Surrender of Trust (First Volume of the Surrender Series)

by Mariel Grey

  "If I could have played a while longer, I'm sure I could have won the money back," Henry said. "I'm going to need ten quid to pay Lord Perdan."

  "You're what?" Lucy hated that her voice was hysterical in her own ears.

  "You interrupted my play, so I was not able to win the money back. Now I owe Lord Perdan. So, I'll need the money to cover the debt."

  "I interrupted you! You were losing from the very beginning! I thought you were good at playing cards. You were supposed to catch him cheating and call him on it."

  "That's just it. I'm certain he's cheating, but I couldn't determine just how. I needed some more time to determine his method and regain the money back from him. I was just getting him primed into thinking I was an easy pigeon."

  Breathless, Monique reached them. "What happened?"

  "Not only did Henry lose the money I gave him, he now owes Perdan ten pounds. He couldn't even confirm Lord Perdan was cheating!"

  "Oh, dear!" Monique said.

  "I'm sure he's cheating," Henry interjected, "but I couldn't prove it. I couldn't accuse Lord Perdan without something definitive I could show the other players," Henry said, his tone defensive.

  "How am I going to come up with money to cover your debt?" Lucy asked, pacing.

  "I'll need to pay him soon. He recognized me and knows I work for Lord Glenhurst, which is why he didn't make a bigger scene. I believe Lord Perdan was surprised to see me. He knows I don't frequent the place. I really wish you had trusted me more and let me play it out."

  Lucy was again confronted with an issue of trust, or rather, her lack of it. But how was she to know? Lucy had no true idea of the level of Henry's skills and she had panicked The sound of a coach drawing near interrupted them. Lucy stopped pacing and looked up. It was Lloyd. Thank Heavens! The coach slowed to a stop and Henry helped Lucy and Monique inside. The coach began moving again.

  "I feel awful," Monique said. "This was my idea. Don't worry, I'll help you come up with the money somehow. I'll think of something to tell my brother."

  "It's not your fault. You warned me this might not work. I don't want you misleading your brother on my account. I've caused you both enough trouble."

  "We'll think of something," Monique said.

  Chapter Thirty One

  Tired and discouraged, Lucy walked with Monique into the house. Weary to the bone, Lucy wanted to lie down, but dreaded during battle with her pillow which was surely a rock in disguise. Much to her surprise, the butler handed her a letter from the silver tray in the entrance way.

  "Miss Goodwin, this note arrived while you were out."A look of disapproval flashed briefly across his face and quickly disappeared. No doubt the servants felt Lucy had involved their mistress in some shenanigan Glenhurst would likely frown upon. The heavy cloaks concealing her and Monique would only serve to confirm their suspicions.

  Lucy and Monique traipsed into the salon and dropped onto the settee. Monique's inquiring face, brows furrowed, turned toward Lucy. Her friend was no doubt concerned Lucy had been plunged even deeper into trouble and felt responsible.

  "Monique, it's not your fault. I knew the risks. Maybe Henry is right. If I had trusted him more instead of panicking and stopping his play, he might have been able to lure Perdan into becoming careless."

  "I still feel awful."

  "I know." Lucy reached out and squeezed Monique's hand.

  "So what does your letter say?"

  Lucy looked down at the cream paper in her hand. It bore Lucien's handwriting. A twinge of unease pricked Lucy and she was reluctant to open it. Sighing, Lucy broke the seal and began to read the letter aloud.

  Dearest Lucy,

  It seems we have much to discuss. A large number of mares from Lord Chalifour arrived here today. Perhaps you might explain why?

  Lord Perdan also paid me a visit yesterday. It seems he recently demanded money of me and miraculously, I paid him with a cheque, though I have no recollection of doing so. Perhaps you could explain this as well?

  Because of this recent payment to Lord Perdan, there is little money in my accounts. He is demanding I race in the upcoming Derby Stakes or make another payment to him for what he terms a debt of honor. I'm not sure what you know about this situation, but there is much we need to discuss. It seems I have little choice and will be racing, though I don't feel up to the task just yet.

  When do you plan on returning, sister?

  Your brother,

  Lucien

  Lucy was aware the color drained from her face. Monique gasped and reached out for her. How could she have forgotten Chalifour's horses were due to arrive any day? Her brother was cognizant of the contract. He had probably learned of the cheque by now too. Would Lucien think she was stealing money from him?

  Lucy hadn't had the opportunity to explain anything to Lucien. Now he was being forced to race when his health was not up to it. With his leg was fractured and painful, Lucien could easily be hurt or killed in his fragile condition.

  Against Lucy's will, the tears began to flow, hot on her cheeks. No words would come to her. Her insides were broken. Utter despair and grief filled Lucy. She had failed everyone.

  If Perdan made good on his threat, the ensuing scandal would affect her brother's reputation and honor, and even his livelihood. Lucy couldn't bear to think on it. The disgrace would affect Chalifour similarly. Likewise, Lucy wasn't sure she could endure living if Chalifour's prized reputation and honor were tarnished because of her actions. Lucy's stomach twisted, alive with small demons tearing at her insides.

  Lucy had been completely unsuccessful in raising money to bribe Perdan. She had also failed in her effort to catch Perdan at cheating. Perdan was going to ruin her brother and whatever regard Chalifour had for her. Now Perdan was forcing her brother to enter a race he was not physically unprepared to run. Lucy gritted her teeth. She may have floundered in her other efforts, but she would not fail to dissuade Perdan from forcing her brother to race. But what could she possibly offer him? You have nothing to offer Perdan except yourself. And that may not be enough.

  Monique continued regard Lucy, her eyes filled with concern. "Lucy," Monique whispered.

  "The end result of everything I've attempted has only served to make the situation worse. My actions have created even bigger problems for my Lucien. I cannot allow him to race. He was put into an impossible situation to begin with, and I have only complicated matters."

  "It's not your fault Perdan blackmailed your brother."

  "No, but it's my fault I obligated him to the agreement with Chalifour which effectively ties Lucien's hands at raising money in the short term. And it's me who gave the money to Perdan which hurt Lucien financially. I've even created minor scandal for Lucien by pretending to be him at the Oaks."

  "What can you do?"

  Lucy raised her chin and stared Monique in the eye. "I'm," she shuddered, "I'm going to offer myself to Perdan. As a wife, or otherwise," Lucy said.

  Monique recoiled. "You can't be serious! As a wife, it's utterly unthinkable. As a ...," Monique couldn't say the word. "You'd be ruined. What would that possibly do?"

  "It would keep Lucien from being forced to race when he's weak."

  "And then what? You're not thinking clearly! Perdan doesn't want a wife. Besides, he can't afford one! That leaves you as his mistress. You would be ruined and he would just continue to hurt your brother in other ways. Lucy, you are my dearest friend. If you do this and it becomes known--and it will because Perdan will crow like a banty rooster--even my brother can't help you! Please don't even consider this course of action!"

  Lucy looked into Monique's face which was wrought with anguish for her. She needed to console Monique. "All right," Lucy said. "I'll think of something else."

  Lucy's mind was set, however. She would not allow Lucien to be maimed or killed because she had helped to put him in this position. Lucy knew what must be done, but there was no need to worry Monique.

  Monique looked at Lucy with suspicion. "D
o you mean it?"

  "Yes, I mean it." I mean I will try and encourage Perdan to marry me, if not, then I mean to do whatever is necessary to protect my brother. That's what I mean.

  Chapter Thirty Two

  Chalifour struggled to suppress his consternation. Lady Monique was at his townhouse far too early to be proper. It was also unseemly for her to call upon him like this, a single woman without a chaperone.

  "This is quite the surprise, Lady Monique," Chalifour said.

  "I know it is, and I beg you tell anyone who might inquire about my visit that I came to call upon your sister. Please instruct your servants to do the same."

  Chalifour looked at the grave face before him and his gut twisted. "Has something happened to Miss Goodwin?"

  Monique eyed him with curiosity. "No, not yet. Though the fact you might even think to ask such a thing is the reason I am here."

  Chalifour was taken aback. "I beg your pardon?"

  "Oh, don't look at me that way! I've watched the two of you. Both of you think you're hiding your affections for one another. It's quite obvious to me you're both smitten with each other."

  Chalifour jerked. Were his feelings so obvious? More importantly, was Monique right about Lucy's feelings for him?

  "Has she confided in you of any such emotions toward me?" Chalifour tried to ask casually.

  "No, point of fact she has not. There are many things she has not confided in me as of late. But I know her well, and I’m not blind."

  Chalifour might have detected a hint of hurt in Monique's tone. "So why have you come to see me?"

  "If you have any feelings for Lucy at all, she needs your help, and she needs it immediately." Monique looked at Chalifour expectantly.

  "What is it you think I can do for her?"

  "Can I count on your assistance?"

  "You haven't told me what you need yet."

  Monique sighed. "Very well. I'll tell you everything I know and trust my intuition is correct." Monique gazed at him again, and launched into the story."I've discovered some things I didn't know when we spoke about Lucy that morning in Hyde Park. Though looking back now, I suspect you engineered that meeting. Anyway, I now know Lord Perdan has been blackmailing Lucien Goodwin. You mentioned allegations Lucien had cheated in some races. I would venture to say Lord Perdan is the sole source of those accusations. He's been threatening Lucien's reputation with those scurrilous indictments."

  "Go on."

  "Lucy had the idea she could race in the Oaks to win the purse. She thought if she had a large lump sum of money, she could get Lord Perdan to agree in writing somehow, that Lucien had committed no wrong doing of any kind. Lucy figured if she obtained a written acknowledgment from Lord Perdan, she could prevent him from blackmailing Lucien again."

  "That's very naive, but then again, Lucy's not accustomed to dealing with his sort, is she?"

  "Hardly. Well, we both know what happened after our conversation. You pulled her off her horse at the race and created a minor scandal. Though you did rescue Lucy's reputation at dinner the other evening. By the by, thank you for that."

  "You're most welcome."

  Monique smiled. "Apparently, when you escorted Lucy onto the terrace, you told her there were allegations of cheating against Lord Perdan as well."

  "There are. Several as a matter of fact, none proven yet."

  "That was all Lucy needed to hear. She decided she would attempt to snare him at a gaming hell last night and it backfired."

  "She what? She went to a gambling hell?" Chalifour sputtered.

  "We went to a gambling hell. I accompanied her. She wanted to try and catch Lord Perdan at cheating. She lost her nerve and the shill she was using ... "

  "What! What shill?" Chalifour yelled.

  "I'm partly to blame for this part, but that's beside the point for the moment. Let's get back to what's important, shall we?" Monique looked at him, brows raised.

  Chalifour muttered, "Yes, please continue."

  "The shill, who it was is not salient, was convinced Lord Perdan was cheating but wasn't able to determine his method. He tried losing to boost Perdan's confidence. Lucy lost her nerve when she saw the shill losing money and pulled him from play, which left him owing a small debt to Lord Perdan. Certainly not the intended consequence. Lucy now has to figure out how to come up with money to pay that debt as well. You don't need to worry, I'll find a way to help her with that."

  "So what else has you concerned?"

  "We arrived home last night to find a letter from Lucien."

  "What did Lucien have to say?" Chalifour was curious. Lucien had promised to keep their discussion and his visit to himself. Had he honored his commitment?

  "Lucien mentioned a large number of mares had arrived. Yours, I presume?"

  "Yes, they're mine."

  "Lucy hasn't had a chance to talk with Lucien."

  Monique left everything else unsaid. Monique had probably surmised he already knew Lucy had forged the contract. She just wasn't going to admit to it in the event he was still unaware. Chalifour left Monique's statement hanging and looked at her impassively.

  At his silence, Monique continued. "What was most important in the letter, as far as Lucy is concerned, is that Perdan visited Lucien."

  Chalifour sat up straight. "And?"

  "And he's demanded Lucien race in the Derby Stakes in a few days."

  "Lucien's in no condition to do that."

  Monique gazed at him with a questioning look, brows raised."And how would you know that?"

  "You told me he was gravely injured," Chalifour parried. "I just assumed."

  Monique didn't appear convinced. "If Lucien races, he could be injured again, maybe even killed."

  "I agree. So what does Lucy intend to do about it?"

  "She's talking about offering herself to Perdan."

  Chalifour's gut clenched. "As his wife? That would be a disaster."

  "Or otherwise, as she states it."

  Chalifour’s eyes narrowed involuntarily. "What do you mean, otherwise?"

  "I mean, she is willing to sacrifice herself, her honor, her virtue, you name it, for her brother's sake. She feels partly to blame for some of his circumstances."

  Chalifour was aghast. Monique was unaware of his tryst with Lucy. Though Lucy had lost her innocence to him, Chalifour certainly didn't want to think of it as a sacrifice on Lucy's part. Chalifour had set out to seduce Lucy and found himself seduced instead.

  He had recklessly offered marriage to Lucy out of obligation and the potential conflict with her brother. The irony was Chalifour did indeed want her for himself. He had no intentions of sharing Lucy with anyone. Bile rose in his throat at the thought of Perdan touching one small part of her tempting flesh. "Are you certain she intends to do this?"

  Monique looked him in the eye. "Reasonably sure, yes."

  "So why come to me?"

  "If you feel the way I suspect you do, you'd best hurry. The race is the day after tomorrow, which means Lucy will probably go to him today."

  Monique stood and smoothed her gown. "I really enjoyed seeing Lady Elizabeth. We must do this again." She looked at Chalifour meaningfully and made to leave.

  Chalifour hated being forced to make a snap decision, but this was one of those times he had to do just that. It was time to commit. "Lady Monique?"

  Monique turned to look at him. "It seems I should at the very least escort you home after your visit with my sister." Monique grinned at him. Chalifour was reminded of his wily sister.

  "Indeed? I thought you'd never offer. I would welcome your company."

  "Good. I believe I'll need of the use of your coach today. I'll explain on the drive over."

  ****

  Today was the day Lucy would do the unthinkable. She would offer herself to Perdan in exchange for her brother's safety and not being forced to race. Lucy looked into the mirror and noted the shadows under her eyes. Not one of her better days. Lucy rubbed her dry and tired eyes. No point in delay
ing the inevitable. Lucy dressed and descended the stairs. She was surprised to find Monique sipping a cup of tea and reading a book in the salon. "You must have been out riding this morning."

  "Yes, I've been out," Monique said brightly.

  Lucy narrowed her eyes. Monique seemed evasive. Something was off, but she couldn't put her finger on it. "Monique, would you mind if I used the coach today? I have some business I need to attend to. I also need to make preparations to return home. It's quite obvious I need to see Lucien."

  "Of course you can use the coach. Would you like me to accompany you?"

  "Oh, no. No need to trouble yourself."

  "What are you going to tell Lucien when you see him?"

  "The truth. What else can I tell him?"

  "Good. He loves you. I'm sure he'll forgive you everything."

  "I sincerely hope you're right."

  "We also need to get money to Henry. Perdan will be after him soon I imagine."

  "Yes. I'm sure he will. It's my responsibility, however, not yours."

  "I beg to differ, but we can talk about that after you return from whatever it is you need to do."

  Odd Monique had not asked where she was going. At least she didn't have to evade the truth or outright lie to her friend again. "Thank you. I'll go ahead and take care of my affairs." The task of humiliating herself to Perdan. Could she really go through with this? Lucy honestly wasn't certain.

  Lucy loved Lucien with all of her being, but she wasn't sure she could let Perdan touch her. Queasiness rose in her stomach and her mouth went dry. She swayed and gripped the door frame, fighting the urge to run relieve herself. Lucy plastered a false smile on her face and turned to leave when Monique said the oddest thing.

  "I love you Lucy. You are the sister I never had." The brilliance of Monique's smile briefly lit the darkness within Lucy.