LETTER TO A DUCHESS (EBOOK)

My eyes fell to my first birthday gift.  Very appropriate, indeed, my mind concluded.  My reminiscence almost caused me to forget the letter I’d received entirely.  I found myself eager to continue the novel I’d begun earlier after meeting my new steed.  Though my eagerness was tempered by my curiosity.  My gaze shifted to the envelope addressed to Mrs. Robert Fletcher, Duchess of Blackmoore.

My brow crinkled as I considered the sender.  As Robert’s second wife, I’d received little correspondence over my first year as mistress of Blackmoore Castle.  As I settled in to my life here, I assumed my humble beginnings would facilitate few invitations.  Still, there had been some.  Though most of those came addressed to Robert rather than me.

I shoved my book aside and pulled the correspondence from inside.

As I unfurled the paper, I noted the shaky scrawl of the handwriting.  I pondered who the writer may be as I began my perusal of the note.

My dearest sister-in-law Lenora, 

I write you in the hopes you will take pity on me and offer your unique assistance.  I have found myself in a spot of terrible trouble and have no one else to which I can turn.

I realize we are not close, but please know I require your help more than you can imagine.  

I am ashamed to recount my tale of woe to you, Lenora.  I can imagine you will shake your head in disgust.  You may even refuse to help me, finding my circumstances a result of my own poor choices.  If you choose that, I shall accept the outcome.  Though I beg you to take pity on me, your wayward brother-in-law.

On the night of 15 October, I imbibed a fair amount of alcohol.  Later that evening, a drinking companion of mine, Gerard Boyle, was reported for drunken behavior near the docks.  When the police arrived, they found him face down.  Assuming him passed out from the drink, the lawmen attempted to revive him.  Unfortunately, for both me and my companion, they realized he was no longer of this earth.

A knife stuck from his chest and blood pooled under him.  I apologize for the vulgar details, but it is important for you to understand what you may involve yourself in.  And I pray you do, for my sake.

You see, Lenora, following Gerard’s murder, I was taken into custody by Glasgow police officers.  I have spent my time since in a small cell.  While I have been accused of this terrible crime, I did not kill Gerard.  

Lenora, you must believe me!  Even in my drunken state, I did not kill the man.  I swear on my life, Lenora, and beg of you to believe me.

I also beg for your help.  I have no one else to which I can seek assistance.   I have no funds by which to seek legal counsel.  I have no way to prove my innocence.  And I swear to you, I am innocent.  Please, Lenora, can you help me?

You realize the relationship or lack thereof between Robert and me following the fallout of the revelation of my involvement in his first wife’s demise.  I am certain he would disapprove of this correspondence.  

While I am reluctant to ask you to keep this information from your husband, I fear I may risk any assistance if he becomes aware of my writing to you.  Please use your discretion.

I await your response, though understand if I should receive none.

Yours in hope,

Edwin