Page 80 of The Duchess' Replacement

Sarah rubbed her temples. “I know that, it’s just after last night… you know what? Never mind. Help me get dressed, I’d love to have breakfast with him.”

Lizzie helped Sarah freshen up before she made her way to the breakfast room.

She didn’t know which Charles she would get after the way he dismissed her last night. She felt hopeful at the thought of him wanting to dine with her this morning, but it didn’t excuse his rude behavior.

Charles was standing by the window when she walked in. He turned and smiled when he saw her.

“Sarah.” Her name was a whisper on his tongue. “Good morning.” He walked to her and took her hands. “Did you sleep well?”

Sarah furrowed her brows. “I did.” She said slowly.

She may not have known what Charles to expect, but did not expect kind and considerate Charles to be one of the choices.

“Are you well?” She asked, cautiously.

Charles smile was tight lipped. “I’m sure you have some questions about last night.”

Sarah rolled her lips. “Is Nora all right?”

“Yes. Those boys said some things that upset her, I told her I’d take care of them.”

“Do you think that is wise? What did they say?” Sarah could only imagine her gigantic brute of a husband stalking three pubescent boys. It would most likely would not end well for the boys.

Charles shook her words off. “It doesn’t matter. I’m heading into town to talk with them.”

Sarah became alarmed. “Charles, what did they say that would warrant a visit from the Duke?”

“Good morning, all.” Nora breezed into the breakfast room completely carefree. It as if whatever happened last night no longer bothered her.

Sarah looked between the siblings. There was the one who was wronged acting like she didn’t have a care in the world and the other, the protector, who was ready to burn the village down to avenge her.

“Good morning, Nora. How are you today?” She tried to match Nora’s energy but was failing. This was all too much before her first cup of tea.

Nora looked over to Charles who was standing with his hands in his pockets.

“I’m well, thank you, Sarah.” Nora dipped her eyes and hesitated for a moment before she took a step towards Sarah, taking her hands.

“I want to apologize for last night. I was being,” her eyes went to Charles, “overemotional and I took some things those boys to heart. But I remembered what you said about not letting things control you. Charles reminded me of that.”

Sarah rose an eye brow and looked at Charles. “He did?”

“Mmhmm. He knows just what to say.” Sarah offered. “I’m sorry if I worried you. I’m really much better now.”

Sarah pursed her lips. The instincts she had honed as a middle sister were telling her they were specifically side-stepping the point of their discussion, but she would have to let it go for now. Just like everyone else in this house, she needed to let it rest. They’ll open up to her when they’re ready.

Hopefully, she’ll have the patience to last that long.

Sarah squeezed Nora’s hands. “Well, I’m glad your brother was able to help and that my words were of some comfort to you.”

“I was thinking. Would you like to go to the orangery with me this afternoon? After the lake, it’s my favorite place to go.” Nora’s eyes were pleading, she even stuck out her bottom lip.

Sarah couldn’t help but laugh at her impish face. “I would love to go. I assume you know how to get there and we won’t end up in some ditch?”

Nora shook her head. “I do. Plus, Charles asked William to accompany us just in case we get lost since he won’t be able to join us today.”

“Oh, how lovely. I’m sure William is looking forward to that.” Sarah laughed to herself. She was one hundred percent sure William was not looking forward to it. She made a mental note to visit the modiste later this week and bring William along as repayment for his service today.

Nora looked over to her brother. “Are you sure you can’t join us this afternoon, Charles?”

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