Page 18 of The Duke of Distraction
Taking her arm from Mr.Fielding’s, Sarah angled herself toward both gentlemen and gestured to Felix.“Allow me to present the Earl of Ware.Felix, this is Mr.Silvester Fielding, newly returned from India.”
“Welcome,” Felix said.“Have you been gone long?”
“Three years.A bit more than, actually.Pleased to make your acquaintance, my lord.”He bowed and discreetly wiped a finger over his dewy temple as he rose.
“He may be interested in joining Brooks’s,” Sarah said.
Felix looked at Mr.Fielding with interest.“Indeed?I’d be happy to help, if you require it.If you’ll pardon us, I have a bit of business to conduct with Miss Colton.”
“Of course.”Mr.Fielding turned to Sarah with a warm smile.“It was my honor to partner you this evening.I look forward to doing so again in the future.”
“Thank you.I do as well.”
Sarah put her hand on Felix’s arm, and he led her on a circuit of the ballroom.
“A potential suitor?”he asked when they were some distance away.
“Doubtful.He’s keen to return to India, perhaps with a government appointment.”
Felix lifted a shoulder.“You don’t wish to relocate to India?”
“Not particularly.”
“It’s quite sunny there.Also rainy.Think of the headwear you could design.”
She sent him a wry glance.“Speaking of headwear, have you anything to share regarding my shop?”
“Precisely why I wanted to speak with you,” Felix said.“Do you mind if we go out onto the terrace?”
“Not at all.”
He guided her outside.“I’m not certain you can afford Bond Street, but I did find a small space on Vigo Lane that might work.”
Excitement danced through her, and she turned toward him with enthusiasm.“That sounds splendid!When can I see it?”
“I’ll need to set an appointment.It will have to be after the races.Which brings me to my next topic.”He led her to the edge of the terrace and stopped.
She took her hand from his arm.“Matchmaking.”
“You’re going to call it that too?”
Sarah laughed softly.“What else should I call it?”
He shook his head.“Call it whatever you like—so long as it remains between us.”
She inhaled sharply.“Can you imagine if people learned of this…arrangement?Actually, it would be far worse for you than me, especially if you’re successful.You’d have to pick up where the Duke of Seduction left off.”
“Quash that thought right now,” Felix said.“I am helpingyou, my best friend’s sister whom I’ve known for twenty years.It is like helping my own flesh and blood.I wouldn’t dream of doing this for anyone else.”
She could see from the determined glint in his gaze that he meant it quite wholeheartedly.“Have you found me a suitor already?”
“I’m not going to find you a suitor,” he said.“I’m bringing bachelors into your orbit that you may not otherwise meet.”
“I am not the sun,” she said.
“You will be to your husband.”
She stared at him.“Why, Felix, that’s lovely.I do believe Beck is rubbing off on you.”
