Surrender of Trust (First Volume of the Surrender Series) (12 page)

Lucy tried to sneak a glance at Chalifour,
but his cobalt blue eyes were on her and the heat began to rise in
her cheeks.
Traitorous cheeks!
She was never going to get
through the day like this! She was having trouble even getting
through breakfast! Her stomach rumbled, causing her cheeks to burn
hotter. Lucy was famished and needed to eat something. She was
going to need every bit of strength she could muster today.

Lucy and Chalifour ate in silence.
Chalifour’s eyes were on her, but she ignored him and pretended not
to notice his perusal. Chalifour finished before she did and
excused himself for a moment. He left the room with the contact in
hand.

Chalifour returned to the dining room a few
moments later without the document. "We didn't have much of an
opportunity last evening, but I would enjoy showing you around the
house and gardens if you would like."

Lucy smiled, "I would very much like
that."

They strolled together from the dining room
and Chalifour toured her through the various impressive hallways
and public rooms. While the estate and furnishings were opulent and
grand, it was the orangery that intrigued Lucy.

Lucy clapped her hands in delight. "How
wonderful to have oranges and this indoor garden of sorts! What
prompted your family to create this? I've heard about these, but
this is the first time I have ever set foot in one."

"It was my mother's idea. She loved living
things, plants, animals. My mother taught me to appreciate and
respect all manner of living things, and all stations of life."
Chalifour looked directly at her.

Lucy looked away quickly. "Your mother sounds
like a wonderful woman. I apologize if I am being forward, but what
happened to your parents? Are neither alive?"

A cloud passed over Chalifour's face. "They
were killed in a coach accident, somewhat like your brother was
injured. Lucien, however, survived. His story is a little happier
than mine." Chalifour's voice was sad. He shook himself as if to
clear his head and turned back to her. "If you like this, let me
let me show you the gardens."

Walked out onto a large terrace overlooking a
garden, Lucy surveyed her surroundings. The gardens reminded Lucy
of a Monet painting with their diffused colors all blending into an
overall pattern of artistry. The gardens were truly exquisite.

"It's glorious with all of the colors! Did
your mother design this as well?"

"Yes. It was my mother's pride and joy. Aside
from thoroughbreds." Chalifour smiled. "If my mother wasn't in the
stables, she was here. I know it's unusual, but she did a lot of
the work herself rather than having the gardener do it. She found a
real satisfaction in it."

"So much beauty. She was very talented, an
artist in her own way."

"Yes, I guess she was."

"How old were you when your parents died in
their accident?"

"Lady Elizabeth was fourteen and I was
sixteen."

How young for so much responsibility to have
fallen on his shoulders, Lucy mused. She suddenly wished she could
have known her own mother better. Would her mother have found joy
in bringing flowers to life? She looked at Chalifour. "Did your
mother enjoy riding as well?"

"Yes, she rode most days unless the weather
was inclement. My mother often regretted that we didn't live where
it was warmer all year so she could ride more often. My mother
enjoyed attending the races. In truth, it was she who taught me to
love horses and riding more than my father. It was her guiding hand
that prompted my father to do a great many things, including
investing in thoroughbreds. He adored her and did whatever he could
to please her." His face abruptly closed, as if he had betrayed
more than he intended.

Lucy thought of her own mother. She had been
seven when her mother died. What had her parent's marriage been
like? She remembered joyful times, but she had been young. She had
been too young to discern and understand the domestic patterns that
were woven into the fabric of a marriage or to know if her parents
were happy or not.

Lucy's relationship with her parents had been
a parent and child relationship, until her mother died. Maybe that
was why in her heart of hearts she feared marriage and giving
herself completely to a man-- emotionally, physically and even
financially-- according to English law. Lucy brushed away these
thoughts away and looked up at Chalifour. He was watching her
silently, his expression enigmatic.
What had he seen?

"There you both are!"

Startled by the interruption, Chalifour and
Lucy both looked up to see Lady Elizabeth beaming at them. "It's a
lovely morning for a ride. Wouldn't you say?"

Lucy changed into a pale blue riding habit
and rejoined Elizabeth and Chalifour downstairs. The women
conversed as the three of them trooped to the stables. Chalifour
remained silent and admired the graceful sway of Lucy's steady
gait, like that of a thoroughbred. He doubted she would appreciate
the comparison, however. Lady Elizabeth proceeded to describe the
various horses at the stables which might suit Lucy.

Before Lucy could respond, Chalifour said,
"Don't worry. I have seen Miss Goodwin ride. She is quite capable
of handling a spirited mount, and ... ," Chalifour looked at Lucy
with a raised brow. "I believe she would probably prefer riding an
animated horse. Is that correct?"

"I do find it more satisfying to ride a horse
with spunk. They are so much more enjoyable. Though I believe you
wanted me to look over your mares, so it may not really
matter."

Lady Elizabeth eyed Chalifour and Lucy
quizzically for a moment, then shrugged. The three of them entered
the cool stables. The stables were more elegant than a majority of
its counterparts, but the musky scent of horses and grass was the
same as in every other stable. Chalifour inhaled, feeling relaxed
as he always did here. The rustling and soft neighing of the horses
was music in his ears.

Lady Elizabeth chose her customary mount, a
placid grey mare named Jasmine because of her sweet disposition.
Chalifour selected a spunky filly named Mischief for Lucy. It
seemed a perfect choice for her. He watched Lucy run her small
hands over the chestnut hair of Mischief. Lucy smiled approvingly
at him. "I take it you are satisfied with your mount?"

"I am indeed. She has lovely lines."

Chalifour was once again impressed with
Lucy’s eye for horses. Mischief was indeed a blood horse. In time,
Mischief would become a brood mare, but for now, she was here for
the riding enjoyment of their visitors. Though there were few
guests at Chalifour Manor, Chalifour never wanted to disappoint
those who did visit on occasion.

Chalifour hosted house parties only when his
sister occasionally twisted his arm. Inevitably, he enjoyed the
feminine liaisons that frequently occurred during those social
events. He often also found himself fending off women who had
designs on marriage, something he was not yet ready to
contemplate.

The stable boys assisted the women in
mounting their horses. The three of them trotted down the road
through the fresh, spring countryside that was all part of his vast
estate. They stopped periodically to examine some of the horses
grazing in the fields.

Lucy continued to impress Chalifour with her
insights into his horses. She could quickly separate the proverbial
wheat from the chaff, without fail discerning which horses had the
better blood lines and which would make the best breeding stock.
She also had a good eye for temperament, a factor she insisted was
important, though often overlooked.

Cantering from a meadow, Chalifour goosed his
horse into a trot. Looking over he saw Lucy do the same, while Lady
Elizabeth slipped slightly behind. After a few minutes, he caught
Lucy surreptitiously nudging her horse for a little more speed. He
did likewise, and his sister slipped further behind.

Chalifour and Lucy began to edge forward,
each in turn spurring on his or her horse faster and faster until
they were in a full gallop. Thundering down the path they looked at
each other. Lucy let out an exuberant yell that he could only
describe as pure joy.

They continued barreling along until they
reached a stream. Lucy and Chalifour brought their horses up short,
eyeing each other breathlessly. Chalifour noted with approval that
at times, Lucy could enjoy herself with wild abandon, unconstrained
by society. Desire flared within Chalifour and lust coursed through
his veins. He wanted Lucy now.

Lucy's auburn hair had fallen all around her
shoulders like the burnished red-gold of a dying sunset. Her cheeks
were flushed crimson and her bosom heaved. Her delectable mouth was
curved in a smile, with her pink tongue tucked between her small
perfect teeth.

Chalifour had a sudden flash of insight as to
what Lucy might look like sprawled in his bed after a long bout of
lovemaking and his arousal rose to a fever pitch. Lucy reminded him
of a young unbroken filly, excited, but wary. He fought the urge to
sweep her off her horse and make love to her in the fresh, sweet
grass. His labored breathing grew even heavier. Lucy caught his
gaze and her flush deepened.

Elizabeth galloped up, looking vexed. She
eyed both of them a moment, her expression changing subtly. "At
least you didn't break your necks dashing off like that!"

Chalifour swallowed his annoyance at being
interrupted. It was probably fortuitous Elizabeth had arrived
before he assaulted Lucy.

Lucy looked chagrined. "Lady Elizabeth! I'm
so sorry! We shouldn't have left you behind. You are, after all, my
chaperone."

Lucy appeared so contrite Chalifour was sorry
for her.
Once again from wild temptress to sweet young woman in
the blink of an eye.
"I'm sure Lady Elizabeth will be fine now
she knows we have not damaged ourselves during our romp," Chalifour
said, looking at his sister.

Elizabeth returned his look with a quizzical
expression on her face. "It's gotten late, and warm. I suggest we
retire to the house and take some refreshment. I for one would love
some tea."

"That is an excellent suggestion," Chalifour
agreed, gazing at Lucy, her bosom still heaving and cheeks flushed
with a rosy glow. They let the horses rest and graze on the new
grass for a few moments.

"Chali does enjoy a good race, whether he's
participating in it or simply watching it. You know he's a member
of the Jockey Club," Elizabeth said.

"That's what I understand," Lucy responded
before turning to Chalifour. "What do you most enjoy about being a
member?"

"It allows me to help regulate thoroughbred
racing. I want to continue to elevate the sport, to rid it of some
of the corruption and cheating we’ve seen in the past." Glancing at
Lucy, Chalifour saw a nearly imperceptible glimmer of emotion cross
Lucy's face. He couldn't quite place it, though. Perhaps it was his
imagination.

"Oh, please don't get him started on this
topic! I'm sorry I brought the subject of the Jockey Club up! My
brother can talk endlessly about it," Lady Elizabeth rolled her
eyes theatrically.

With a rueful look, Chalifour said, "She does
have a point. I can be overbearing on this topic." Chalifour looked
at Lucy. "So, what are your feelings on the sport?"

"Since my family's livelihood depends on the
demand for good thoroughbreds, I'm happy with anything that keep’s
people interested in racing."

"What if 'anything' involves cheating? Aren't
you concerned about some of the scandals that pervaded the sport at
one time?"

"Of course I am! Cheating should never be
tolerated. I believe that, for the most part, the involvement of
the Jockey Club and others like you have made the sport much
better."

"I would like to believe that's true, but
there are occasions when I wonder." That odd look flashed across
Lucy's face again. "It appears the horses are rested now, let's
return to the house."

Chalifour readied himself for dinner. He took
more care than usual in his dress for the evening. His valet helped
him dress in a dark blue coat made by the superb tailors,
Schweitzer and Davidson’s of Cork streets. He knew the cut and
color suited him. Chalifour selected buckskin colored knee
breeches, riding boots and a cream-colored waistcoat, complete with
his cravat tied in a fashionable waterfall style.

The image of Lucy laughing and carefree on
her horse this afternoon kept flitting through Chalifour’s mind.
His valet brushed his coat and he surveyed himself in the mirror.
Satisfied, he descended to the drawing room. It was a new
convention for him to take so much care in his appearance.

The night air carried a slight chill so he
directed the servants to make a small fire in the drawing room. He
poured himself a brandy and settled in to wait for the women. The
lanterns had not yet been lit so the only light was from the fire
which flickered on the walls. Sipping his brandy, Chalifour mused
over Lucy.

He wanted time alone with Lucy, propriety be
damned. Chalifour would like to have Lucy here at his estate for a
longer period of time, but he could think of no plausible reason to
keep her here. That meant he had only tonight.

Chalifour suspected that Lucy planned to
leave early in the morning. He could understand Lucy's concern for
her brother. He would feel the same if something similar happened
to Elizabeth. However, since Lucien was not gravely injured and was
able to conduct his business from the bedchamber, it was odd Lucy
was in such a hurry to rush back.

Chalifour looked up in time to see Lucy glide
into the room. She was lovely in a white muslin gown. A Greek key
pattern in green adorned the hem and neckline. Chalifour had never
seen Lucy without the customary chemisette she wore for modesty
during the daytime. Chalifour's eyes traveled her ripe curves.