Page 113 of The Duchess' Replacement

Sarah looked up to see Nora standing with tears in her eyes. Sarah brought the painting of the lake to Nora.

The young girl gasped. “The lake?”

Sarah nodded. “You said that the lake was one of your favorite spots and,” she gestured to her own painting, “as you can see, as soon as I finish this one, we’ll have a painting of the lake. It was your mother’s favorite spot and one of yours. We’d love for you to have it.”

Nora handled the painting as if it were a fragile piece of glass.

“I don’t know what to say.” She held the painting to her chest. ‘Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” Her eyes were closed as she chanted the words.

Charles came to stand beside Sarah and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “There are two unfinished paintings of mothers you’re welcome to have. No pressure to finish them, we just thought that perhaps you’d want them.”

Nora opened her eyes. “I would love that.” A tear rolled down her cheek as Eli enveloped her in a big hug.

“Look at us,” he laughed, “who would have thought our family would be openly crying and consoling each other. We’ve come a long way.”

“Yes, and if that long way could make it down to the dining room that would be helpful. I’m sure Mrs. Bates and Samuels will send a search party for us if we don’t show up soon.” Charles chided.

“Kill joy.” Eli rolled his eyes. “Can always count on Charles to bring us back down to earth.”

They started for the door. Eli helped Nora carry her mother’s paintings.

“Eli, can you tell Mrs. Bates that Charles and I will be down shortly? I need his help cleaning up these paints before they dry out.” Sarah called out.

“Do you need more help?” Eli asked sincerely. He truly was changing for the better.

She shook her head. “No, we’ll be able to manage. Thank you.”

He dipped his head and escorted his sister out of the studio and into the hallway.

When she heard the door click shut she turned to her husband who was gathering the brushes and putting them in the solution for cleaning.

She took a deep breath and walked towards him. “It’s wonderful about Eli.”

Charles made a noncommittal noise as he folded the towels and set them next to the paints.

Sarah rolled her lips. “Um, Nora seemed to really like the paintings. I’m glad we could give them to her.”

Charles looked up at his wife. There was a sparkle in his eyes that stole her breath every time she saw it. Luckily for her, she’s been seeing it a lot lately.

“Me, too.” He paused as he looked outside at the darkening sky. “You know, it used to be so hard to talk about my mother and the time before that I just assumed that’s how it always would be.”

His eyes tracked back to Sarah. “And it can still be hard, but I find myself wanting to share stories about her with you. With Nora.” He shook his head in disbelief. “Sorry. I’m still getting used to this.”

Sarah walked over to him and took his face in her hands. “Never apologize for saying how you feel, not with me.”

Her hands left his face and found his. She always loved when they held hands. His giant ones holding hers always made her feel safe and secure.

“I must say, I will miss Nora and Eli. These past few weeks have been entertaining having everyone here. There was always someone to talk to, or walk with. It was nice.”

Charles nodded in agreement. “Yes, but sometimes there were too many people around.” He said as his eyes darkened.

A knowing smile crossed Sarah’s face. Her hands left his and reached up to encircle his neck.

“I agree. Plus, if they didn’t leave soon I’m not sure how we all would fit.”

Charles’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean? Everyone has their own room. It can get a bit rowdy at night with everyone milling around but-”

As he spoke Sarah took one of his hands in hers but this time she placed it on her stomach.

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