Page 51 of The Duke of Distraction
“I’m just trying to…think ahead.How soon do you think I can wed?”
He whipped his head about to stare at her.“Wed?”
“Yes.”
“Do you have a suitor?”
“No, but I think I could have one.”She thought of Fielding, whom she planned to write to after dinner.
“Who?”he asked.
“Mr.Fielding.”
Anthony blinked.“I’m afraid I don’t remember him.”
“He was at Darent Hall.Stocky fellow, pale brown hair, most amiable.”
Anthony seemed to think for a moment, then gave his head a slow, single shake.“Still can’t place him, sorry.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Itdoesmatter.I shall have to ensure any suitor is up to snuff.That is my responsibility now.”
Irritation ground up her spine.She didn’t want to have to seek his permission.“I hope you don’t expect to choose a husband for me.”
“Not at all.But I should at least ensure he’s worthy.”
Sarah relaxed.This was all so new to them.“He’s up for a government appointment in India.Is that acceptable to you?”
“No title?”he asked.She shook her head.“Mother and Father really wanted you to have a title.”
“Yes, but Mother had begun to say it didn’t matter so long as I married.”
Anthony winced slightly and returned his attention to the books for a moment.Without looking at her, he said, “India?That’s acceptable toyou?”
“I must marry, Anthony,” she said softly.“It would have made Mother so happy.”
He turned and pulled her into his arms.She hugged him around the middle and laid her head on his chest.
“I think you could marry by year’s end.Presumably this Fielding fellow would wait.”
“He has family matters to attend here.He doesn’t have plans to return to India this year.”
“I would miss you dreadfully.”
“I would miss you too.”Emotion clogged her throat, but she didn’t want to cry all over his cravat.
“Good evening, friends!”
Sarah and Anthony separated as Felix strode into the room.
Felix stopped before them, looking from Sarah to Anthony and back again.“What familial bonding have I interrupted?”
“Sarah and I were just discussing her marriage,” Anthony said.
“Ah, yes, she mentioned something about getting married earlier today.”Felix gave her a benign look that told her nothing as to how he felt about the topic.But she knew from their conversation in Ware that afternoon that he had an opinion about whom she should wed—someone she loved, probably.
Anthony leaned against the bookshelf.“She’s considering some gentleman from the party at Darent Hall.Fielding.But the bloke’s going to India, and I’d rather not send my sister halfway around the world.”
