Chapter 15
CHAPTER 15
T hankfully Lizzie was upstairs righting Sarah’s room when she busted in needing to change her clothes. Lizzie’s eyes widened at Sarah’s state of undress.
“My goodness, Your Grace! What happened to your dress?” Lizzie averted her eyes out of respect.
Unfortunately for Sarah, her fair complexion did not allow her time to come up with an adequate response. Two red spots blossomed on Sarah’s cheeks before her mind fully comprehended what Lizzie had asked.
Sarah stood holding on to her tattered dress while it dawned on Lizzie the reason for Sarah’s ruined attire.
Lizzie’s own cheeks reddened with the realization. “Oh. I, um, can I help you change into something more… together?”
Sarah didn’t have time for embarrassment. Regardless of her enflamed cheeks, every second she spent in her room was one minute she was not down there. Who knows if his sister would still be there? Was she intending on staying? But more importantly, why was she here?
Sarah rushed further into the room and straight to her closet. “Yes, please. The Duke’s sister is here and I must get down to them right away.”
Sarah was too busy rifling through her hanging dresses she didn’t notice Lizzie had become frozen in place.
“Lady Honora is here?” Lizzie’s voice was hushed.
Sarah poked her head out from the closet. “That’s what I said. Now, come help me at once. I’m losing valuable time.”
Sarah’s hands landed on a modest blue dress that had always made her feel more mature and stately when she wore it.
She showed it Lizzie. “Do you think this will make me look like a Duchess? I want to make a good first impression.”
Lizzie lifted a slender shoulder. “Anything you wear makes you look like a Duchess, Your Grace. Simply because you are a Duchess.”
It was then Sarah noticed Lizzie’s concerned eyes and fiddling fingers.
“Lizzie? Is everything all right?” Sarah questioned.
Her maid shook her head solemnly. “Yes, Your Grace.”
Sarah felt there was more Lizzie wanted to say, but perhaps she was afraid to.
She sighed. “Lizzie, I think by now you know you can speak freely in front of me.” Sarah looked to the door. “And I’m really in a hurry so if it’s not pertinent to this particular situation I’ll ask you wait until later to discuss it with me.”
Lizzie rolled her lips as she looked to the door before pushing out a small breath. Her soft grey eyes locked in on Sarah’s.
“Lady Honora is a very sweet girl, Your Grace. I hope you find her pleasing and generous as we all have.”
Sarah rose an eyebrow. “Why wouldn’t I? Lizzie,” Sarah walked over to the bedroom door and closed it. “What is going on? What is all this secrecy regarding the Duke’s family?”
Lizzie resolutely shook her head. “I’m sorry, Your Grace. It’s not my story to tell. Perhaps you’ll find your answers this week. I heard that Lady Honora will be staying with us for a few days.”
Sarah’s eyes lit up hearing the news.
“That’s wonderful!” She looked back down at the dress in her hands. “Well, let’s get me fit for company so I can go and meet my new sister.”
She smiled warmly at Lizzie hoping to dispel any worry the maid had.
As Lizzie fastened the buttons at her back and re-pinned some of her fallen hair, Sarah couldn’t help but wonder what could cause such a reaction from Lizzie. What was it about this girl that had Charles turning cold and distant and Lizzie worried?
With her final tendril tucked securely in its pin Sarah turned to Lizzie. “Thank you for your help.” She gave Lizzie a quick hug in gratitude and opened her door.
“Your Grace,” Lizzie called out.
Sarah turned. “Yes, Lizzie,” she sighed. She really didn’t have time for this.
“Please remember, she’s just a girl, and a sweet one at that.” Lizzie’s voice was full of concern.
Sarah tilted her head in confusion.. “Of course, Lizzie. You have nothing to worry about. I’m sure our meeting will go brilliantly and we’ll get along smashingly.”
Lizzie shook her head in acknowledgement but Sarah got the feeling Lizzie wasn’t so certain.
Sarah stood outside the door to the parlor. She could hear her husband’s deep rumble of a voice. He sounded softer when he spoke to his sister. A light giggle floated through the door followed by a low chuckle.
Was Charles laughing?
Sarah pushed the door open and stepped into the room.
She found her husband embracing a young girl in one of the most beautiful displays of sibling love she had ever seen.
Her giant brute of a husband, whose one hand could cover her entire head if it wanted to, was handling this young girl with such gentle care it stole her breath.
While the two were sharing a moment, oblivious to her entrance, Sarah took the time to take in the pair in front of her.
They had similar coloring and brown hair. She couldn’t see the girls face since it was nestled against her brother’s chest, but Sarah could tell she was young, most likely not even fifteen yet.
Lizzie’s words infiltrated Sarah’s mind and gave her pause. What has happened to this young girl that would elicit such a response from those around her?
Sarah cleared her throat.
Two sets of emerald green eyes looked at her. Like her brother, the young girl had two prominent dark brown eyebrows over striking green eyes.
Sarah smiled in their direction. “I’m sorry to interrupt, I was just so anxious to meet you.” She looked at the young girl and tried to seem as non-threatening as possible. If she was anything like her brother this girl would already have a protective wall up.
The girl’s feet shifted as she looked up to her older brother for guidance.
The exchange was curious to Sarah. It was as if his sister was afraid of Sarah.
“Sarah? This is my sister Honora. Nora, this is my wife, Sarah.”
Sarah’s heart fluttered at the way he said “wife,” and she wanted to sit in that moment for longer, but the opportunity to learn more about his family was too much to pass up.
“It is so nice to meet you, Honora.” Sarah said softly.
A corner of Honora’s mouth tipped up in a small, timid smile. Sarah knew instantly she would have to tread lightly with Honora lest she scare her away.
But why?
Nora pushed her hand through the air. “You can call my Nora, if it pleases you.”
Sarah smiled. “Nothing would please me more.”
Sarah took Nora’s hand in hers and led her to a sofa set in the middle of the room. “Now tell me, Nora, where have you been hiding all this time? I’m sure you’re quite aware your brother is not the most communicative when it comes to his family.”
Nora seemed to shrink into the sofa as her eyes rose to meet her brother’s. Charles was staring back down at Sarah with a look of resignation. Sarah got the distinct impression she had already started off on the wrong foot.
“Nora lives with family outside of London.” Charles began. “She has a tutor and governess there and we hear she is doing wonderful with all of her studies.” The way Charles spoke of her was the same way he held her. He spoke as if she were the most fragile and precious jewel he’d ever seen.
If only he could speak of me that way.
Sarah grimaced quickly before she caught herself. This was no time to think of such things. Obviously there was something regarding this young girl that troubled not only Charles but the staff. Charles’s staff is loyal to a fault, and seeing the slight girl in front of her afraid to answer a simple question concerned Sarah.
Sarah tore her eyes away from Charles to look back at Nora whose eyes were now focused on her twiddling fingers in her lap.
Sarah reached out and took one of her hands. “That sounds wonderful, Nora. London canoe gorgeous this time of year.” She tried meeting the girl’s eyes, but they remained firmly focused her lap. “I always enjoyed my studies. Not as much as my older sister Eleanor, but definitely more than my younger sister, Beatrice.”
“You have sisters?” The young girl’s eyes lifted in curiosity.
Sarah nodded. “Yes. An older one, Eleanor, who just had a little baby girl, and a younger sister, Beatrice, who is about your age. She’s fifteen.”
Nora smiled. “I’m thirteen.”
“Ah. I figured as much. So, tell me Nora, other than succeeding in your studies what do you like to do?”
Sarah listened to Nora speak of painting and playing the pianoforte all the while noticing Charles’s reactions to the conversation.
He never sat but remained standing behind the sofa looking down on them. Sarah couldn’t help but feel as if he was acting as the girl’s protector, on the ready to jump in and rescue her if, and when, the situation called for it.
Considering his size, his standing there was beginning to make even Sarah nervous. She was just about to interrupt Nora to ask him to sit when he began to speak.
“I hate to interrupt, Nora, but I just remembered there is some business I need to take care of. And I need to gather the paperwork you asked for. I couldn’t find it when Samuels first announced your arrival. Let me see to that before I forget.”
He touched Nora’s shoulder. “Will you be all right if I leave you with Sarah?”
Sarah bristled but didn’t say anything.
Of course she’d be safe with me.
Nora only nodded and sank back down into the sofa.
“If you need anything ring for Samuels and he’ll come and get me.” Charles hesitated before he lifted his hand, but Sarah saw the little squeeze he gave Nora on her shoulder.
It was just a tiny gesture, not even a full moment, but yet it spoke volumes to Sarah.
Charles was making sure his younger sister felt safe and secure in his home. He was taking his time to make sure she felt his protection even when he wouldn’t be here.
The revelation astounded Sarah.
Dominant Charles, brute Charles, salacious Charles, frustrating Charles, these were the sides she got of her husband. She never once received the gentle Charles, or the caring Charles.
She was in awe of their relationship and if she were being honest, she was a bit jealous of their interaction. She had only met his younger sister moments ago but it was very apparent that they were close and loved each other dearly.
Then why is it I’m only learning of his sister now?
Sarah let out a small huff as Charles bid farewell and left the parlor.
Spotting the tea cart in the room Sarah pointed to it. “I see they brought in the tea, would you like some?”
Nora only nodded again.
Sarah stood and walked to the cart, using the time to try and come up with a way to get the conversation flowing again. Nora seemed to loosen up a bit when talking about her pastimes, but as soon as Charles left she seemed to rebuild her wall.
“You had mentioned you like painting and playing the pianoforte,” Sarah started as she handed Nora her cup of tea.
“I enjoy painting more.” Nora all but whispered.
Sarah sat down next to Nora on the sofa. Her mind drifted to the small painting studio upstairs. Did Nora know about those paintings?
“That sounds lovely. I used to paint a lot when I was younger, my father taught me. I love to paint landscapes. A few are hanging in my family home back in London.”
Some color appeared on Nora’s cheeks as her eyes brightened. “Me, too! There is a small park just by my home that I love to paint. In the summer there is a family of ducks that frequent there. If I’m quiet enough I can get close enough to paint them. It’s one of my favorite places to be.”
Nora’s mouth snapped shut after she spoke. Something told Sarah Nora wasn’t used to speaking so openly to strangers. Anxiety seemed to flow from the girl as her eyes wandered around the room. Nora shifted again in her seat as she cleared her throat and dropped her eyes once more.
“That does sound peaceful.” Sarah said as she patted the girl’s clammy hand. “Perhaps one day I will be able to see your paintings. I’m sure they’re lovely. In fact, I would love nothing more to have one hanging here.”
Twin red flags rose high on Nora’s cheeks. “But you haven’t even seen them yet. What if they’re horrible?”
Sarah waved her off. “Nonsense. Talent knows talent, my dear.” She said with a wink. “And I am talented.” Sarah ended on a chuckle.
Nora joined in on her laughter and Sarah could feel the tension melting away. Nora’s shoulders relaxed as she sipped her tea.
“I’m not sure about that, but I think I’ve come a long way in my art.” Nora offered. “But I’m not ready to show it to many people definitely not Charles.”
Sarah tilted her head. “Why not? He seems very fond of you. He even said he was impressed with how well your studies are coming along. Why would you be afraid to show him your work?”
Nora shrugged. “I don’t know. He’s always so controlling and opinionated.” Her hand gestured to the perfectly cultivated parlor. “Things are always so perfect here.” Once again her eyes tracked over the room. “What if it wasn’t perfect and he found fault in it? Or fault in…”
Nora’s lips tightened. Sarah thought she saw Nora’s eyes moisten but the girl dipped her head to take a quick sip she couldn’t be sure.
Sarah looked to the door of the parlor. “It’s true, Charles has a certain way about him when it comes to relinquishing control, but I can absolutely tell that whatever you create your brother would be impressed.”
Nora chewed on her bottom lip. “I’m not sure about that. I’ve showed him pieces in the past and he didn’t seem too interested in them.”
Sarah pursed her lips. “Hmm, perhaps you caught him on a bad day?” Sarah let out a small chuckle. “And if anyone truly knows your brother, they’d know he’s prone to having bad days.” She leaned in to nudge Nora’s shoulder, hoping to lighten the mood.
Nora’s laugh was genuine and it made Sarah’s heart swell.
Sarah looked out the window at the waning light. “The day is almost over, but I think we can fit in a short walk. Would you like to go out and get some fresh air?”
Nora put her tea on the table next to her. “I’d like that. I’ve always liked these grounds.”
Sarah clapped her hands. “Wonderful. I’m still learning my way around so it’ll be nice to have someone who is more familiar with the estate.”
Nora stood and followed Sarah out of the room and into the hallway.
“Hasn’t my brother shown you around?” Nora sounded curious and more confident than in the parlor. Sarah felt as if Nora was starting to let down her guard which delighted Sarah.
Sarah laughed. “Heavens no. Mrs. Bates has shown me the rooms but I really haven’t ventured outside of the home.”
Sarah took Nora’s arm and slipped it through hers. “But none of that matters now. I would much rather have you show me around than your brother. I have no doubt you will be an excellent tour guide.”
Nora leaned into Sarah. “I fear I’ll get us lost, I haven’t been here in quite some time. What if the grounds have changed?”
“Oh Nora,” Sarah chuckled. “You know your brother. Does he sound like a man who would go ahead and change things?”
Nora shook her head. “You’re right, I’m sure it’s all exactly the same as the last time I was here.”
Sarah led them out the door and down the pathway that led to the garden. “Well, there is one room that is different.”
Nora looked up to Sarah with interest.
“His study.” Sarah said with a fiery gleam in her eye.
Nora’s laugh erupted from her small frame, shocking Sarah. “That I find most doubtful. He wouldn’t let anyone change any room, especially not his study.”
Sarah preened. “When we get back from our walk remind me to show you his wonderfully redone pink study.”
“Pink?” Nora giggled.
“With ruffles.”