Page 35 of The Duchess' Replacement

As she rode down into town she couldn’t help her mind from wandering back to her husband.

Everything that man touched he controlled. He carried an air of arrogance of a man who was used to getting his way because there simply was no other way. His word was final and pity to those who dared to tell him otherwise.

Sarah clenched her fists. He may have the control in some areas, but Sarah was determined to regain some footing when it came to her husband.

The carriage pulled up to a small modiste and stopped.

A footman appeared at the carriage door. “We’re here, Your Grace.”

The young man, whose name Sarah learned was William, helped her out of the carriage.

“And where is here, William?” Sarah squinted her eyes at the bright shining sun as she tried to read the sign.

“Cordell’s is the town’s most popular modiste. It’s not as fancy as the ones in London, but they take good care of the women here and I’ve never heard complaints.”

The coachmen let out a haughty cough.

The tips of William’s ear turned pink. “Ah, that is to say, that’s what my mum says anyway. Your Grace.”

Sarah smiled at the young man. “Thank you, William. I’m sure your mother has wonderful taste. Let’s go in, shall we?”

William dipped his head and held the door open for Sarah.

Sarah walked into the small modiste and stood as her eyes adjusted to the dim light inside.

William gestured to Sarah while looking towards the counter. “Miss Cordell, may I introduce you to Her Grace, Lady Sarah of Stoleton?”

A woman about Eleanor’s age came out from behind the counter. Her brown hair was neatly pinned up while her bright green eyes lit up as she approached Sarah.

“Your Grace, it as honor to have you in my humble modiste this morning.”

Sarah dipped her head. “The honor is all mine, I assure you. Young William here was telling me your shop is well known for taking care of the women in town.”

Miss Cordell’s face flushed and her eyes dropped before glancing at William from underneath her eyelashes.

Sarah’s smile widened.Perhaps it’s not only William’s mother who frequents this establishment.

“That is very kind of you, William.” The coquettish Miss Cordell replied. “I do my best to get what I can in from London to keep up with the latest fashion trends. Here,” Miss Cordell pointed to a counter with rows of satin ribbons lined up according to color. “I just got these in from a store in London. Aren’t they gorgeous?”

Sarah followed Miss Cordell over to the counter and took in the ribbons. They most definitely were divine.

“Do you get a lot of stock from London?” Sarah inquired..

Miss Cordell worried her bottom lips as her eyes darted to William before returning to Sarah.

Sarah bit her inner cheek to stop herself from grimacing.Why do I always feel like the people around me know something I do not?

“Not as regularly as I would like, Your Grace.” Her voice was low and despondent.

Miss Cordell took a breath before completely changing her disposition. “Are you in the market for a new dress, Your Grace?” She said as she gestured to a dress hanging in the display window. “Along with the ribbons I’ve received a few dresses that would look just darling on you.”

The word “darling” flipped a switch in Sarah’s brain. She could hear his husky whisper in her ear, and feel his hot breath on her neck. Her body began to buzz and a warmth started to grow from her core.

Sarah closed her eyes to refocus her thoughts. This was not the time, nor the place, to be thinking of the way her husband controlled her body last night.

“Not at this time, Miss Cordell. But I would love to purchase a few ribbons not only for myself but I would love to send some to my sister. She just had a baby and she always loved ribbons, I’m sure she would appreciate the gesture.”

Miss Cordell’s eyes sparkled. “How lovely. Which ones would you like, Your Grace?”

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