Page 47 of The Duke of Distraction
Chapter 8
Felix drove back to Stag’s Court perhaps a trifle faster than he ought, slowing as he reached a lane that would deliver them to their destination.The irritation he’d felt toward Sarah was still there, but it wasn’t truly directed at her.She was grieving.She would come to her senses soon enough.He just hoped she didn’t make any rash decisions before then.
How could she, when she was here in the country away from potential suitors?
He relaxed a bit as he directed the gig along the lane.The house he was looking for came into sight as he rounded a bend.
“Where are we going?”Sarah asked again.
“Still a surprise,” Felix said.
“Youarebuilding a grotto.”
He laughed in spite of his lingering annoyance.“No.But if you keep haranguing me about it, I might have to.”
“I am not haranguing.”When next she spoke, her pitch was elevated.“Felix, youmustbuild a grotto.I should be devastated if you do not.Think of all the people who would come to see it, of all the parties and other events you could host inside.”She turned her head and pouted at him, batting her lashes.“I shall never speak to you again if you don’t build a grotto.”
He arched a brow at her, barely able to contain his smile.“Are you finished?”
“Thatis haranguing.”
“You are quite excellent at it.I thought you liked horrid novels, but perhaps you’ve been readingThe Taming of the Shrew.”
She laughed, and he let the last of his irritation fade away.
Dovey leaned forward between them.“I did catch her reading that some time ago—perhaps in March.”
“Aha!”Felix turned the gig into the drive of the cottage and parked the vehicle.He jumped down and came around to help Sarah out.“Are you coming this time, Dovey?”he asked the maid.
“I’m not sure.I can’t imagine what we’re doing here.”
He held up his hand to her.“It’s worth your effort, I promise.”
“How can I refuse?”She allowed him to help her to the ground.
As they walked toward the house, a woman came out and quickly bobbed a curtsey to Felix.“Good afternoon, my lord.Did you tell Mr.Jenney you were coming?”
“I did not,” Felix said.“I’m afraid this is a surprise visit.I’ve come to see the puppies.”
Sarah snapped her head toward his.“Puppies?”
“Oh dear,” Dovey murmured.
Mrs.Jenney smiled.“Well then, come and have a look.Are you interested in having one, sir?”she asked.
“Not me, no.”He glanced toward Sarah.“But Miss Colton might be.”
She reached over and squeezed his arm.It was the type of touch he’d expected from her—somewhat impersonal and fleeting—before they’d kissed.He told himself to feel relieved that things were now back to normal between them.
“They’re in the barn.”Mrs.Jenney led them to a shelter several yards from the cottage.The building had three full sides, with a half-wall along the fourth.They passed through an open doorway to a penned area filled with straw.And a litter of terrier puppies nursing on their mother.
The sides of the pen were only a foot high—easy enough for the mama to scale and impossible for her pups.One of them stood and stretched, then waddled over to the edge where they were standing.
Sarah immediately dropped down.“How old are they?”
“About five weeks now, miss,” Mrs.Jenney answered.
“They will soon be able to leave the pen,” Felix observed.
