Page 3 of The Duchess' Replacement

“Sarah? Wait here, I’ll go ask Derek. I’m sure that’s where he is.”

Charlotte took a breath, kissed her daughter’s cheek one more time and made her way to the front of the church.

Sarah smoothed out her dress and checked to make sure none of the carefully pinned curls fell out.

She watched her mother reach Derek and Eleanor. Her nerves were making her clothing itch. She began to pace in the back before she realized she had started walking down the aisle.

No sense in waiting for the inevitable “go ahead.” Might as well walk down there and see for myself. I’m certain he’s there.

Sarah’s eyes landed on the alarmingly empty alter and misstepped. She heard a few murmurs and chastised herself for not paying attention. All she needed was her soon-to-be husband finding her splayed out on the alter from tripping on her new dress. She knew she should have practiced walking in it, it was a bit longer in the front than she was used to.

Her vision refocused on the empty alter. She was certain Eli was just getting some air before the ceremony. It was awfully stifling in here.

Sarah pulled at the lace tightening around her neck. but the closer she got to the alter, the more she realized how foolish walking down the aisle was. What wedding has she ever been to where the groom walked in after the bride?

As she continued down the aisle she nodded to friends she knew and offered polite smiles to the strangers who must be here for Eli.

Did the church always hold this many people?

Her foot found the first step in front of the alter and stepped up onto it. Her knees were knocking underneath her skirts as she turned and peered out into the congregation.

Nervous glances and whispers flittered around the open room. Sarah’s bottom lip quivered as she tried to smile.

A shadow moved to her right and her eyes caught the movement of a man moving towards the back of the church. She squinted her eyes to see who it was.

The man stopped at the door of the church and turned to face the aisle. Sarah brought a hand up to shield her eyes from the stream of sunlight that came through the door the man had opened. The man looked a bit taller than Eli, a little broader than him as well, but that could be a trick of the shadows.

“Eli?” Her voice was a mere squeak Her throat tightened around the word.

Just then she felt a soft touch on her elbow. She turned her gaze to see the softness of her mother come into focus in front of her. Sarah could see her mother’s mouth moving but her words sounded muffled to Sarah.

Heat blossomed across Sarah’s cheeks as her stomach swirled. Her mother still sounded as if she were talking through a wall.

What is happening?

Sarah craned her neck to peak around her mother’s shoulder.

Where is Eli? This isn’t happening. This can’t be happening. This is not how my story is supposed to go.

Her heart began to race as the world around her slowed down. She could hear every breath, feel every shift of the people around her. Sensations overwhelmed her body leaving her dizzy.

She felt the tender touch of her mother wiping an errant tear that must’ve fallen from her eye.

I’m crying.

Sarah’s eyes widened at the realization. Suddenly, reality crashed down on her. The congregation full of friends, family, and well known dignitaries were all whispering behind fans, their eyes alight with the thought of scandal in the air.

Sarah was left at the alter.

Sarah’s legs gave out beneath her, but thankfully her mother’s strong arms were there to stabilize her.

“Mama?” Sarah managed around the tears.

Charlotte looked over her shoulder to Derek.

“We need to get her out of here.” Charlotte’s words were rushed and full of authority. Sarah had the wayward thought that she never really heard her mother speak with such direction. She was usually frivolous and dramatic.

I don’t understand what is happening.

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