The Duke of Distraction

by Darcy Burke

  “And we have our first participant in the women’s championship,” Felix called. “The Countess of Dartford!”

  The cheers were loud and boisterous, and Sarah joined in. She mentally calculated her winnings. If she could win the Wakeham race, she’d have what she needed.

  Sarah and Lavinia went to congratulate Lucy, whom they knew—she was a close friend of their friend Fanny’s sister. The countess was overjoyed, and the pride shining on her husband’s face was nearly as bright as the sun.

  Felix announced it was time to ready the next race between Lady Exeby and Mrs. Childers. Both women were in their thirties and were admirable drivers. Mrs. Childers possessed a more dashing style and was faster, but Lady Exeby’s skill and quiet confidence were the reasons behind Sarah’s wager.

  Sarah migrated back to the platform where Felix stood. “You have the best view, you know,” she said.

  “I do.” He smiled down at her. “Come see.” He held his hand out to help her up the steps.

  Sarah put her hand in his and climbed onto the platform. It was only three or so feet off the ground, but it did provide a better vantage point. She looked out over the crowd and the track. “You should build platforms for everyone to stand on next year.”

  He slid her a sly glance. “You think there will be a next year?”

  “Why not?”

  He shrugged. “You know me, I always find something else to occupy my mind. Besides, I don’t think I’d be allowed to build something that large. This thing is portable but, as you can see, barely large enough for two.”

  It was indeed. She had to stand quite close to him, not that she minded. Felix was the only gentleman around whom she felt utterly at ease, probably because he was the only gentleman she didn’t have to worry about impressing.

  “Did you wager on Mrs. Childers or Lady Exeby?” he asked. “Let me guess—Mrs. Childers.”

  “I did not, in fact,” Sarah said.

  “I’m surprised. You’ve made some daring wagers the past two weeks, and from reviewing the ledgers, you’ve earned quite a sum.”

  Sarah flinched, then looked up at him, for he was at least six inches taller and perhaps more like eight. “Please tell me you haven’t shared that information with Anthony.”

  “I haven’t. People’s wagers are private and not mine to disclose.” He shot a glance toward the track. “Are you saving for something specific?”

  “Merely planning for my future of spinsterhood.”

  His gaze snapped to hers. “Why would you do that?”

  “Because it seems prudent?” She laughed. “If I have enough money to support myself, my parents can’t force me into a situation I don’t want.”

  Felix looked mildly horrified. “And what would that be?”

  “Marriage to a man I don’t love.”

  “Mmm, that would be rather odious,” he murmured, looking toward the starting line where Mrs. Childers and Lady Exeby were preparing themselves.

  Sarah snorted in a most unladylike fashion, but she never felt the need to censor herself in front of Felix. “You think all marriage is odious.”

  He grinned down at her. “I do indeed.”

  “But surely even you will have to relent—you’ve a title to pass on.”

  “My cousin is more than capable of becoming earl,” he said. “My uncle is making sure of it.”

  Sarah hadn’t ever met his uncle. “That seems rather presumptuous of him.”

  “I don’t mind. In fact, it makes things simpler knowing I don’t have to marry.” He gave her a pitying look. “I’m sorry you feel as if you do.”

  She let out a hollow laugh. “All women feel that way because it’s our duty.”

  “It’s bloody ridiculous. You should be able to invest your money and live your life as you see fit.”

  “How forward thinking of you, Felix.”

  “Yes, well, independence can’t be overestimated.” He straightened his coat. “And now I should begin the next race. Do you want to stay up here to watch?”

  A thrill shot through her. “Yes, if you don’t mind.”

  He slid her a half smile. “I wouldn’t have offered if I did.”

  Felix lifted the horn to his mouth and announced the race was about to begin. The participants took their marks, and Anthony approached the platform.

  “What are you doing up there?” he asked Sarah.

  “Watching the race. Isn’t it obvious?”

  Anthony narrowed his eyes with a smirk as he handed the bell to Felix. “You’ve never invited me up there to watch.”

  “It’s not a very large space, and your sister is far more petite,” Felix said. “She’s also much prettier.” He winked at Sarah, and she laughed before giving her brother a superior look.

  Anthony shook his head but smiled.

  “Now we race!” Felix called. “Ready. Go!” He rang the bell, and the women started from the line.

  Lady Exeby seemed to have a bit of difficulty getting going, and Sarah suffered a moment’s concern. Perhaps she should have wagered on Mrs. Childers, who was off to a rather fast start. In fact, it seemed the fastest start of any of the women over all the races.

  “That was an incredibly fast start by Mrs. Childers!” Felix yelled through the horn.

  “I thought so too,” Sarah said, her heart speeding up as the racers approached the first turn. “She’s not slowing down at all.”

  Mrs. Childers was mad to take the corner at such a speed! Sarah held her breath as she turned. One of the back wheels of her phaeton came off the ground, and the entire vehicle teetered. Sarah had heard of accidents where the vehicle tipped over but had never seen such a thing. Without thinking, she grabbed Felix’s forearm and squeezed.

  The phaeton went over, and the air filled with screams.

  “Bloody hell.” Felix’s whispered oath reached Sarah’s ears, and she turned to see that he’d gone completely white.

  Horror slammed through Felix, and he abruptly turned, nearly knocking Sarah from the platform. She clasped his arm more tightly, and he grabbed her by the waist, pulling her toward him so their chests almost touched.

  “My apologies,” he murmured. “I need to go.”

  “Of course.” She moved around him so he could descend the stairs. He handed her the horn before he flew from the platform, his feet barely touching the steps. Then he dashed across the grass toward the site of the accident.

  His insides churned, and he prayed Mrs. Childers wasn’t terribly injured. Or worse.

  Others had rushed toward the accident, and many more were heading in that direction. However, Felix was still one of the first to arrive.

  Mrs. Childers lay on the grass, her face pale, and appeared to be unconscious.

  Lady Exeby had stopped her phaeton and exited the vehicle. She knelt beside her opponent with a stricken expression as Felix squatted down on the other side.

  “Why did she go so fast?” Lady Exeby asked, lifting her dark, tear-filled gaze to Felix’s.

  “Charlotte! My Charlotte!” Mr. Childers practically fell to his knees beside Felix. In his early forties, Childers was an affable fellow with a penchant for drink. Indeed, he seemed as though he’d already imbibed quite a bit, if the color in his cheeks and stench from his breath were any indication. Childers cupped his wife’s head and shot a venomous glance toward Felix. “This is your fault! These bloody races!”

  Felix was horrified by what had happened, but was it his fault the man’s wife had taken a reckless pace?

  “You should have at least had a surgeon present!” Childers raged as he stroked his wife’s face. “Wake up, my dear.”

  Mrs. Childers’s lids opened. She blinked up at her husband. “Did I go over?”

  “Yes. You were driving much too fast, you silly woman.”

  “You needn’t call her silly,” Lady Exeby murmured.

  Felix looked over at the toppled vehicle but more importantly at the pair of frightened horses still attached to the phaeton. Dartfor
d and a few other gentlemen, including Felix’s friend Beck, were tending to the animals and working on freeing them from the vehicle, as well as trying to return the phaeton to its upright position.

  “How are the horses?” Mrs. Childers asked. Her eyes seemed a bit unfocused, the pupils larger than normal.

  “Hopefully not damaged!” Mr. Childers handed his wife over to a surprised Lady Exeby, then leapt to his feet to see to the animals.

  Mrs. Childers turned her befuddled gaze to Felix. “Will you help me to stand?”

  “Of course.” Felix clasped her hand and exchanged a look with Lady Exeby, who assisted her from the other side.

  Felix did most of the work, pulling Mrs. Childers to her feet. She wobbled, and Felix slid his arm around her to keep her steady.

  She flashed him a smile. “Why, thank you, my lord. You are most attentive.”

  Lady Exeby let go of her, much to Felix’s chagrin. He didn’t particularly want to stand here holding on to Mrs. Childers.

  “It looks as though I’ve given your races some extra excitement,” Mrs. Childers said.

  Felix kept his touch light. “Not on purpose, I hope.”

  She laughed in response. “Certainly not. My head feels as though it might split in two. I’ll have to see if Childy’s headache tonic will work as well for this as it does for him after a night of excessive spirits.”

  Childy?

  “Are you able to stand on your own?” Felix asked.

  “I’m sure I’d rather not find out.” She batted her lashes at him, then leaned close, lowering her voice. “I’ve often hoped to have a moment alone with you, my lord. To show you my…inclination.”

  Good Lord. Felix knew he had a bit of a reputation with married ladies, but he kept those affairs to a minimum, and they were only for one night. Furthermore, he was quite satisfied with his current mistress.

  Felix summoned a pleasant smile. “I’m sure now isn’t the time to discuss such matters. Your head.” He glanced toward her husband.

  “Don’t think Childy would mind, my lord,” she whispered. “He can barely perform and wouldn’t slight me for looking elsewhere.”

  Felix doubted that. He spoke loudly, “Lady Exeby, would you mind helping Mrs. Childers? I must see to the races.”

  “You can’t mean to continue them?” Lady Exeby asked.

  He was about to ask why they shouldn’t when Sarah arrived. “Everything all right, then?” She looked toward Mrs. Childers. “You appear to be in excellent hands. I’m so pleased you weren’t injured. My brother went to fetch a doctor. They should be along in a moment. In the meantime, you should sit down.”

  “She’s right,” Lady Exeby said. “Let’s find a bench.”

  “I should see to my horses…”

  Felix watched as Lady Exeby led Mrs. Childers away.

  “You can’t continue with the races,” Sarah said grimly.

  “But Mrs. Childers is fine.”

  “Seemingly, but at the very least, you should postpone the rest until next week.”

  He scowled. “That would drag them out another week. The men’s event already needs another week.”

  “Is that a problem? It’s not as if anyone has grown bored with the event.” She cocked her head to the side. “Unless you have.”

  “Maybe a little.” Indeed, he hadn’t really thought ahead when he’d come up with this scheme. He’d committed himself to coming here five weeks in a row, weather permitting. And so far, the weather had more than permitted.

  Sarah exhaled. “Typical of you to grow restless, I suppose. Perhaps you’d rather arrange a liaison with Mrs. Childers when she’s feeling better.”

  He locked his gaze with Sarah’s. “Why would you say such a thing?”

  “Because the two of you were flirting, and I’m not the only one who noticed. Mr. Childers was glaring daggers at you. That’s why I came to intervene.”

  Felix hadn’t noticed that. “I wasn’t flirting with her. She was throwing herself at me.”

  “Well, whatever the specifics, might I suggest you stay away from her for a while?”

  “You don’t need to.” He narrowed his eyes at her. “I’m not sure I like you playing the role of manager with me.”

  “Manager? I thought I was rescuing you.” She laughed softly, and he let out a low groan because she was right.

  “Whatever you’re doing, it isn’t seemly. We shouldn’t be discussing my… Never mind.” He looked toward the horses, which were now free of the phaeton. Several of the gentlemen were working to right the vehicle. Mr. Childers was not one of them. He was glowering at Felix.

  Bloody hell.

  And now he was stalking straight for Felix.

  Thankfully, Anthony arrived at that moment with a physician in tow. “I’ve brought a doctor,” he said.

  “I’m glad someone is thinking,” Childers grumbled.

  “Where is the patient?” the doctor asked.

  “This way,” Childers said, leading the man toward his wife where she sat on a bench beside Lady Exeby.

  Felix exhaled with relief—at least for now.

  “Shame the races are over for the day,” Anthony said. “Sarah, it looks like you won’t be fattening your purse any more today.”

  “It does not.” She sounded disappointed. Felix knew how much she’d made and wondered if she was really just saving for a lonely future.

  Lonely. Was that how he thought of spinsterhood? He didn’t plan to wed. Why couldn’t she make the same choice? Furthermore, he didn’t expect to feel lonely, so why should she?

  Alas, none of it mattered because women and men weren’t afforded the same choices. He could be a bachelor and she’d be a spinster.

  “Felix isn’t certain the races are over,” Sarah said, eyeing him.

  Anthony stared at him. “Are you mad? You can’t mean to continue. Not today. Why not carry on with the men’s races tomorrow?”

  Because he had appointments tomorrow. “Do you people think I have nothing better to do than host entertainments?”

  “No.” They answered in unison, and he was torn between growling at them and laughing. What came out of his mouth was an unfortunate mix of the two. Anthony laughed in response, and Sarah merely arched a brow.

  It was true that he spent most of his life in the pursuit of entertainment and diversion. “Well, tomorrow I’m busy. I’m sure Dartford and the others would prefer to continue.”

  “Let’s ask him,” Anthony said.

  Before they could do so, Childers marched back over to them, not stopping until he was nearly in Felix’s face. “My wife has suffered a concussion, you dolt. I’m going to make sure these races of yours are finished. I’ll petition the Regent if I have to.”

  Felix exhaled with boredom. “He will likely attend the final, so I wish you luck with that.”

  “I doubt that. Mrs. Childers’s uncle is a special friend of his. When he finds out she was injured and you didn’t even have the sense to ensure a doctor was at the ready, he’ll shut these races down faster than you can say go.” Spittle had gathered on his lip and then leapt onto Felix’s coat with the vehemence of the man’s last word.

  While he was skeptical of Mrs. Childers’s uncle’s importance, Felix didn’t say so. Perhaps it was time to move to a new amusement.

  Or perhaps he should move them to a new location and ensure only certain people were invited. Then they would be quite exclusive… Even better, he’d have one final race—the women’s final between Lady Dartford and Lady Exeby and a madcap six-man competition with the remaining gentlemen. They’d have to hold it somewhere quite large… Felix’s mind was already working.

  He smiled at Mr. Childers. “You are quite right that the races should be finished.”

  Felix went to Sarah. “May I have the horn?”

  She placed it in his hand. “Certainly.”

  He announced that the races were concluded—permanently. There was much upset, with many people voicing their displeasure, which o
nly 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?”