Page 57 of The Duchess' Replacement

Lizzie’s words infiltrated Sarah’s mind and gave her pause. What has happened to this young girl that would elicit such a response from those around her?

Sarah cleared her throat.

Two sets of emerald green eyes looked at her. Like her brother, the young girl had two prominent dark brown eyebrows over striking green eyes.

Sarah smiled in their direction. “I’m sorry to interrupt, I was just so anxious to meet you.” She looked at the young girl and tried to seem as non-threatening as possible. If she was anything like her brother this girl would already have a protective wall up.

The girl’s feet shifted as she looked up to her older brother for guidance.

The exchange was curious to Sarah. It was as if his sister was afraid of Sarah.

“Sarah? This is my sister Honora. Nora, this is my wife, Sarah.”

Sarah’s heart fluttered at the way he said “wife,” and she wanted to sit in that moment for longer, but the opportunity to learn more about his family was too much to pass up.

“It is so nice to meet you, Honora.” Sarah said softly.

A corner of Honora’s mouth tipped up in a small, timid smile. Sarah knew instantly she would have to tread lightly with Honora lest she scare her away.

But why?

Nora pushed her hand through the air. “You can call my Nora, if it pleases you.”

Sarah smiled. “Nothing would please me more.”

Sarah took Nora’s hand in hers and led her to a sofa set in the middle of the room. “Now tell me, Nora, where have you been hiding all this time? I’m sure you’re quite aware your brother is not the most communicative when it comes to his family.”

Nora seemed to shrink into the sofa as her eyes rose to meet her brother’s. Charles was staring back down at Sarah with a look of resignation. Sarah got the distinct impression she had already started off on the wrong foot.

“Nora lives with family outside of London.” Charles began. “She has a tutor and governess there and we hear she is doing wonderful with all of her studies.” The way Charles spoke of her was the same way he held her. He spoke as if she were the most fragile and precious jewel he’d ever seen.

If only he could speak of me that way.

Sarah grimaced quickly before she caught herself. This was no time to think of such things. Obviously there was something regarding this young girl that troubled not only Charles but the staff. Charles’s staff is loyal to a fault, and seeing the slight girl in front of her afraid to answer a simple question concerned Sarah.

Sarah tore her eyes away from Charles to look back at Nora whose eyes were now focused on her twiddling fingers in her lap.

Sarah reached out and took one of her hands. “That sounds wonderful, Nora. London canoe gorgeous this time of year.” She tried meeting the girl’s eyes, but they remained firmly focused her lap. “I always enjoyed my studies. Not as much as my older sister Eleanor, but definitely more than my younger sister, Beatrice.”

“You have sisters?” The young girl’s eyes lifted in curiosity.

Sarah nodded. “Yes. An older one, Eleanor, who just had a little baby girl, and a younger sister, Beatrice, who is about your age. She’s fifteen.”

Nora smiled. “I’m thirteen.”

“Ah. I figured as much. So, tell me Nora, other than succeeding in your studies what do you like to do?”

Sarah listened to Nora speak of painting and playing the pianoforte all the while noticing Charles’s reactions to the conversation.

He never sat but remained standing behind the sofa looking down on them. Sarah couldn’t help but feel as if he was acting as the girl’s protector, on the ready to jump in and rescue her if, and when, the situation called for it.

Considering his size, his standing there was beginning to make even Sarah nervous. She was just about to interrupt Nora to ask him to sit when he began to speak.

“I hate to interrupt, Nora, but I just remembered there is some business I need to take care of. And I need to gather the paperwork you asked for. I couldn’t find it when Samuels first announced your arrival. Let me see to that before I forget.”

He touched Nora’s shoulder. “Will you be all right if I leave you with Sarah?”

Sarah bristled but didn’t say anything.

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