Page 1 of The Duchess' Replacement

CHAPTER 1

Sarah 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.

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