Page 89 of The Duchess' Replacement

Sarah turned to see Samuels standing nearby with Mrs. Bates at his side. Both of them looked apprehensive and concerned.

Sarah let her head fall back as she let out a distressed scream. She closed her eyes to collect herself.

When she opened them she now saw Lizzie had joined Samuels, Mrs. Bates, and Nora.

Perfect. All we need is William here and word will spread to everyone on the estate that I am losing my mind.

“Is everything all right? I heard a scream from outside.” An out of breath William came barreling into the hallway.

Perfect.

Sarah rubbed her eyes. “Yes, everything is fine. I was just letting out frustration.” She looked to the small crowd curiously watching her. “I’m sorry for my state. It’s been an eventful morning.”

Mrs. Bates carefully stepped away from the group. “Come, Your Grace. Let’s restart the day, shall we? Lizzies will help you get ready, won’t you Lizzie?” She looked back to Lizzie who looked unsure if she could handle the obviously fragile Sarah.

“And while you two do that, Samuels and I will make sure breakfast is ready for you.”

Instead of being offended that she was being treated like a child Sarah just sighed and allowed the others to step in and take care of her.

“Very well,” she conceded.

Lizzie rushed forward and took Sarah’s arm. “Don’t worry, Your Grace. Once we wash your face and right your dress you’ll feel like a brand new woman.”

Sarah let Lizzie guide her back up to her room. Once they reached the top of the steps she heard someone pounding at the front door.

She turned towards the noise. “I wonder who that is.”

“Let Samuels worry about that, Your Grace. Come, let’s take care of you.” Lizzie ushered her into the room and closed the door behind them.

Lizzie was right, with a freshly pressed dress, her face washed and her hair done, Sarah did feel like a brand new woman. The tension that had clouded her mind had dissipated and she was left only mildly annoyed.

Regardless of how she currently felt, she knew that she would have to find a way once and for all to corner that man and get the truth of his relationship with the town out in the open.

She’s been trying to put her foot down for over a week, now it was time to assert herself. And if he refused to speak, well, then, perhaps she should find other accommodations.

Sarah’s heart squeezed in her chest. Heavens, she didn’t want to even think about that. They both said things they didn’t mean to say. Sarah stopped herself in front of the parlor. Well, she meant what she said this morning, she just hoped Charles didn’t mean what he said.

She heard voices coming from the drawing room as she turned the handle.

Sarah pushed the door open just in time to see Nora jump into someone’s arms.

A man’s arms.

Not just any man, Eli’s arms.

“Oh, Eli! I’m so glad to see you! Where have you been?” Nora squealed.

“Yes, Eli. Where have you been?” Sarah didn’t realize she voiced her question until two sets of green eyes turned towards her.

All three siblings had the same green eyes. Sarah sighed.

Of course they did.

Sarah refused to drop her eyes. She held her gaze with Eli until he broke away and looked down at Nora..

A rakish smile shone on his face. Sarah squeezed her hands into tight little fists. What would she give to smack that smile off of his face.

“Nora, my love, could you give me and Sarah a moment alone?” Eli’s casual tone irked Sarah for reasons unknown.

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