Page 91 of The Duchess' Replacement

Eli lowered his eyes to try to capture her downcast ones. “It’s true, Sarah. Believe me, I know my brother. If you know and are able to speak freely with Nora, than my brother thinks highly of you, which, I’m sure you know is no easy feat.”

Sarah offered a shaky smile.

“Thank you, Eli. And thank you for telling me the truth. You are the first one in your family to actually tell me something true that has happened.”

Eli shook his head as he sighed. “I take it my brother is being his stubborn self again. He always thinks he knows what’s best and it’s his word and no one else’s.”

Sarah laughed. If you would have told her the one who would console her and make her feel better about her place within this household was Eli she would have laughed in your face. But here she was, feeling better and finding some comfort in his words.

Eli leaned in to take the tea cup from her and placed it on a side table. He gathered her in his arms in a brotherly hug. She let her body relax into his easy embrace and welcomed the support.

The crash of the door startled her.

“What is the meaning of this?”

Eli and Sarah jumped apart and turned to see a wild eyed Charles standing in the doorway.

CHAPTER 24

Charles slammed the door behind him. He was surprised it didn’t splinter in half with the force he used.

His had just arrived back from his visit to the town when Samuels informed him that Eli was in the drawing room with Sarah. His world came to a crashing halt as he sprinted into the house, knocking over tables and housemaids alike.

“You both know I hate repeating myself.” He spat.

The color drained from Sarah’s face and her body tensed up. Meanwhile, Eli’s body relaxed as he rolled his eyes.

“You were always so welcoming, brother.” Eli said casually as he sat back into the sofa and crossed one leg over the other.

Charles’s eyes tracked to Sarah who remained motionless.

“Sarah.” He snipped. “What were you doing in a drawing room with my brother… alone?”

Sarah’s dazed eyes began to clear as his insinuation dawned on her. Fire ignited within her eyes as shot to her feet.

“Tell me you are not accusing us of doing what I think you’re accusing us of.” Her voice rose with indignation.

Charles scoffed. “I absolutely am and with every right. I come back from taking care of a situation in the village and I find you in my brother’s arms!”

Sarah’s eyes closed for a moment and she took in a breath then pushed it out. “I know you are unfamiliar with the idea of comforting someone who is hurt so it is not surprising to me when you are met with such an image you immediately assume the worst.”

A laugh erupted from Eli. “And here I thought your were amiable and pliable.”

Sarah’s eyes snapped to Eli. “You may have been forgiven for the farce that was our hasty relationship but you are not in the clear. And you’d ought not to forget that.” She chastised.

Eli’s eyes rounded as he put his hands up in defense. “My apologies, Your Grace.” Eli turned to his brother. “We definitely misjudged this one.”

What little restraint Charles had on his control snapped and he lunged towards Eli. Sarah jumped in between them and shielded Eli from his attacking brother.

“Stop this! I will not have you fighting with your brother inside like some wayward child.” She scolded.

Charles stopped and stared at his wife. She literally threw herself in between them and raised her hands to shield Eli from any harm. Eli. The man who left her at the alter. The man that brought her to his home in the middle of the night, hurt and in need of help.

Charles’s vision blurred as the instinct to lash out pushed him forward.

“You protect him. Him? The man that humiliated you? Who used you just so I wouldn’t cut him off. This is the man you choose to protect?”

“You gave me no other choice!’ Eli quipped from behind Sarah.

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