Page 110 of The Duchess' Replacement

“I have something to show you when we get home.” Charles spoke into her hair.

Sarah shifted to remove herself from his lap and Charles held her down.

“Ah. I didn’t say you could move. I like you here like this. My wanton wife.” He said with a wicked grin.

Sarah blushed. “Charles, what if someone sees us?”

Charles looked out the window to the passing scenery. “Who will see us? Besides, let them see what a happy Duke looks like. I’m sure they will be astonished.”

Sarah giggled. She rarely saw this side of Charles and her heart squeezed at the thought that he truly had made it his mission to be more open with her.

Charles rested his hands on her still shaking legs. “Oh,” he grimaced. “Right. You’re such a slight little thing, this may be uncomfortable.”

Without much effort, Charles lifted her and brought her legs together so she sat with her legs across his lap.

Amusement danced in Sarah’s eyes. “And I forgot just how strong you are.”

Charles nipped her neck. “I’ll gladly remind you of my manly strength any time you’d like.”

Sarah laughed and swatted at his chest before sobering. “Truly, Charles. Can you have changed this much in only a few days?”

Charles shrugged with an easy smile on his face. “I think I have been changing ever since you almost knocked over Samuels to get to me the night Eli left you. I just didn’t realize it and when I did I did my best to shut you out.”

Sarah dipped her head. “Careful, Your Grace, I think you’re starting to express your feelings.”

Charles pinched her side and she yelped. “It seems you have changed me more than I would care to admit.”

Sarah rose her chin. “I am not ashamed of that accomplishment.”

After their laughs died down, Sarah looked at Charles intently.

“You said you had something to show me at home?” She asked.

Charles’s eye brows rose. “Right! I almost forgot. Yes, I worked on something while you were away and I’d like to show you.”

The carriage slowed down and Sarah saw the familiar woods that lined their estate. Charles helped her off his lap. He tried helping with her hair, but his big hands were more in the way than helpful.

The carriage halted outside their residence and Charles helped Sarah out.

“I wanted to have you close your eyes as soon as you got out of the carriage, but Nora suggested I wait until you were upstairs.” He offered.

Sarah stood looking at her husband. From the shock of his appearance at her sister’s home, to him throwing her over his shoulder, to their time in the carriage, she never really got a good look at her husband.

He was standing in front of her with boundless energy around him. Her once formidable husband was literally shifting his feet, waiting expectantly for her to take his hand so he could lead her inside. He looked younger, freer, happier, and it warmed her soul.

She slipped her hand in his and allowed him to lead her into the house and right to the steps.

They passed Samuels and Mrs. Bates, who both looked relieved and happy to see her. She managed to dip her head in acknowledgment before Charles hauled her up the steps.

He turned and placed his hands on her shoulders. His eyes closed and he took in a deep breath.

“Sarah,” he said as he opened his eyes. “I am sorry for the way I treated you in the beginning of our marriage.” His words were genuine but seemed rehearsed. Sarah rolled her lips to stop from smiling too widely. He was not a man of words and what he wanted to say obviously meant a lot to him.

“Even though our marriage started out as somewhat of a business deal, you have broken down my walls and made a home in my heart.” His words were rushed and a slight pinkish tint colored his cheeks.

Still, he persisted. He took her hand and led her to the first door, his mother’s study. He opened the door and ushered her in.

“You are my family now and that means what happens to me, happens to you and even more so, what is mine, is yours. These rooms should always have been yours. I hope you like them.”

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