Page 44 of The Duchess' Replacement

A little bell rang alerting Miss Cordell that Sarah had entered her shop along with William and Lizzie.

She had told the two of them about her plan on the short carriage ride into town. Lizzie was apprehensive at first, but Sarah won her over with her vision for the room.

William was categorically against it from the start. But when he was told where they were going he relented. Lizzie teased him about his caving at the mention of Miss Cordell but he denied any infatuation with the modest. He stood firmly that he was going simply because it was his duty to see to the Duchess outside the estate.

Sarah didn’t care why he chose to come, she was thankful for the help. For what she was envisioning, she would need all the help she could get.

Miss Cordell’s head lifted up from the papers on the counter. “Your Grace! You’re back so soon? Is everything all right with the ribbons?”

Sarah waved away Miss Cordell’s worries. “Everything’s fine with the ribbons. Lovely as ever. I’m back because I need your help.”

Miss Cordell tilted her head in confusion. “My help, Your Grace?’ Her eyes darted to William’s before she settled on Lizzie’s for a beat longer.

Sarah shook her head vigorously. “Yes, your help. I’m in the need of fabrics.”

“Fabrics, Your Grace?” Miss Cordell brought her attention back to Sarah.

Sarah decided to ignore the added tension between Miss Cordell, William, and Lizzie. There was a story there, but she had more pressing matters than a love triangle involving two of her staff.

“Yes. Why must everyone repeat what I’m saying?” She sighed. “I’ve decided to do some redecorating at the estate and I’m looking for some very specific material.” Sarah ran her hands over a pink satin dress hanging next to the door. Her fingertips traced the intricate lace threaded amongst ruffles, her eyes glittering with possibilities.

“I’m looking to add some color and feminine touch to some rooms.” Sarah continued. Sarah’s eye caught a ribbon with bright pink peonies on it. “Perhaps some floral material as well.”

Miss Cordell’s face relaxed a bit. “Oh, how lovely.” She smiled. “I always thought redoing a personal bedroom was cathartic. It allows you to own a space that reflects you and you alone.”

Sarah turned to face Miss Cordell. “Oh, I’m not redoing my rooms.”

Miss Cordell’s brows furrowed. William sighed audibly causing Lizzie to nudge him with her elbow.

Miss Cordell noticed the gesture and her brows pinched further before returning to Sarah.

“I’m sorry, Your Grace.” Miss Cordell said while she shook her head of whatever thought she just had. Miss Cordell gestured to the dress Sarah was still touching. “It’s just you’re speaking of adding a feminine touch and I can tell you’re getting ideas from that dress.”

Sarah was impressed. “You can?”

Miss Cordell nodded. “When the muse sings it’s hard for any creative person to hide their fascination from their expression.”

Sarah smiled in appreciation. William was right, this young woman knew what she was doing.

“May I ask what room you are looking to decorate?” Miss Cordell inquired with a tilt of her head. “Perhaps it’ll help me guide you in the right direction.”

Miss Cordell’s eyes kept glancing back to Lizzie and William.

“The Duke’s study.” Sarah said as plainly as she could. She wanted to watch Miss Cordell’s face morph from inquisitive and interested into shock.

And, much to Sarah’s pleasure, Miss Cordell’s expression did not disappoint.

Disbelief colored Miss Cordell’s face as it snapped back to Sarah’s. “His Grace’s study?” Miss Cordell’s eyes looked at the dress still in Sarah’s hands and shook her head.

“Your Grace, I’m not sure my store has what is suitable for a Duke’s study.”

Sarah giggled. “And that’s precisely why we’re here.” Sarah clapped and William groaned again.

“I don’t want suitable, Miss Cordell,” Sarah said as she walked towards the nervous modiste. “I asked for a feminine touch. Do you consider yourself to have a feminine touch and are able to aid other’s in achieving a certain je ne sais quoi when it comes to decorating, whether it’s a body or a room?”

Sarah raised an eyebrow in a challenge.

Miss Cordell swallowed and bobbed her head. Her eyes looked just past her to William before refocusing on Sarah. “Yes, of course, Your Grace.”

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