The Duchess’ Replacement (Unrelenting Lords #2)

Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13

S arah plopped down on the sofa in the study. “Just put that last one over there, William.” She threw her arm over towards the window. The three of them spent two hours with Miss Cordell looking through countless bolts of fabric the modiste had. When Sarah closed her eyes she saw rolls and rolls of ribbons, lace, and ruffles. She couldn’t be happier.

“William,” she called out to him before he left. “I have a question for you.”

The young footman stopped in the doorway and began to rub his neck. She found it endearing she made him nervous. He reminded her a lot of Charles. Both liked things in order and maintained and hated when things didn’t go according to plan.

Sarah motioned to the room around her. “A lot of this looks very old and well used. When was the last time the Duke decorated?” A corner of her lip quirked up. “Or, I guess a better question is, has the Duke ever changed anything in this house?”

Her mind went to the rooms upstairs, untouched, stuck in a time she was not allowed to learn about.

William dropped his hand. “To be honest, Your Grace. The Duke doesn’t redecorate or change anything, really. It’s been this way for as long as I remember.” He squinted his eyes. “Although, I do remember hearing about someone changing the curtains and rugs in one room.”

Lizzie appeared behind him carrying the last package from the carriage. “That’s not what happened. You weren’t even alive when that room was redone.”

William scowled. “Neither were you.”

Lizzie rolled her eyes. “True, but I know more about the comings and goings that happen within this manor than you.” Lizzie set the package on the Duke’s desk and turned towards Sarah.

“From what I was told, by Mrs. Bates, mind you.” She threw her words at William before refocusing on Sarah, “that the previous Duchess hated the decorations in the Duchess’s wing. However, the Dowager Duchess insisted she keep them up. It wasn’t long after the Dowager’s death the previous Duchess took them down.”

William scoffed. “I heard the Duke ordered their removal because they were too feminine.”

The two began to bicker like siblings. How Miss Cordell could ever consider their relationship anything other than platonic was beyond Sarah.

Wait… what did he just say?

“Hush. Both of you.” She looked at William. “Where are these feminine things now?”

William and Lizzie exchanged looks. William shrugged.

“The attic, Your Grace.” Lizzie said with all the smugness she could muster. Lizzie was right, she did more know about the estate.

“The attic, you say?” Sarah jumped to her feet and ran out of the study, down the hall, and up to the second floor. She hadn’t tried every door on this floor, and considering there wasn’t another staircase leading to the third floor, one of these doors must lead to the attic.

There was a door at the end of the hallway next to her bedroom that she realized she never opened.

Crossing her fingers, hoping it would open, she turned the handle. Her breath came rushing out when the handle turned, giving entry to steps that led to the attic. She let a squeak of triumph as she tried to take the steps two at a time, but her cursed skirts kept getting in the way.

There was a small ray of light shining through a small window at the front of the house. It wasn’t much, but it was enough for her to see in front of her. She saw old paintings, and some books on an old desk. She made a mental note to return to those books once she was done asserting her dominance with the Duke.

She meandered around old furniture, stopping at an old crib. She ran her fingertips along the railing, wondering if the Duke slept in this as a baby. She couldn’t help but let her mind wander to what he must have been like as a child.

Most likely a serious little boy, she gathered. You don’t become highly disciplined and formidable over night.

How different their childhoods must have been. Sarah remembered bruised knees and silly songs, but most importantly lots of love and laughter. Did the Duke have that? Would he offer that to their children?

Their children .

Sarah’s eyes widened. The Duke’s deadline was approaching and soon his final rule regarding an heir will come into play.

She stepped away from the crib, rubbing her now clammy and dusty hands onto her skirts. She made her way over to a set of rather large, and dirty, trunks that sat in a corner.

Kneeling down she thanked whomever was watching over her because there were no locks on either trunk. Thankfully, it only took little effort to open the one.

Sarah took in the pile of material that looked like curtains. Dust had settled on what was most likely bright pink fabric. She pulled out one panel and was relieved to see that no moths had eaten away at the material. They were sturdy and with a light beating to get the settled dust out, they would look almost new.

She brought the fabric to her chest and laughed. This was turning out better than she could have possibly imagined.

“Your Grace?”

Sarah turned at the sound of her maid’s voice. She stood up and hurried to the top of the attic steps. Lizzie was standing in the doorway, peering up at her, quizzically.

“Lizzie! Good. I need your help.”

Lizzie’s shoulders dropped. “Up there?”

Sarah laughed. “Of course, up here.”

Lizzie shuddered.

“Oh, come now, Lizzie, there is nothing up here but some dust and old junk.”

She looked back down at the open trunk and the one sitting next to it, no doubt with more of the same in it. “Actually, I’ll need your help and more. Could you bring William as well? I would like the contents of both of these trunks to be brought down to the Duke’s study.”

Lizzie’s shoulders sagged. She did not seem too keen on entering the attic. “Right away, Your Grace.” Lizzie ducked out the doorway and went off to find William.

“Finally,” Sarah said out loud, “someone who just listens to what I say and doesn’t look at me like I’m losing my mind.” She laughed to herself.

Sarah returned to the trunk and picked up another curtain panel. She heaved it over her shoulder and made her way down the attic steps.

In the hallway she met William and Lizzie, both of whom looked like they’d rather be doing anything but what she was about to ask them to do.

“Why do you two look like you’ve seen a ghost?”

Lizzie’s face went white. “Ghosts? Are there ghosts up there?” She took a step closer to William who looked annoyed.

“There’s no such thing as Ghosts, Lizzie.” William reprimanded her. “It’s just another room of the house. No different than the kitchen or library.”

Sarah smiled brightly at William. “He’s right. Thank you, William.”

Her praise did nothing to loosen the grimace on William’s face.

He made it no secret he did not approve of her plan to disrupt the Duke’s study. He most likely was afraid of being associated with the ruckus.

She leaned into William. “I promise I will not mention you helped me nor here or at Miss Cordell’s. And if your association is found out, I’ll say you protested every step of the way.”

William pursed his lips but he nodded in acceptance.

“Perfect. Now, go on and grab the rest of the curtains and I think I saw some pillows up there as well.”

William walked to the attic doorway with a scared Lizzie shuffling her feet behind him.

“It might take us several trips, but we must be fast, I only have tonight and tomorrow to finish my plan.” Sarah called out to them.

Lizzie stood in the doorway and looked back towards Sarah. “Do you think the Duke will be all right with these changes, Your Grace? I mean, I’m sure he won’t be at first, but will he…” Lizzie looked nervous.

The reality of what they were doing must be starting to settle on Lizzie’s shoulders.

Sarah had to remind herself while she was able to hide behind the title of Duchess William, Sarah, and even Samuels didn’t have such protection.

Sarah walked back to where Lizzie stood. It took a bit of maneuvering with the curtain panels hung over her shoulders, but she took the maid’s face in her hands. “I make you the same promise I made William. I will not mention your name when this all comes to light. I will take your participation in my scheme to the grave.”

Lizzie smiled and shook her head. “Thank you, Your Grace.”

Sarah shooed the maid up the steps to the attic while she turned and hauled the two panels downstairs.

She unloaded the curtains she carried onto his desk causing some papers to blow off the desk.

“Your Grace? Are you in need of any assistance?”

Sarah looked over her shoulder and blew a stray piece of hair off of her face. “Samuels? I would love some, but the real question is are you willing to cross enemy lines to do so?” She asked with a wink.

The corners of his lips curved up as a small smile formed. “I’ve given it much thought, Your Grace. While I enjoy working here and I miss the quietness and order this house once maintained, I can’t help but think a little bit of change will be good for our Duke.” Samuels hesitated before adding, “May I speak freely, Your Grace?”

Sarah nodded. “Of course.”

“You may feel like you are on opposite sides from His Grace, but you two are a lot alike.”

Sarah mocked offense. “Take that back.” She said as she playfully grabbed her chest in fake shock.

Her motion garnered a laugh from Samuels. “It’s true and I have learned long ago it is much easier to give in and do what the Duke wants than to try to persuade him to see reason.”

Sarah fully turned to Samuels and placed her hands on her hips. “I feel there is a backhanded compliment in there.”

Samuels raised his hands in defense. “No ill will intended, Your Grace.”

“Very well, I’ll take the help no matter your reasoning. Will you see if Mrs. Bates is busy. I need some pillowcases made post haste. I know running a household takes a lot of effort but do you think she and the girls would be willing to make some pillowcases for the Duke?”

Samuels swallowed a laugh. “If it’s for the Duke I have no doubt they will jump at the chance. But for you, not only will they do it, but they will do so willingly.”

He dipped his head as he left.

Sarah leaned back onto the desk, folding her arms in front of her.

What an odd thing to say.

She could tell instantly that the Duke ran a tight ship and he was not a very personable person. She surmised most of his staff feared his wrath although she had never seen him raise his voice, let alone a hand, to them.

Was it just his imposing nature that scared them into submission? Or was he truly an evil man that abused his help? She couldn’t see that being the case, but the truth of the matter was, she hadn’t seem him enough to garner a viable opinion of the man. Every time she thought she was closer to uncovering another truth about the man she married, she found herself with more questions than answers.

She heard huffing followed by low grumbles coming from the hallway.

“Your Grace? Are you in there?” Lizzie’s voice was muffled against the towering stack of material in her hands.

Sarah jumped up from the desk and ran towards the unsteady girl. “My goodness, Lizzie,” she laughed. “You didn’t need to carry it all in one trip!”

Lizzie huffed as she dropped the pile onto the sofa with a groan. “I’m sorry, Your Grace. But I’d rather not go up there again. I know William says it’s just like any other room in the house, but I take offense to that. We make sure every room in this house is spotless and taken care of.”

“If that were true then the attic would be spotless.” William joked as he effortlessly put a similar size pile down. He even managed to bring down the throw pillows she saw.

Lizzie scowled and mumbled. “Semantics. Every room that is occupied by humans is taken care of.”

“What is occupying the attic? Ghosts?” William teased.

Sarah laughed. “All right you two. Was that everything?”

The two nodded as Lizzie rubbed her arms. William stood tall, proud of his not only bringing down the heavy material without much effort, but for having the last word with Lizzie.

Sarah’s hands clapped together. “Perfect. That gives me more time to set up the curtains. William, are you able to help with that?”

William’s mood quickly soured. “Curtains?”

Lizzie elbow found the side of his stomach.

“Oh, I mean, yes. I can help, Your Grace.” He grumbled.

Sarah smiled warmly. “Thank you. And again, there will be no word from me of your help.” Sarah brought her finger up to her mouth and crossed an ‘x’ over it. “I promise.”

“Is there anything else you need from me, Your Grace?” Lizzie looked on expectantly.

“Yes, Lizzie. How are you with a needle and thread? I need some pillowcases made.”

Lizzie’s face lit up. “I am excellent, Your Grace!”

“Wonderful. I sent Samuels to look for Mrs. Bates but he hasn’t retuned yet. Would you mind going to look for her?” Sarah reached into one of the packages and brought out several yards of bright pink satin and a few rolls of ruffles.

“Take these and those pillows and see if you could cover them for me.”

“Right away, Your Grace.” Lizzie said with a wide smile on her face.

After watching Lizzie leave Sarah turned to William.

“Now let’s get to work hanging these curtains, shall we?”

Sarah and William worked late into the night. Samuels came in around midnight and shooed her to her rooms before she fell off the chair she was stabilizing on in order to hang the curtain by his desk.

She skipped breakfast the next morning and went directly to the study. When she opened the door her eyes were bombarded with bright fuchsia curtains with ruffle valences.

Oh my. They are bolder in the morning light than I had anticipated.

A jolt of electricity ran through her body.

Perfect!

Bright pink squares stole her attention.

“Oh! The pillows!”

Amongst the drab brown leather sofa sat six perfectly pink satin pillows with ruffle edges that matched the curtains perfectly. Not only had the girls made pillowcases for the four pillows they brought down from the attic but they covered the two pillows the Duke already had on his sofa.

Sarah made a mental note to do something nice for the women. They definitely understood the assignment she set forth.

The clash of the sturdy, masculine furniture in warm earth tones clashed with the bright and shocking color of pink hanging from the windows. Sarah went to the sofa and picked up two pillows, placing one on each of the chairs sitting opposite of the sofa. She left three on the sofa, positioning one at each corner and centering the third.

She decided Charles’s desk needed a splash of pink and added a pillow to his desk chair.

“What’s this?” Sarah looked down.

Underneath Sarah’s feet in between the sofa area and the desk was a plush pink rug.

She didn’t remember seeing this last night. “What in the world?”

A soft cough sounded from behind her.

Sarah turned to see Samuels standing in the doorway.

“Good morning, Your Grace. William found the rug upstairs when I had him check to make sure nothing was amiss upstairs. He figured you would appreciate it.”

Sarah’s heart swelled. “I absolutely do. I would tell you to offer my gratitude, but if you ask me, all of this was of my own doing.” Sarah winked.

Samuels tilted his head in good humor.

“It’s a good thing you were able to work so efficiently on your own, Your Grace. I just received word that His Grace will be returning tonight.”

Sarah was absolutely giddy. “That’s wonderful! I don’t think I could stand to wait another day!”

“Would you like me to bring in some breakfast for you, Your Grace?”

“That would be lovely, Samuels, thank you. And Samuels,” she called before he could leave. “Truly, thank you.” She spread her arms towards the room. “I know both you and the Duke appreciate order and it seems that my only contribution to to this household thus far is creating chaos. However, if he fights dirty so can I. I really do appreciate you helping me. I won’t soon forget your support.”

“Ah, but you didn’t have anyone’s help, Your Grace. You are quite spirited when you have a goal.” Samuels said.

Sarah nodded her head and brought her fingertip up to head and tapped it. “Right. I did this all by myself, and I’m quite proud.”

“As you should be, Your Grace. I’ll see to your breakfast.”

Sarah spent the rest of the day making sure the study was completely spotless and ready for the Duke. Any furniture she and William moved the night before she made sure was back in the perfect spot so he couldn’t detect movement.

Not that he wouldn’t know someone was in there. The masculine study looked as if it was designed by a young girl without any guidance. It was an eyesore. It was garish. It was perfect.

She couldn’t wait for the very controlled and intimidating Charles to walk into his study after a busy day of business and travel.

She could barely contain her excitement when she heard his carriage pull up. She paced her room as she listened for the door to the house open. She counted his footsteps as he walked to the study door.

She held her breath as she pictured his hand reaching for the handle and turning it. She closed her eyes and prepared herself for his undoubtedly loud and disgusted reaction.

She opened one eye. She heard the door open but she didn’t hear anything else.

Perhaps he opened the door but someone called to him.

Her other eye opened. No. She would have heard that.

She shuffled over to her door and peeked her head through the opened door. She tiptoed to the railing that over looked the hallway downstairs. She could see the study’s door had, in fact, been opened.

Was he in shock? Did he faint? Did Dukes faint? Did someone take everything down out of fear of retribution?

Sarah darted out of her room and rushed down the steps. She felt something was amiss and she began to worry she took her prank too far.

Just as she reached the door a dark, rich laugh boomed from the doorway. Sarah skidded to a halt just outside of the study’s door.

Sarah stood very still in hopes to hear the sound again so she could decipher what it was. Surely, it wasn’t the Duke laughing. He should be appalled. Furious, even.

Once again a crystal clear laugh rang out, sending shocks of electricity down her body.

Sarah’s feet padded towards the door and she peered in.

She found the Duke doubled over in laughter.

“Your Grace?” Her voice was unsure as she took a step inside the study. Everything was as she left it. The curtains, the pillows, the rug, everything was there, in blaring contrast to the original decor.

Charles turned, wiping a tear from his eye. Sarah stared at the track the rolling tear left on his cheek.

He was laughing so hard he was crying.

“Sarah! Let me guess, you did this.” His voice was light and full of mirth. She never heard him sound such a way.

Sarah was stunned speechless. She nodded her head.

“It’s bloody brilliant!” Charles’s laugh began again and Sarah was left to wonder if maybe her husband had hit his head while he was out.

“I’m sorry?” Sarah took another step inside, cautiously staying away from him in case this was a ploy to pull her further into the room and punish her.

Her body heated at the thought. Sarah chastised herself for the path her thinking went. Pushing the salacious thoughts out of her head she focused on the laughing man in front of her.

“The room,” he threw open his arms wide, “it’s brilliant. Did you do you do this all by yourself? In one night?” He exclaimed in between bursts of laughter. He turned back to the sofa, looking down at the pillows and shaking with laughter.

Sarah looked back out into the hallway, surely she isn’t the only one that is witnessing this madness.

Sarah raised a hand to her head. Perhaps she was the one who hit her head and this was all a dream in an unconscious state.