by Mariel Grey
Chalifour spent the first part of the following day on Monday attending meetings related to various estate matters. His introduction to the representative of a small distillery in the western area of Portugal had been particularly exciting. The distillery distilled a decidedly good brandy which was reminiscent of a fine French Cognac.
Since the war with France began and good French wines and brandy had been banned, there was a real demand for a good substitute. England was rife with smuggling and Cognac and French wines continued to find their way into England, but Chalifour wanted no part of that illicit trade. His duty was to his country. Instead, Chalifour wanted to find and import a good brandy comparable to that made by the French. That endeavor, if successful, would be both legal and patriotic. Not to mention, a good business proposition.
Chalifour spent the latter part of the day socializing with other gentlemen at Whites, most of them members of the Jockey Club. Chalifour stretched his legs out and leaned back in his chair and savored an ale. The last few days had been hectic and he was enjoying the respite. As usual, conversation turned to matters related to the sport.
One topic of interest was the smoother turf at the Newmarket course which had been achieved through the efforts of the Duke of Portland and Lord Lowther. Portland and Lowther had burned off the ground cover of the racecourse and removed old road tracks and ruts in the area. They laid down manure, grew turf, and grazed sheep on the turf. The improvement was remarkable and, consequently, the racecourse now had a turf for racing horses now. The general consensus was Newmarket could potentially become the premier racecourse.
The discussion naturally turned to the upcoming race at Epsom Downs. Lounging in his chair, Chalifour overheard Lord Tifferson say, "Ah, yes, I believe I heard Lucien Goodwin is planning to race. I usually like to put my money on him, but there's been a whiff of rumor about his races at Newmarket last year, that maybe something corrupt happened."
Chalifour nearly choked on his ale and sat up straight. "Excuse me, Lord Tifferson, did I hear you correctly? Is Lucien Goodwin entered to race in the Oaks?"
"Yes, he's entered a filly by the name of Heather Mist, I believe."
What the devil! A cacophony of thoughts raced through Chalifour's mind. He had an interest of sorts in Lucien's horses now. This should have been discussed with him first. More to the point, why was Lucy refusing him access to Lucien if he was healthy enough to race? And what rumor of corruption?
"Tifferson, to what rumor are you referring?" he asked.
"There was some talk recently about the races last year at Newmarket. Remember how during one race, the horse Lucien was racing did poorly, only to win big the next day?"
"Yes, but those things happen sometimes. What of it?"
"Well, someone was making the observation that last year's race smacked of a certain resemblance to the scandal the Prince of Wales was involved in when he raced his horse, Escape, at Newmarket. Remember it? The horse performed so poorly one day only to run like the dickens the next day. Sir Charles Banbury banned, Sam Chifney, the jockey, from racing for life. Huge scandal and all."
"Yes, I'm well aware of that scandal, but I know the Goodwin family. I just don't see it. I can't imagine Lucien would be so foolish as to endanger his reputation and livelihood on the outcome of only two races."
"I agree. However, you could have said the same about the Prince of Wales. Who knows? We can't afford to have any taint of corruption, even hints. It could undo everything we've been working for these last many years. We'll just have to keep a close eye on him."
Anger and confusion welled within Chalifour. What was Lucy and Lucien playing at? And what was Lucy's role in all of this? Was Lucien a cheat? Had he been duped into allying himself with a scoundrel? "Who has been making these allegations?" he asked Lord Tifferson.
"Lord Perdan."
The name rocked Chalifour. Why did Perdan keep appear in connection with the Goodwin family? He was damned well going to find out. Looking Tifferson in the eyes, he said "I think you would be well advised to consider the source. There have been numerous rumors over the years that Perdan is a card cheat and maybe a cheat in other games of chance as well. The only reason he has not been accused directly is because he is a peer and he mostly wagers with those who aren't."
"Yes, I'm aware of those rumors too. I think they both bear watching at this point until something can be proven, or disproven as it may be. I heard William Clift and Ben Smith may be riding as well. Fine race it will be."
Taking his leave of Whites, Chalifour continued about his business, deliberating the potential ramifications of what he had heard. Along the way, Chalifour made several discreet inquiries and got the information he needed. Lady Monique rode in Hyde Park most mornings. Approaching Monique in Hyde Park would be his best chance to speak with her alone. Though Chalifour knew Monique's brother well and could have called on Monique at her home, he wanted to corner her without the comfort and security of her affluent family.
Chalifour returned to his townhouse in the fashionable Mayfair District. Walking into his study, he poured himself a stiff brace from the bottle of brandy left with him by the distillery representative. He tossed back one rummer, and poured another. Elizabeth joined him to report on her progress in getting the household settled. Chalifour only half listened to Elizabeth chatter about upcoming events at Almacks and the new wardrobe she needed. Chalifour's thoughts were focused on tomorrow. He would surprise Lady Monique alone in Hyde Park morning.
****
Cool morning air greeted Chalifour when he set out on his mount and rode into Hyde Park. His head swiveled, surveying his fellow early morning riders. Where was Lady Monique? He cantered through the park, searching for Monique. Chalifour spotted her in the distance. Monique wore a bright jonquil riding habit and paused to chat with an acquaintance. Chalifour bided his time until he saw her take her leave and trot off down the road. He nudged his horse forward. He wanted to corner Monique alone.
"Lady Monique," he called out.
Monique halted and turned to see who had hailed her. She smiled at him and he drew his horse close to hers, closer than was necessary. Chalifour watched Monique's eyes widen and knew she had noted the unusual proximity. He reached out and pulled the reins from her hands and her mouth gaped in surprise.
"Lord Chalifour, what on earth are you doing?"
"I need to speak with you. I'm afraid it's quite serious and rather urgent. I didn't want your mount to get away while we spoke."
Monique's eyes narrowed slightly. "What do you think is so disconcerting it could cause me to lose control of my mount?"
"Miss Goodwin."
"Miss Goodwin?" Monique reeled with surprise. "What is so urgent? Has Lucien taken a turn for the worse?"
"That's just it. I need to know the truth of Lucien's condition. The truth." Chalifour emphasized the last two words.
"Whatever do you mean?" There was a hint of suspicion in her voice, as if Monique knew she had said too much.
"I mean that there is something not quite right about any of this and I mean to find out."
"Then you need to ask Lucy."
"I'm asking you." Chalifour spoke slowly and deliberately. "Miss Goodwin has been refusing to let me see her brother, citing his injuries. I was just informed by the Jockey Club that he will be racing in the Oaks at Epsom Downs. Why has Miss Goodwin been lying to me? Further, I was just informed that Lucien Goodwin is the subject of some allegations of possible cheating in connection with some races at Newmarket last year."
Monique appeared stunned. "I don't know anything about that. How could anyone ever say Lucien would cheat?"
"Indeed, that's what I want to know. I also want to know why Lucy lied to me."
Monique looked as if she wanted to bolt, but he held tight to her mount's bridle eliminating that avenue of escape. Her look of discomfort only increased as he continued to stare at her, waiting for a response. Refusing to speak, Chalifour let the silence lengthen, leaving Mon
ique to squirm in the saddle.
Finally, she said, "Lucy was just trying to protect Lucien."
"From what?"
A breathless flow of words tumbled from Monique's lips. "Lucien was hurt badly in the accident. Much more than she let onto you. She wasn't sure when he was going to recover, or even if he was going to recover. English society," Monique waved her hand in the air to encompass everyone around them, "particularly members of the ton like ourselves, aren't accustomed to engaging in that kind of business with a woman. She was just trying to keep everything from falling apart until Lucien was able to take care of things himself."
"How incapacitated has he been?"
Monique’s eyes dropped to her hands.
"How incapacitated has he been?" Chalifour said more forcefully.
Monique looked up at Chalifour and held his eyes. "He was mostly unconscious when I was there last."
"So how did he sign that contract if he was mostly unconscious?"
"You'll need to ask Lucy that question."
Frustrated, Chalifour decided to try a different tack. "Why didn't she tell me he wasn't ready to sign a contract? Why the big secret? Why not wait until he was better?"
"After Lord Perdan threatened her and you showed up ... ," Monique broke off and looked away.
"What do you mean Perdan threatened her?" People turned to stare at them and Chalifour knew the timbre of his voice had risen more than he intended. Calming himself, he drew a deep breath. "I know you and Miss Goodwin are close. I don't expect you are the type of friend to betray confidences, but something is not right. There are rumors beginning to circulate about Lucien, rumors which could compromise him, and me. I need to know what Lucy Goodwin is up to," he said clearly and distinctly.
"I don't know anything about any allegations, and I don't believe Lucien would do anything untoward. I just know she's very worried about money because of some debt to Lord Perdan and I'm very concerned for her!"
"Why are you so worried about her? It's not that uncommon for people to have debts."
"Because she has a crazy idea about racing in the Oaks at Epsom Downs."
"Yes, I've already told you I am aware of. Which is what I don't understand! If Lucien's been hurt so badly, how can he race? If he's not hurt, why the deception? Why has Lucy kept me from speaking with him?" Chalifour allowed his eyes to bore into Monique.
"No, it's not Lucien who plans on racing in the Oaks!"
"What? Now I'm completely confused."
"It's Lucy! Lucy is going to race. She has a crazy idea about racing. She wants to win the purse and pay off the debt to Lord Perdan. I'm worried because she's never ridden astride like a man! I'm afraid she's going to get hurt."
"They won't let Lucy race at Epsom Downs! That's not a woman's race like those races Letty Lade and other women ride in." Chalifour hoped Monique didn't notice the slip of tongue and his familiarity in referring to Lucy by her first name.
"Of course it's not a woman's race. If it were, I wouldn't be so worried. She's entered as Lucien. After all, who'll know she's not Lucien? All she has to do is dress like him."
Chalifour stared at Monique."What are you talking about? What do you mean who would know?" he said incredulously. "Anybody with a pair of eyes can see she's not Lucien." Chalifour didn't need to have ever met Lucien to know Lucy was all female and could never be confused with a man.
Monique gaped at him as if he were daft and spoke slowly as if she were just realizing something, "You don't know, do you?"
"Know what?" This conversation was becoming irritating.
"Haven't you ever wondered why their names are so similar?" Monique peered at him.
"No, what the devil does that have to do with anything?"
"Lucy and Lucien," Monique said slowly, looking at him meaningfully with raised eyebrows.
Chalifour was supposed to understand something here, but he was failing miserably. Chalifour shrugged his shoulders.
When he didn't respond Monique said, "Lucy and Lucien were twins. They are nearly identical in appearance."
Chapter Nineteen
Surprised and angry, Chalifour galloped from Hyde Park. Damnation! He must be an idiot. He wasn't accustomed to feeling foolish and it rankled his sensibilities. How could he not have known Lucy and Lucien were twins, and nearly identical to boot?
Chalifour could rationalize that people acquainted with Lucy and Lucien were aware they were twins so there was no reason for the topic to come up in conversation. The knowledge didn't salve his ego though. Chalifour pounded his fist against his thigh in frustration. Confused by the gesture, his horse slowed its pace. Irritably, Chalifour urged his mount ahead.
Now he had to worry about Lucy trying to ride in the Oaks. It was madness! Lucy was a phenomenal rider, but she rode side-saddle, not astride like a man. Riding astride for the first time in a race like the Oaks could get her killed. Lucy wasn't going to race and that was final, whether she liked it or not.
The race was two days away. Chalifour had planned to attend, but for wagering and sheer enjoyment, not to keep Lucy from breaking her fool neck! As much as he wanted to go shake some sense into her pretty little head, Chalifour was unable to leave Town immediately. He had business to focus on tomorrow. Chalifour was finalizing the distillery deal before the man returned to Portugal. Damn!
Chalifour cantered to the stables located in the alley behind his townhouse and handed his horse to the stable boy to tend. He strode into the house in a state of agitation.
Why hadn’t Lucy been honest with him regarding her brother’s condition? Why was Lucy so concerned with money? Many people owed debts. What was Perdan's claim on Lucien Goodwin? The entire situation was odd. While he certainly wasn’t privy to the Goodwin accounts and ledgers, Chalifour was fairly certain they had enjoyed a respectable income over the years. Lucien didn't seem the type to have frittered his inheritance away after his father’s death.
Mulling over the implications, unwanted thoughts crowded into his mind and Chalifour jerked reflexively. If Lucien had been so ill, could he have actually signed the contract? Lucy wouldn’t have forged his signature, would she? Lucy hadn't been familiar with any of the details, a critical detail being no money would change hands. Lucy wouldn't have been cognizant of this when she verbally confirmed Lucien's intention to sign the contract.
Lucy was concerned about money. It stood to reason she could very well have forged that document. Chalifour was troubled by the fact Lucien didn't propose any changes to the contract. Maybe the reason Lucien didn't propose any changes was because Lucien wasn't the one who signed it.
Everything led back to the same question. Why the concern over money? Even if Lucy's family owed a debt to Perdan, distasteful as the man was, why not just pay on the debt like most people of their station did? Chalifour shook his head. The situation made no sense. He still needed answers and now he had even more questions. His head was spinning. Chalifour sat, working through the specifics and analyzing what he knew.
One thing was certain. Chalifour wasn’t going to let the little minx hurt herself in a race. He had other plans for her, though he hadn't quite worked them out with himself.
Now more than ever, Chalifour was determined to get to the bottom of this enigma. Had Lucy betrayed him, or had she betrayed her brother? He couldn't imagine either scenario. It agonized him to no end he was even contemplating the possibility Lucy might have done just that.
Chalifour intended to speak with Dr. Willets at his first opportunity. Then he was then going to speak with Lucien. Chalifour might even confer with Perdan, depending on what he learned from Willets and Lucien.
The most pressing thing was to take Lucy out of the race. Chalifour was going to be pressed to conclude his business here tomorrow and get to Epsom Downs in time. With any luck, he would find Lucy tomorrow evening. If not, he would find her at the racecourse the following morning.
****
"Yes, I thought I would visit Monique in Town," Lucy said,
loathing the lies and rising bile.
Lucien’s face brightened, "What a wonderful idea! It is Season, after all. Maybe Lady Monique can introduce you to some young men, preferably titled and wealthy." He beamed a smile at her.
Lucy swallowed a flash of irritation at Lucien's none too subtle hint about marriage. Her irritation was immediately followed by a surge of guilt. Lucien's face had positively beamed in response to her lies. "Don't get your hopes up, Lucien. Let's be honest. I would not be considered a suitable match for someone from the ton."
"Lucy, you're a highly desirable woman! Any man, regardless of his station, would be a fool not to consider you suitable."
"Desirable!" Lucy snorted. "You're only saying that because we look alike, you peacock!"Lucien laughed. "Well," he conceded, "Maybe that's true." Lucien puffed out his chest and posed in the best primp he could manage from bed.
It was Lucy’s turn to laugh. "It's so good to see you laugh again! You know, after the accident, I thought I'd lost you! I couldn't have borne for something to happen to you, especially after Papa .... " Lucy's couldn't speak. Her voice trailed off and she looked away, her vision blurring.
Lucien reached over and cupped Lucy's chin in his hand. Turning her face toward him, Lucien forced Lucy to look into his eyes. The image of Lucien's face swam through her tears.
"I know it's been dreadfully difficult for you, Lucy. I'm on the mend now, so don't worry. I only wish I were in shape to compete in the Oaks. Damn! I know I could win. The purse would be handy right now."
Should she tell him about the race? No, he'd forbid it. Should she broach the issue of the blackmail being perpetrated on them by Perdan or the fact she had already committed them to the contract with Chalifour?
