Death of a Duchess: A Duchess of Blackmoore Mystery (Duchess of Blackmoore Mysteries Book 1) by Nellie H. Steele

Author:Nellie H. Steele [Steele, Nellie H.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: A Novel Idea Publishing, LLC
Published: 2021-04-30T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

I stared down at the sleeping baby next to me on the bed. His soft rhythmic breathing soothed me. After his feeding, he had gone to sleep shortly after a bit of rocking. With no bassinet, I laid him on the bed for a nap. Here he had slept for over an hour. I was content to read my book as he napped.

The outer door to our suite opened and shut. I assumed it signaled Robert’s return. Not wishing to disturb the child, I remained on the bed. A light knock sounded at the door. “Come in!” I called just above a whisper.

The door opened a crack and Ella stuck her head inside. “I hope I am not disturbing you, Your Grace, but I wanted to inform you of my return.”

“Oh, Sinclair! Welcome back! Come in. How was your visit with your mother?”

Sinclair slipped in the door, closing it behind her. “It went very well, Your Grace. Thank you for asking. Mother wished me to pass along her gratitude for allowing me the day off to visit. We …” Her voice trailed off mid-sentence. An odd expression crossed her face. Her mouth gaped open as she stared wide-eyed at the bed. “Is that a…” Her voice dropped off again as she motioned toward the baby.

“A baby, yes,” I confirmed. “We have had some… developments on our end.” I motioned for her to approach the bed.

Ella neared the bed. “Meet the newest Fletcher,” I said.

“He is a beautiful child,” she answered. “But…how?”

I patted the bed, encouraging her to sit. “It is rather a long, scandalous tale, but I shall explain.”

“Oh, not if you do not wish to, Your Grace,” Ella replied.

“I do not mind. I am only forewarning you, so you are not shocked by some of the more salacious details.”

I explained to her about Tilly’s circumstances, beginning with her departure from the orphanage to her untimely end. “I could not leave the child behind,” I expounded. “I took him with the intention of finding a placement for him. It stunned me when Duke Blackmoore suggested we adopt him. Though I confess I am thrilled.”

Ella smiled at me, grasping my hand in hers. “I cannot imagine better parents for the child. I am certain your classmate would be elated by the prospect.”

I returned her smile, squeezing her hand. “Thank you.”

“May I hold him?”

“Of course!” I exclaimed.

Ella scooped him up into her arms. The baby cooed, stretching his tiny arms before settling back into sleep. “What a precious child,” she breathed. “What will you name him?”

I rubbed his cheek. “If you do not mind, I should like to discuss it with Duke Blackmoore first before I reveal the name. I have told Mr. Langford, only so that he may begin the paperwork for his adoption.”

“Of course, Your Grace.”

Ella patted the baby’s bottom gently as she held him. I gazed over her shoulder, smiling down at the tiny form. “Duke Blackmoore has gone to make arrangements for Tilly’s funeral,” I explained. “We shall have to delay our return to the castle until after she has been laid to rest.

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