Page 60 of The Duke of Distraction
It was—in a way.Stag’s Court didn’t feel as much of a home to Felix as his town house in London.Probably because he spent very little time here—a handful of weeks in the summer and maybe a few in the winter before the Season started.The rest of the time he spent in London or at a house or hunting party with friends.
“Your reputation is one as a host,” Martin continued.“You could host a house party here.Just because Michael will inherit one day doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy your time as earl.”
His “time.”As if it were a fleeting thing.But Felix supposed it was.If he’d learned anything, it was that life was short, and it was up to each person to make the most of it.Or not.
Felix tried to make the most of it—for himself and for those around him.
This belief had never felt more important than since the Coltons’ death.Death had snatched them away, robbing them and their children of their “time.”Just as it had done with Felix’s mother.He gave himself an internal shake.Why was he thinking ofher?
Martin exhaled.“I was merely trying to make a suggestion.”
Felix realized he’d never responded to his uncle.“I was considering it,” he said.“I did invite more guests, but I wouldn’t call it a party.”Though with him, Anthony, and Beck together, it would certainly be entertaining.Provided he kept Anthony from falling back into his guilt.
And kept himself from dreaming of Sarah.
It was good that Beck and Lavinia were coming.Lavinia would keep Sarah busy, and then Felix could stop paying so much attention to her.
They rode in silence for a moment before Martin said, “Thank you for inviting Michael to town.I was going to suggest it.He’ll need some exposure at the clubs and in Society.”
Because he would be earl one day.“Pardon my morbidity, but what if he dies before me?”Felix asked.
Martin sent him a surprised look.Or maybe not.With his overly large eyes, it was hard to tell.“I shall pray that doesn’t happen.The other reason I’m pleased you’re taking him to town is so he can join the Marriage Mart.I suppose I should go with him to support his search for a wife.Or his mother, at least.”Martin’s lip curled as he mentioned her.
“Does Michael wish to marry so soon?”Felix felt sorry for the boy.
“He knows his duty,” Martin said with a careless air.“He understands how important the earldom is, and his role within it.”
Felix’s insides churned with malcontent.Martin hadn’t been trying to slight Felix—of that Felix was certain.Martinwantedhis son to inherit and so accepted Felix’s desire to remain unwed.Felix tried to recall when they had first discussed this arrangement, but no memory came to mind.
“Still, he needn’t hurry.”Felix didn’t want his choice to remain a bachelor to push Michael into a marriage he might not want.
Martin gave him a smile that didn’t seem to reach his bulbous eyes, but then they rarely did.His eyes were like those of a fish—all-seeing, emotionless, and rather unnerving.“You needn’t worry about it, Felix.”
No, he supposed he didn’t.He kicked his horse into a trot and turned his attention to the estate.
By the time Felix returned to the house, it was midafternoon.He’d done a good job staying away—rather, avoiding Sarah—and now he would take a bath to continue that evasion.
However, as he passed the upstairs sitting room, he slowed at the sound of loud voices.
“I can’t believe you would do this,” Anthony said.“Mother and Father would be horrified.”
Felix’s heart stopped and then beat a rapid staccato, the sound resonating in his ears.He couldn't move.
“They wouldn’t care so long as the end result was my happiness.”
God, she hadn’t told him about—?Felix removed his hand and combed his fingers through his hair.Anthony was going to be furious.Hell, he sounded halfway there already.
“What does Felix say?”Anthony asked, his voice climbing.“Or was this his idea?”
Oh, fuck, this wasn’t good.Felix was torn between inserting himself into the conversation and hiding in his bedchamber until tomorrow.Or maybe next year.
“It was his idea to bring me these things, and he does support my plan.But the shop is entirely my design.”
The shop.
Felix exhaled, and his body nearly sagged into the floor.He should insert himself, then—to convince Anthony it wasn’t a terrible idea.
“Did I hear my name?”he asked as he stepped into the sitting room.
