Page 38 of The Duke of Kisses
Sarah laughed. “My parents don’t care about that. I should say they hope that I fall in love, but it would have to be with an acceptable gentleman.”
For the first time, Fanny wondered if her background would be a problem when it came to marriage. Her mind naturally went to David. Would he care? He didn’t seem to, but then she had the advantage of now being connected to a duke.
The course was a U-shape, but with sharp corners instead of a curve, which would require expert turning. Fanny hoped Lavinia was prepared. The first race didn’t feature Lavinia or Lucy, but it was exciting nonetheless. Both drivers raced curricles, and it was a very close finish.
Lavinia’s race was next, and Sarah and Fanny clutched hands as Felix sounded the bell to start. Lavinia’s opponent was driving a high-perch phaeton. At the first corner, one of the vehicle’s wheels left the ground and the driver shrieked. Sarah’s grip tightened on Fanny’s hand as the woman worked to keep her horses from dashing off the course. Lavinia easily raced past her, and crossed the finish line well before the phaeton.
“She won!” Sarah hugged Fanny, and they laughed with glee.
The next race began, but they were focused on Lavinia, who had turned her curricle over to the groom so that she could join Beck. Lavinia grinned widely as they approached, and Beck’s pride was evident.
“You did it!” Sarah exclaimed, rushing to hug her friend.
Lavinia adjusted her glasses as she stepped back, then hugged Fanny. “I was just telling Beck that I think I might like a phaeton instead. I rather enjoyed that.”
“We’ll discuss it,” Beck said, his brow darkening. “I didn’t enjoy watching the other driver’s wheel leave the ground.”
“Yes, well, I’ll be better at it.” She winked at him.
The third race concluded, but Fanny couldn’t have said a thing about it. She turned to the start, where Lucy was poised in herDaringphaeton. “Lucy’s ready.”
“This should be lively!” Lavinia said.
It was a phaeton against a phaeton, though no one would characterize Lucy’s vehicle as a regular version. Felix started the race, and Fanny held her breath as the two women sped toward the first turn.
The other driver got off to a faster start, but Lucy’s turn was tighter. And her wheels stayed firmly on the ground. They ran close together, but at the second turn, Lucy ducked her head and turned sharply. This time, one wheel barely lifted from the ground. She didn’t even flinch. She came out ahead and raced over the line in front.
Cheers filled the park, and Sarah squealed. “I won! I mean, Lucy won!”
There were more hugs, and this time they all hurried to the finish line where the Earl of Dartford swept his wife from the phaeton and lifted her in a circle. “To the Duchess of Daring!”
Lucy laughed as he set her back to earth.
“Well done, ladies!” Felix’s voice boomed through the horn. “We’ve just drawn the names for the men’s races, and I’ve an announcement. To make things interesting, the men will take a passenger—a lady. If a lady would like to ride, she may offer a favor to the gentleman of her choice.”
“This really is like a jousting tournament,” Sarah said wryly.
Lavinia frowned. “We were not offered that enhancement.” She strode toward Felix.
Beck chuckled. “Oh, he’s poked the wrong bear.” He stalked after her.
Fanny picked David out near the starting area. Should she offer him a favor? It seemed a public declaration of…something. And what was wrong with that?
Sarah moved closer to stand next to her. “You should do it.”
Fanny turned her head. “Do what?”
Sarah rolled her eyes. “Offer him a favor. He’ll accept it, of course.”
Of course.“Will he?”
“Why do you doubt him? From everything you’ve said, it seems your relationship is progressing toward a natural, marital end.”
Fanny supposed so, but she took nothing for granted. Not after what had happened to Ivy.
Sarah looped her arm through Fanny’s. “Come on, then.”
They walked toward the start, passing Lavinia, who was chastising Felix for not having the men offer favors to the ladies.
