Page 82 of The Duchess' Replacement

She had spent the day trying to focus on anything other than what was going to happen tonight, but she failed every single time. Even when William declared he could juggle anything and picked up three oranges which led him to tripping over a bucket sending oranges everywhere.

She still thought of Charles.

Even when her and Nora walked around smelling the exotic plants she had never heard of or seen before, her thoughts were on Charles.

And here he was, hanging on his sister’s every word like he’s not about to change Sarah’s life forever.

She grimaced. If he’s going to act like he hasn’t a care in the world, then so shall she. She’s in control of herself, right?

Sarah nodded to herself and sat up in her chair.

“It was quite the sight, poor William.” She chuckled. “I do wish you would have been able to join us Charles. William said you are well versed in the origins of the plants and flowers in there. Other than the orange trees and some other fruit trees there was a lot I have never seen before.”

She speared a potato on her fork and breathed out. See? She can hold a normal conversation just like him.

Charles dipped his head. “My apologies, my darling. As you know I have a busy night ahead of me and I wanted to make sure I was prepared.”

Sarah’s fork hovered in front of her open mouth. All sense left her body at the word “darling,” and by the smirk on his face, he knew it.

She slowly put the potato in her mouth and reminded herself how to chew.

And for the love of God, don’t choke.

Nora wrinkled her nose. “What business do you have late at night?”

The potato bobbed in Sarah’s throat causing her to cough.

Charles rose an eye brow at Sarah’s misfortune. “Are you all right?”

Sarah took a healthy sip of water. “Yes.” She cleared her throat. “I’m fine. Just swallowed it the wrong way.”

“Hmm. We may have to work on that.” Charles said with a devilish grin.

Sarah’s eyes widened. She didn’t know why, but the way he said that inferred something indecent and her mouth went dry. She took another pull of water.

Charles turned his attention back to his sister. “Just some business I had put off since the wedding. It’s time I get back to work and do my due diligence by the duchy.”

How was he able to say those coded words with such coolness? To his sister, he sounded like any Duke getting back to taking care of his duchy after focusing on his new marriage.

But to Sarah, he was talking about the last rule of their marriage. Consummation and an heir.

Her head swam with the innuendoes and casualness of his words. She shifted in her chair as she concentrated on putting a piece of meat onto her fork. She felt like a child moving ever so slowly with calculated movements to be able to poke the meat through with her fork.

After her second shaky attempt, she put the fork down and folded her hands in her lap.

“Are you sure you’re all right, Sarah? You haven’t touched your meat.” Once again, that cheeky grin appeared on his face. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to kiss it or slap it off of him.

How was he so collected when she was ready to jump up and run away? She bit her bottom lip. Or perhaps she wanted to jump up and run to him?

Sarah took a deep, cleansing breath and looked at her husband. He was sitting across from her, his dark hair fell to just above his collar while his emerald eyes danced with mischief. He sat comfortably in his chair, leaning back, his long legs stretched out that she knew if she were to extend her leg she most likely would hit one of his.

She leveled a look at her husband. “The meat is fine. I’m just worn out from the busy day we had. Perhaps I shall retire so you can get to your work.” She challenged.

He seemed to consider her words. “Perhaps you should.” He looked down at his plate then up to his sister. “I think I am done as well. I should get to work, there is lots to do.”

Nora sat, her eyes bouncing between the both of them. “You both barely touched your dinners. I thought we were celebrating your marriage?”

Charles smirked. “We will need to continue the celebration later.”

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