Page 13 of The Duke of Distraction
“To prepare for spinsterhood.”
“Would you like to know how?”she asked softly.For some reason, she felt emboldened to share everything.At his nod, she continued.“I plan to open a millinery shop.I design all my hats—and make them too.”
He turned toward her, staring, his gaze drifting to the top of her head, which was bare because she’d rushed from the library without sending for a hat.“You’re very talented.”
She laughed.“There’s nothing on my head!”
“Not at present, but I do pay attention.”
Yes, apparently he did.He had, in fact, complimented her hat the other day.And today, he’d called her beautiful.Did he really think so?That wasn’t something she was bold enough to ask.Besides, it didn’t signify.Hewasn’t the man she was looking for.
“Your parents won’t want you to open a shop any more than they would want you to become a spinster.”
“Obviously.”She angled her body toward him once more.“I don’t plan for them—or anyone else—to know.I already have an assistant who will manage the physical shop.She’ll live there and oversee a small staff.I will design and create some of the hats, but neither I nor my name will be associated with the enterprise.”
“You’ve thought this through,” he said.“How did you obtain the property?”
“I haven’t yet.Now that I have enough money—because of your races—I’d planned to ask Beck or maybe even Anthony for help.”
“You can’t put Anthony in that position with your parents.”
She frowned at him.“Why not?I’m confident he would help me.”
“I am too.However, he shouldn’t.It’s better if he knows nothing.I’ll help you.”
“You’re already helping me.”
“Precisely.May as well fulfill everything you require.”He flashed her a smile, and she couldn’t help but grin in return.
“What will you get from this arrangement, besides my eternal gratitude?”
He leaned forward again briefly.“That will be enough.”
“What are you two conspiring out here?”Anthony called out as he strode toward them.
“Talk of the devil,” Felix murmured, rising to his feet.
Sarah bit back a smile and stood alongside Felix.“Felix was merely offering moral support.”
“Isn’t he going to help you find a husband?That’s what he told Father.”
“He’s going to do what he can,” Sarah said.“But Anthony, I won’t be forced.”
“Of course not.I pledge to care for you in your spinsterhood after Mother and Father are gone.”He laid his hand over his chest.“I give you my word.”His eyes danced with mirth.
“Joke all you like, but I’m holding you to that.”
He sobered.“I only wanted to inject a bit of levity.That was a disaster inside, and I’m very sorry.”
She knew he was.He’d been as outraged as she was.“Thank you.”
He put his arm around her and gave her shoulder a squeeze.“We’ll find you a worthy husband.”Had he and Felix discussed this?She looked between them—of course not.
“One she can love,” Felix said firmly.“She deserves nothing less.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”Anthony smiled at her, then dropped his arm to his side.He looked to Felix.“Ready to be delivered from this asylum?”
Felix nodded.“I do need to pay a call.Until later, Sarah.”He inclined his head, and they left the garden where Sarah contemplated hats, love, and rakes with hearts of gold.
