Surrender of Trust (First Volume of the Surrender Series) (11 page)

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.

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 my 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?

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.