His Last Duchess

by Merrilee Robson

About the Author: Vancouver writer Merrilee Robson’s short stories have appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, the People’s Friend, and many other magazines and anthologies. Her traditional mystery, Murder is Uncooperative, is set in a non-profit housing co-op in Vancouver, BC. Merrilee is vice president of Sisters in Crime – Canada West and a former director of Crime Writers of Canada.

Excerpt

“Are you sure he doesn’t have a mad wife in the attic?” my sister asks when she first sees the house. She walks around the living room, taking in the view of the flat, grey ocean, glancing at the blank space above the gas fireplace. “At least there’s no portrait of the first Mrs. de Winter.”

“Mary, this isn’t a novel.” I smile, as if I think she is joking. Zach’s been divorced for over five years. And the housekeeper’s name is Teresa, not Mrs. Danvers, so I think I’m safe.”

Her brow is wrinkled with worry. “But he’s so much older than you. Are you sure about this? It all happened so fast. You hardly know him.”

Zach is fifteen years older than me. That’s no big deal.

I smile at my sister. “Yes, it was a whirlwind romance. Now come see the rest of the house.”

“Sure,” she says. “I need to check the attic.”

Despite Mary’s snide remarks, the house is nothing like the mansions in gothic romances. They are set in the remote countryside, dark and chilly buildings with miserable servants. Stuffed with worn furniture passed down through generations. And draped in cobwebs.

This house is in a city. Our neighbors aren’t too close but I know they are there.

The rooms are open, airy. On the main floor, they flow from one to another, with few walls to break them up.

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