The gripping narrative of Duchess In Ruins continues to unfold with intensity and emotional depth. Duchess In Ruins Chapter 6-11, takes us deeper into Edele’s complex circumstances, revealing more about her past and evolving relationship with Count Laslo and the household. These chapters explore themes of vulnerability, unexpected kindness, and lingering trauma, making for an emotionally charged story continuation—kindness and cruelty frame Edele’s difficult journey.
Duchess In Ruins Chapter 6: Introducing Daisy
Duchess in Ruins Chapter 6 opens with Edele discovering that the person knocking on her door is Daisy, the youngest maid of the household. Daisy apologizes for visiting so late at night and explains she wanted to give Edele ointment and cream for her pain. Hearing Edele’s nightly moans, Daisy offered help. She expresses concern, stating it must be difficult to endure constant pain, which deeply affects Edele. Daisy’s selfless kindness, rare in her harsh world, is noted by Edele.
The next morning, the Count receives a letter, though its contents remain hidden. He orders someone to “bring her to me.” The narrative shifts to Edele being summoned to the Count’s room. She inquires why he called for her, and he asks if she is familiar with Dowager Marchioness Barbara Celestian. Edele responds that she knows the Dowager but has only had tea with her a few times. The Count reveals that Dowager has written to him, pleading for mercy on Edele’s behalf. The letter states: “I couldn’t help but write to you after hearing what happened. The entire Lancaster house kept her in the dark, so she doesn’t know what happened behind closed doors. Please do not push Miss Edele into greater dismay.”
Edele clarifies that Dowager is merely a kind-hearted person, and their connection is personal, not political. When the Count questions if she fears he might retaliate, she quickly denies it but nervously trembles. The Count, noticing her fear, turns away, ending the Duchess in Ruins chapter 6 tensely.
Chapter 7: Dowager Marchioness Barbara Celestian
Duchess in Ruins Chapter 7 opens with Count Laslo deeply troubled by the thought that Edele views him as a cruel monster responsible for the brutal slaughter of the Lancaster House. He reflects on how she must be disgusted by him and feels guilt over his insensitive questioning. He had only wanted to understand why Dowager was so protective of Edele and what she was thinking.
Edele then speaks up, stating that Laslo has followed the King’s orders and secured victory. She acknowledges that her survival is an anomaly and that he has no reason to feel uneasy discussing it. Laslo marvels at her calm demeanor, despite her apparent pain.
Out loud, Count Laslo tells Edele he wants her to reply to a letter. Later, as night falls, Edele and her friend Daisy converse while heading for a shower despite the cold weather. Afterward, Edele returns to her room and remembers the pen and paper Count Laslo lent her for the letter. She feels restricted as she prepares to write, knowing the Count will review it before sending it. She begins the letter to Barbara with gratitude, recalling how Barbara cared for her and expressing thanks for her kindness despite Edele’s perceived sins.
A flashback reveals their first meeting seven years ago at Countess Roderick’s tea party, where Edele noticed Barbara limping due to a prosthetic leg. Realizing Barbara was being used as a spectacle, Edele introduced herself, recalling how Barbara had helped her when her carriage broke down. This act of kindness sparked their friendship.
Duchess in Ruins Chapter 8: 7 Years Ago
Duchess in Ruins Chapter 8 begins with a continuation of the flashback where Barbara passionately defends against the gossiping noblewomen. The ladies were criticizing another woman they hadn’t invited when Barbara pointed out they were more conservative than during her youth. She questioned why the woman should be criticized for her ambition and success, emphasizing that her household was struggling, and she worked hard to uplift it. Barbara argued that ambition shouldn’t be seen as negative, causing Edele to reflect on whether being ambitious is indeed acceptable.
The next morning, Edele visited Barbara, apologizing for her previous judgment. She admitted she underestimated Barbara’s strength and wanted to become strong like her. Edele asked if she could visit Barbara occasionally, to which Barbara warmly agreed. The two became close friends, and Edele later realized that had she listened more closely to Barbara, she could have avoided her unhappy marriage.
In the present, Edele hands a letter to one of Count Laslo’s staff, asking him to deliver it. Meanwhile, the head housekeeper plots against Edele by whispering lies to Lady Lynnia. Later, Edele speaks with Daisy, who mentions the sudden cleaning spree is likely due to Lady Lynnia’s mood swings. Edele reflects on the lack of guests at the estate and wonders if the rumours surrounding Count Laslo are the cause.
Chapter 9: Lady Lynnia Krissus
Duchess in Ruins Chapter 9 begins with Edele questioning Daisy about the previous maids leaving their positions. Daisy clarifies that while many quit due to the head housekeeper, those who blamed Lady Krissus were often given good recommendation letters by His Lordship, who, despite his intimidating demeanour, was quite kind.
The next day, Lady Krissus summons Edele and begins questioning her marriage to Duke Lancaster, expressing disbelief that Edele married a man she described as a 60-year-old. Edele explains she had no say in her marriage, as she followed her father’s orders. Lady Krissus probes further, asking how Edele could share a bed chamber with such an old man. Edele reveals she never did, as the Duke had a long-time lover who managed his rebellion fund and was presumed dead.
Shocked, Lady Krissus questions Edele’s role in the household. Edele reflects inwardly on her past desire to prove her worth by fulfilling her duties, believing competence could earn her respect. Out loud, she responds that she merely upheld the appearance of a perfect household and managed unpleasant tasks as required.
Lady Krissus accuses Edele of looking down on her with a condescending smile, even suggesting Edele thought she was superior despite being a commoner. Edele, deeply hurt, kneels in submission and apologizes, stating she had no right to sit without permission. Lady Krissus, surprised, questions Edele’s pride, reminding her she was once a duchess. Edele replies that she no longer holds the pride or honour of nobility, having lost everything. As the conversation continues, Edele draws parallels between Lady Krissus and someone from her past—Lynn Canyon.
Duchess in Ruins Chapter 10: Lynn Canyon
Duchess in Ruins Chapter 10 begins with Edele reflecting on the history of the Canyon House. She notes that the family’s rise to nobility was unconventional, as her great-grandfather, a gambler, won a sapphire mine through gambling. After becoming wealthy overnight, he donated a significant amount of gold to the emperor during a financially strained period, earning the title of Count.
A flashback reveals a strict lesson where Count Canyon scolds his daughters. He questions whether Lynn has memorized the four most prestigious noble families. She begins listing them but falters, prompting Edele to complete the answer correctly. Their father emphasizes that these families hold immense power, beyond even the royal family, and insists that they must marry into such families to elevate the Canyon name. Both daughters agree to this expectation.
The scene shifts to a young Lynn, 10 years old, asking her older sister Edele if she will be like her when she turns 12. Edele reassures her that their father’s harsh words are meant to encourage, not to demean. Later, they visit the kitchen, but the butler denies Lynn any snacks, revealing it was the Count’s order due to her poor test performance. Lynn, realizing she hasn’t completed her homework, runs off crying.
As the years pass, Edele becomes the perfect daughter, while Lynn, despite her efforts, struggles with constant failure and falls into despair. Eventually, she gives up and tragically takes her own life. The flashback ends with Edele feeling guilt, believing she failed to help her sister. Now, seeing Lady Lynnia’s pain, Edele wishes she could teach her how to endure suffering. However, she feels powerless and overwhelmed by her helplessness, ending Duchess In Ruins Chapter 10.
Chapter 11: Tutor for Lady Lynnia
Duchess in Ruins Chapter 11 begins with Count Laslo arriving home, where his sister greets him. She says she was invited to a party hosted by Viscountess Emerson. However, she feels hesitant about attending due to social awkwardness. She desires to wear her beautiful gowns but needs help with social skills, so she asks Laslo to find a tutor. Laslo mentions past tutor issues, leading to her claim of unreasonable demands and pampered tutors.
The conversation shifts as she criticizes the new maid, Duchess Edele, claiming Edele lacks pride despite her higher status. She recounts forcing Edele to kneel before her and expresses disappointment at how easily Edele complied. Laslo grows furious, scolding her for abusing her authority and treating Edele with contempt, reminding her that humiliating the weak mirrors the behaviour they despise in nobles.
His sister defensively argues that she only ridicules Edele. She accuses Laslo of being unsympathetic to her struggles with mockery and ridicule. In frustration, she storms out after accusing him of not caring about her well-being. Laslo thinks Edele deserves an apology. However, he fears this action will hurt his sister.
The scene shifts to three noblemen discussing the social elite, attributing it to the sudden downfall of House Lancaster. They express surprise at how swiftly the family fell, believing they had a stronger foundation than the imperial house. One noble blames Laslo, whom they all seem to despise, for the collapse, concluding Duchess In Ruins Chapter 11.
Personal Reflections:
Duchess in Ruins Chapter 6-11 masterfully blends emotional vulnerability with tension. Edele’s dynamic with Daisy offers a rare moment of warmth, emphasizing how small acts of kindness can be transformative. On the other hand, Lady Lynnia’s cruel treatment highlights the societal imbalance of power and the ways trauma can perpetuate cruelty.
Count Laslo’s attempts at kindness are clouded by his fear of being perceived as a monster. This duality adds depth to his character, making his interactions with Edele emotionally charged and complex.
What were your thoughts on Edele’s backstory and the contrast between kindness and cruelty in Duchess In Ruins Chapter 6-11? Share your insights below, and stay tuned for the next review where we’ll explore the unfolding drama further!
