Surrender of Trust (First Volume of the Surrender Series)

by Mariel Grey

  "It's quite all right. You did not know we would be here."

  The innkeeper's thinly veiled curiosity was revealed in the sly glances he shot in Lucy’s direction. His curiosity evaporated when Chalifour referred to her as his sister's friend. Lucy suppressed a smile. "Ah, I see. Your sister and Miss Goodwin are friends!" the innkeeper said.

  Surprised the innkeeper knew her name, Lucy said, "I wasn't aware that we were acquainted, sir."

  "We aren't, ma'am. However, I know your brother, and there's no denying your identity. I was just wondering if which one of you were planning to race in the Derby Stakes."

  Lucy seethed. Honestly. Wasn't there anyone who was unaware of her misadventure at Epsom Downs?

  The innkeeper chuckled at Lucy's discomfort. "Well, I'll say one thing, Miss Goodwin. You've got spunk."

  After making arrangements for the horses, coach and luggage, Chalifour wrapped an arm protectively around Lucy and Elizabeth's waists and shepherded them into the inn's crowded tavern. The excitement in the tavern was palpable. Raucous laughter was punctuated by wild gesticulations. Heated arguments erupted over the perceived merits of one horse as opposed to another. Chalifour navigated them through a sea of elbows and arms until they reached an open table.

  "Oh, how exciting," Lady Elizabeth said. "Chali never takes me to places like this!"

  Chalifour scowled at his sister.

  "Why didn't we go to the Fox and Hound?" Lucy asked.

  Lady Elizabeth and Chalifour looked at her blankly. Lucy leaned closer so they could hear her above the din and raised her voice. "Why didn't we go to the Fox and Hound?"

  "I don't want us to be seen, by Lucien or Perdan."

  "Why not?"

  "I don't want Lucien to know about our plan just yet, and since you have a lot you need to discuss with him, I don't want you speaking with him. As for Perdan, he would likely wonder why we're here together. I want him to be unaware of our presence here too. Let him think Lucien is here all alone and vulnerable."

  "If your theory is correct, do you think Perdan will come to the stables himself, or send someone else?"

  "I'm not sure. It would be better if he appeared himself, but unfortunately, it's very possible he might send one of his servants instead."

  "So we essentially have to hope he shows in person instead of sending someone else to do his bidding?"

  "Yes. Think about it. Perdan can deny everything if a servant is discovered in the stable doing something unsavory. He can't be directly accused. If he comes himself, being a peer, he's less likely to be questioned or watched. He'll have more access. However, he's also directly culpable if he's caught. So it's impossible at this juncture to know which course of action he'll choose."

  It was maddening. Chalifour must be correct in his assumptions. It all made sense. But who would appear at the stables tonight? Their plan could collapse if Perdan didn't come in person. Butterflies vied for space in Lucy’s stomach. She was desperate for this to be over.

  "So what do we need to do?" Lady Elizabeth broke in. Chalifour and Lucy had explained the situation to Lady Elizabeth en route to Epsom.

  "I need you and Lucy to retire to your rooms and stay out of sight. I'm going to confirm Lucien has arrived at the Fox and Hound. It wouldn't do to appear at the wrong stables this evening."

  "I want to go with you," Lucy said.

  Chalifour looked at Lucy with a stern expression on his face. "Both you and Lady Elizabeth will attract unwanted attention if you accompany me. You're both beautiful, known women. Lady Elizabeth is a member of the ton and your brother is a celebrated jockey and breeder. You really don't think anyone will note your presence?" He raised his eyebrows and shot her a dubious look.

  Reluctantly, Lucy agreed, "You're right. I'll stay here." She didn’t like it, but Chalifour made a good point.

  Chalifour, Monique and Lucy shared a meal of cold chicken, a loaf bread and cheese. The food was tasteless in Lucy's mouth. Chalifour looked at her and smiled encouragingly. Chalifour knew she was worried.

  "Exactly what do you plan to do?" Lady Elizabeth asked her brother.

  "After I confirm Lucien is staying at the Fox and Hound, I'll take a look at the stables on the pretense I plan to bring my horses to the inn and wanted to see the facilities. I want to get an idea of the general layout of the stables, the number of ways you can enter and leave. I also want to get a look at any areas where someone could hide. With any luck, I'll be able to see what stall Thor is actually in."

  "And then?" Elizabeth asked.

  "I'll come back here and get some rest this afternoon since it may be a long night. This evening, I'll go back to the Fox and Hound. If there are any stable boys on duty, I'll pay them handsomely to turn a blind eye to my presence. If no one is about, then I'll secret myself and keep a watchful eye. I'm positive someone will show tonight. And I don't think that someone will be there to encourage Thor," Chalifour said dryly.

  "What about me? Where will I be?" Lucy said.

  "You'll be here."

  "Here? At the Lion’s Gate Inn?"

  "I've already explained your presence could prove to be a hindrance. I need you and Elizabeth to stay here." The authoritative tone in Chalifour's voice underscored the fact he was not accustomed to having his orders questioned.

  The thought of being trapped in a room, unable to do anything, chafed Lucy. Chalifour must have seen something in her face because he gave Lucy a stern look and said, "Lucy, I'm serious. I want your word of honor that you will remain here in your room while I'm gone."

  Lucy gritted her teeth and said, "I'll stay here this afternoon."

  Chalifour's blue eyes narrowed. He pursed his lips and studied her face, obviously not trusting her. "And tonight?" he demanded.

  Lucy sighed. "And tonight as well."

  Chalifour paid their bill and escorted them from the crowded pub, weaving them through the tapestry of merry makers. Once outside, Lucy breathed deeply. She hadn't realized how stuffy the tavern had grown.

  They climbed the stairs to their rooms. Chalifour had taken the best rooms available for them so it was quiet in the hallway. Lady Elizabeth turned to her brother and gave him a peck on the cheek. "I'm sure you'll succeed. You'll save the Goodwins from being blackmailed into poverty and salvage your dream of a reputable breeding business."

  Lucy felt a gash open on her heart. Chalifour was fond of her and there was no doubt he was attracted to her physically. But most of his motivation to help her likely stemmed from his desire to move forward with her brother in this business.

  Lucy could never hope to entertain the idea of marriage to Chalifour. Marriage? Lucy jolted. Where had that little thought crept from? She'd never even considered the idea she would willingly submit to becoming someone's wife. Yet there it was.

  Chalifour stopped at her door. Lucy’s core melted in his gaze. He made it so hard for her to breathe sometimes. Lucy didn't trust herself to speak and could only return Chalifour's stare. He pulled her against him and bent his head down quickly. Chalifour forced her surprised lips apart with his and teased them with the tip of his tongue. Chalifour released Lucy just as quickly as he had captured her. Breathless, Lucy leaned back against the doorframe.

  "I'll be back in the afternoon. If there is anything amiss, like I can't find Lucien, then I'll come and let you know. Otherwise, just assume the plan will proceed and I'll see you in the morning. If we're successful, we'll go to Lucien first thing tomorrow so he can scratch himself from the race."

  "If we're not successful?" Lucy whispered.

  "We'll still need to scratch him from the race and deal with those consequences then. I won’t let you down, Lucy."

  Lucy opened the door and walked into her room. Prison seemed a more appropriate word. She walked to the window and eyed the bustle of people in the street. There was a frenetic activity in the thoroughfare below that crackled with a life of its own. Lucy turned from the window and surveyed her surroundings. The room was far more opulent than
her usual accommodations were on the rare occasions she visited an inn. After a cursory inspection of the room, Lucy threw herself onto the large four poster bed. Ordinarily she would have admired its fine craftsmanship. Lucy rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling.

  What if Perdan didn't go to the stables himself? What if Chalifour only caught one of Perdan's servants? Then there wouldn't be enough evidence to accuse Perdan directly. What if they were wrong about Perdan's plan? Lucy couldn't possibly wait here until morning to find out, could she? How could she not be at the stables tonight? Because Lucy had given her word she would stay out of the way. And because she knew Chalifour might very well be right. Lucy could cause a distraction or create unwanted attention at the wrong time and jeopardize the success of the plan. Lucy had already made a mess of things. She needed to trust Chalifour to help her make things right again.

  Intellectually, Lucy knew Chalifour was perfectly capable of handling the situation. The problem was she had to trust him to enough to allow him to do it. Lucy bit her lip. Could she do as Chalifour asked and remain here all night?

  Chapter Thirty Five

  Good! Lucien was staying where Lucy thought he would. Chalifour strode into the stables at the Fox and Hound. Entering, he found a young lad brushing a horse. The scent of leather, hay and manure enveloped him. Such familiar smells to him.

  "Can I help you, milord?" the young man asked.

  "I'll wager you can. I believe my good friend, Lucien Goodwin, has his horse stabled here. Is that true?"

  "It is, m'lord." The boy pointed to the great black stallion pawing the ground. Thor was obviously disgruntled at being penned. "It's odd," the lad continued. "You're the second person to come looking for him today."

  "Really? Who else has been here?"

  "Another Lord, a fancy toff, he were."

  Adrenaline coursed through Chalifour and his hunter's instincts reared. "Could you describe this gentleman to me?" He tossed a sovereign to the lad.

  The boy caught the coin in his right hand and a wide smile brightened his face."Indeed I can! He was, well ... " The boy motioned to indicate the man was tall and broad. "His hair was light. His eyes were a pale blue, almost the color of ice. He wasn't the most friendly gentlemen I’ve ever encountered."

  That had to be Perdan! So Perdan himself had been here today. "Anything else?"

  "Well, you could tell he was a peer. His clothes and his manner of speaking."

  "Fine. That's what I needed to know. Now, I would appreciate your keeping my visit here a secret. Can you do that?" Chalifour tossed another sovereign at the boy. The boy caught the coin and bobbed his head with a grin.

  "Do you work the stables in the evening?"

  No, but my cousin, George, will be here tonight. In case of late arrivals, you see, what with the race going on tomorrow."

  "I am Lord Chalifour. What is your name?"

  "Peter Donovan."

  "Peter, let George know I will be back later tonight. I want him to leave that stall next to Thor empty. He's not to mention my visit here to anyone. Tell him there will be a sovereign for his efforts as well."

  "Thank you, m'lord. I'll be sure to let him know."

  "See that you do." He peered at the boy. "Are there any other doors leading into the stables, other than these?" Chalifour pointed at the entrance through which he had entered and a larger door was used for coaches and horses.

  "No, m'lord."

  Chalifour had discovered what he needed to know. It was time to return to the inn and rest. He had slept little the night before, thinking about the many things which could go awry. Chalifour wanted to be at his best tonight. Especially now that it seemed likely Perdan would attend to this errand himself. Chalifour was determined that he would not let Lucy down.

  Arriving back in his room at the Lion's Gate Inn, Chalifour collapsed into his bed. Exhausted, he slept several hours. Waking, Chalifour fought the temptation to visit Lucy. He must stay focused. Lucy would definitely prove a distraction for him. Not to mention he would have to dissuade her from accompanying him again. Chalifour shook the thought of visiting Lucy off and dressed quickly. He took a light meal in the tavern and headed back to Fox and Hound.

  When he arrived at the stables, Chalifour spotted another young man. "George, is it?"

  "The startled man looked up from his task of mucking a stall. George swiped a hand across his brow to brush the sweat away. "Can I help you, m'lord?"

  "Yes. I am Lord Chalifour. I believe Peter, your cousin, told you about me?"

  "He did. I left the stall vacant as you instructed. Is it for your horse?"

  "No, it's for me."

  The boy's face registered confusion. "I don't understand?"

  "I intend to stay there this evening."

  "What? You can't! I mean, m'lord, I'm sure you can obtain a room." George's face had gone from confusion to horror.

  Chalifour laughed at George's expression."I'm not planning to sleep in it. I am concerned someone might attempt to harm Thor, so I'm going to hide in there this evening."

  Relief washed over the lad's features and he asked, "What will you be needing me to do?"

  "I'd like you to leave the stables unattended."

  "I can’t do that! I'd lose my job!"

  "You only need to be present if there is a late arrival, right?"

  "Yes, m'lord, that's correct."

  "I am reasonably sure Lord Perdan will visit the stables tonight. Do you know him?"

  "No, I don't."

  "He's a handsome man, not quite as tall as I am. He has fair hair blond and blue eyes. You'll recognize him best by his nasty attitude, however. When he arrives, see if he needs help. Then tell him you are unwell and need to take some air. Leave the stables to stand outside near the door until you hear me call for you. Can you do that?"

  "Yes, I can do that."

  "Remember, not a word to anyone about my presence here." A thoroughly unpleasant thought crossed his mind. "Oh, and please tell me you have already mucked out that stall next to Thor."

  George nodded mutely. Thank goodness for that. Chalifour strode to the stall next to Thor. He petted Thor's nose and kneeled in the shadow of the dimly lit stall to wait. Chalifour opened his coat and removed the pouch he had received from his lawyer yesterday and set it on the floor. Chalifour hoped he would be able to make use of its contents tonight.

  A fly droned around him, landing briefly on his boot. Chalifour swatted it away and remained stoically crouched, waiting for the sound of the voice he knew would come. Several hours later, he was rewarded.

  "Yes, by all means. Go outside and be ill. I don't need your assistance." The petulant voice of Perdan carried through the stables.

  At last. The footsteps came closer. Closer still until they stopped just outside the stall where Chalifour was hidden.

  "Thor. You are a handsome brute. You might possibly win tomorrow. I can't have that. I've brought you something you'll enjoy, at least tonight, but maybe not so much tomorrow." Perdan laughed a mirthless laugh.

  Chalifour readied himself to confront Perdan. He was ready to spring into action when he heard Lucien's voice. He froze. What the devil was Lucien doing here?

  "I knew it! I knew you would do something to Thor! You poisoned Zeus last year, didn't you?" Lucien's voice held a barely contained rage.

  "Why would you say such a thing?" Perdan said, glibly, apparently unaware of the menace from Lucien.

  "The evidence is in your hand!"

  "It's your word against mine."

  Chalifour stood. "It's also my word against yours."

  Both men's heads snapped toward Chalifour, mouths open in shock.

  "I have a good idea that Mr. Goodwin is right. You poisoned Zeus last year at Newmarket. You bet against Mr. Goodwin and Zeus during the first race and did well due to his bad performance. By contrast, the next day when everyone was busily betting against Mr. Goodwin, I believe you wagered with him and won rather handsomely. By the by, I've set the Bow
Street runners to checking the betting books to confirm that theory." It was hard to tell in the dim light, but it appeared Perdan's face had turned a deep crimson. "Nothing to say, Perdan?"

  "All falsehoods."

  "I think the accusations against you will be proven true very soon. In the meantime, I plan to make it a point of honor to expose your plan to poison Thor. People can readily extrapolate your intentions from the deed."

  Perdan's face became a mask of hate. The apple he held fell from his hand and thudded on the ground. Thor's neck stretched and he tried to reach the treat, unaware of the threat. Chalifour bounded over the stall and kicked the apple out of Thor's reach. The click of a derringer being cocked in the quiet building jarred his attention. Chalifour whirled to face Perdan. The derringer was pointed at Chalifour’s belly.

  "Even you aren't that foolish," Chalifour said.

  Perdan's mouth twisted cruelly. "I'll blame it on Lucien." Lucien started.

  "Lord Chalifour? It's been an awfully long time! I thought I must have missed your call," George called out.

  Startled, Perdan turned in the direction of the voice. Chalifour launched himself at Perdan and tackled him to the ground. The derringer flew from Perdan's hand. Perdan was athletic and struggled to roll from under Chalifour's mass. The two rolled along the floor of the stable, grappling with one another, each striving to get the better purchase. Lucien dove for the derringer while Chalifour threw a punch which connected with Perdan's jaw. Perdan went limp. Panting, Chalifour rolled over on his back and looked up into George's white face.

  "I'm sorry, Lord Chalifour," George said, his face stricken.

  "No, you did fine, George. You did fine," Chalifour said.

  Lucien walked over and extended his hand. Chalifour reached up and took it and hauled himself to his feet. He dusted himself off, stands of hay clinging to his clothes and hair. "George, bring me a pail of water if you would."

  George trotted off, probably worried sick about what had transpired here. After all, there was a peer laying unconscious on the floor on his watch. George returned with a pail of water and handed it to Chalifour. Chalifour upended it over Perdan and poured the contents on his head.