Page 58 of The Duchess' Replacement

Of course she’d be safe with me.

Nora only nodded and sank back down into the sofa.

“If you need anything ring for Samuels and he’ll come and get me.” Charles hesitated before he lifted his hand, but Sarah saw the little squeeze he gave Nora on her shoulder.

It was just a tiny gesture, not even a full moment, but yet it spoke volumes to Sarah.

Charles was making sure his younger sister felt safe and secure in his home. He was taking his time to make sure she felt his protection even when he wouldn’t be here.

The revelation astounded Sarah.

Dominant Charles, brute Charles, salacious Charles, frustrating Charles, these were the sides she got of her husband. She never once received the gentle Charles, or the caring Charles.

She was in awe of their relationship and if she were being honest, she was a bit jealous of their interaction. She had only met his younger sister moments ago but it was very apparent that they were close and loved each other dearly.

Then why is it I’m only learning of his sister now?

Sarah let out a small huff as Charles bid farewell and left the parlor.

Spotting the tea cart in the room Sarah pointed to it. “I see they brought in the tea, would you like some?”

Nora only nodded again.

Sarah stood and walked to the cart, using the time to try and come up with a way to get the conversation flowing again. Nora seemed to loosen up a bit when talking about her pastimes, but as soon as Charles left she seemed to rebuild her wall.

“You had mentioned you like painting and playing the pianoforte,” Sarah started as she handed Nora her cup of tea.

“I enjoy painting more.” Nora all but whispered.

Sarah sat down next to Nora on the sofa. Her mind drifted to the small painting studio upstairs. Did Nora know about those paintings?

“That sounds lovely. I used to paint a lot when I was younger, my father taught me. I love to paint landscapes. A few are hanging in my family home back in London.”

Some color appeared on Nora’s cheeks as her eyes brightened. “Me, too! There is a small park just by my home that I love to paint. In the summer there is a family of ducks that frequent there. If I’m quiet enough I can get close enough to paint them. It’s one of my favorite places to be.”

Nora’s mouth snapped shut after she spoke. Something told Sarah Nora wasn’t used to speaking so openly to strangers. Anxiety seemed to flow from the girl as her eyes wandered around the room. Nora shifted again in her seat as she cleared her throat and dropped her eyes once more.

“That does sound peaceful.” Sarah said as she patted the girl’s clammy hand. “Perhaps one day I will be able to see your paintings. I’m sure they’re lovely. In fact, I would love nothing more to have one hanging here.”

Twin red flags rose high on Nora’s cheeks. “But you haven’t even seen them yet. What if they’re horrible?”

Sarah waved her off. “Nonsense. Talent knows talent, my dear.” She said with a wink. “And I am talented.” Sarah ended on a chuckle.

Nora joined in on her laughter and Sarah could feel the tension melting away. Nora’s shoulders relaxed as she sipped her tea.

“I’m not sure about that, but I think I’ve come a long way in my art.” Nora offered. “But I’m not ready to show it to many people definitely not Charles.”

Sarah tilted her head. “Why not? He seems very fond of you. He even said he was impressed with how well your studies are coming along. Why would you be afraid to show him your work?”

Nora shrugged. “I don’t know. He’s always so controlling and opinionated.” Her hand gestured to the perfectly cultivated parlor. “Things are always so perfect here.” Once again her eyes tracked over the room. “What if it wasn’t perfect and he found fault in it? Or fault in…”

Nora’s lips tightened. Sarah thought she saw Nora’s eyes moisten but the girl dipped her head to take a quick sip she couldn’t be sure.

Sarah looked to the door of the parlor. “It’s true, Charles has a certain way about him when it comes to relinquishing control, but I can absolutely tell that whatever you create your brother would be impressed.”

Nora chewed on her bottom lip. “I’m not sure about that. I’ve showed him pieces in the past and he didn’t seem too interested in them.”

Sarah pursed her lips. “Hmm, perhaps you caught him on a bad day?” Sarah let out a small chuckle. “And if anyone truly knows your brother, they’d know he’s prone to having bad days.” She leaned in to nudge Nora’s shoulder, hoping to lighten the mood.

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