Page 61 of The Duchess' Replacement

“I, um, wish I knew more of Charles’s family. I know of Eli, and now you, but not much is said about the rest of your family. I found your mother’s room the other day.” Sarah inwardly cringed. She felt as if she was parading around a sign that said, “Tell me every family secret.”

Nora still didn’t look up from watching the frogs. “I wish I knew of her. I’ve heard the servants talk of her.” Nora supplied, her voice small and distant.

Hope once again rose within Sarah. “Oh?”

“I’ve heard Mrs. Bates say that she was one of the kindest people she’s ever met. She would go out of her way to help the people in the village. Once a week she would go down to the village and help tend to the sick, children and adults alike. Mrs. Bates said she was good with medicine.”

Nora’s voice was full of reverence and wonder when she talked of her mother.

Sarah’s heart broke for the child. “She sounds like she was a wonderful woman and a noble Duchess.”

Nora’s eyes flashed up, bright and shining. “I like to think so.”

The two shared a sober smile.

Sarah thought back to the painting studio she found in the home. She chewed her lip, conflicted as to bring it up or not. Nora mentioned she liked to paint and perhaps learning her mother liked to paint, too, would help bring her closer to her mother’s memory.?However, when she mentioned finding the rooms earlier Nora ignored it. Sarah didn’t want to upset her any more than she was.

“It’s getting dark. Perhaps we should go back.” Nora’s voice cut through Sarah’s thoughts. “Charles doesn’t like when I’m out for long.”

Sarah looked around and saw the darkening sky. “Oh my. I didn’t realize we’ve been out for so long. We should definitely get back.”

They turned to make it up the hill they came down to get back onto the main path. Sarah was grateful that it didn’t seem as steep going up as it did going down. She was beginning to think she would manage to get back to the road without causing another scene.

“Be careful,” Sarah started. “There is a divot around here somewhere. I remember seeing it on the way down.”

The words hadn’t left her mouth when Sarah’s foot landed in the exact divot causing her to tumble.

“Oh gracious,” she said from the ground. “I am in a state tonight.” She laughed.

Nora’s giggles filled the air. It’s light melody reminded Sarah of her times with her sisters when they would just enjoy each other’s company and they didn’t have to worry about the pressures ofthe ton. Her heart ached for simpler times.

She looked up at Nora who was holding her stomach from her laughter. In that moment, Sarah made it her mission to see that Nora had more laughter in her life. She was a completely different girl out her than in the parlor when they first met. She no longer seemed closed off or shy.

Nora’s face was flush from exertion and laughter but there was a calmness in her that Sarah hoped would continue. This girl was far too young to carry whatever burden had been placed upon her.

Nora reached down to help Sarah stand. “Are you good to continue? I could go get help.”

Nora looked up the pathway and then down the other way. Her brows furrowed. “Although, now looking, I’m not sure which direction we came from.” They heard rustling in a nearby bush. “And I’m not sure I want to venture out alone.”

Once Sarah righted herself she looked at the path. “Hmm, I’m not sure I know which way we came from either.”

Nora’s features began to tighten which worried Sarah. She wanted nothing more than to give this girl a sense of security.

“No need to worry, Nora.” She reached out and took Sarah’s hand in hers. “We are still on the estate. All roads lead to Rome and all that, right? Let’s just pick a way and I’m sure it will lead us back to the house.”

Nora smiled in relief. “Very good point.”

“Your choice, my dear. Which way shall we go?” Sarah asked.

Nora worried her lip. “Do you really want me to pick? Do you remember how you fell down the hill? That was on my direction.”

Sarah laughed. “That was bad footing on my part. I trust you. I have all the faith in the world no matter which way you’ll pick you’ll get us back home.”

Nora pushed out a breath and pointed. “That way.”

Sarah nodded and slipped her hand through Nora’s arms. “Then that way it shall be.”

Nora’s eyes scanned the brush on either side of the pathway. “Sarah, do you believe in monsters?”

---