The Duke of Distraction

by Darcy Burke

  “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. “To my bride, two words I thought I’d never say.” 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. “Yet is 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’m all 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.”

  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.”

  “You aren’t going to stay to see the puppies?” Sarah asked. “We’re bringing them home tomorrow.”

  “I met Poppy and Blossom just the other day,” Anthony said with a chuckle. “When you nearly talked me into taking the last one.”

  “Nearly? You know I’m bringing that dog to Oaklands soon.”

  Anthony grinned and moved to press a kiss to his sister’s cheek. “Come whenever you like, but without the dog. I wouldn’t want him to be lonely. You should take him so he’s with his sisters. Sisters are nice to have.”

  Sarah’s answering smile was warm and full of love. “Maybe I will.” She touched Anthony’s hand. “Puppy or not, I’ll come whenever you want me to. Truly.”

  He nodded, then inclined his head toward Felix before bidding everyone farewell.

  Beck approached them. “He’s going to be all right. A little darkness never hurt anyone. It might even make him more interesting.” He waggled his brows and grinned, provoking most everyone to laugh.

  “Yes, dear, why don’t you teach him to pluck sadly at a guitar?”

  Beck looked at Lavinia, aghast. “Is that what I do?”

  She shrugged, then grinned, lifting a hand to her mouth to stifle a giggle. “Sometimes.”

  There was more laughter, and Felix marveled at how different it felt. He realized that as the planner, he’d often kept himself on the outside. That way, he hadn’t been able to feel too deeply.

  He leaned over and whispered in his wife’s ear, “Thank you.”

  She turned, a tiny pleat creasing the space between her brows. “For what?”

  “For everything.”

  Epilogue

  London, Late February, 1819

  Lady Eugenia Satterfield wasn’t sure how she managed to fit everyone in her town house year after year for her annual ball, but somehow she did. New people came; others did not. Some were removed from the invitation list.

  Her daughter-in-law, Nora, stood nearby. She’d offered to host the ball if it ever became too unwieldy—her and Titus’s house was much larger. Eugenia knew that day would come, but it hadn’t arrived yet. For now, she was content to enjoy this night, beginning with watching her stepson start the dancing with his wife.

  Eugenia and her husband typically started things off, but he’d turned his ankle riding the day before and was currently ensconced in the corner, holding court. She looked over at him and smiled, thinking he might well fake an injury next year too.

  The music started, and Titus and Nora took to the floor, and Eugenia’s eyes misted. They’d given her three beautiful grandchildren, and Nora was increasing again. After losing her only child years ago, Eugenia was incredibly grateful for all life had given her.

  Soon others joined Titus and Nora, and Eugenia turned to mingle with her guests. Almost immediately, she encountered Nora’s sister, whom Eugenia also counted as a beloved member of her family. Jo and her husband, Bran, were at last expecting their first child together. Long believing she was barren, Jo had been overjoyed. They were already parents to Bran’s daughter, Evie, whom Eugenia considered another grandchild, and who was ecstatic about becoming a big sister.

  “You are radiant tonight,” Eugenia said, kissing Jo’s cheek. “I hope you are feeling well.”

  “Thank you, I am. The sickness I’ve had the past several weeks seems to have passed, thank goodness.” She sent an apologetic look toward her husband. “Poor Bran. He’s been a dear to put up with me.”

  Bran adjusted his cravat. “I don’t ever have to put up with you. It’s you who put up with me. Now, let us find you some lemonade before you get overheated.” He smiled at Eugenia and kissed her cheek before escorting his wife toward the refreshments.

  Continuing around the dance floor, Eugenia encountered more of her favorite people. The Countesses of Dartford and Sutton stood together, and their husbands hovered behind them.

  “Are you certain?” Lucy, the Countess of Dartford, asked.

  “I know what it feels like,” Aquilla, the Countess of Sutton, said.

  “I know, but I feel completely different this time.” Lucy was expecting her second child in a few months, and it seemed Aquilla was perhaps also increasing.

  Eugenia wondered if there was something in the air. “Good evening,” she greeted.

  Lucy and Aquilla smiled in unison.

  “Lady Satterfield, you look lovely,” Aquilla said. “Your headdress is absolutely stunning.”

  “Thank you. I found it in the most cunning little shop in Vigo Lane. Farewell’s, it’s called. Have you been?”

  The two exchanged a look and giggled. Lucy leaned toward Eugenia. “Would you like to join us in a secret?”

  “Of course.”

  “You know Lady Ware, don’t you?” Lucy asked.

  “Yes, she’s a dear friend of Ivy’s sister.” Eugenia scanned the crowd but didn’t see Ivy or her sister Fanny or Lady Ware.

  Lucy nodded. “That’s right.” After glancing around, Lucy lowered her voice to a bare whisper, “Farewell’s is her shop.”

  “How extraordinary.”

  Aquilla’s forehead creased. “You must keep it to yourself, of course.”

  “Certainly.” Eugenia understood why Lady Ware would want to keep it a secret. It would be a scandal if Society knew she was in trade. “You know how I am with those in my inner circle. They are like family.”

  “Which is why I told you,” Lucy said. “I knew you’d appreciate and support her efforts.”

  “Her secret is mine, and now I must tell her how much I love this.” Eugenia patted her head.

  “Why are you all whispering?” Dartford asked, stepping next to his wife. “Are you discussing my excessive charm again?”

  Lucy rolled her eyes. “No, Ned’s.” She looked toward Sutton, who gave Dartford a lazy smile.

  “I am more charming,” Sutton said.

  Dartford scoffed. “Perhaps we should have a competition.”

  Eugenia laughed. Dartford wasn’t called the Duke of Daring for nothing. “I will leave you to it!” She moved along and soon came upon more of her inner circle.

  Three ladies were clustered together—the Duchesses of Kilve and Romsey as well as Mrs. Powell, who was the sister of the Duchess of Romsey. Eugenia had met her only a few times, since she lived far north in Lancashire, and expressed her pleasure at having her
in attendance.

  “It is my pleasure to be here,” Mrs. Powell said. “And please, you must call me Verity. Titus was such an ally to my husband last spring.”

  When her husband had initially pretended to be her long-lost husband, the Duke of Blackburn, in order to protect her from her father before he’d been transported for a variety of crimes. It had been a bit of a scandal, but Eugenia had done her best to support the Powells and quash the gossip.

  Verity looked toward her husband, who stood talking with Romsey and Kilve. They were an exceptionally handsome trio.

  “It’s her last event,” Diana, Duchess of Romsey, said. “And ours. We’re traveling to Lancashire tomorrow in advance of Verity’s lying-in.”

  “My goodness, there is something in the air,” Eugenia said. “It seems everyone is increasing. It’s just splendid.”

  “I am not,” Diana said. “But our daughter is just five months old, so I shall be grateful for that.”

  Violet, the Duchess of Kilve, nodded in agreement. “And our son is barely six months old.” Her gaze traveled to her husband, who gave her a warm smile. “Though we are hoping to have another one soon.”

  Eugenia chatted with them for a few more minutes before she excused herself and carried on. She then came upon the Duke and Duchess of Clare.

  “Good evening, Lady Satterfield,” Clare said. “I was just speaking with your husband. He told me of his accident yesterday.”

  “Yes, he was rather clumsy,” Eugenia said. “But I daresay he’s enjoying holding court this evening.”

  Ivy smiled. “He seemed to. As usual, this is the premier event of the Season. It doesn’t really start, not officially, anyway, until your ball.”

  Eugenia touched her arm. She was particularly fond of Ivy, who had been companion to Eugenia’s dear friend, Lady Dunn. “Thank you. I do enjoy seeing so many people I’ve come to know and love. Will you be in town long?”