The Duke of Distraction

by Darcy Burke

  Mr. Fielding bowed first to Lavinia and then to Sarah. “It is my very great pleasure to make both of your acquaintances.”

  “Good evening, Mr. Fielding,” Sarah said, dipping into a curtsey. “Have you been dancing?”

  “Guilty, I’m afraid.” He lowered his voice. “I had to step over here into the cool air for a moment. One would think I would be accustomed to being overheated after the past three years in India.”

  “I imagine so,” Sarah said. “Did you enjoy India?”

  “I did. In fact, I plan to return in a couple of years. Had to come home to take care of some family business. My father is ill.”

  “I’m so sorry to hear that,” Sarah said.

  “Thank you. I don’t mind sharing that he’s quite old—my mother is his third wife. Alas, I have five older sisters and no brothers at all, so it was up to me to return home and oversee matters.” He waved his hand. “Listen to me, going on!”

  “We came to meet you,” Lavinia said. “And we’re happy to get to know you. Are you a member at Brooks’s? I’ll ask my husband to look for you later.”

  “Boodle’s,” he said. “Though I may try for a spot at Brooks’s.”

  “Then I shall definitely introduce you to my husband,” Lavinia said.

  Mr. Fielding turned to Sarah. “I’m feeling much more restored. Would you care to dance the next set?”

  “Only if you promise to tell me about India.”

  He laughed again, and she decided she liked Mr. Fielding. He was far more genuine than most gentlemen she met. “I will tell you about India until you beg me to stop. Or to take you there.” His sherry-colored eyes danced with flirtatious merriment.

  Lavinia chuckled. “It seems as though you’re in excellent hands,” she murmured to Sarah. “See you later.” She turned and walked away, leaving Sarah to take Mr. Fielding’s arm as he guided her to the dance floor.

  “I must warn you that my dancing is average at best. I didn’t do much of it in my travels.”

  “My dancing is only slightly above average, so we are well matched.”

  He laughed again, and they managed to execute themselves well enough. When he wasn’t focusing too hard on the steps, he spoke of India, and she could hear his affection for it. While he was charming and witty, she didn’t think she could take him seriously as a potential suitor. Not when his future was meant to be in India.

  “It sounds like a very nice place to visit,” she said as they left the dance floor.

  “It is indeed. I may decide to move there, depending on whether I can secure a government appointment.”

  She glanced toward him. “Is that a possibility?”

  He nodded. “It seems to be.”

  Sarah looked about for Lavinia, but her gaze found Felix instead. He came toward them and offered a bow. “Miss Colton.” Then he turned to Mr. Fielding. “I don’t believe we’ve been introduced.”

  Taking her arm from Mr. Fielding’s, Sarah angled herself toward both gentlemen and gestured to Felix. “Allow me to present the Earl of Ware. Felix, this is Mr. Silvester Fielding, newly returned from India.”

  “Welcome,” Felix said. “Have you been gone long?”

  “Three years. A bit more than, actually. Pleased to make your acquaintance, my lord.” He bowed and discreetly wiped a finger over his dewy temple as he rose.

  “He may be interested in joining Brooks’s,” Sarah said.

  Felix looked at Mr. Fielding with interest. “Indeed? I’d be happy to help, if you require it. If you’ll pardon us, I have a bit of business to conduct with Miss Colton.”

  “Of course.” Mr. Fielding turned to Sarah with a warm smile. “It was my honor to partner you this evening. I look forward to doing so again in the future.”

  “Thank you. I do as well.”

  Sarah put her hand on Felix’s arm, and he led her on a circuit of the ballroom.

  “A potential suitor?” he asked when they were some distance away.

  “Doubtful. He’s keen to return to India, perhaps with a government appointment.”

  Felix lifted a shoulder. “You don’t wish to relocate to India?”

  “Not particularly.”

  “It’s quite sunny there. Also rainy. Think of the headwear you could design.”

  She sent him a wry glance. “Speaking of headwear, have you anything to share regarding my shop?”

  “Precisely why I wanted to speak with you,” Felix said. “Do you mind if we go out onto the terrace?”

  “Not at all.”

  He guided her outside. “I’m not certain you can afford Bond Street, but I did find a small space on Vigo Lane that might work.”

  Excitement danced through her, and she turned toward him with enthusiasm. “That sounds splendid! When can I see it?”

  “I’ll need to set an appointment. It will have to be after the races. Which brings me to my next topic.” He led her to the edge of the terrace and stopped.

  She took her hand from his arm. “Matchmaking.”

  “You’re going to call it that too?”

  Sarah laughed softly. “What else should I call it?”

  He shook his head. “Call it whatever you like—so long as it remains between us.”

  She inhaled sharply. “Can you imagine if people learned of this…arrangement? Actually, it would be far worse for you than me, especially if you’re successful. You’d have to pick up where the Duke of Seduction left off.”

  “Quash that thought right now,” Felix said. “I am helping you, my best friend’s sister whom I’ve known for twenty years. It is like helping my own flesh and blood. I wouldn’t dream of doing this for anyone else.”

  She could see from the determined glint in his gaze that he meant it quite wholeheartedly. “Have you found me a suitor already?”

  “I’m not going to find you a suitor,” he said. “I’m bringing bachelors into your orbit that you may not otherwise meet.”

  “I am not the sun,” she said.

  “You will be to your husband.”

  She stared at him. “Why, Felix, that’s lovely. I do believe Beck is rubbing off on you.”

  He let out a dark laugh. “Hardly. I just hope you marry someone who values you in every way.”

  “Thank you.” She hoped so too.

  “I’ve scheduled the races for Wednesday and Thursday at Darent Hall.”

  She frowned. “That’s a long drive two days in a row.”

  “Yes, which is why it’s a miniature house party. I will ensure several bachelors are in attendance.”

  “That’s…wonderful. However, I am not sure my mother will allow me to attend—and she won’t want to go. She didn’t like the races.” Sarah rolled her eyes.

  “Which is why she isn’t invited,” Felix said with a delight that provoked Sarah to laugh. “This is a private party. I’m inviting select people in person and swearing them to secrecy.”

  She held up her right hand. “I solemnly swear to keep it secret. Except I have to tell my mother.”

  “Yes, you do.” He looked out over the garden for a moment. “Tell her Lucy is hosting a short party for her friends, and that you’ll be going with Lavinia.”

  “That could work.”

  “If not, tell her it’s a Bachelor Forum.”

  Sarah laughed again and couldn’t stop for a moment. “You really ought to consider opening such a place.”

  “It already exists. I believe it’s called Almack’s,” he cracked.

  Another giggle escaped Sarah. “You’re in rare form tonight, Felix.”

  “Thank you.” He inclined his head. “I think.”

  “Please invite Mr. Fielding,” she said.

  Felix arched his brow at her. “I thought you weren’t interested in him.”

  “Not particularly, but he was very charming, and since he’s newly back to town, he could do with some engagement.”

  “You’ve a generous heart,” Felix said.

  “No more than you.”

&nbs
p; He snorted. “Hardly. As I said before, I am helping you and only you. Indeed, you’re the only unmarried woman I can suffer.”

  “Well, now you’re just flattering me,” she said.

  “Always. Shall we go back inside?”

  She took his arm. “If we must. You’ll let me know when you schedule the appointment to see the shop in Vigo Lane?”

  “As soon as I know, you will.” He steered her toward the ballroom, inclining his head at another gentleman who escorted a lady onto the terrace. “And I’ll invite Mr. Fielding.”

  “Thank you. I’m quite looking forward to the party.” She turned to look at him. “I assume I can discuss this with Lavinia?”

  “Of course. And Anthony. And the Dartfords.” He peered down at her. “I trust you to know whom to talk to. There’s your mother. Do you want me to take you to her or somewhere else?”

  The latter, but she supposed she should talk to her about the party. “To her.”

  He chuckled. “You sound as if she’s wielding an executioner’s axe.”

  “Very droll.”

  A moment later, he delivered her to the viscountess and then took his leave. Sarah’s mother watched him go and clucked her tongue. “I still say he’s a fool not to marry you.”

  “Mother, keep your voice down,” Sarah said, though she hadn’t spoken loudly. “I don’t want to marry him.”

  Mother gave her a resigned, somewhat disappointed look. “You don’t want to marry anybody.”

  “Not yet.” Sarah shook away her annoyance. “There’s to be a small party at Darent Hall next Wednesday and Thursday. I’d like to go with Lavinia.”

  “What sort of party?” She sounded suspicious.

  Given her mother’s fixation on Sarah finding a husband, she blurted, “The matchmaking kind. Felix has arranged for many bachelors to attend.”

  “Then I should go with you.”

  “You don’t really need to—Lavinia will chaperone, as will the Countess of Dartford. Furthermore, Anthony will be there.”

  “No, Anthony will be traveling to Oaklands to oversee the repair to the stables.”

  He was? “Still, I will be well chaperoned.” She didn’t want her mother to come—she’d loathe the races and put a damper on the entire event.

  “I suppose,” her mother said slowly, her eyes narrowing. “I expect you to return to London with a suitor—a titled suitor, if at all possible—by whatever means necessary.”

  Sarah let her jaw drop momentarily. “Are you suggesting I arrange to be compromised?”

  The countess lifted a shoulder and moved her gaze about the ballroom. “Excuse me, dear. I must go speak with Lady Ellensworth.” She departed, leaving Sarah to stare after her—and wonder if she’d been serious.

  Surely she wasn’t. And yet…

  Perhaps the shop in Vigo Lane had lodgings large enough for Dolly and Sarah, for she began to think that was where she’d end up.

  Chapter 4

  Darent Hall was a nearly four-hour drive from London. The late-May day was bright and warm—perfect for travel and a race. Not that Felix had traveled from London that morning. He’d arrived the day before along with the racers so that their horses would be rested before today’s event.

  The guests, however, were arriving today and had begun doing so shortly after noon. The staff at Darent Hall, under the direction of the Dartfords, had everything well in hand with regard to accommodations and the afternoon’s activities. There would be a picnic along with the races.

  Felix surveyed the picnic area, a grassy space with blankets scattered about. Baskets with food and drink sat in a corner of each large square of fabric awaiting the guests who would arrive shortly.

  The racecourse was visible from the picnic. Felix had worked to keep it as close to the shape and length of the one they’d used in London, so as to keep things fair.

  He went to the wagering table manned by Kinsley, whom he’d persuaded to come for the event despite his employer being out of town. “I do appreciate you coming out,” Felix said.

  Kinsley looked up from his ledger. “My pleasure. How can I resist such a fine day?”

  Felix’s attention was drawn to the first group of guests cresting the hill separating the course from the house. “Here they come.”

  “Why do you do it?” Kinsley asked, squinting up at Felix. “The races and other events you host, I mean.”

  It was a question Felix heard from time to time, and he gave the same nonanswer he always did, “Why not?” The reason he hosted such events was of no interest to anyone, including Felix.

  Kinsley laughed. “Why not indeed.”

  Felix grinned and walked away from the table to greet the guests and invite them to find places on the blankets.

  Beck and Lavinia, along with Sarah, were among the first to arrive. “I do love a picnic,” Beck said, eyeing his wife. “But where is there a copse of trees?” He glanced about, and Felix stifled a laugh.

  Before Beck had married Lavinia, Felix had put on a picnic at which Lavinia had shown everyone ancient rock formations. She was an amateur geologist, and it had been one of Felix’s more fascinating events. It had also given Beck and Lavinia occasion to escape into the trees for a tryst.

  “Yes, this is an excellent addition,” Sarah said. “Where is the wagering table?”

  “Right this way,” Felix said, offering her his arm.

  Sarah put her hand on his sleeve, and he escorted her to where Kinsley sat. Felix waited while she placed her wagers, then guided her back toward the blankets.

  “What sort of activities do you have planned for tonight?” Sarah asked.

  “After dinner?” At her nod, he continued. “Cards, dancing, perhaps some parlor games.”

  “Will any of them include kissing? Kiss the Nun, maybe, or Le Baiser à la Capucine.”

  Felix slowed to a stop. “I hadn’t considered that. Do you want to play kissing games?” He watched color bloom in her cheeks, and she glanced away.

  “It seems we should since I’m in search of a husband. I’ve, er, never kissed anyone.”

  He stared at her in a mixture of outrage and disbelief. “How is that possible?” She was nearly four and twenty, for God’s sake. And she was eminently kissable. Why her lips alone, dark pink and bow shaped, should have beckoned any number of men.

  Her blush deepened. “You’d have to ask, I don’t know, every man I’ve ever met?” She gave him a pointed stare that seemed to scream, Including you.

  “Then there will be kissing games.”

  “Thank you.” Her shoulders relaxed a bit, and he realized that had taken a bit of courage for her to ask.

  “Is there anything else I can do for you?” Felix asked softly. “Anything at all?”

  She thought for a moment, then shook her head. “No, I think that will suffice for now. Oh, Anthony won’t be coming, I’m afraid. He had to go to Oaklands to oversee something.”

  Felix was surprised Anthony hadn’t mentioned it. “Did this just come up?”

  “I don’t think so. Mother told me as soon as I informed her of the party.” Sarah exhaled. “Well, I’m going to find a place to sit.” She went toward the blankets and joined Beck and Lavinia.

  Shame that Anthony wouldn’t be here, especially since there was now going to be a plethora of kissing games. Felix could think of several, including the ones she’d mentioned, and maybe he’d come up with one of his own… He’d done it before. His mind conjured a series of potential ideas…

  “A picnic, eh?”

  Felix, startled from his reverie, blinked at the sound of Anthony’s voice. “You’re here.”

  Anthony looked around. “Should I be somewhere else?”

  “Oaklands, apparently. Sarah said you had to go and look after something.”

  Anthony waved his hand. “It will wait. I wasn’t going to miss this event.”

  “That can’t have pleased your father.” Felix knew the viscount was always trying to get Anthony to take a more ac
tive role in managing their estate. Anthony wasn’t a slouch compared to some other gentlemen they knew, but he loved his life in London and didn’t like to miss a thing.

  “No. Between his anger at me and my mother’s desperation about Sarah, they were both in a fit.”

  Felix glanced toward Sarah, the skirt of her coral-colored dress spread across the corner of the gray blanket. “Desperation?”

  “She made it clear that Sarah had better return from this party with a suitor.”

  “And if she doesn’t?” Felix asked. He knew the Coltons well, but really had no idea what they would do if Sarah didn’t marry. Why did they care so bloody much? Wasn’t it enough to ensure she was happy? The millinery shop would do that, not a husband.

  Anthony shrugged. “They claim they’ll arrange a marriage, but I don’t know if they will. They’ve threatened that before. Granted, there is an interested party.”

  “Is there?” Felix would have invited him here if he’d known. “Who? I can send a message to London and get him here by tomorrow.”

  Anthony stared at him for a moment. “You’ve taken this matchmaking role quite seriously.”

  “Does everyone need to call it that?” Felix muttered.

  “You can’t send him a message in London. Allencourt lives in Epping. And he wouldn’t ever come to a party like this. He’s nearly my father’s age, has already been married twice, and has three daughters, one of whom is older than me.”

  “Age is just a number. As are daughters and marriages.”

  “Says a man who has none of the latter two.” Anthony chuckled. “Allencourt also despises London and spends most of his time in Epping. He is the magistrate for the surrounding area and takes his duties quite seriously. I have to think Sarah wouldn’t get to spend much time in town.”

  Felix didn’t think she’d like that. She had friends and enjoyed social engagements. Furthermore, where could she show off her hats in Epping?

  “Sounds as if we need to find her a husband, not just a suitor.”

  “We?” Anthony barked out a sharp laugh. “That’s all on you.” He clapped his hand on Felix’s shoulder.

  “Fine, just don’t be angry when I launch a set of kissing games during the party.”