Page 15 of The Duchess' Replacement

Sarah swallowed her hurt pride and followed him through the open door.

“Samuels, you remember my wife, Sarah?”

Sarah blushed at the memory of her practically barreling over the older butler to get into the house to speak with Eli. Heavens, that seemed like ages ago.

She tilted her head at his welcome.

“Sarah, this Mrs. Bates, the housekeeper. She’ll be the one who will be the most help to you with regards to the household. I’m sure she’ll introduce you to your maid at some point.”

Sarah peered up at her husband. His words were rushed and he sounded bored with the whole conversation. She grimaced at his rude behavior.

“It’s lovely to have you here with us, Your Grace.” Mrs. Bates looked around the same age as Charlotte which caused Sarah’s heart to squeeze. She could really use her mother right now. For as emotional and flighty her mother could be with some things, she had a way of helping Sarah put things in perspective when she really needed it.

And, heavens knew she needed that right now.

Sarah smiled warmly at the woman. “Thank you, Mrs. Bates. I am very happy to be here and can’t wait to get to know everyone.”

Sarah turned to Charles who was walking away from her. She glanced quickly at Mrs. Bates who had a resigned look on her face before she picked up her skirts to chase after him.

She didn’t want to all out run after her husband, but, heavens, he had long legs. His long stride ate up the distance between the entrance and his study door in no time.

Unfortunately for her when she reached the door he had already shut it.

She raised a hand to knock but Mrs. Bates called from the entranceway.

“Your Grace? Would you like me to introduce you to the rest of the staff?”

Sarah looked back at older woman, who was wringing her hands in front of her.

Sarah returned her gaze to the closed door in front of her and dropped her hand. She straightened her posture and brushed the wrinkles off her dress. She was a Duchess now with responsibilities to tend to.

She would become acquainted with the staff and her duties, but she will make it a point to discuss with her husband his behavior. If he thinks he’s the only one with rules in this marriage, he had another think coming.

Mrs. Bates had taken Sarah all over the country estate. She met almost every one who worked in the house and directly on his property. All seemed like pleasant and responsible workers. Sarah hated to admit, but she was impressed.

She expected the people to be as standoffish and rude as their employer. Her husband never gave off the allure of being someone people would be happy to work for, but everyone she met spoke of Charles with genuine respect and admiration.

He must treat his staff with great care to receive this type of loyalty.

If only I received the same care from him.

“Lizzie will be your maid, Your Grace.” Mrs. Bates’s voice broke through Sarah’s reverie. “She would be down here to greet you but she is upstairs preparing your rooms. Would you like to see your go to them now, Your Grace?”

Sarah nodded in agreement and followed Mrs. Bates up the stairs and down a hallway leading to her suite of rooms.

Mrs. Bates opened the door where Sarah’s maid was just finishing arranging the pillows on her bed.

The slight young woman looked about her age, with a fair complexion and a pleasant air about her.

“Lizzie? I’d like to introduce Her Grace, Duchess of Stoleton, your mistress.”

Lizzie bowed her head, “Your Grace.”

Sarah smiled. She reminded Sarah of Beatrice. She reached out her hands and she walked to Lizzie, taking a hold of her hands when she reached the girl. “Lizzie, it is so nice to meet you. I just know we’ll get along smashingly.”

Sarah looked around her room. It was filled with soft colors and minimal furniture, but it would do for now.

“This truly is a beautiful home and estate.” Sarah said as she crossed to the window that overlooked the garden and a small pond.

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