The Duke's Daughter (Editing)

Chapter Four

I’d never been out of out the country, much less New York City. But as the boat left the dock of the only place I’ve ever known, I couldn’t feel anymore free than I ever had in my life. For the first time in years, I felt that hope would finally arise in me. The dream of my brother and I finally meeting the man that left us would finally come true. So many questions came to mind, how many things I wanted to tell my father.

“Excuse me, madam, but your aunt has asked that I show you to your room.” Frank said interrupting my thought.

“Oh yes, of course.”

“I’ve made sure that your things have been situated, there is no need to worry about that.” He showed me to my room, a cabin so small I was surprised I could even fit in it.

“And I thought my room was small enough,” I mumbled.

“You should see my cabin,” he laughed, “You remind me so much of him.”

“Do I?” I asked, in shock, “Megan said Jerry was the one who looked more like my dad.”

“Well, of course he does; spitting image of your father as a young man. But you still do remind me of him. Your mannerisms, the way you speak, yes so much like Richie.”

“You don’t call my father, Richard?” I asked.

“Well when you have known your father as long as I have you start to develop a sort of friendship.” Frank chuckled as we started walking out back into the fresh air.

“How long have you known my father?”

“Oh, let’s see, I was about nineteen when I started working for the Duke of Northumberland. You’re father must’ve been but fifteen at the time.”

“Wait is my dad some sort of royal or something?”

“Not exactly, no,” Frank patted me on the back. He showed me a plush couch to sit on and lit his cigar as he continued, “Just a Duke is, all. You know, have parties, charity functions, and perhaps meet a royal or two.”

“How did he become a duke?”

“By family blood of course! Why he’s a first born, even though he never acted like one. No, he was much like his father, God rest his soul, always so cheery and happy to be around others. His mother on the other hand, oh Lord. No that woman, I still can’t stand her. It’s been thirty years, Heaven forbid, and she finds everything insulting. No wonder Henrietta is the way she is, always followed her mother around, she did.”

“I don’t understand why my dad had to change his name to Upchurch instead of keeping his real name, what was he so afraid of?”

“Richie never wanted any real special attention when he went to college. Wanted to be one of the fellows and not reminded everyday that he was an heir.”

“Then why didn’t he tell Megan? I mean they were married. And then to leave us like that…” I look down at my dirty shoes, trying not to tear up.

“He never meant to leave, you know. It was just that his father had a ghastly disease. We all had hoped Fredrick would survive, but…” Frank trailed off into his own thoughts. There was one thing about Frank that I started to realize: he was very serious man, strictly business. Yet I could tell he did his work with motivation that no other person could endure.

“There you are,” I turned around to find Jerry walking towards us and soon enough, sitting next to me on the plush couch, “This boat is amazing, such an amazing structure. Too bad, I can’t have a nice cabin like some people on this boat. So what are we talking about, here?”

“Just about your father is all,” replied Frank.

“Now this I wouldn’t mind hearing.” Jerry started to get comfortable.

“Would you mind, if I go and write for a little while?” I asked.

“Sure, but you’re gonna miss all this stuff about Dad.” Jerry replied.

“Oh, I think I’ve had my fair share. See you two later.” I got up from side of the couch and found myself a nice little bench near the water so the fresh cool sea air ran through my hair. 

                    Dear Diary,

                      Is it possible that dreams come true? All my life I spent wondering if my father really cared for me like Jerry said, and now I might actually believe it. I’m on a boat to a distant land in England named, Northumbland. Or Northumberland? I’m not quite sure anymore, but I will finally see the man I’ve wanted to see since I was a little girl. Will he actually want to see me? Will he think I’m nothing more than just a child to give money to and then put out in the streets? Will he love me?

“Lenora!” Aunt Henrietta’s voice startled me, “Oh darling, for goodness sake, you look dreadful. And to think I was going to allow you to look like that for supper. Oh no, no, no. It’s a good thing I had my maid pack me an extra evening gown that my dear Olivia cannot fit in to anymore. Hopefully it will fit you, you do have tiny figure just like my sweet Livy. Well come along now, let’s get you ready.”

Perhaps in my aunt’s mind, her sweet Livy was petite, or perhaps I’m much tinier that I could ever imagine. But the putrid green dress that I wore for supper that even was not appealing on me whatsoever. “Isn’t there anything else I can wear? I do have one dress that might still fit.” I commented.

“Lenora, child, stop complaining. Be grateful I even considered letting you wear this gown.” Said Henrietta, scolding me not just with her mouth but also with her eyes.

“But I don’t know if this—“

“Listen to me, you wretched ungrateful girl, just because you happened to be my beloved brother’s daughter doesn’t mean you can tell me what you want and what you don’t want. Is that clear?” Her face was only inches from mine.

“Yes, ma’am,” I managed to blurt out as I tried to clear my throat.

“Good, now, go find your brother and tell him not to be late for dinner.” I scurried off after her last words. I’d only met my aunt a few hours ago and already I wasn’t sure if I wanted to meet the rest of the family. Had they already judged Jerry, Megan, and I? Did they truly think we were going to act so impossible? This only made me more determined to prove to the world, I wasn’t what I seemed.