Page 50 of The Duchess' Replacement

Perfect!

Bright pink squares stole her attention.

“Oh! The pillows!”

Amongst the drab brown leather sofa sat six perfectly pink satin pillows with ruffle edges that matched the curtains perfectly. Not only had the girls made pillowcases for the four pillows they brought down from the attic but they covered the two pillows the Duke already had on his sofa.

Sarah made a mental note to do something nice for the women. They definitely understood the assignment she set forth.

The clash of the sturdy, masculine furniture in warm earth tones clashed with the bright and shocking color of pink hanging from the windows. Sarah went to the sofa and picked up two pillows, placing one on each of the chairs sitting opposite of the sofa. She left three on the sofa, positioning one at each corner and centering the third.

She decided Charles’s desk needed a splash of pink and added a pillow to his desk chair.

“What’s this?” Sarah looked down.

Underneath Sarah’s feet in between the sofa area and the desk was a plush pink rug.

She didn’t remember seeing this last night. “What in the world?”

A soft cough sounded from behind her.

Sarah turned to see Samuels standing in the doorway.

“Good morning, Your Grace. William found the rug upstairs when I had him check to make sure nothing was amiss upstairs. He figured you would appreciate it.”

Sarah’s heart swelled. “I absolutely do. I would tell you to offer my gratitude, but if you ask me, all of this was of my own doing.” Sarah winked.

Samuels tilted his head in good humor.

“It’s a good thing you were able to work so efficiently on your own, Your Grace. I just received word that His Grace will be returning tonight.”

Sarah was absolutely giddy. “That’s wonderful! I don’t think I could stand to wait another day!”

“Would you like me to bring in some breakfast for you, Your Grace?”

“That would be lovely, Samuels, thank you. And Samuels,” she called before he could leave. “Truly, thank you.” She spread her arms towards the room. “I know both you and the Duke appreciate order and it seems that my only contribution to to this household thus far is creating chaos. However, if he fights dirty so can I. I really do appreciate you helping me. I won’t soon forget your support.”

“Ah, but you didn’t have anyone’s help, Your Grace. You are quite spirited when you have a goal.” Samuels said.

Sarah nodded her head and brought her fingertip up to head and tapped it. “Right. I did this all by myself, and I’m quite proud.”

“As you should be, Your Grace. I’ll see to your breakfast.”

Sarah spent the rest of the day making sure the study was completely spotless and ready for the Duke. Any furniture she and William moved the night before she made sure was back in the perfect spot so he couldn’t detect movement.

Not that he wouldn’t know someone was in there. The masculine study looked as if it was designed by a young girl without any guidance. It was an eyesore. It was garish. It was perfect.

She couldn’t wait for the very controlled and intimidating Charles to walk into his study after a busy day of business and travel.

She could barely contain her excitement when she heard his carriage pull up. She paced her room as she listened for the door to the house open. She counted his footsteps as he walked to the study door.

She held her breath as she pictured his hand reaching for the handle and turning it. She closed her eyes and prepared herself for his undoubtedly loud and disgusted reaction.

She opened one eye. She heard the door open but she didn’t hear anything else.

Perhaps he opened the door but someone called to him.

Her other eye opened. No. She would have heard that.

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