Page 37 of The Duke of Kisses
Felix continued with his announcements. “The first race will be the ladies and will begin shortly. If you plan to race, I should already have your name recorded in the ledger. If you have not entered your name, please do so immediately.” He flashed a smile before continuing. “Gentlemen who are racing, please also ensure your name is recorded. Ladies, please report to the starting line, and we’ll draw names for race assignments!”
Fanny looked up at David. “What does that mean?”
“Each race will be two people. The winners of the race will advance to next week’s races. Ware imagines a tournament over a handful of weeks.” David cocked his head. “He’s tireless when it comes to amusements.”
Fanny watched as Lavinia drove her curricle to the start. “I’m nervous for Lavinia. How can a curricle compete with a phaeton?”
“Maybe she won’t have to.” David turned to her. “I’m afraid I must leave you to go enter my name.”
“That’s all right,” she said. “I’m going to join Sarah.”
“Then you can walk with me.” He guided her to where Sarah stood near the wagering table.
Fanny took her hand from his arm. “Good luck!”
He bowed. “Thank you.”
Fanny went to Sarah and watched him walk over to Felix.
“I see you found him,” Sarah said.
“By accident. I walked around Lucy’s phaeton, and there he was.”
“I’m sure,” Sarah murmured with a smile.
“Did you place your wager?”
“I can’t yet,” she said. “As soon as they draw the racers, I can wager. I’m hoping Lucy and Lavinia aren’t racing each other.”
“I hope so too. Though if they aren’t and they both win, they could end up facing each other next week.”
“Yes, I just heard that Felix intends to do this until there’s a champion.”
Fanny laughed. “It’s a modern-day jousting tournament.”
Sarah grinned. “And with women too! How revolutionary.”
They chatted while waiting for the race to begin, focusing mostly on discussing the ladies’ hats. “Is there such a thing as a racing hat?” Sarah wondered.
“Not specifically that I’m aware of.”
Felix returned to his platform with his horn and announced the four ladies’ races. Luck was with them, for Lucy and Lavinia were not racing each other. Sarah went to place her wager and quickly returned to Fanny’s side.
“I bet on both of them,” she said. “But I admit I put most of my funds on Lucy.” She winced slightly as she glanced toward Fanny.
“I would have too,” Fanny said with a laugh. “And Lavinia wouldn’t fault you for it. Why are you wagering?”
Sarah lifted a shoulder. “Unlike you, I have no marital prospects and haven’t ever. It seems prudent to plan for my inevitable spinster future.”
Fanny turned toward her friend. “It is notinevitable. There are plenty of gentlemen.”
“I’m beginning to accept the likelihood, and, honestly, the freedom is rather enticing.” She shot a look at Mr. Kinsley behind his desk. “It’s too bad he’s not on the market.”
“How do you know he’s not?”
Sarah tipped her head to the side and blinked at Fanny. “My parents would never allow me to marry a secretary.”
Fanny couldn’t help but think of her sister and West. His mother despised the fact that her son had married a commoner from the working class. “That’s silly. What if you fell in love?”
