The Duchess’ Replacement (Unrelenting Lords #2)

Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

S arah leaned toward the carriage window, watching the landscape pass her by. Her one hand rested on the windowsill, while her other covered the butterflies flittering around her stomach.

“Everything all right, dear?” Sarah’s mother’s voice drifted into her thoughts.

Sarah turned to Charlotte, who, along with her younger sister, Beatrice, was riding along with her in the carriage.

Sarah shook her head. “Yes, Mama. Just a bit nervous.”

Charlotte leaned forward and took her daughter’s hand. “All will be well, my love. From what I’ve heard he is a fine young man.”

Sarah smiled. “I know, Mama.”

“I’ve heard he was carried out of Brooks the other night.” Beatrice said while paging through her book.

Sarah’s mother reared back. “Beatrice! Why would you say such a thing?” She leaned in closer to Beatrice. “And where did you hear such a thing?”

“I heard Eleanor and His Grace talking about it.” Beatrice blinked up at her mother, innocently. “Why? Is that bad?”

Sarah hid her grin. Her sister was two years younger than her, but the chit knew more than she allowed anyone to believe.

Worry settled between Charlotte’s eyes as she looked back to Sarah. “Don’t worry, Sarah, I’m sure there is more to the story than what she heard.” Charlotte said as she nudged her youngest daughter.

Sarah dipped her head. “I’m not worried, Mama. I’m not naive to his reputation. And it’s true I haven’t known him long, but he comes from a good family, vetted by our own Duke, mind you, so I’m sure all will be well.”

Sarah’s hands played with the ribbon from her reticule. She spoke with her sister, Eleanor and her husband, Derek, the Duke of Graynor about her upcoming nuptials. While there seemed to be some curious discourse about the family years ago, they’ve mostly minded themselves and done their due diligence where the family’s duchy was concerned.

Eli was a staple in most of society papers, but his grievances were mostly harmless, too much drink and good times. Nothing out of the ordinary for most of the men his age.

Sarah’s eyes returned to the passing scenery.

Charlotte breathed a sigh of relief. “Yes, His Grace. Who would have thought that he would become such a pillar of strength for our family? There was a moment there I thought he would leave us all to fend for ourselves after how you girls reacted to his coming.” Charlotte sighed a laugh as she covered her heart for dramatics.

Sarah smiled at the memory of the brooding Duke of Graynor coming to claim his title and throwing their world upside down. Luckily for her, and her family, he didn’t count on her older sister Eleanor being there and stealing his heart.

Speaking of which…

Sarah turned to her mother. “Have you spoken with Eleanor? Will she be at the church when we get there?”

Charlotte nodded. “Yes. The Duke and Duchess will both be in attendance for your big day.”

Charlotte was beaming. Marrying her daughters off was a symbol of great pride for Charlotte. Having one marry a Duke and another marry the brother of one was enough for Charlotte to live off for, well, until it was Beatrice’s turn to marry.

Then Charlotte would return to her hunt and make poor Beatrice’s life miserable until she, too, was settled.

Sarah looked back outside and pushed out a breath that tussled a loose curl that framed her face. Knowing her older sister would be there alleviated some of her nerves.

She began to chew her bottom lip.

“Sarah?”

Sarah returned her gaze to her mother. She saw the concern in her mother’s eyes, how her lips were pinched tight and how her hands were fidgeting in her lap.

“Mama.” She reached out and placed a hand on her mother’s bouncing knee. “I’ll be fine. I promise. You’ve said countless times how you were practically strangers with Papa when you were first married.” Sarah lifted a shoulder to shrug. “I actually find it exciting and romantic.”

Beatrice cocked her head in confusion. “Romantic? How is it romantic to tether yourself to someone you hardly know? He could be a killer!”

Charlotte guffawed. “Charlotte! Do not test me or I will take away any and all books you are reading. Honestly. Where do you come up with these ideas!” Charlotte was completely flabbergasted at her daughter’s remarks.

Sarah chuckled. “Don’t worry, Mama, I don’t read the same books Beatrice reads. I’m more for the damsel in distress and the brave, strong hero who comes to save her.”

Beatrice rolled her eyes. “Correct and last time you lived out that scenario in your head you tried running away with that Byron boy. Thankfully His Grace stopped you or where would you be now?”

Sarah blushed. Bryon.

Her first love, or at least, her first foray into feelings she didn’t quite understand. She was always a bit embarrassed when she thought of how she acted, trying to run away in the night to be with him. She shook her head of the memory. The ignorance of youth, she laughed to herself.

“It’s no secret I am a romantic at heart. I’ve learned a lot since then. I’m willing to wait for those feeling to develop this time. Eli has been nothing but sweet and generous when he called on me. I’m excited to watch our relationship grow and blossom.” Sarah sighed and felt the warmth of promise settle within her. “It is my biggest dream that we develop as deep as your love with Papa, Mama.”

Charlotte’s eyes lined with tears. “It is mine as well, my dear. Mine as well.”

Beatrice looked outside and nudged Charlotte. “We’re here!”

Sarah followed Beatrice’s nod and saw the church come into view. This was it, the moment she’s been waiting for her entire life. She’s read countless stories about love and marriage and dreamt about the day when she’d have both.

She may not have love currently, but by the end of today she will have marriage. That’s something, right?

“You look absolutely stunning, Sarah.” Eleanor enveloped Sarah in a warm hug. Sarah sighed into her sister’s arms. She felt safe there and for a moment all her nerves settled and all was right in the world.

Sarah pulled away from her sister just in time to see Eleanor’s eye flitter to her husband, Derek. A crease formed in between Eleanor’s eyes, she looked worried.

Sarah looked between the two of them. “Is everything all right?” Sarah’s heart sank. “Is everything fine with the baby?”

At the mention of her daughter, Eleanor’s features softened. “Yes, everything is fine with her. Look, she’s here in the carriage.” Eleanor pointed to the small baby carriage a few steps away, tucked out of the sunlight streaming through the open door.

Sarah covered her mouth. “Oh goodness, I am so nervous for my wedding I didn’t even realize my beautiful niece was right next to you in her carriage.”

Sarah bent over the pram to gaze at the little cherub face of her niece. Angela was the spitting image of her father, but luckily for her, she had the unruly curly auburn hair of her mother. She’ll most likely be a spitfire, like her mother, as well.

Sarah righted herself and turned to the rest of her family, who was now lined up facing her. Sarah got the uneasy sensation she was standing in front of a firing squad. Tension hung heavy in the air between them.

“Why are you all looking at me like that?”

She went down the line from Charlotte, to Beatrice, to Eleanor, finally landing on Derek. The Duke was not known for being verbose so in this divine moment he just nodded to the aisle and alter behind her.

She turned to look down the aisle where she found the alter empty.

She looked back to her family. “Where is Eli?”

All eyes jump around, looking everywhere but at Sarah.

Confusion and dread swam in her blood but she pushed them away. She’s read countless books like this. Of course , she thought.

“He must be running late.” She laughed. “Men never know what’s going on. Don’t you say that all the time, Eleanor? That if you weren’t there Derek wouldn’t know when to get dressed in the morning?”

Eleanor’s face turned a bright pink. “I did not say that!” She exclaimed the same time Derek sputtered and looked at his wife.

Eleanor took a hold of the baby carriage and nodded to the front of the church. “I think it’s time we take our seats, don’t you dear? Mother,” she looked to Charlotte. “Are you coming?”

Sarah watched Eleanor walk away, pushing the carriage, with a grumbling Duke at her heels.

Charlotte stopped in front of her daughter and kissed her cheek. “Remember, all will be well, just trust the process.”

Sarah smiled, willing the apprehension to recede back to wherever it came from. “I know, Mama. I’ve heard you say that to Eleanor a million times and it all worked out for her. Oh!” Sarah had a thought. “There is a side door up by the alter, perhaps he’s just out there until I get up there. Has anyone checked?”

Charlotte opened her mouth and closed it again. She looked down the aisle to Derek and Eleanor who were engaged in a quiet, yet no doubt heated, conversation.

Charlotte looked back to Sarah, who was at the main door looking out at the carriage meant to take her and her new husband to their home afterward.

“Sarah? Wait here, I’ll go ask Derek. I’m sure that’s where he is.”

Charlotte took a breath, kissed her daughter’s cheek one more time and made her way to the front of the church.

Sarah smoothed out her dress and checked to make sure none of the carefully pinned curls fell out.

She watched her mother reach Derek and Eleanor. Her nerves were making her clothing itch. She began to pace in the back before she realized she had started walking down the aisle.

No sense in waiting for the inevitable “go ahead.” Might as well walk down there and see for myself. I’m certain he’s there.

Sarah’s eyes landed on the alarmingly empty alter and misstepped. She heard a few murmurs and chastised herself for not paying attention. All she needed was her soon-to-be husband finding her splayed out on the alter from tripping on her new dress. She knew she should have practiced walking in it, it was a bit longer in the front than she was used to.

Her vision refocused on the empty alter. She was certain Eli was just getting some air before the ceremony. It was awfully stifling in here.

Sarah pulled at the lace tightening around her neck. but the closer she got to the alter, the more she realized how foolish walking down the aisle was. What wedding has she ever been to where the groom walked in after the bride?

As she continued down the aisle she nodded to friends she knew and offered polite smiles to the strangers who must be here for Eli.

Did the church always hold this many people?

Her foot found the first step in front of the alter and stepped up onto it. Her knees were knocking underneath her skirts as she turned and peered out into the congregation.

Nervous glances and whispers flittered around the open room. Sarah’s bottom lip quivered as she tried to smile.

A shadow moved to her right and her eyes caught the movement of a man moving towards the back of the church. She squinted her eyes to see who it was.

The man stopped at the door of the church and turned to face the aisle. Sarah brought a hand up to shield her eyes from the stream of sunlight that came through the door the man had opened. The man looked a bit taller than Eli, a little broader than him as well, but that could be a trick of the shadows.

“Eli?” Her voice was a mere squeak Her throat tightened around the word.

Just then she felt a soft touch on her elbow. She turned her gaze to see the softness of her mother come into focus in front of her. Sarah could see her mother’s mouth moving but her words sounded muffled to Sarah.

Heat blossomed across Sarah’s cheeks as her stomach swirled. Her mother still sounded as if she were talking through a wall.

What is happening?

Sarah craned her neck to peak around her mother’s shoulder.

Where is Eli? This isn’t happening. This can’t be happening. This is not how my story is supposed to go.

Her heart began to race as the world around her slowed down. She could hear every breath, feel every shift of the people around her. Sensations overwhelmed her body leaving her dizzy.

She felt the tender touch of her mother wiping an errant tear that must’ve fallen from her eye.

I’m crying.

Sarah’s eyes widened at the realization. Suddenly, reality crashed down on her. The congregation full of friends, family, and well known dignitaries were all whispering behind fans, their eyes alight with the thought of scandal in the air.

Sarah was left at the alter.

Sarah’s legs gave out beneath her, but thankfully her mother’s strong arms were there to stabilize her.

“Mama?” Sarah managed around the tears.

Charlotte looked over her shoulder to Derek.

“We need to get her out of here.” Charlotte’s words were rushed and full of authority. Sarah had the wayward thought that she never really heard her mother speak with such direction. She was usually frivolous and dramatic.

I don’t understand what is happening.

Before she could blink, Derek was at her side, half carrying her down the aisle and out of the church. He placed her into the carriage, where she slumped to the side, resting her head on the inside of the carriage. Her body jostling as her mother and Beatrice filed into the carriage behind her. Once more their voices were muffled around her.

Her eyes stared, unfocused, as her mind replayed the looks of shock and embarrassment that were now forever seared into her memory.

She was left at the alter.

She was ruined.

“I thought you said you looked into him and his family!”

Charlotte’s harsh whisper drifted in from the hallway.

Sarah couldn’t hear Derek’s reply, but his cadence was low and sure. She may not know what he said, but there was still some feeling left in her body that told her Derek would get to the bottom of it.

At least one of the Mallory girls found a knight in shining armor.

The thought unleashed another round of sobs that left her body feeling brittle and broken. Just when she thought she had cried her last tear another wave of embarrassment, longing, confusion, and torment swept over her.

How did this happen? What did I do to deserve this horror?

Sarah’s door opened and she watched her mother’s shadow along the wall as she walked towards the bed.

“Sarah, love? I brought you some tea. You should drink something, dear.”

Sarah laid with her knees tucked up close to her body. The thought of unfolding to reach for the tea cup felt too exposing so she stayed tucked into her little ball.

Charlotte sighed as she sat on the bed next to her. She reached out and brushed a strand of hair from Sarah’s face.

The touch took her back to the moment before she walked down the aisle, when she made sure her hair was still tucked up. The pieces of her heart that managed to survived this long shattered into pieces with the rest of their brethren.

She whimpered into her pillow.

“I’m so sorry, my love.” Charlotte cooed. “Don’t worry, we will get to the bottom of this. Derek promised Eleanor he would find out at once where that sorry excuse for a man was.”

A tear fell down a familiar path on Sarah’s face to join the others that had fallen onto her pillow.

“It’s all I ever wanted, Mama.” She spoke into her pillow.

“What was, my dear?”

Sarah sniffled. “Someone to come to my rescue. Like Derek is doing for me know. But he’s Eleanor’s. Why can’t I have someone like that?”

“Oh my sweet.” Charlotte leaned over and covered Sarah’s curled up body with her own. “You will get it, I promise. Just trust-”

Anger erupted within Sarah’s veins.

“No! Do NOT say ‘trust the process,’ Mama!”

Charlotte jumped back, shocked at the sudden outburst of emotion from her once almost comatose daughter.

Sarah took a few breaths. Within moments her body went from feeling as if it were sinking through thick sludge to feeling as agile as a cat. She bounded from her bed. A new, limitless energy flooded her body.

She was angry.

Sarah caught a glance of herself in the mirror. Her hair was an absolute mess, half of it was still pinned up, while the other half was hanging haphazardly around her face. Her eyes were red and puffy. Her once beautiful and perfectly cared for dress was now wrinkled and hung misshapened on her frame.

The realization of what that man did to her, to not only her reputation but to her overall well-being smacked her in the face.

Anger turned into white-hot rage.

“I’m done.” She spat. “I’m not waiting for someone to rescue me any more. I’m going to find out what happened myself.”

Charlotte sat shocked as she watched her daughter run from one side of the room to the other collecting her shoes and an overcoat.

“What… what do you mean? Sarah.” Charlotte reached out, but Sarah stepped around her outstretched arm. “What are you doing? Where are you going?”

Sarah paused at her bedroom door.

“I’m going to the man himself. I will get an answer as to why he left me standing at the alter. I will rescue myself.”