Page 96 of The Duke of Distraction
Chapter 16
Nine days later, Felix formally gave his heart and soul to the woman who already owned him.After marrying in the church, they returned to Stag’s Court, a place where Felix had never truly felt at home but where he now looked to a future with his wife and the family they would hopefully share.
Fanny and David had arrived the day before, and watching Sarah with her friends made Felix smile.George had joined them, since over the last week, she and Vane had become a staple at the dinner table.If anyone found it strange that Felix dined with his valet, no one said anything.Felix was just happy to have this newfound sense of family and the intense feeling of love that seemed to permeate everything.Now that he’d embraced the emotion, he couldn’t get enough.
Felix’s aunt approached him in the drawing room following the wedding breakfast.She’d been thrilled to learn that Felix was marrying, and Felix suspected she took pleasure in her husband’s plans being foiled.
Bridget patted Felix’s arm with a smile.“Such a lovely ceremony.You truly could not have chosen a better wife.Your father would have been happy.”Her forehead creased, and she dropped her arm to her side.“He did love you.Sometimes we parents are so focused on ourselves we forget to make sure—” She looked toward her son, who stood near the windows talking with Anthony.“Never mind.”Her smile softened, as did her gaze as she transferred it back to Felix.“I did try to care for you as a mother ought, but perhaps I allowed Martin too much rein.He never wanted you to wed.He wanted the earldom for Michael.”
“We needn’t speak of this,” Felix said.While he was making an effort to no longer hide his emotions, he didn’t particularly want to display them for his aunt or uncle.
“No, I suppose we needn’t.But I do hope you know that Michael is quite relieved.As it happens, he was petrified of becoming the earl.”
“Then everything has turned out as it should,” Felix murmured.
“Yes.”Bridget glanced toward Martin and then cast her gaze to the ceiling briefly.“Martin won’t agree, but ignore him.He’ll recover.I actually think he’s happy for you deep down.He’s not good at showing his emotions.He could learn from you, my boy.”
Felix coughed.“I doubt that.If you’ll excuse me, I want to speak with Michael.”
Anthony and Michael turned toward Felix as he came toward them.“Here’s the happy groom,” Anthony said.
“Here I am.”Felix looked at his cousin.“Though you likely won’t be inheriting the title, I should still like for you to come to London to stay with me and Sarah.Perhaps in the fall, if you’re amenable?”
Michael nodded, smiling.“I would like that very much.”
“Excellent.I will ensure you’re settled, Michael,” Felix said.“I give you my word.”
“Thank you, Felix.”Michael took himself off with a rather buoyant gait.
“You’ve made that boy’s day,” Anthony said.“Actually, you may have made his entire year.”
“Perhaps,” Felix said softly.He gave his full attention to his best friend, who was now his brother-in-law.“Thank you for allowing me to marry Sarah.”
Letting out a sound that was part laugh and part scoff, Anthony gave his head a shake.“As if I had anything to do with it.You were both going to do exactly what you wanted.I’m just glad you chose correctly.”
“I am too,” Felix said.“I did try to cock things up, but your sister is far smarter than me.I’m exceptionally lucky to have found her.”
Anthony gave him a serious stare.“You are.Just as she is to have found you.But really, I’m the luckiest because I don’t have to worry about my sister marrying a jackass I can’t stand or my best friend taking an insufferable wife.”
Felix laughed.“Well, we’re glad to have satisfied your requirements.We shall expect you to do the same.I don’t want you taking an insufferable wife either.”
“There’s no danger of that any time soon—insufferable or otherwise.”He sipped his wine, and Felix knew he was still in pain and might be for quite some time.
Felix looked around the room at their friends and family.“Anthony, you will never be alone, even if you want to be.”
Anthony arched a brow.“Is that a threat?”
“A heartfelt promise.”Felix gripped the other man’s bicep and gave it a quick squeeze.“Love is all around us.We just have to see it.”
Felix joined his wife, putting his arm about her waist.She turned her head and smiled, and he wondered how he’d ever looked at her and not fallen instantly and completely in love.
“I understand we missed all the kissing fun at Darent Hall,” David said.
Lavinia nodded.“Yes, Felix designs the best kissing games.”
Sarah’s eyes narrowed playfully as she linked her arm through Felix’s.“Not anymore.The only kissing games he’s playing are with me.”She blushed as she shot an apologetic look toward Anthony.“Sorry.”
Anthony shuddered.“Time for me to go.I’m off for Oaklands.”
