Page 40 of The Duchess' Replacement

William licked his dry lips.

“It was nothing, Your Grace,” the coachman interjected from where he still sat in the front of the carriage. “She was just making herself known to the people. They seemed to like her. Nothing untoward or sensational happened. Not that I could see from my perch on the carriage, Your Grace.”

Charles looked at the coachman. He couldn’t remember his name, but he’s been around for some time and he always seemed reliable.

Charles grunted as he looked back to the footman who looked like he was about to pass out.

He nodded to the carriage. “Make sure these packages get to her rooms promptly and without damage.”

The young man dipped his head and started grabbing as many packages as he could before he scurried into the house.

Charles looked up to the coachman. The old man looked met his eyes with something akin to disappointment before it was cleared from the man’s expression.

“If you don’t mind me saying so, Your Grace, William is a good lad. Does what he’s told, always willing to help or do more. He’s very well liked amongst the staff.”

Charles furrowed his brows. Usually he would not condone such an opinion from staff, but the coachman,Robbins? Tobbins? Doesn’t matter, had been with the family since Charles was a young boy. This man has stood with his family through their darkest times and if there was one thing Charles appreciated from those around him it would be loyalty.

“You’ve been with my family for a long time.”

The coachman dipped his head. “Well before you were born, Your Grace. I had the honor of bringing your father home from a meeting in London when he got word of your arrival. He was so excited, Your Grace.”

Charles allowed the corners of his lips to curl in a slight smile.

“I appreciate your loyalty and your dedication to my family. However, mind your words when speaking to me.” He warned. He held the man’s eyes long enough for the man to dip his head in acknowledgement. Charles watched as the man drove the carriage to the stables.

Charles turned on his heel and met Samuels at the doorway.

Samuels stood taller, most likely hearing Charles’s conversation with the coachman. Samuels may be getting older, but his hearing was far from giving in to age.

“Will you be dining with Her Grace this evening, Your Grace.” Samuels asked.

Charles pushed out a breath. “Yes. It seems my wife and I have some things to discuss.”

Sarah breezed into the dining room. She was exhausted from the day and her body ached for the comfort of her bed, but her mind was buzzing with all the information she gathered today.

Most of the people she met took some time to warm up to her but once they did she found them nothing but jovial, kind people who had a love for their town and their neighbors. It really was a nice little town. She felt very lucky, she couldn’t have asked for a better duchy.

Her mood quickly soured when her eyes crashed into her husband’s dark green eyes. She hated how they sparkled in the low light. Of course, she also secretly loved it, but she would never admit that.

Especially not after all she learned in town.

“Your Grace.” Her head bobbed as she took her seat opposite of him. “It’s nice to see you. I was starting to think you never ate.”

Charles remained unmoved. He sat still with only his eyes moving, watching, studying her every move.

Sarah shifted under his gaze.

His unforgiving stare was making her uncomfortable and she so desperately wanted to fidget to release some anxiety.

She was still gathering information on her husband, but one thing she was absolutely sure of was his incessant need for control.

No doubt remaining quiet and motionless was a power tactic.

Well, two can play at this game.

Sarah was not known for her quiet countenance but she was determined to gather any control she could get her hands on. She lost a major battle last night in the study and she was intent on reclaiming some ground.

She smiled across the table and unfolded her napkin in her lap.

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