I wondered? This about face confounded me. Was he earnest in his remarks or was this some sort of game?

“There is no need to thank me,” I replied. “I am only sorry the request proved to drive the wedge further than to close the growing distance between yourself and Robert, as it was intended.”

“Yes, I understand, and you need not offer your apologies. The fault is altogether mine.” I offered a slight, tight-lipped smile. “Though even I maintain I am a less-than-desirable choice for the role. I am certain you and Robert shall choose far better. And I shall be satisfied to be simply ‘Uncle.’ May I see the child?”

“Of course.” I held the child out in my arms for Edwin to view. “Uncle Edwin, meet Samuel, your nephew.”

Edwin smiled at Samuel. “Rather a handsome chap,” he said. “I did not realize you planned to adopt a child. It all came as a shock to me, which is part of the reason for my poor reaction. I am not excusing it, though, I would prefer to explain. In the interest of establishing a better relationship between us.”

“You are not required to explain to me, though I appreciate it. However, the child came as quite a surprise to us as well. We were not planning to adopt. An acquaintance of mine passed away, giving birth to Samuel. Robert suggested we adopt the child.”

Edwin frowned. “His father did not protest?”

“No,” I explained. “She was unwed, and the father not identified.”

“Oh,” Edwin exclaimed, surprise in his voice. “You are full of surprises, Lenora. An unwed and pregnant acquaintance? Wherever did you meet?”

I ignored the comment about my surprising nature. “His mother was a student at St. Mary’s Orphanage when I was. So, you see, the addition of the child to our home was not intended to defraud you of anything. In fact, the decision had nothing to do with you. Only with our desire to help the orphan child.”

“St. Mary’s Orphanage? You were an orphan?” His face screwed up with confusion as he inquired after my humble beginnings.

“Yes,” I confirmed. Edwin’s eyebrows raised, and I added, “There is nothing salacious about the tale, I assure you.”

“I did not mean to suggest there was. However, of late, my brother has been quite a recluse. I cannot understand how you could have met to begin with, but with the knowledge of your time at St. Mary’s, I confess to be even further baffled!”

“Robert heard tale of my unique ability from a friend. One of my former classmates was in the man’s employ and knew me well. After he discovered my talent, he had Mr. Langford collect me from the orphanage and …”

Edwin held up a hand. “Unique talent?” he questioned.

“Yes,” I stated. “I can communicate with the dead. I assumed you may possess this information already.”

Edwin’s eyes went wide and his jaw