Chapter 23
CHAPTER 23
S arah rolled to her side and right into a brick wall. No. Not a wall, a body.
She opened her bleary eyes and blinked until her vision cleared of sleep.
Charles.
Her husband was sleeping with one arm underneath his head, his muscles flexing in his sleep. A blush bloomed across Sarah’s face. It wasn’t scandalous for a wife to see her husband in such an intimate state, but she felt scandalized all the same.
She lifted a finger to his chest and lightly traced random designs across his stomach and chest, playing with the chest hair that coated his wide chest.
A slow smile formed on the Duke’s face. “Haven’t you ever heard waking the beast? It usually doesn’t end well for the instigator.”
His sleepy voice was soft and gruff which awakened desire within her. Would she ever get enough of this man? Hopefully not.
“Who’s to say that wasn’t my intention?” She teased.
For a man who had just woken up, his reflexes were quick and surprised Sarah. One moment she’s tracing his muscles, the next she’s lying underneath him.
“Be careful what you wish for, my darling. Nothing would stop me from enjoying my wife, not even sleep.” He ran his nose up the side of her neck and nipped her ear.
Sarah giggled. She never felt so content in all of her life. She reached up to play with the hair that flopped over his forehead before cradling his face in her hands.
She pulled him down to her. Their kiss was sweet and sensual and everything Sarah longed for from her husband.
Charles leaned into her deepening the kiss when there was a knock on the door.
“What is it?” Charles growled.
Sarah had to cover her mouth with her hand to stop from laughing.
“Your Grace? Something has come up that needs your attention.” Samuels voice traveled through the door.
Charles looked out the window, dawn was just breaking. “Can’t it wait?” Charles groaned.
“I’m sorry for the interruption, Your Grace, but you had told me to find you at once when this news arrived.”
Charles sighed.
“What is it?” Sarah asked.
Her husband’s weight shifted as he rolled off of her. “Nothing too concerning. Just a local merchant causing some grief. Nothing I can’t handle.”
Charles stood from the bed and walked to a chair where he left his shirt.
While Sarah immediately missed the comfort of his body next to hers, she couldn’t deny the view of a naked Charles standing in front of her.
Her eyes dipped as she bit her bottom lip.
“What’s that look for wife?” Charles laughed.
Sarah shook her head. “Nothing.”
Charles feigned shock as he looked down at himself. “I assure you, madame, this,” he said gesturing to himself, “is not nothing. I’m sure I’ve proven that to you last night. Although, if you need a reminder, I’ll happily oblige.”
Sarah licked her lips. “I thought you had more pressing matters to attend to?”
Charles looked at the door and let his shoulders sag. “Yes, unfortunately for me, my happiness has to come after those of the duchy.”
As he prepared for the day, Sarah contemplated his words. She knew that he went outside of the duchy for goods and services, which would directly contradict the happiness of the duchy. Perhaps he considered what they talked about dinner last week and he was now going to use his own people for services.
Sarah sat up in the bed. “This merchant contract that you need to take care of. Is it with someone from the duchy?”
Charles scoffed. “Heavens no.” Charles sat on a bench to slip on his boot. “Well, the merchant in question is from the village. But I’m not using him, which is his problem. I’ve explained to him multiple times why it’s not an issue. He does this every now and then, it’s nothing I can’t handle.”
Sarah worried her lip. She looked over to the empty space next to her and laid her hand over it. The mattress still held her husband’s imprint and warmth. She knew by asking her next question, she may not see that imprint or feel that warmth again, but still, her constitution demanded wrongs to be righted.
“Why can’t you use him?” Sarah’s voice was steadier than she expected. Which made pleased her, if she was going to potentially ruin the afterglow of their coupling, she might as well go all in.
Charles held his other boot in his hand and leveled a look at her. “Sarah. We’ve talked about this. You don’t know those people like I do. I trust you to look after the house. Trust me to look after the duchy.”
He held her gaze for a moment longer before he continued with his boots.
Sarah nodded and rested against the headboard. An awkward silence hung between them and she chastised herself for bringing the question up.
Thankfully, Charles broke the tension. “What plans do you have today?”
“I think I owe William a trip to the modiste.”
“William?”
Sarah nodded. “Yes. It seems our footman and Miss Cordell, the modiste, have an interest in each other. I owe him a favor after that disaster of an outing at the orangery yesterday.”
Charles chuckled. “I must say, that boy has been in this household for years and I never knew his name or anything about him. Then you come along and I’m realizing how many people I actually have in my employ.” He sounded surprised at his own admission.
Sarah furrowed her eyebrows before she laughed at the ridiculousness of his statement. “Did you really not pay attention to those around you? Did you just think food and horses appeared before you when you wanted them?”
Charles shrugged nonchalantly. “Not necessarily. I just never thought about it.”
Sarah was taken aback by the candor in which Charles spoke. He states he takes care of his own, yet he’s not aware of the presence of those he most definitely should be aware of.
It was just one more contradiction that made up her husband.
“Anyway, I think I’ll invite Nora along with us. She complimented the ribbons I bought from Miss Cordell, I reckon she will appreciate a trip to the modiste. Plus, she really liked what I did with your study. She said she wanted to compliment Miss Cordell for her help in it.” Sarah stated with a wicked grin on her face.
Her eyes swept up to her husband who was no longer smiling.
“You will not take Nora with you.” He snarled.
Sarah’s eyes widened at the sudden change in her husband’s demeanor. “But she wanted-”
Charles abruptly stood and flung his jacket across his shoulders and slipped it on. “My word is final, Sarah. You’re in charge of the house, but I’m in charge of Nora. She is not to step foot inside the town. Do you understand?”
Hurt, pride and confusion all mixed in Sarah’s veins. “Why?”
“My word is final, I do not need an explanation.” Charles scowled.
Pride won out. Sarah threw the blankets off of the bed and jumped up. She did not care she was naked in front of her husband. Fire and rage settled over her, warming her body against the cool morning air.
“I am not a child and you do not have ownership over me.” She countered.
Charles took a step towards her. “I think our wedding vows beg to differ.”
Sarah was exasperated and threw her hands in the air. “If you would just tell me what happened between you and the townspeople and what it has to do with Nora perhaps I wouldn’t keep asking about this!”
She was at her wit’s end with this man. Every time she thought she was making headway with him, his stubbornness and pride had to get in the way.
Charles shook his head once and turned to go. “I will not entertain this conversation any more. I’ve said what I’ve said, if you can’t handle this arrangement, then perhaps you need to make other arrangements.”
“What?” Her voice squeaked. Her heart thudded in her chest. “What do you mean?” She reached out to grab his arm but he had already left the room.
She raced to the door and watched him walk down the hallway. “Charles!” She called out to him.
Sarah turned back into the room and looked frantically for something to cover herself with. She grabbed the throw he had used to cover them with before they drifted off to sleep and wrapped it around her shoulders.
Peeking out into the hallway she looked both ways before she scurried over to her room. She rushed into her closet to put on the first dress she could find. It was a simple frock, it didn’t have many buttons, just a few at her collar, and a belt. She put it on, not even looking at herself in the mirror to fix her hair.
She ran out of her room and down the stairs.
“Good morning, Sarah!” A cheery Nora greeted her at the bottom of the steps. “Oh, my! Sarah! Are you all right? You’re a mess!”
Sarah didn’t have time to take any offense, plus, the girl was right, she could only imagine how she looked.
She took Nora by the shoulders. “Charles. Where is Charles?”
Nora eye’s roamed Sarah’s face with worry. “Sarah, what is wrong? Are you well?”
Sarah blew out a breath in frustration. “Charles, Nora! Where is Charles?”
“He stepped out for the morning, Your Grace. Is there something I can help with?”
Sarah turned to see Samuels standing nearby with Mrs. Bates at his side. Both of them looked apprehensive and concerned.
Sarah let her head fall back as she let out a distressed scream. She closed her eyes to collect herself.
When she opened them she now saw Lizzie had joined Samuels, Mrs. Bates, and Nora.
Perfect. All we need is William here and word will spread to everyone on the estate that I am losing my mind.
“Is everything all right? I heard a scream from outside.” An out of breath William came barreling into the hallway.
Perfect .
Sarah rubbed her eyes. “Yes, everything is fine. I was just letting out frustration.” She looked to the small crowd curiously watching her. “I’m sorry for my state. It’s been an eventful morning.”
Mrs. Bates carefully stepped away from the group. “Come, Your Grace. Let’s restart the day, shall we? Lizzies will help you get ready, won’t you Lizzie?” She looked back to Lizzie who looked unsure if she could handle the obviously fragile Sarah.
“And while you two do that, Samuels and I will make sure breakfast is ready for you.”
Instead of being offended that she was being treated like a child Sarah just sighed and allowed the others to step in and take care of her.
“Very well,” she conceded.
Lizzie rushed forward and took Sarah’s arm. “Don’t worry, Your Grace. Once we wash your face and right your dress you’ll feel like a brand new woman.”
Sarah let Lizzie guide her back up to her room. Once they reached the top of the steps she heard someone pounding at the front door.
She turned towards the noise. “I wonder who that is.”
“Let Samuels worry about that, Your Grace. Come, let’s take care of you.” Lizzie ushered her into the room and closed the door behind them.
Lizzie was right, with a freshly pressed dress, her face washed and her hair done, Sarah did feel like a brand new woman. The tension that had clouded her mind had dissipated and she was left only mildly annoyed.
Regardless of how she currently felt, she knew that she would have to find a way once and for all to corner that man and get the truth of his relationship with the town out in the open.
She’s been trying to put her foot down for over a week, now it was time to assert herself. And if he refused to speak, well, then, perhaps she should find other accommodations.
Sarah’s heart squeezed in her chest. Heavens, she didn’t want to even think about that. They both said things they didn’t mean to say. Sarah stopped herself in front of the parlor. Well, she meant what she said this morning, she just hoped Charles didn’t mean what he said.
She heard voices coming from the drawing room as she turned the handle.
Sarah pushed the door open just in time to see Nora jump into someone’s arms.
A man’s arms.
Not just any man, Eli’s arms.
“Oh, Eli! I’m so glad to see you! Where have you been?” Nora squealed.
“Yes, Eli. Where have you been?” Sarah didn’t realize she voiced her question until two sets of green eyes turned towards her.
All three siblings had the same green eyes. Sarah sighed.
Of course they did.
Sarah refused to drop her eyes. She held her gaze with Eli until he broke away and looked down at Nora..
A rakish smile shone on his face. Sarah squeezed her hands into tight little fists. What would she give to smack that smile off of his face.
“Nora, my love, could you give me and Sarah a moment alone?” Eli’s casual tone irked Sarah for reasons unknown.
Nora furrowed her eyebrows as she looked back to Sarah. “I suppose so. I’ll be in the library if you need me.”
Nora entangled herself from her brother and left the drawing room.
Sarah and Eli stood facing each other as if they were in a duel. Neither one of them took their eyes off of each other as Nora left, nor did they move after she closed the door.
Sarah lifted an eye brow in a challenge.
Eli pursed his lips and rocked back on his heals. “I owe you an apology.”
Sarah cocked her head to the side. After dealing with his brother, a man who rarely offered up his thoughts so freely, Sarah was not expecting such a forward opening from Eli.
“For what?” She mused as she walked over to a tea cart Mrs. Bates must have left in here when Eli arrived.
Eli pushed out a breath. “You have been around my brother for too long.”
Sarah scowled. “And whose fault would that be?” Sarah knew she was being obtuse and difficult, but she was done with the Brandon brothers and their ways. If the one she really wanted to rage at wasn’t here, his younger brother would do. Besides, Eli wasn’t innocent in all of this.
“I deserve that.” Eli admitted. “You must understand, Sarah, you did not want to marry me.”
Sarah dropped a sugar cube in her tea. “I did not want to marry your brother and yet here I am.”
Eli considered her words. “Why did you then?”
Sarah slammed the tea cup down onto its saucer on the cart. “You left me no choice! You humiliated me in front of the ton . Everyone we knew was at that church and you left me there. If you didn’t want to marry me why did you court me? Why did you ask me? Why did you let me walk down that aisle?”
Sarah’s throat tightened and tears prickled the corners of her eyes. Her pride was trying to stave off the flow of tears but after keeping all of this locked up inside of her for so long her emotions were getting the best of her.
Eli winced. “You’re right. I should have, but I was forced to find a wife.”
Sarah guffawed. “By whom?”
Eli stared at her. “Your husband.” Eli stated as he cocked his head to the side.
Sarah turned to Eli. “I don’t understand.”
Eli sighed and walked over to where Sarah stood by the tea cart. He picked up a tea towel and wiped up the tea that had spilled out of her cup when she slammed it on the cart.
“It is no secret that I am a man of many… let’s say, interests, yet being married was never one of them.”
Sarah rolled her eyes. “Yes. I was aware of your rakish ways, and yet I still said yes to you. What does this have to do with Charles?”
Eli handed Sarah her tea and gestured to the sofa in the drawing room. They both sat down next to each other.
“Charles was getting tired of my philandering ways so he demanded I get married and settle down or he would cut me off. So, I took the season to find the amiable girl I could to marry so I could get him off my back and still live the way I wanted to.”
Sarah’s cheeks heated in embarrassment. Hearing that she was simply at the right place at the right time cut her. Once again, she was reminded that she simply just existed for other’s benefits, and not because they want her.
Realization dawned on her. That’s exactly how Charles has been treating her. When he wants to scratch an itch, he comes to her, but when she needs her own opinions and interests to take precedent he shuts her down.
Sarah’s heart began to break piece by piece.
“Sarah, please don’t take this as an offense to your character. This says more about me than you. I’m not a good guy.” He shrugged lazily. “You would have been miserable married to me. I wouldn’t have taken care of you like Charles does.”
At the mention of his name a tear escaped and rolled down her cheek.
Eli brought a finger up to her cheek to wipe the tear away. “Please don’t cry, Sarah. You are better off here.” He looked towards the door. “I only saw Nora for a moment but the fact that Charles even let you meet her tells me how much he revers you.”
Sarah’s laugh hiccuped. “I doubt that.”
Eli lowered his eyes to try to capture her downcast ones. “It’s true, Sarah. Believe me, I know my brother. If you know and are able to speak freely with Nora, than my brother thinks highly of you, which, I’m sure you know is no easy feat.”
Sarah offered a shaky smile.
“Thank you, Eli. And thank you for telling me the truth. You are the first one in your family to actually tell me something true that has happened.”
Eli shook his head as he sighed. “I take it my brother is being his stubborn self again. He always thinks he knows what’s best and it’s his word and no one else’s.”
Sarah laughed. If you would have told her the one who would console her and make her feel better about her place within this household was Eli she would have laughed in your face. But here she was, feeling better and finding some comfort in his words.
Eli leaned in to take the tea cup from her and placed it on a side table. He gathered her in his arms in a brotherly hug. She let her body relax into his easy embrace and welcomed the support.
The crash of the door startled her.
“What is the meaning of this?”
Eli and Sarah jumped apart and turned to see a wild eyed Charles standing in the doorway.