The Duchess’ Replacement (Unrelenting Lords #2)

Chapter 21

CHAPTER 21

C harles bounded up the steps two at a time as Sarah gave up trying to match his speed.

“Your Grace, is everything all right?” Lizzie jumped out the way just before she became collateral damage in Charles’s rampage.

“I’m not sure, Lizzie. Did you see where Nora went?”

Lizzie nodded. “To her room, Your Grace.”

Sarah brushed past her and continued down the hall to where Charles was pounding on Nora’s door.

“Nora! Open up!” His hand jiggled the handle. “Now Nora or I will bust down the door!”

“I don’t think that will be necessary, Charles.” Sarah tried to keep her voice even. She approached him much like the other times he lost his temper, with measured steps, and calculated words.

“She’s clearly upset, sometimes just leaving a girl to get her emotions out is helpful. I can’t tell you how many times my sisters and I-”

Charles put his hand up to stop Sarah. “Enough, Sarah. I don’t have time for silly stories of your life with your sisters.”

Sarah’s mouth snapped shut. She bit her cheek to stop her lip from quivering. She needed to remind herself she was made of sturdier things and a harsh word wouldn’t break her. After all, she knew Charles was not one for tender words when he was upset.

She straightened her back. “I was only saying-”

“Nora! Open this door immediately!” Charles’s fist hit the door so hard Sarah worried it would break the wood.

She grimaced. She took a deep breath and slid herself between her husband and the door. “May I try?”

Charles huffed. Rage and impatience pumped off of him. There was a moment she was certain he would pick her up and physically move her out of his way, but instead he gestured to the door, giving her the go ahead to try.

Sarah faced the door and knocked gently. “Nora,” her soothing voice called. “Nora, it’s me, Sarah. Please open the door, we want to make sure you’re all right.”

Feet shuffled on the other side of the door before it opened up just a crack. Swollen green eyes peeked through the sliver of space.

“I’m fine.” Nora hiccuped.

Sarah’s lips thinned. “Nora. I can see you’re not. Can we please come in?”

Nora hesitated before she opened the door a little wider. Sarah’s shoulders released and she let go of the breath she was holding. She knew all the girl needed was a gentle touch.

She looked over her shoulder to her sulking husband with a hint of triumph in her eyes.

“But I only want to speak to Charles.” Nora’s whispered words shocked Sarah.

Sarah’s head turned to Nora in surprise. “What?”

Charles moved past Sarah, who was frozen in shock, his arm opened the door wider to step through the doorway. Without turning, he shut the door in Sarah’s face.

She stood, staring at the door in confusion. Tears clouded her vision.

How can they shut me out like this? I’m the one that brought him back here. I’m the one that got her to open the door. Why doesn’t she wish to speak to me?

“Don’t take offense, Your Grace.”

Sarah turned to see Mrs. Bates standing at the top of the steps. Sarah tilted her head in indecision.

“They have a special bond and he’s been the only constant in her life. He has been more of father than brother to her.”

Sarah opened her mouth but closed it before the words came. Tears threatened to fall and if she spoke she was afraid they would release.

She dipped her head and made her way to room. She closed the door behind her and made her way to the bed to sit on its edge.

Hurt, anger, and frustration fueled her thoughts.

She had given up her life to come here and for what? So that she wouldn’t be known as the girl who was left at the alter? Was this any better? These back and forth encounters with her husband? The secrets? The avoidance?

Sarah’s heart began to break. The worst part of it all was she was finally feeling like she belonged and in one dastardly moment she was hit with the realization that she still was an outsider.

She curled onto her bed, holding a pillow to her chest.

Was she always destined to be an outsider? Will she never have a special bond with anyone?

Her tears warmed her pillow as she fell asleep in the waning light.

Sarah awoke to someone in her room. Disorientated, she jolted upright.

“It’s just me, Your Grace.” Lizzie pushed open the curtains in the room, allowing the morning sun to peek through. “I’m sorry to bother you, but I wanted to make sure you were all right.”Lizzie’s voice was soft and soothing.

“We saw you all come in last night. Mrs. Bates said you had retired to your room but when you didn’t call for me to help you get ready for bed I came up to check on you. You were asleep on top of the covers.”

Lizzie shuffled her feet. “I hope you don’t mind I covered you with a blanket.”

Sarah looked down and touched the soft blanket that was laid over her with care. She rubbed her eyes to stop the tears that had gathered. She had cried enough last night, she refused to do it again.

“Thank you, Lizzie. I’m glad to have someone looking out for me.”

Sarah’s eyes drifted to the door. She couldn’t help but wonder if Nora was all right. If Charles was able to comfort her. Her heart ached at the missed chance to be a help, to be a part of their family.

She looked back to Lizzie and her maid’s soft features soothed her. She may not been fully immersed in Charles’s life yet but she had to give credit to those who did show up for her.

Lizzie and the rest of the staff have been nothing but supportive and welcoming. Small victories and all that.

Sarah smiled.

“His Grace would like to know if you’ll be joining him for breakfast.”

Sarah’s heart thudded. “His Grace… asked about me?”

Lizzie giggled. “Of course, Your Grace. You are his wife.”

Sarah rubbed her temples. “I know that, it’s just after last night… you know what? Never mind. Help me get dressed, I’d love to have breakfast with him.”

Lizzie helped Sarah freshen up before she made her way to the breakfast room.

She didn’t know which Charles she would get after the way he dismissed her last night. She felt hopeful at the thought of him wanting to dine with her this morning, but it didn’t excuse his rude behavior.

Charles was standing by the window when she walked in. He turned and smiled when he saw her.

“Sarah.” Her name was a whisper on his tongue. “Good morning.” He walked to her and took her hands. “Did you sleep well?”

Sarah furrowed her brows. “I did.” She said slowly.

She may not have known what Charles to expect, but did not expect kind and considerate Charles to be one of the choices.

“Are you well?” She asked, cautiously.

Charles smile was tight lipped. “I’m sure you have some questions about last night.”

Sarah rolled her lips. “Is Nora all right?”

“Yes. Those boys said some things that upset her, I told her I’d take care of them.”

“Do you think that is wise? What did they say?” Sarah could only imagine her gigantic brute of a husband stalking three pubescent boys. It would most likely would not end well for the boys.

Charles shook her words off. “It doesn’t matter. I’m heading into town to talk with them.”

Sarah became alarmed. “Charles, what did they say that would warrant a visit from the Duke?”

“Good morning, all.” Nora breezed into the breakfast room completely carefree. It as if whatever happened last night no longer bothered her.

Sarah looked between the siblings. There was the one who was wronged acting like she didn’t have a care in the world and the other, the protector, who was ready to burn the village down to avenge her.

“Good morning, Nora. How are you today?” She tried to match Nora’s energy but was failing. This was all too much before her first cup of tea.

Nora looked over to Charles who was standing with his hands in his pockets.

“I’m well, thank you, Sarah.” Nora dipped her eyes and hesitated for a moment before she took a step towards Sarah, taking her hands.

“I want to apologize for last night. I was being,” her eyes went to Charles, “overemotional and I took some things those boys to heart. But I remembered what you said about not letting things control you. Charles reminded me of that.”

Sarah rose an eye brow and looked at Charles. “He did?”

“Mmhmm. He knows just what to say.” Sarah offered. “I’m sorry if I worried you. I’m really much better now.”

Sarah pursed her lips. The instincts she had honed as a middle sister were telling her they were specifically side-stepping the point of their discussion, but she would have to let it go for now. Just like everyone else in this house, she needed to let it rest. They’ll open up to her when they’re ready.

Hopefully, she’ll have the patience to last that long.

Sarah squeezed Nora’s hands. “Well, I’m glad your brother was able to help and that my words were of some comfort to you.”

“I was thinking. Would you like to go to the orangery with me this afternoon? After the lake, it’s my favorite place to go.” Nora’s eyes were pleading, she even stuck out her bottom lip.

Sarah couldn’t help but laugh at her impish face. “I would love to go. I assume you know how to get there and we won’t end up in some ditch?”

Nora shook her head. “I do. Plus, Charles asked William to accompany us just in case we get lost since he won’t be able to join us today.”

“Oh, how lovely. I’m sure William is looking forward to that.” Sarah laughed to herself. She was one hundred percent sure William was not looking forward to it. She made a mental note to visit the modiste later this week and bring William along as repayment for his service today.

Nora looked over to her brother. “Are you sure you can’t join us this afternoon, Charles?”

Sarah looked back to her husband who was still standing with his hands in his pockets, looking at her in the most peculiar way.

He rocked back on his heels. “I’m sorry, Nora. I cannot. I have a lot to prepare for.” He pulled out his pocket watch. “In fact, I’m running late already. I hope you both have a lovely afternoon. I’ll be back for dinner.”

He began to walk out of the room when he stopped right in front of Sarah and Nora. His eyes found Sarah’s. “Would you believe we’ve been married ten days already? We should celebrate tonight.”

Sarah’s eyes rounded as her heart dropped into her stomach. He was right. If you counted the day they were married, tonight would be ten days. She licked her lips as she swallowed.

“How lovely! I think anyone who sticks around you for ten days should be celebrated!” Nora teased.

Charles didn’t break eye contact with the now paralyzed Sarah. He winked before he leaned down and captured her lips in a chaste kiss. His lips grazed her ear as he whispered, “I have a lot planned for this evening. Don’t tire yourself out this afternoon. Do you understand?”

Sarah didn’t move. He pulled back to look into her eyes. She nodded ever so lightly and he stood up straight.

He looked over to his sister and pointed at her. “I liked you better when you were shy. I think someone’s been a bad influence on you.” Charles’s voice was full of jest, but Sarah heard the message.

Nora laughed him off. “She’s been the best influence on both of us and you know it.”

Charles’s eyes returned to Sarah’s and flashed. “Oh, I am very well aware of her influence on me.”

Was Sarah still standing? She lost feeling to her legs moments ago. She was either still up in her room and this was all a dream or she was floating and no one noticed her feet weren’t on the ground.

This man and his words.

“Sarah?” Nora touched her arm.

Sarah blinked and her vision cleared. “What? What were you saying?”

“Are you all right? You were staring. Charles said good bye and you didn’t even move. Have you eaten yet?” Nora moved Sarah over to the table and helped her into her chair.

Sarah shook her head. “No, I, uh, haven’t eaten anything yet.”

Nora picked up a piece of bread and began to butter it. “Here, eat this.”

Sarah took the offered bread and took a bite. It tasted like dust on her tongue. She wasn’t lightheaded because of lack of sustenance. She was weary because today was ten days and every encounter with her husband was leading up to tonight.

She was excited, she was terrified, she was still chewing the bread. Sarah choked down the lump of bread that was congealing in her mouth. After washing it down with some tea she looked to Nora.

“I’m much better, thank you.”

Nora gave Sarah a once-over before she sat in her own chair. “Wonderful. We can go to the orangery after breakfast that way we don’t have to rush back for dinner. Congratulations on ten days, by the way. Ten days married to my brother, who would have thought?”

Nervous laughter bubbled out of Sarah. “Certainly not me.”

Nora plopped a sugar cube into her teacup. “I wonder what he has in store for tonight? He seemed really excited for dinner.”

Sarah tilted her head in confusion. “All he said was that he’d be back for dinner.”

“I know.” Nora deadpanned. “This is Charles we’re talking about. The fact that he brought it up at all means he’s excited for it.”

Sarah laughed at Nora’s comment on Charles’s serious persona. However, her laughs soon dissipated into nervous energy. How would she get through the day knowing that each minute that ticked by was one minute closer to whatever he had planned for her?

Excitement mixed with nervousness as she finished her breakfast.