Page 79 of The Duke of Distraction
“I design hats.It’s bizarre to be out without one, but for me, it’s almost a crime.”
“I am terrible at fashion,” George said, gesturing to her dull brown dress.“I rarely have need of it, of course, in my profession.”
Profession.George was a woman with employment.“How is it to work?”Sarah asked.
George shrugged.“I enjoy what I do, if that’s what you mean.”
“I’d like to open a millinery shop.”
“Oh!”George’s eyes widened with surprise.“The shop in Vigo Lane?Felix had me organize his inspection of the property, and I communicated with his solicitor about the lease.I didn’t realize the shop was for you.He didn’t say.”
Sarah marveled at the woman’s capability and felt a stab of envy.It sounded as though Felix relied on her.That had to feel…good.“You call him Felix.”
“We’ve known each other since we were children.We used to fish in the pond together and swing from the willow tree.I tried calling him Lord Ware after he became the earl, but he forbade me from doing so.In truth, at thirteen, no boy should be called ‘lord’ anything unless it’s Lord Idiot.”
Sarah laughed.“I’m very glad I ran into you.Do you mind if I accompany you on your walk?”
“Are you sure you don’t want to return for a hat?”
“No, I’m rather enjoying the warm sun.”She’d probably have a few freckles for her trouble tomorrow, but who would care?
“I’m just on my way to visit my mother,” George said.“You’re welcome to join me.”
“I’d like that, thank you.”Sarah moved forward, and George joined her.“Where is the steward’s house?”She hadn’t been there.
“Pardon me for the confusion,” George said with a hint of apology.“My mother passed away two years ago.She’s buried in the Ware plot, and I’m going to pay my respects.”
And just like that, the sadness Sarah had worked to keep at bay came rushing back, tightening her throat.
George lightly touched her arm.“I didn’t mean to upset you.This must be a difficult time.”
That Sarah had only seemed to complicate.“I thought it was getting better, but…” She let her voice trail off before it broke.
“My mother was ill,” George said as they walked up a gentle slope.“I knew she was going to die, but that didn’t make it any easier.”
“My parents were murdered.”Sarah’s voice was soft but firm, for which she was grateful.“But you probably know that.We were completely unprepared for…this.”
“I did know, and I’m so sorry for your loss.I’m sure Felix has done his best to ease your suffering.He’s exceptionally good at that.”
“Yes,” Sarah murmured.She knew George couldn’t possibly realize theextentto which Felix had eased her, and she certainly didn’t plan to tell her.Unless they married.Sarah couldn’t hide that.
Was she considering his proposal?If one could call that a proposal.
As they crested the hill, the graveyard came into sight.There was, in fact, a small stone building.“Is that a church?”
“I suppose it is,” George said.“Though it’s only used for burials.It houses the Ware family crypt.My mother is buried outside.”
Sarah’s heart twisted.She hadn’t yet visited her mother’s tomb at Oaklands.She hadn’t attended the burial, of course, and she hadn’t wanted to see it.She should.Perhaps soon.
“Are Felix’s parents in there?”Sarah asked as they descended the hill.
“Yes, but he never visits.”
“Why?”It was a beautiful place nestled at the base of a hill, with a pair of large oak trees standing sentinel and patches of wildflowers dotting the landscape.
“I think because he never knew his mother.He just doesn’t feel a connection with her.”
“But surely he did with his father?”She recalled what he’d said about forgetting and wondered if maybe George remembered.
