Page 83 of The Duke of Ruin
Making a quick decision, Diana increased her pace to catch up with the housekeeper and did so on the landing. “Mrs. Marley, may I speak with you a moment?”
The housekeeper turned, her brown eyes reflecting a slight surprise. “Oh, Your Grace, I didn’t see you. Of course. How may I be of service? Or is this about the wedding?” Her lips curved into a small smile.
“It’s not, actually, but the arrangements are coming along.” After what Diana had learned yesterday, she wondered whether it was appropriate to host their wedding here at the chapel. While none of what happened was the housekeeper’s fault, Diana couldn’t help being bothered by her role. She found herself thinking of what Mrs. Dodd had said—if only Mrs. Marley had kept what she’d seen to herself.
Except then she would’ve borne the burden of that secret, and Diana decided that would have been terrible. Mrs. Marley wasn’t at fault; however, perhaps the housekeeper could help. “I hope you won’t mind my asking, but I wanted to speak with you about the former duchess’s death.”
Mrs. Marley glanced toward the bottom of the stairs, and her face paled. “They were standing right here.” She looked around at the landing before settling her somber gaze on Diana.
A shiver jolted up Diana’s spine, and her skin turned to ice. “Would you tell me precisely what you remember?”
The housekeeper closed her eyes for a moment, her features tensing. When she opened her eyes again, there was anguish in their depths. “I’ve worked so hard to block it from my mind, ma’am, but I can try.”
“I understand. And I appreciate you trying.”
Mrs. Marley gave a small nod. “They were a happy couple at first. Which is why what happened was so awful. We were all shocked.”
“Are you speaking of the accident?”
“And what happened before.Whyit happened.” The housekeeper looked away.
The rumored affair.
“Go on,” Diana urged. She’d started this folly, and she meant to finish it.
“They were only married a few months before Her Grace got with child. I’m not sure where the rumor started, but it was soon whispered that the babe wasn’t His Grace’s.” Mrs. Marley said this with considerable effort, her face reflecting her sorrow.
“And why was this suspected?” From everything Diana knew, it made no sense.
“There was a young footman who was clearly enamored of her. They were seen together on several occasions—close together.”
“Someone saw them…kissing?”
“No, not that. They were very discreet.” Mrs. Marley clasped her hands together nervously. “Or maybe there was nothing, and it was just a rumor. How can we ever know?”
That was unfortunately true. In fact, they’d never really know what happened here on the stairs. So why was Diana asking this poor woman about it? “We can’t. Just as we can’t know what happened after you turned from their disagreement in this very spot.”
Tears formed in Mrs. Marley’s eyes, but she blinked them away. “I was so distraught after it happened. Even now, I can’t think about it without becoming upset. And to stand here discussing it…” Her voice trailed off, and she sucked in a sharp, quick breath.
Diana put an end to the torture. “Let us not speak of it.” She touched the housekeeper’s arm gently. “I’m sorry I brought it up, and I shan’t do so again. The Duke is very fortunate to have your support—you mustn’t blame yourself for telling the truth.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” Mrs. Marley bobbed her head. “You’re too kind.”
“Come, let us get off this landing.” Diana forced a soft laugh, then led the housekeeper down to the hall where Lowell met them. He cast a concerned look at his betrothed but didn’t say anything.
Mrs. Marley continued toward the kitchens.
“Your Grace,” Lowell began. “The dowager is in the Blue and Gold Room and asked if you might join her.”
“Thank you, Lowell.” Diana made her way to the drawing room and found her mother-in-law ensconced in her new favorite chair, scratching Humphrey’s head.
“Good afternoon, Diana,” the dowager said. “I’m glad to see you’ve taken the time to rest after yesterday’s trials, but may I say you still look a bit pale.”
Diana had already learned that her mother-in-law didn’t mince words. “I just had an encounter with Mrs. Marley on the stairs. I’m afraid I reopened the old wound and asked her about the accident.”
The dowager nodded serenely. “You mustn’t chastise yourself. It’s natural to want to find answers. I did the same after it happened. I interrogated every member of the staff. She’s the only one who saw anything, and even then, it wasn’t enough to provide a full account.”
Diana sat on the settee and surveyed the garden behind the house. Simon was out there somewhere on his vast estate, conducting the duties he felt he’d neglected for far too long. She missed him.
