Page 6 of The Duke of Distraction
“Hopefully not damaged!”Mr.Childers handed his wife over to a surprised Lady Exeby, then leapt to his feet to see to the animals.
Mrs.Childers turned her befuddled gaze to Felix.“Will you help me to stand?”
“Of course.”Felix clasped her hand and exchanged a look with Lady Exeby, who assisted her from the other side.
Felix did most of the work, pulling Mrs.Childers to her feet.She wobbled, and Felix slid his arm around her to keep her steady.
She flashed him a smile.“Why, thank you, my lord.You are most attentive.”
Lady Exeby let go of her, much to Felix’s chagrin.He didn’t particularly want to stand here holding on to Mrs.Childers.
“It looks as though I’ve given your races some extra excitement,” Mrs.Childers said.
Felix kept his touch light.“Not on purpose, I hope.”
She laughed in response.“Certainly not.My head feels as though it might split in two.I’ll have to see if Childy’s headache tonic will work as well for this as it does for him after a night of excessive spirits.”
Childy?
“Are you able to stand on your own?”Felix asked.
“I’m sure I’d rather not find out.”She batted her lashes at him, then leaned close, lowering her voice.“I’ve often hoped to have a moment alone with you, my lord.To show you my…inclination.”
Good Lord.Felix knew he had a bit of a reputation with married ladies, but he kept those affairs to a minimum, and they were only for one night.Furthermore, he was quite satisfied with his current mistress.
Felix summoned a pleasant smile.“I’m sure now isn’t the time to discuss such matters.Your head.”He glanced toward her husband.
“Don’t think Childy would mind, my lord,” she whispered.“He can barely perform and wouldn’t slight me for looking elsewhere.”
Felix doubted that.He spoke loudly, “Lady Exeby, would you mind helping Mrs.Childers?I must see to the races.”
“You can’t mean to continue them?”Lady Exeby asked.
He was about to ask why they shouldn’t when Sarah arrived.“Everything all right, then?”She looked toward Mrs.Childers.“You appear to be in excellent hands.I’m so pleased you weren’t injured.My brother went to fetch a doctor.They should be along in a moment.In the meantime, you should sit down.”
“She’s right,” Lady Exeby said.“Let’s find a bench.”
“I should see to my horses…”
Felix watched as Lady Exeby led Mrs.Childers away.
“You can’t continue with the races,” Sarah said grimly.
“But Mrs.Childers is fine.”
“Seemingly, but at the very least, you should postpone the rest until next week.”
He scowled.“That would drag them out another week.The men’s event already needs another week.”
“Is that a problem?It’s not as if anyone has grown bored with the event.”She cocked her head to the side.“Unless you have.”
“Maybe a little.”Indeed, he hadn’t really thought ahead when he’d come up with this scheme.He’d committed himself to coming here five weeks in a row, weather permitting.And so far, the weather had more than permitted.
Sarah exhaled.“Typical of you to grow restless, I suppose.Perhaps you’d rather arrange a liaison with Mrs.Childers when she’s feeling better.”
He locked his gaze with Sarah’s.“Why would you say such a thing?”
“Because the two of you were flirting, and I’m not the only one who noticed.Mr.Childers was glaring daggers at you.That’s why I came to intervene.”
