Page 79 of The Duchess' Replacement

She looked over her shoulder to her sulking husband with a hint of triumph in her eyes.

“But I only want to speak to Charles.” Nora’s whispered words shocked Sarah.

Sarah’s head turned to Nora in surprise. “What?”

Charles moved past Sarah, who was frozen in shock, his arm opened the door wider to step through the doorway. Without turning, he shut the door in Sarah’s face.

She stood, staring at the door in confusion. Tears clouded her vision.

How can they shut me out like this? I’m the one that brought him back here. I’m the one that got her to open the door. Why doesn’t she wish to speak to me?

“Don’t take offense, Your Grace.”

Sarah turned to see Mrs. Bates standing at the top of the steps. Sarah tilted her head in indecision.

“They have a special bond and he’s been the only constant in her life. He has been more of father than brother to her.”

Sarah opened her mouth but closed it before the words came. Tears threatened to fall and if she spoke she was afraid they would release.

She dipped her head and made her way to room. She closed the door behind her and made her way to the bed to sit on its edge.

Hurt, anger, and frustration fueled her thoughts.

She had given up her life to come here and for what? So that she wouldn’t be known as the girl who was left at the alter? Was this any better? These back and forth encounters with her husband? The secrets? The avoidance?

Sarah’s heart began to break. The worst part of it all was she was finally feeling like she belonged and in one dastardly moment she was hit with the realization that she still was an outsider.

She curled onto her bed, holding a pillow to her chest.

Was she always destined to be an outsider? Will she never have a special bond with anyone?

Her tears warmed her pillow as she fell asleep in the waning light.

Sarah awoke to someone in her room. Disorientated, she jolted upright.

“It’s just me, Your Grace.” Lizzie pushed open the curtains in the room, allowing the morning sun to peek through. “I’m sorry to bother you, but I wanted to make sure you were all right.”Lizzie’s voice was soft and soothing.

“We saw you all come in last night. Mrs. Bates said you had retired to your room but when you didn’t call for me to help you get ready for bed I came up to check on you. You were asleep on top of the covers.”

Lizzie shuffled her feet. “I hope you don’t mind I covered you with a blanket.”

Sarah looked down and touched the soft blanket that was laid over her with care. She rubbed her eyes to stop the tears that had gathered. She had cried enough last night, she refused to do it again.

“Thank you, Lizzie. I’m glad to have someone looking out for me.”

Sarah’s eyes drifted to the door. She couldn’t help but wonder if Nora was all right. If Charles was able to comfort her. Her heart ached at the missed chance to be a help, to be a part of their family.

She looked back to Lizzie and her maid’s soft features soothed her. She may not been fully immersed in Charles’s life yet but she had to give credit to those who did show up for her.

Lizzie and the rest of the staff have been nothing but supportive and welcoming. Small victories and all that.

Sarah smiled.

“His Grace would like to know if you’ll be joining him for breakfast.”

Sarah’s heart thudded. “His Grace… asked about me?”

Lizzie giggled. “Of course, Your Grace. You are his wife.”

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