Surrender of Trust (First Volume of the Surrender Series) (9 page)

"Miss Goodwin does not travel in our circles.
It's highly unlikely anyone of consequence will know."
Except
Lady Monique
. With a pang of conscience, Chalifour found
himself hoping Monique was as good a friend to Lucy as he
believed.

"Whether anyone from the ton is aware of her
visit or not is not the issue. It will matter to her if her
reputation is compromised within her own circle."

"Her reputation will not suffer. You are my
sister, and perfectly suitable as a chaperone."

"Why do you want her to look at the
horses?"

"When I was there last, we conversed about
horse characteristics and breeding considerations. I found her
knowledge to be considerable, impressive in fact. She has obviously
learned a great deal about breeding from her father and
brother."

Arching an eyebrow, Elizabeth's lips curved
into a smile. "You mean, a woman is knowledgeable about something
other than music and embroidery. Heaven forbid! The world must be
coming to an end!"

"I'm not as bad as all that."

"No, you're worse. I think you sometimes
believe women should be either in the drawing room or in the
bedroom, whichever place her husband desires her at the moment.
Anyway, you can count on me to play chaperone for you." With that
Elizabeth hopped from her seat and flounced out of the room,
leaving him to stare after her with his mouth hanging open.

Wherever does she get these ideas?
Never mind. Chalifour remembered his mother having the same
independent streak in her. His mother's outspokenness had
oftentimes rendered his father downright speechless, if not
apoplectic. He smiled at the memory of the occasional fireworks
which had sparked between his parents. His thoughts gravitated to
Lucy. Lucy appeared to possess some of the same traits as the women
in his family.

Sipping his coffee, Chalifour wondered if he
was indeed placing Lucy Goodwin in harm's way by forcing her to
travel here. He couldn't set aside the nagging feeling that
something wasn't right. He was missing a vital element. He couldn’t
discern what was causing his consternation.

Chalifour was still bothered by the all too
quick consultation Lucy had supposedly had with her brother during
his first visit to the Goodwin residence. Maybe it was just his
conscience bothering him, hoping he wasn't taking advantage of a
weakened man. That wasn't true, however. Or at least that's what he
kept telling himself. His agreement with Lucien would be profitable
for both of them.

The potential profit, though nothing to
overlook, was not what excited him most. Chalifour wanted to sire
great race horses, just as his mother had wanted to do. He wanted
the thrill of racing a winning thoroughbred. Between his mares and
fillies and the Goodwin colts and stallions, he was on the cusp of
success. Chalifour sat back in his chair, coffee mug in hand, and
smiled.

Inevitably, his thoughts wandered to Lucy
Goodwin again. What had Perdan been doing there? There had been
rumors about him possibly cheating at cards. What business did
Perdan have with Lucien Goodwin? It was disconcerting that he could
be allying his own interests with a man who might have dealings
with that sort.

What if Perdan was not there to visit Lucien
Goodwin? Was he there to call on Lucy? Was Lucy Goodwin being
courted by Perdan? An unfamiliar stab of jealousy raked him at the
thought, surprising him. It was none of his concern if Perdan
wanted to court Lucy, though there were also some disconcerting
rumors about Perdan’s behavior with women. Lucy was more than of a
marriageable age.
She’s ripe for the picking
. Chalifour
suppressed the thought and forced it back into its carnal depths
where it belonged.

What was the real reason he was more or less
forcing Lucy to come to Chalifour Manor? Chalifour wasn't sure he
was prepared to answer the question, even to himself. He found
himself fixated on her lush mouth and the willing response she had
given him when he kissed her.

Chalifour had been surprised by the joyous
abandon Lucy displayed when racing him on horseback. He had wanted
to taste her lips since he first saw her at Glenhurst Hall. The
kiss had been impulsive on his part, but Lucy's response had jolted
him. Lucy had composed herself quickly enough from wild temptress
to prim and proper young lady when she entered the house,
however.

Lucy intrigued him. Most women he met were
busy evaluating him for future marriage material. Lucy did not
strike him that way. If anything, she appeared to have the opposite
agenda. There was something about her, some quality that reminded
him of a sunny day. He found himself smiling again.

Thinking back, Chalifour recalled passing Dr.
Willets traveling in the direction of the Goodwin residence. He
knew the man only slightly. It was likely the doctor had been on
his way to see Lucien Goodwin. He'd not thought to ask Lucy if a
doctor was treating Lucien. It might be in his interest to seek out
Dr. Willets and make some inquiries.

Chalifour stomped into his office, out of
sorts and prickly for reasons he didn't understand. Settling into
his chair, he sat at his desk and leaned back. Chalifour passed his
hand over his face and then sat rubbing his chin. Shaking his head,
he removed himself from his ruminations and bent himself to
answering the correspondence that awaited him.

Monique's brother, Lord William Cathdon, Duke
of Glenhurst, had sent his luxurious Town Coach to fetch his
sister. The coach had arrived the evening before to allow the
horses time to rest. Not surprisingly, the cattle pulling the coach
were all beautiful steppers. The coach bore the Glenhurst coat of
arms.

As planned, Lucy and Monique left early
Sunday morning. The footman pulled the steps of the coach down for
the women to enter and closed the door behind them. Lucy trailed
her fingers across the glossy rosewood that lined the interior of
the door and coach. Both women leaned back and settled themselves
into the deep, wide seats covered in a rich puce velvet. The coach
was well sprung. The rhythm of the coach horses clopping their way
toward Town was hypnotic and both women found themselves nodding
after only a brief time.

Lucy awoke with a start not far from Town.
"Monique! Wake up! We're nearly there."

Monique's eyes blinked in confusion before
focusing on her surroundings. Blinking once again, Monique sat up
straight and began tugging and pulling at her clothing. Though it
wasn't an extremely arduous journey into Town, the trip was long
enough to compel them to wear heavy traveling clothes.

The closer they drew to the heart of Town,
the more Lucy's stomach twisted and her sense of dread grew. She
would see the vile Perdan again. He made her skin crawl.
How
could her brother have accumulated such a large debt?
Could
he really have been gambling to that degree?
Irrespective of
the reason for the debt, if they were to avoid ruin, she must make
payment.

Lucy wanted some quiet time to think and
decide how she would handle Perdan tomorrow. At least she would
have the luxury of a relaxing evening at Glenhurst Hall to settle
herself. Thankfully, she didn't need to worry about Lucien. Lucy
was confident he was being well cared for and her servants would
run the household efficiently in her absence.

The coach arrived at Glenhurst Hall situated
on Grosvenor Square in the Mayfair district. The mansion was an
imposing structure that exuded wealth and privilege. The exterior
walls were of a sturdy limestone block. Elegant French windows and
balconies trimmed in a delicate wrought iron filigree graced the
edifice on the lower floors and contrasted with the stout stone
walls.

Lucy and Monique approached the grand
entrance framed by classical stone pillars. Having visited many
times before, Lucy knew the ceiling in the main hall soared so high
above her head it generally invited images of the clouds which
surely must float through from time to time. Lucy had always
admired its high, imposing walls decorated with an ornate frieze
and dado.

Bursting into the entrance hall, Monique
found her brother descending the steps to greet them himself.
"Monique, sweetling, it's good to have you home! I was quite
surprised to find myself missing you!" His lips brushed her
cheek.

"Well then, seeing as how you want me to
marry soon, perhaps you should become accustomed to it!" Monique
replied tartly.

Laughing, Lord Glenhurst said, "As sweet and
genteel as ever!" Turning to Lucy, he said, "Ah, the lovely Miss
Goodwin! It's been such a very long time since I've seen you. I
hope you have recovered somewhat from your father's demise. I
rather miss the spirited conversations we used to have. How is your
brother these days?"

Lucy's face fell, "I wish I had better news
to report. He was in a coach accident returning home a little more
than a week ago. His situation had not improved much until
yesterday, when he woke and spoke for the first time. His valet was
able to feed him before he fell asleep, so that was
encouraging."

"I'm sorry to hear of this. You've had a such
difficult time this past year, what with your father, and now your
brother. I sincerely hope my sister was some comfort to you."

"I was thankful for her friendship and her
presence."

"Good. Not knowing your circumstances, I
invited some guests for dinner. Do you think you will be up for
it?"

Before Lucy could speak, Monique broke in, "I
think that would be just the thing to get her mind off of her
troubles."

"Excellent! Then that's settled."

Lucy pasted a smile on her face. "That was
most gracious of you. I think, perhaps, I should retire instead and
get some rest."

"Nonsense, I'm sure Monique is correct. I
doubt you have anything seriously pressing tomorrow. A dinner party
would help lift you out of the doldrums. I've taken the liberty of
inviting a few eligible men this evening along with my regular
cronies. You are both of a marriageable age and need to be thinking
of your marriage prospects. You can both fight over whom you think
the most handsome!"

Lucy groaned inside, the false smile still
plastered to her face, "You have certainly thought of everything,"
she said woodenly. The idea of making polite conversation with
people above her station and young men seeking Monique's hand in
marriage on the eve before her meeting with Perdan was sure to
strain her sensibilities. However, Lucy could hardly refuse her
host, or Monique for that matter.

"And Miss Goodwin ... "

"Lucy, please, you've known me since we were
children."

"And Lucy, I know you may be thinking that
all of the men who will be attending dinner this evening will be
above your station and have no interest in you as a suitable
marriage prospect, but they are men, and they are not blind. Not
only are you beautiful, you are Miss Lucy Goodwin, a member of the
family of one of the most celebrated horse breeders in England.
That fact alone is enough to make some young men salivate. Happy
hunting!"

Glenhurst turned to a servant. "Please show
our guest to her room." Turning back to Lucy and Monique, he said,
"Dinner will be at eight o'clock."

Later, a maid assisted Lucy in dressing for
dinner. She chose a cerulean blue gown suitable for half dress and
descended to join the family and guests assembled in the drawing
room. Upon entering the room, she caught Monique's eye and made her
way over to her. Monique circulated about the room with her,
introducing her to several titled men and highborn women in
attendance.

When the eight o'clock hour arrived, everyone
flowed into the elegant dining room where dinner was served on
delicate blue and white Wedgewood china in the a la francaise
style. The first course consisted of pheasant soup, greenpea soup,
julienne soup and puree of grouse.

Lucy's dinner companion was Lord George
Murtrey, Earl of Clayton, a handsome young man with an interminable
air of boredom about him. When he discovered she was the sister of
Lucien Goodwin, Clayton warmed considerably and made polite
conversation with her. Lucy tried to keep up her end of the
dialogue. She was undoubtedly making a poor showing.

Lucy’s thoughts vacillated between the young
man seated beside her and Chalifour. She couldn't help but compare
the differences. Clayton seemed so youthful as opposed to
Chalifour. Suddenly aware of an expectant silence, Lucy realized
Clayton had asked her a question and was awaiting her response.

"I'm terribly sorry, Lord Clayton, could you
please repeat your question?"

Looking slightly miffed, Clayton said, "I was
inquiring as to whether your brother would be racing in the
upcoming Oaks at Epsom?"

"I'm not sure, My Lord. He was injured in a
coach accident recently and hasn't made a decision yet."
How
will that affect us? We've always been represented by Lucien in the
large races and his wins have brought great attention to our
horses. How will we fare if we have no representation during the
race?
Just something else to worry her. She stifled the impulse
to rub her temples.

"Well, I shall be cheering for your horse
should your brother decide to race."

"That is most gracious of you." Lucy turned
to Clayton and beamed what she hoped was a breathtaking smile.
Clayton smiled in return.

The second course offered braised ham, spring
chicken, boiled salmon pigeon pie, venison and lamb followed by the
main entrees of lamb cutlets, lobster curry, chicken patties and
scallops of chicken. Some time later, the third and final course of
roast duck, green goose, prawns, cherry tart, raspberry cream,
custard and tartlets were served.