by Mariel Grey
This could not be happening. Lucien would never cheat. But was Perdan right? Would anyone believe Lucien's innocence once accused? She shuddered. The parallel was there, Lucy had to admit. The scenario of that race was eerily similar to the cheating scandal years ago when the jockey for the Prince of Wales, Sam Chifney, had ridden the Prince of Wales’ horse, Escape, at Newmarket. Chifney lost badly in the race on the first day of Newmarket, only to win handily the next day with five to one odds against him. The resulting scandal led Sir Charles Bunbury, the Senior Steward of the Jockey Club, to ban Sam Chifney from racing for life.
There was no way this was true of Lucien. Lucy knew it in her bones. She knew Lucien inside out. He would never cheat. Was this why Lucien had begun to pressure her to marry? Did he think she might derive an income from a good marriage that would save him? Did Lucien seek to protect her from harm by making sure she was safe and not associated with him?
It was agonizing not knowing all of the pieces of this convoluted puzzle. If only Lucien could speak to her. Even if he was lucid, the doctor had cautioned her against worrying or exciting him. Could she risk upsetting Lucien with all of this when he had just awakened and was only beginning to recover?
What should she tell Monique? Should she tell her the whole truth? Would Monique believe her? Would Monique look at her and Lucien askance? Her head ached thinking about it. What to do, what to do?
How was she going to face Chalifour? Lucy had ruthlessly suppressed her thoughts of him. She was intensely aware of him when he was near her. It was unnerving. If she didn't deliver the contract, he would be suspicious. If she delivered it to him, she committed forgery. Moreover, she committed Chalifour to a business alliance in which her brother stood to be accused of cheating.
Even if the accusations against Lucien were untrue, rumors had a way of taking on a life of their own. Those rumors could potentially taint Chalifour’s sterling reputation and hamper his efforts to fight real corruption in the sport. Would Chalifour ever forgive her if any of this should a cheating scandal become widely known? She knew Chalifour’s only interest lay in the potential profit aspect of the business liaison. However, he was not aware of all of these undercurrents and thus not able to make a fully informed decision about this business alliance. It wasn’t fair to him.
And what about her and Lucien? This alliance with Chalifour was something Lucien had obviously been working on and wanted. Lucien apparently believed it to be a prudent move for the breeding business. It seemed she was playing a game of Hazard with their lives. She was the caster and the dice were in her hands. What number should she call for the main? Would she win or lose? Lucy wasn’t a gambler and it was distressing to be in this position.
The coach slowed to a halt and pulled into the alleyway behind the mansion, breaking her train of thought. Lucy exited the coach and thanked the coachman. Lifting her skirts, Lucy picked her way through the mews to the house. Lucy breathed a sigh of relief upon discovering Monique was out visiting. Grateful for the reprieve, she retired to her bedchamber. Lucy was not prepared to answer the onslaught of Monique's questions since she hadn't yet decided what she should reveal.
Without undressing, Lucy fell into the bed and rolled over onto her back. She stared up at the ceiling. She could not tell Monique about Perdan's accusation and blackmail. It was simply too vile. Canterbury tales may not be true, but they could still be ruinous. Lucy couldn't bear, or afford, for Monique to view her differently.
It was terrible, and lonely, not to trust her best and only friend with this particular secret, but Lucy just could not. Now that she had decided not to tell Monique the whole truth, what exactly would she tell her? She would just have to decide when the time came.
Lucy mulled over the entire situation. It was imperative she find a way to escape this trap. Perdan would settle for her as his mistress and use her, but what he really wanted was money. What if she had a large lump sum of money with which she could bribe Perdan in return? Why couldn't she have him sign some sort of admission clearing her brother of any allegation of cheating related to his participation in that race as well as cancelling any alleged debt? A plan of sorts began to take shape in her mind.
Lucy slipped into a light doze, her dreams disjointed and fragmented. She woke abruptly, bathed in a sheen of sweat. Lucy struggled to sit and brushed her damp hair away from her face. How could she be so tired when she had just awakened? Lucy was anything but refreshed.
A wave of homesickness washed over Lucy. She suddenly couldn't wait to escape home tomorrow. Her reprieve, however, would be short lived since she would have only a day or so there before she would have to leave again to face Chalifour. Not only would she be forced to continue this charade and commit the crime by handing Chalifour the forged document, she was also going to be committing him to a potentially damaging business relationship.
If that wasn’t enough, Lucy had to also evade the dangerous allure Chalifour seemed to hold for her. Could she successfully do all of this? Lucy snorted. Like she had any other choice? She was going to have to discover a way out of this mess.
Just thinking about the situation was exhausting. Lucy sat quietly, gathering herself. Taking a deep breath, she rose and called the maid to help her dress for dinner.
As usual, dinner was an elaborate affair and lasted nearly two excruciating hours. All through dinner, Lucy pretended not to notice the questioning glances Monique shot her from across the table. Mercifully, there were no guests this evening because Lord Glenhurst had plans to go out. At least she wouldn’t be subjected to another night of making polite conversation.
After dinner, Lucy tried to retreat to her room, but Monique cornered her and followed Lucy up the staircase to her bedchamber. Monique closed the bedchamber door behind them."Well?" she demanded. "What happened?"
"It went better than I thought," Lucy lied, her stomach churning at being less than honest with her good friend. "I paid him the money and we will continue making payments." At least that part was true. She just didn't mention they would be making payments forever.
"That's wonderful! I knew you could make him see reason, especially if you played your wiles on him," she said smugly, her eyebrows arched.
"Yes, you were right," Lucy said dully. After a moment's hesitation, she said, "I've been thinking. I need to find a way to pay this debt off in one lump sum. I think I have a plan. Our stables need to run a horse in the Epsom Oaks. It's only a few weeks away. We need to win it." Monique leaned close and listened while Lucy explained her plan.
Chapter Twelve
Chalifour prowled the house. He had waited impatiently for Thursday. The days had crawled by since he left the Goodwin residence the previous Friday. Looking at the clock for the umpteenth time, Chalifour wondered when his coach would arrive. Why was he so anxious? Was it because he wanted to see Lucy, or was it because he wanted to hold the contact in his hands? Chalifour wasn't sure he knew the answer to that question.
Lady Elizabeth discovered him pacing in the reception room. "Why are you so agitated?"
"I'm not agitated. Why do you ask?"
Looking from him to the floor, then back at him, she arched her brows, "Well, for someone who's not agitated, you're certainly wearing that carpet thin in several spots."
Chalifour glanced down at his feet, realizing for the first time he had been pacing. "I'm just impatient. I've waited such a long time for this. This partnership could make our thoroughbreds the most sought after in England."
"Yes, and it gives you a golden opportunity to breed that perfect race horse you've been looking for. Are you sure that you’re not doing this just so you can beat out the Duke of Grafton at the racecourse?"
A little stiffly, Chalifour said, "This is a sound business venture. Don't worry, it will not detract from your allowance. It will continue to be large, just the way you like it"
"Father, and now you, always made wise decisions where the estate is concerned. I've never worried about my pin money. I do, however, worry about m
y bets." Elizabeth smiled wickedly. "So, have you decided if you will race in the Oaks or the Derby Stakes at Epsom Downs this year?"
"No," he admitted. "I haven't decided about either yet. However, I don't have to commit to the Oaks for another week or so."
"Well do keep me posted. I want to know who I'm betting for, and against," Elizabeth said archly.
"You mean you might bet against me? You would do that?" he asked incredulously.
"I'll let you know when I've been apprised of all of the competition." She smiled. "All right, I've a few things to tend to, send someone to fetch me when our guest arrives so I can begin my chaperoning duties," Elizabeth said flippantly and glided from the room.
Resuming his pacing, Chalifour glanced at the clock again. Only fifteen minutes! This was interminable. When the coach arrived, he strode out to meet it. Lucy was alighting from the coach when Chalifour reached her. "Welcome to Chalifour Manor. It's a pleasure to see you again. I trust you have been well?"
"I have. I appreciate your concern."
"And your brother?"
"He is much improved, My Lord. My brother sends his regrets at not being able to attend you himself. Hopefully, you and he will be able to meet in person very soon."
"Let us hope so." Chalifour fixed Lucy with his stare. He could almost swear she was beginning to blush.
"Would it be possible for me to see my room? I am a little tired and would very much like to change and rest a bit."
Chalifour swallowed a slight sense of disappointment. After all, Lucy was doubtless not accustomed to traveling so much and had only just returned from Town prior to journeying here. "Of course you would like to rest. I will have the housekeeper show you to your room and have your luggage brought to you."
"Thank you," she said rather breathlessly. "I hesitate to ask, as I don't wish to insult you, but I must. You advised me your sister would be here to serve as my chaperone. I trust she is here."
Suppressing a flash of irritation, "Yes. I gave you my word Lady Elizabeth would be here, and she is. You will have the opportunity to meet her at dinner, or now if you wish. Though you indicated that you were tired."
"No, thank you for alleviating my concern. I shall look forward to making her acquaintance at dinner."
Chalifour and Lucy climbed the front steps to the massive door. Leading Lucy into the grand entrance, Chalifour watched Lucy's eyes widen as she observed the elegant details of the room. He found himself fixated on her divine lips, which parted unconsciously while she surveyed the sweeping staircase and rare art adorning the walls.
Chalifour introduced Lucy to his housekeeper and asked her to escort Lucy to her room and have the baggage brought up. Chalifour’s eyes followed Lucy’s lithe form as it ascended the staircase. What was it about the woman that drew him so?
Chapter Thirteen
Lucy walked into the dining room at the appointed time. Chalifour stood and pulled a chair out for Lucy. Lucy looked up to thank him and their eyes locked. Chalifour held her eyes for an extended moment before pushing her chair in for her. "Thank you, My Lord."
"Miss Goodwin, may I introduce my sister, Lady Elizabeth Chalifour?"
"Miss Goodwin! It's a pleasure to have you here. I must say, Chali never helps me with my chair!" Elizabeth looked at Chalifour with mischief in her eyes before continuing, "It's actually a pleasure to have any woman here! Particularly any woman my brother thinks has an impressive array of knowledge in any subject other than the usual accomplishments is certainly worth meeting! Chali generally expects women to stay in the drawing room, you see."
"It's news to me that Lord thinks I have an impressive knowledge in anything. I thought I was simply delivering a signed contract."
"On the contrary," Chalifour said, turning his gaze on Lucy. "I believe I told you that, since Lucien has been unavailable, I wanted to seek your opinion on some of my horses. Though I would feel better to speak with your brother, you did impress me with your thorough understanding of breeding principles. And yes, I also wanted to ensure the contract arrived here safely."
"All the same, I'm flattered that you would consider me knowledgeable on such a subject."
Chalifour was unsure if Lucy was being facetious, or sincere. A sudden sinking feeling began to sweep through him. Perhaps introducing Elizabeth to Lucy might have been ill-advised. Two spirited women could make any man want to hide in his study. Chalifour glanced at his sister and found her and Lucy smiling at each other. Definitely an ill-advised move on his part, he groaned.
Lady Elizabeth directed the servants to proceed with serving dinner. The first course of green pea soup, soup a la reins, vermicelli soup, and stewed trout was served.
"Do you enjoy riding, Lady Elizabeth?" Lucy asked.
"I do indeed, though not in the same manner as my brother," she laughed. "I'm afraid my idea of riding is more of a jaunt through Hyde Park, not tearing across the countryside as my brother is known to do."
Chalifour grinned wickedly at Lucy, "It appears our guest enjoys tearing across the countryside too, at least on occasion."
Lady Elizabeth glanced from Lucy to her brother."Is that so?"
"I'm afraid it's true to some degree, though in our household, it would be a little difficult to avoid that sort of thing. After all, how else can you test a thoroughbred? You have to let him, or her, do what thoroughbreds do. Run!"
"I suppose that makes sense. If you enjoy a spirited pony, we have a lovely young filly that you might want for our ride tomorrow afternoon."
Lucy asked, "Oh, we will be riding tomorrow in the afternoon? I had rather hoped to be on my way back home at that time." Chalifour detected what might have been a crestfallen look.
"I understand you have been traveling a lot as of late, so I thought you would like to sleep in late tomorrow. Not to mention, you know we should spell the coach horses for a time. The horses will be well rested and can take you home the day after tomorrow. One more day will not make much difference. And besides, would you want to deprive me of your company? If you had any idea how rarely we have guests when we are in the country, you would know how desperate I am!" Lady Elizabeth said.
Lucy laughed, "How could I possibly decline such a request! I'll plan to leave the day after tomorrow, on Saturday."
A strange sense of relief swept through Chalifour knowing Lucy wouldn't try to insist on leaving tomorrow. And most assuredly a mistake to introduce those two.
****
Lucy yawned and stretched languidly in her bed. Maybe Lady Elizabeth's idea of sleeping late had been a good one after all. The stress induced by Lucien's injuries, Perdan, and even journeying here had tired her far more than she had realized. The extra hours of sleep were wonderful. Lucy sighed, rolling in the luxurious bed, content and refreshed for the moment. She would need to be sharp and focused to deal with Chalifour today.
Rising, Lucy walked to the table where her reticule lay. She opened it and removed the contract. Holding the document in her hands, Lucy stared at it, the paper trembling. Somehow this was much worse than giving the cheque paper to Perdan. Maybe because she didn't care what Perdan thought of her. She was only concerned with appeasing him temporarily. Chalifour was a different matter altogether. For whatever reason, Lucy valued Chalifour's opinion of her. Lucy needed to conclude her business here as soon as she was able. That meant giving the contract to Chalifour, looking at the horses, advising Chalifour of her opinions, and leaving.
Chalifour was interested in her purely because she was her brother's representative and was standing in Lucien's stead, including advising Chalifour on his current stock. Lucy felt something unfamiliar for Chalifour, though. There was an attraction she had not felt around other men. Lucy was unbalanced by Chalifour. He radiated power and decisiveness, and arrogance too, but there was something decent in the man that appealed to her. Lucy's whole world was off kilter when he was nearby. Chalifour was dangerous to her.
Lucy summoned the maid and began to dress for the day. She decided
to wear a muslin day dress with a light blue floral pattern. Lucy dressed quickly and reached for her fan. She seldom used a fan and it was awkward in her hand. The weather was warm, however, and Lucy was far too nervous to risk perspiring freely. She descended the staircase and greeted Chalifour in the dining room.
Chalifour rose from his chair and walked slowly to where Lucy stood, peering at her with those disturbing blue eyes, far too close for comfort. "Good morning. I trust you slept well?"
Chalifour’s deep resonant voice echoed through Lucy's being. Willing herself not to look like an imbecile, she responded, "Yes, I did. Thank you." Breaking eye contact with an effort, Lucy waved at the table laden with food, "Should we wait for your sister?"
Chalifour didn't answer her right away, forcing Lucy to look at him again. Chalifour's eyes held hers, "No, Lady Elizabeth generally arises early, but she likes time to herself in the morning and she usually does not appear downstairs until later. I suggest we enjoy our meal now while it's still hot."
Lucy looked away from Chalifour. "Then, by all means, let's begin. I find myself famished this morning, though I'm not sure why. Oh, before we eat."
Lucy stretched her hand toward Chalifour holding the contract firmly in her grasp, amazed her hand remained steady. Chalifour’s eyes darted from her face to her hand and he reached for the document. Chalifour's fingertips brushed hers. Lucy had an involuntary intake of breath and a thrill rushed up her spine. Chalifour probably hadn't even noticed the momentary touch, but she certainly had.
Chalifour took the document and examined it, no doubt ensuring all was in order. Lucy peered at his face for any hint he found anything amiss. Seeing no such sign, Lucy realized she had been holding her breath. Lucy quietly exhaled and reached for a piece of bacon. She was bound to this course of action now. There was no turning back. Both Perdan and Chalifour now had the forged documents.
