Page 21 of The Duke of Distraction
Chapter 4
Darent Hall was a nearly four-hour drive from London.The late-May day was bright and warm—perfect for travel and a race.Not that Felix had traveled from London that morning.He’d arrived the day before along with the racers so that their horses would be rested before today’s event.
The guests, however, were arriving today and had begun doing so shortly after noon.The staff at Darent Hall, under the direction of the Dartfords, had everything well in hand with regard to accommodations and the afternoon’s activities.There would be a picnic along with the races.
Felix surveyed the picnic area, a grassy space with blankets scattered about.Baskets with food and drink sat in a corner of each large square of fabric awaiting the guests who would arrive shortly.
The racecourse was visible from the picnic.Felix had worked to keep it as close to the shape and length of the one they’d used in London, so as to keep things fair.
He went to the wagering table manned by Kinsley, whom he’d persuaded to come for the event despite his employer being out of town.“I do appreciate you coming out,” Felix said.
Kinsley looked up from his ledger.“My pleasure.How can I resist such a fine day?”
Felix’s attention was drawn to the first group of guests cresting the hill separating the course from the house.“Here they come.”
“Why do you do it?”Kinsley asked, squinting up at Felix.“The races and other events you host, I mean.”
It was a question Felix heard from time to time, and he gave the same nonanswer he always did, “Why not?”The reason he hosted such events was of no interest to anyone, including Felix.
Kinsley laughed.“Why not indeed.”
Felix grinned and walked away from the table to greet the guests and invite them to find places on the blankets.
Beck and Lavinia, along with Sarah, were among the first to arrive.“I do love a picnic,” Beck said, eyeing his wife.“But where is there a copse of trees?”He glanced about, and Felix stifled a laugh.
Before Beck had married Lavinia, Felix had put on a picnic at which Lavinia had shown everyone ancient rock formations.She was an amateur geologist, and it had been one of Felix’s more fascinating events.It had also given Beck and Lavinia occasion to escape into the trees for a tryst.
“Yes, this is an excellent addition,” Sarah said.“Where is the wagering table?”
“Right this way,” Felix said, offering her his arm.
Sarah put her hand on his sleeve, and he escorted her to where Kinsley sat.Felix waited while she placed her wagers, then guided her back toward the blankets.
“What sort of activities do you have planned for tonight?”Sarah asked.
“After dinner?”At her nod, he continued.“Cards, dancing, perhaps some parlor games.”
“Will any of them include kissing?Kiss the Nun, maybe, or Le Baiser à la Capucine.”
Felix slowed to a stop.“I hadn’t considered that.Do you want to play kissing games?”He watched color bloom in her cheeks, and she glanced away.
“It seems we should since I’m in search of a husband.I’ve, er, never kissed anyone.”
He stared at her in a mixture of outrage and disbelief.“How is that possible?”She was nearly four and twenty, for God’s sake.And she was eminently kissable.Why her lips alone, dark pink and bow shaped, should have beckoned any number of men.
Her blush deepened.“You’d have to ask, I don’t know, every man I’ve ever met?”She gave him a pointed stare that seemed to scream,Including you.
“Then there will be kissing games.”
“Thank you.”Her shoulders relaxed a bit, and he realized that had taken a bit of courage for her to ask.
“Is there anything else I can do for you?”Felix asked softly.“Anything at all?”
She thought for a moment, then shook her head.“No, I think that will suffice for now.Oh, Anthony won’t be coming, I’m afraid.He had to go to Oaklands to oversee something.”
Felix was surprised Anthony hadn’t mentioned it.“Did this just come up?”
“I don’t think so.Mother told me as soon as I informed her of the party.”Sarah exhaled.“Well, I’m going to find a place to sit.”She went toward the blankets and joined Beck and Lavinia.
