deodand … ???

Sorry no countess.

 

Within my godly duty existed a clash that was constantly difficult.

(7 letters)

 

_ r o _ a _ _

Ah. Froward

 

 

Yes countess.

 

Within my godly duty existed a clash that was constantly difficult.

(7 letters)

 

Within - containment indicator

my godly duty - Fard (In Islam is a religious duty commanded by God)

existed a clash - row

Within my godly duty existed a clash - Froward

that was constantly difficult - Froward (Wilful, disobedient and difficult to deal with)

 

Froward

Its mounting clad in niche lacks warmth (7)

Osmosis...

No, not osmosis.

 

Its mounting clad in niche lacks warmth (7)

 

_ o _ _ _ _ _

Dormice...

There are no dormice in this cryptic clue. (And no Mad Hatters!)

 

Its mounting clad in niche lacks warmth (7)

 

_ o _ _ i _ _

 

There’s a reversal indicator, an insertion indicator, a charade…

Costing...