Page 95 of The Duke of Distraction
When they’d returned the prior evening, Seales had informed her that Felix had gone into Ware.Though she’d waited for him to come home, she’d eventually given up some time past midnight only to awaken early and go in search of him.
Which was how she’d found him in the church.Seales had said Felix wasn’t in the house, and a trip to the stables had revealed he hadn’t taken a horse or vehicle.Catching sight of the steward’s house, Sarah had thought of George and then of the church.History told her he wouldn’t be there, and yet she’d gone anyway.Partly because if nothing else she wanted to pay her respects on the day their family had been torn apart.
“I don’t think I’ll stay for port,” Martin said, drawing Sarah from her reverie.He stood from the table and gave Felix a somewhat pained look.“Felicitations again on your wedding—and your birthday.”
Felix smiled up at him.“Thank you, Uncle.Remember, you’re welcome to stay at the dower house for as long as it takes for you to find a new situation that meets your needs.”
Martin’s eyes, always bulbous, seemed to teeter at the brink of toppling from his head, but he blinked, and the risk was averted.“I appreciate your hospitality.Good evening.”He bowed to the table and departed.
“How long do you think he’ll stay?”Beck asked.
Felix shrugged.“I imagine it will grate him horribly.I never expected him to be so bitter, but that was foolish on my part.I have always known precisely what kind of man he is.”He took a drink of wine.
“Shall we leave you to your port?”Sarah said, rising.
“No.”Felix jumped up from the table.“It’s my birthday, and I get to decide.Let’s all go to the drawing room.”He grinned at Sarah as he put his arm around her waist.
“I think I’m going to retire,” Anthony said.He and Felix had made up that afternoon, but there was a still a dark, melancholy air lingering over her brother.Sarah suspected it would be there for some time.She wondered if she would feel the same if not for Felix and the happiness he’d brought her.
Sarah left Felix’s side and went to press a kiss to her brother’s cheek.“Sleep well.”
He nodded and gave her a brief hug, whispering, “I’m glad you’re so happy.Truly.If I wasn’t in such a sorry state, I would have realized sooner how wonderful it is to have two of the people I love most find love with each other.”
She hugged him back, saying, “I love you.”
Anthony bade the others good night before he left.
Lavinia looped her arm through Sarah’s as they made their way to the drawing room.“Have you chosen a date to get married?”
Sarah looked back at Felix.“Not yet.We’d like to have David and Fanny come if they’re able.I wrote to her this afternoon to ask if they could come in a week.We’re, ah, a bit eager to wed.”
Lavinia laughed.“I know what that feels like.I’m sure Fanny will come.She’s anxious to see you.”
In the drawing room, Felix made sure everyone had a libation, and then he offered a toast.“Tomy bride, two words I thought I’dneversay.”Everyone laughed, and he grinned.“To Sarah, who has given me more than I ever imagined.But apparently, everything I deserve.According to her.”
“She’s right,” Beck said.“She will always be right.Best to learn that now.”He lifted his glass toward Lavinia and winked at her.
Sarah gazed at Felix with love and sipped her sherry, still amazed at how much her life had changed in such a short time.
Later, she stole into his room where he was waiting for her with a kiss that curled her toes.“This feels rather naughty,” she said as he led her toward the bed.
Felix, wearing nothing but a shirt that barely covered his erection, grinned at her.“Everything we’ve done has been naughty.And you’re no stranger to my chamber or my bed.”
“True, but we aren’t married yet.”
He undressed her, casting her dressing gown and night rail aside.“Yetis the key term there.We’re as good as wed.In fact, I’m quite happy to race to London tomorrow and procure a special license.You can be my countess by sundown.”He kissed her neck, and she closed her eyes with a sigh.
“While that is very tempting, I shall be patient for our wedding in Ware.”
He lifted his head.“You’re sure you don’t prefer Harlow?I don’t understand why you and Anthony wanted Ware.”
“I think it’s just easier,” she said softly.“For Anthony in particular.Is that all right?”
“Of course.”He kissed her and rested his forehead against hers.“Your brother is going to recover.”
“Your father didn’t.”She pulled back and looked into his eyes, thinking about what she’d overheard him say that morning.“I can’t believe what you endured.When I think about how your father treated you, what he did—”
“Shhh.It’s all right.I’mall right.And Anthony will be too.”He kissed her again.“As soon as he falls in love.”
Sarah couldn’t help but smile.“Is that right?”
“It’s changed everything for me.”
She clutched the hem of his shirt, preparing to tug it over his head.“For the better, I hope.”
He cupped her face and smiled.“For the absolute best.”
