Page 17 of The Duke of Distraction
Sarah knew Lavinia sometimes felt bad that she’d found happiness and Sarah was still alone.And sometimes Sarah felt bad about that too.Which was why she focused on her millinery shop.It wasn’t Lavinia’s fault that she’d fallen madly in love.Furthermore, Sarah was thrilled for her and never failed to regret the envy she felt from time to time.
Summoning a smile, Sarah squeezed her friend’s hand.“We should go.For all we know, Mr.Fielding is having a terrible evening, and we’re about to improve it.”
Lavinia laughed.“Of course we are.”She adjusted her spectacles on her nose and linked her arm though Sarah’s, then they made their way to the gentleman.
His complexion was a bit dark, as if he’d spent a great deal of time in the sun, and his hair was light brown and quite thick.He seemed close to Anthony’s twenty-eight years, perhaps a year or two older.
As they approached, his gaze shifted to them, and he quickly dabbed a handkerchief at his brow before slipping it into his coat pocket.His lips curved into a welcoming smile.
“Good evening,” Lavinia said.“I’m the Marchioness of Northam.I hope you don’t find me impertinent, but I understand you are newly returned to London and wished to welcome you home.Assuming this is your home?”
“Surrey.And thank you,” he said.“I take it you already know I am Silvester Fielding?I returned last week, and this is my first social engagement, so I do appreciate your impertinence.”He laughed, a low rumbling sound.“Not that you’re impertinent at all.It’s actually quite astounding that I had a moment’s respite.People seem very…welcoming.”
“Allow me to present my dearest friend, Miss Sarah Colton,” Lavinia said, withdrawing her arm from Sarah’s.“Her father is the Viscount Colton.”
Mr.Fielding bowed first to Lavinia and then to Sarah.“It is my very great pleasure to make both of your acquaintances.”
“Good evening, Mr.Fielding,” Sarah said, dipping into a curtsey.“Have you been dancing?”
“Guilty, I’m afraid.”He lowered his voice.“I had to step over here into the cool air for a moment.One would think I would be accustomed to being overheated after the past three years in India.”
“I imagine so,” Sarah said.“Did you enjoy India?”
“I did.In fact, I plan to return in a couple of years.Had to come home to take care of some family business.My father is ill.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that,” Sarah said.
“Thank you.I don’t mind sharing that he’s quite old—my mother is his third wife.Alas, I have five older sisters and no brothers at all, so it was up to me to return home and oversee matters.”He waved his hand.“Listen to me, going on!”
“We came to meet you,” Lavinia said.“And we’re happy to get to know you.Are you a member at Brooks’s?I’ll ask my husband to look for you later.”
“Boodle’s,” he said.“Though I may try for a spot at Brooks’s.”
“Then I shall definitely introduce you to my husband,” Lavinia said.
Mr.Fielding turned to Sarah.“I’m feeling much more restored.Would you care to dance the next set?”
“Only if you promise to tell me about India.”
He laughed again, and she decided she liked Mr.Fielding.He was far more genuine than most gentlemen she met.“I will tell you about India until you beg me to stop.Or to take you there.”His sherry-colored eyes danced with flirtatious merriment.
Lavinia chuckled.“It seems as though you’re in excellent hands,” she murmured to Sarah.“See you later.”She turned and walked away, leaving Sarah to take Mr.Fielding’s arm as he guided her to the dance floor.
“I must warn you that my dancing is average at best.I didn’t do much of it in my travels.”
“My dancing is only slightly above average, so we are well matched.”
He laughed again, and they managed to execute themselves well enough.When he wasn’t focusing too hard on the steps, he spoke of India, and she could hear his affection for it.While he was charming and witty, she didn’t think she could take him seriously as a potential suitor.Not when his future was meant to be in India.
“It sounds like a very nice place to visit,” she said as they left the dance floor.
“It is indeed.I may decide to move there, depending on whether I can secure a government appointment.”
She glanced toward him.“Is that a possibility?”
He nodded.“It seems to be.”
Sarah looked about for Lavinia, but her gaze found Felix instead.He came toward them and offered a bow.“Miss Colton.”Then he turned to Mr.Fielding.“I don’t believe we’ve been introduced.”
