The Duke of Whishipper

Chapter 3: The Lady's funeral (3)

Ms. June was sitting on the chair with widened horrified eyes looking down.
She had never dreamt that the supposed dead last heir of the Duke position would come back to this mansion, and, ironically, to a funeral.

The secret deal she discovered that her dear late friend was involved in 20 years ago, was an undescribable shock to her. However, she learned how to live with it. She had to. The time won't rewind and regret does nothing.
They buried and never mentioned that deal after the previous Duke breathed his last.
June is now the only one to know about it and planned to take it to her grave.

Yet, here she hears about the living prove, the supposed Duke of Whishipper, sitting down there with the rest of the guests like a "normal person"!

The maids were nervous and hesitating on what to do with the state of the Head of butlers. Ms. June's condition turned much worst after hearing everything they said.
Even though they were worried about her, they couldn't help but wonder what sort of trouble this so-called Duke was bringing.

A tense atmosphere surrounded the maids before their silent conversation was cut by the rushing footsteps on the stairs.
The voice of the owner reached before him.

"Ms! huff...huff...Ms. June!"

The arriving servant called while catching his breath.
The Head of butlers collected herself and spoke to reassure the four nervous maids and one servant.

"What is it? Hurry up and speak."

June asked with the answer in her mind.
Her stern voice calmed them as the servant replied.

"Mr Dorben, the lawyer has arrived."

"Ah!"

The maids stuttered and exclaimed in surprise. The lawyer came earlier than expected. Which means, more than the grief for the loss, the guests' awaited moment have arrived. The Will of Lady Rina will be revealed soon.
On the other hand, Ms. June nodded her head and stoop up.

"I understand."

Whether this Duke is real or not, she will see for herself.
All forms of panic from earlier left her complexion as they headed down.

With every step, the sound of whispers rose. All eyes were on one young man sitting in a the darkest black grieving attire.
The moment Ms. June looked at him, he rose his head with a slight smile.
The old women froze staring at his pair of glittering eyes. The familiar face from the past that observed her like a predator facing another prey was smiling.
Cold sweat slowly formed on her already pale face the longer they kept the eye contact.
The humble smile on the so-called Duke only grow at her reaction, but his eyes soon moved away.

"Ms. June!"

"Ah! yes!"

June turned her head to the calling servant.

"Are you alright? Do you need more rest? I called for you more than once."

"I'm fine. what is it?"

"Mr. Dorben is over there."

Ms. June turned her head to the man with a stiff face. Although being the trusted lawyer, Larck Dorben was a man in his thirties that followed his family tradition to work for dukedom.

Ms. June greeted him conservatively but Larck wasn't the type to beat around the bush.
He directly asked his concern.

"What do you know anout that young man? The one claiming to be the Duke of Whishipper."

June knew Larck would make things easier for her and start the topic. He was an observant and curious person. But, as he was needed more than ever, she spoke carefully.

"I thought you'd be the person with most knowledge about him?"

Larck scoffed and looked at the direction of the young creepy "Duke" like most guests does.

"My father was responsible for the Lady's last Will. I'm just here to finish his job with reading it."

Larck turned his head to Ms. June with suspicious eyes.

"Everyone that might have information about him have died. Well, all except one."

June kept quiet as she felt her throat dry up.
Mr. Dorben sighted and looked at the bag in his hand.

"I guess we'll find out more very soon."

The guests couldn't help but take glance at the young pale man setting in the back.
Every time they look away, a cold air crawled slowly and stealthily from behind.

The unexpected existence of this new comer was like a bomb to them. His unbelievable words might change their expectation about the Will.
Not to mention it could be true.

Lady Rina had a dead child after all.

End of chapter 3