Page 8 of The Duke of Distraction
He announced that the races were concluded—permanently.There was much upset, with many people voicing their displeasure, which only made Felix relish his plan even more.
Childers wandered back to his wife, and Sarah took a step toward Felix.
“That was the right thing to do,” she said softly, from right beside him.“Probably.”
He looked her in the eye, the corner of his mouth trying to lift of its own accord.“Just wait.”
Her brow arched again—it was a fetching expression on her, particularly with her hat.
“Your hat is lovely,” he said.
Light color stained her cheeks.“Thank you.”
Beck and his wife, Lavinia, joined them.“Shame you had to cancel the races,” Beck said.
Lavinia frowned at Felix.“I disagree with this decision wholeheartedly.We deserve to know who would win.”
Felix clenched his teeth together lest he spoil the surprise.“It was necessary, I’m afraid.”
Anthony nodded.“Still disappointing.If only that Childers woman hadn’t gone so damn fast.”
“I’m just glad she’s all right.”Felix didn’t know what he would have done if she’d been seriously injured—or worse.For a brief moment, his heart had stopped and he thought about the poor woman’s children no longer having a mother… But then he wasn’t even sure she had children.Surely she must?
“Yes, we all are,” Sarah said.“And now I suppose we should go.”She looked at Lavinia with a resigned expression.
“We may as well.Do you want me to walk you to your mother, or shall I just convey you home?”
“I’ll ride with you, if you don’t mind.”Sarah turned to Anthony.“Will you tell Mother?”
“Now I’m your secretary?”
Sarah gave him a saucy smile that made Felix laugh.He’d always enjoyed their sibling antics, probably because he didn’t have any brothers or sisters.“Why not?”
Anthony groaned.“Fine.Just don’t expect me to dance with you at whatever ball we’re going to tonight.”
“I’ll dance with you, Sarah,” Felix said.
She gave him a prim nod.“Thank you, my lord.It would be my honor.Until this evening.”She gave him an exaggerated curtsey and left with Lavinia and Beck.
“You’re kind to dance with her,” Anthony said.“Not that it will help.I don’t understand why she can’t land a husband, but our parents are adamant she must do so soon.You sure you don’t want the job?”He looked askance at Felix and laughed.“Are we still going to the Red Door?”
Felix was—that was where his mistress, the incomparable Meggie, lived and worked.“Yes.”
“Excellent.I’ve a mind to visit a certain redhead.”Anthony waggled his brows and chuckled.
“I’ll see you at the ball.”Felix turned and went to the platform—rather, where it had been—where his footman was waiting for him.
“I’ve already put the platform in the coach, my lord,” Glover said.
“Thank you.”Felix started toward the coach, and Glover walked alongside him.
“A shame to see how your hard work ended today.”
“Yes.”But Felix wouldn’t dwell on that.He was already too fixated on the secret race.First, he had to decide where to hold it.Dartford’s estate came to mind.It was less than a day’s ride from London, and Felix was certain he would enthusiastically agree.
He’d talk to him at the ball tonight or maybe at Brooks’s afterward.In between dancing with his best friend’s sister and spending the night in his mistress’s arms.
