Page 16 of The Duchess' Replacement

“Thank you, Your Grace. We are very proud of it. His Grace is always working so hard, we make sure we keep it in tip top shape for when he comes he so he has nothing to worry about. It’s a shame what-”

Mrs. Bates’s words were cut off from a quick gasp from Lizzie.

Sarah turned her attention to the two women who were now looking at each other.

“What is it? What is the shame?”

Lizzie’s eyes dropped to the ground. Miss Bates’s waved her hand in front of her face as if to wipe away the words she just said.

“Oh, I was just going to say it was a shame that he had no one to share it with but now he has you.”

Her smile was a bit too wide and Sarah had the sneaking suspicion that was not what Mrs. Bates was about to say. She wanted to press the issue but who was she to interrogate the woman? Perhaps in time, after she’s known her for a bit longer, she can bring it up again.

“Oh. How nice.” Sarah noted. “Well, am I to assume dinner will be soon? I didn’t realize it was so late in the day. I’m feeling a bit famished.”

Mrs. Bates smiled more genuinely. “Oh, yes, Your Grace. The cook has whipped up quite the feast for your welcome. Lizzie? Why don’t you help Her Grace get settled into her room and I’ll let the cook know you’re ready for dinner.”

“Thank you, Miss Bates.” Sarah escorted Miss Bates of the room as her stomach growled.

She covered her stomach with her hand. “My goodness, I didn’t realize how hungry I was. Please let His Grace know I will be down for dinner shortly.”

Once again, tension settled between Miss Bates and Lizzie and Sarah’s eyes bounced between the two women.

“What is it now?” One thing Sarah could not abide was secrets.

Miss Bates took a breath. “It’s nothing, Your Grace. It’s just we’ve come accustomed to His Grace working so much, he rarely eats dinner in the dining room.”

Sarah’s heart sank. She had not seen him since this morning when he left her to fend for herself in a house full of strangers, but she just assumed they would at least dine together as married couples were wont to do.

“Where does he dine? Perhaps I could join him there?” It didn’t bother Sarah how desperate she sounded. He laid down ground rules for her to follow and she would do what he asked of her. However, she found it ridiculous that he could impose such rules thinking those would be only times he would interact with her.

Lizzie stepped forward. “His Grace usually eats in his study, Your Grace. I’m sure you’d be much more comfortable in the dining room. Or, if you’d like, since you’re still getting settled, we could bring a tray up here to you. Isn’t that right, Mrs. Bates?”

Lizzie looked at Miss Bates earnestly and Sarah found herself following Lizzie’s example.

Miss Bates nodded. “I don’t see why not. If that’s what Your Grace wants.”

She looked at Sarah expectantly.

Sarah looked around the room. A large lump formed in her throat. She didn’t want to show them how scared and utterly overwhelmed she was. She was the Duchess now and yet , she felt woefully unprepared for the tasks at hand.

She pulled at the cuffs of her shirt. “Yes, actually, I wouldn’t mind if you brought a tray up here. I am quite tired from all the excitement these past few days.”

Mrs. Bates stepped outside the room while Lizzie turned back to fluffing the pillows.

“Lizzie?” Sarah asked. “Would you mind leaving with Mrs. Bates. I would like some time to myself to settle in.”

Lizzie looked up to Mrs. Bates before turning to Sarah. “Of course, Your Grace. I’ll let the staff know you’ll be eating your dinner in your room. If there’s anything else, please just call for me.”

Sarah nodded and walked to one of her bags that sat on a bench. She went through the motions of opening it and pulling out various clothes and laying them next to the bag. Once Lizzie closed the door Sarah threw the shirt she was holding onto the ground.

“Bloody hell” She cursed.

Sarah swatted the hot tears that began to fall.

“Stop being so foolish, Sarah.” She trudged over to the full length mirror and looked at herself. “You can do this. This is what you wanted. Your name is not ruined. There will be no scandal to hurt Beatrice’s chances in her season.”

Sarah sniffed and wiped her nose with a handkerchief from her vanity. She dabbed her eyes. “All good things, girl. Just like mama says, ‘Trust the process.’”

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