A Suitable Bride (20 page)

Silver Lady shifted beneath her as eager as the others to be off. The flag came down and she threw herself forward. The mare sprung from stationary to a flat gallop and they were several lengths ahead. She concentrated on her own race, ignored the yelling and shouting going on from the sidelines, and urged her horse faster.

They thundered around the course increasing their lead with every stride the mare took. The two sharp bends were negotiated with ease and the stream cleared with feet to spare. When Grace galloped past the spectators for the first time the roar from the crowd was deafening.

There was no time to think about that – she must stay ahead and win the race. There was so great a distance between her and the other horses she could no longer hear them behind her but then something made her look over her shoulder and to her surprise she saw Lady Madeline was no more than a length behind her.

The second circuit was as successful as the first and Silver Lady came into the finishing straight still ahead of the gelding. She glanced back and saw that her future sister-in-law wanted to win this race more than she did.

She eased back on the reins a touch and her mare responded immediately. She held Silver Lady in check until the gelding was parallel and then she turned and yelled. ‘This is going to be a dead heat, my lady. That should give the gentlemen something to think about.’

The girl’s face lit up and she nodded. They steadied their mounts until they were galloping stride for stride and then crossed the finishing line together.

The cheering from their audience told Grace she’d made the correct decision. She guided her exhausted mare back into the collecting ring where Bennett was waiting for her.

He greeted her with enthusiasm. ‘That was well done of you, sweetheart, the race was yours to win. I cannot accompany you back to the stables as mine starts as soon as the final competitor has finished.’

‘Were there any fallers, Bennett?’

‘No, unless someone has come to grief in the last few hundred yards. You must go, you need to refresh yourself before you return for your second race on Rufus.’

He raised a hand in salute and trotted across to join the other gentlemen gathering at the far side of the collecting ring. The race had taken more out of her than she’d anticipated and she wasn’t sure she would be able to do the whole thing again in half an hour.

This wasn’t an option – she’d come here to show members of the
ton
that any progeny Rufus sired would be worth having. Her stallion would take care of her. All she had to do was remain in the saddle and he would do the rest. He’d never been beaten and she believed that there wasn’t a horse here that could do so.

However, there was one thing she could do that would vastly improve her chances of winning. If she rode astride she would scandalise everyone present, but she would win the race.

Chapter Twenty

Grace explained her intentions to her groom and they agreed to have her stallion waiting by the paddock so she could at least be mounted before she was seen by the other contestants to be riding in so disgraceful a fashion.

She flew up the stairs and was obliged to rummage about for her divided skirt without the assistance of her maid as she’d given Annie the afternoon off to watch the races. She left the jacket from her habit on which made things a bit speedier.

With scarcely ten minutes before the race began she arrived at the paddock. ‘Are you sure about this, miss? I don’t reckon Lord Sheldon will take too kindly to seeing his future wife riding like this.’

‘It’s too late to repine, Peterson, the decision’s made.’ She should really have reprimanded him for his impertinence, but he was right to remind her she was taking a big risk.

Rufus was plunging and rearing at the noise coming from the racetrack. She would never have been able to control him riding side-saddle.

She was justifying her decision, rehearsing her excuses, as Bennett would have plenty to say on the matter. Perhaps it would be better to withdraw – after all she no longer needed the money and once she was married the stud would be his concern, not hers.

Then it was too late and she was being swept towards the start line surrounded by the other gentlemen who appeared too busy trying to find a position at the front to take any notice of her. Rufus was as eager as the others to barge his way to the front and even riding astride she was in danger of being unseated.

‘Miss DuPont, let us protect you from the crush.’ The duke appeared on one side and Lord Peregrine on the other.

‘Thank you, your grace, my lord, I’d no idea how rough this race was going to be.’

Rufus calmed with the horses beside him and she was able to catch her breath for the first time in several minutes of pandemonium.

‘Riding astride was a sensible decision, Miss DuPont, but I fear not everyone will agree with me.’

‘But if I have your approval, your grace, I’m sure that no one will have the temerity to comment on my disgraceful behaviour.’

There was no time to say anything else as the starter dropped his flag and all ten horses surged forward. Her intention had been to remain in the first four and therefore gain herself a place in the final race – but something told her Bennett would not allow her to race a second time after seeing how dangerous the first occasion was proving to be.

She crouched lower in the saddle and dug in her heels. Her mount responded magnificently and shot from between his two guardians like a bolt from an arrow. His ears were forward, his nose stretched out and he burst through the leaders and was at the front of the field.

The mud thrown up whilst she’d been trapped in the centre of the pack had all but blinded her and she daren’t let go of the reins and use a hand to clear her vision. She would have to rely on her horse to carry her safely around the track. This wasn’t going to be as easy as the first race – from the noise close behind her there must be at least two other horses on her tail.

The roar of the crowd as she went past the starting line for the first time seemed to spur her stallion on. He’d never moved so fast even when he’d overtaken Lucifer the other day. She twisted her hands into his mane and sent up a fervent prayer to the Almighty that she’d arrive at the finishing line in one piece. She was no longer bothered about winning – all she wanted to do was remain in the saddle.

The stallion soared over the stream, negotiated the last bend and the finishing post was in sight. She hung on, ignoring the two horses that were less than half a length behind her, and passed the winning post almost too exhausted to sit back and pull on the reins.

The cheering and shouting coming from either side of the track meant her victory must have been popular. Finally she had time to clear her eyes and gulp in a few welcome mouthfuls of air. Then she saw Bennett riding towards her and he didn’t look especially happy with her performance.

*

There was going to be trouble from a couple of the losers. They weren’t pleased at being beaten by a girl. Bennett guided his stallion towards her, determined to reach her side before any unpleasantness took place. He’d watched the race with his heart in his mouth knowing that if Grace fell she would be trampled underfoot.

She looked exhausted, barely able to keep her balance in the saddle. Thank God she’d had the sense to ride astride as she couldn’t have survived on a side-saddle. ‘Well done, sweetheart, let me lead you back to the stables before you’re mobbed by well-wishers.’

‘I don’t want to do this again, it was quite terrifying.’

‘That’s fortunate, my dear, as I’ve no intention of letting you do so.’ He reached over and took the reins of her sweating horse – even the animal seemed relieved to be under his charge.

Then his two brothers were there and the three of them made sure none of the disgruntled losers could approach. He led the procession into the stable yard where her groom was waiting.

Bennett lifted Grace down. Her knees buckled and he picked her up, holding her close. ‘Come along, sweetheart, I’ll take you to your apartment.’ He nodded to his brothers. ‘Thank you, I appreciate your assistance. I saw how you protected her at the start.’

Beau returned his gesture with a smile. ‘Miss DuPont isn’t a young lady I’d have chosen for you, but the more I see of her, the better I like her. You have my full support, Bennett, I sincerely believe she’s perfect for you despite her not being one of us.’

The house was quiet, everybody must still be outside. Grace, who had had her face pressed close to his shoulder, tugged at his lapel.

‘You may put me down now, I’m perfectly capable of walking. Did I hear aright? Have we now got your brother’s approval for our nuptials?’

He’d no intention of relinquishing his hold, he was relishing every moment. ‘It would seem so, my love, which is fortunate as you’re going to need all the support you can muster to weather this latest storm.’

Her gurgle of laughter touched his heart. ‘I know, riding astride was quite reprehensible. The duke said that I’d made the right decision. Are you very cross with me?’

They were now outside her sitting room and he shouldered his way in before he put her down. However, he didn’t remove his arms from around her waist. ‘I’m ambivalent on the subject. I’m suitably appalled that you did something so disgraceful, but thank God that you did as you wouldn’t have survived if riding any other way.’

Her fingers crept around his neck and buried themselves in his hair. Despite her mud-streaked face, the pungent smell of horse that surrounded her, he’d never seen anything so beautiful. He wanted to make love to her, throw aside everything he knew to be honourable. She would be his wife in a matter of days – would it really matter if a child was conceived today?

‘I beg your pardon, miss, my lord, I didn’t mean to intrude.’ Her maid had returned and he supposed he must be grateful.

He stepped away hoping to hide his embarrassment with his coat-tails. ‘I’ll see you downstairs later, my darling. Shall we meet in the music room before dinner and you can play for me again?’

She nodded, her cheeks flushed and her eyes dark with passion. ‘Tonight will be the happiest night of my life, my love, now I have your brother’s support I know our union will be successful.’

*

Grace enjoyed a hot bath and then rested for an hour or two before preparing for the evening. Aunt Sarah had decided to remain in her apartment this evening as she didn’t feel ready to socialise. She was given the cut direct by all the ladies she passed and was relieved to find the music room deserted. It was all very well Bennett saying that the opinion of his peers was of no importance, she wasn’t sure she could endure much more of being ostracised in this way.

She had arrived somewhat earlier than the appointed hour and settled herself on the piano stool in order to lose herself in the music. She was interrupted a short while later by the duke.

‘You play exquisitely, Miss DuPont, I’ve never heard that sonata played so well.’

She couldn’t force herself to turn round and face him. His remark had been innocuous enough but he hadn’t come here to exchange pleasantries, of that she was quite certain.

‘I am as well-educated as any of your family, your grace. Being able to play the pianoforte and paint a pretty watercolour is not the sole prerogative of your class.’ Her tone was light, taking the sting from her words. She turned and her happiness drained away.

The man standing before her looked incredibly sad – he must be bringing her the most dreadful news. ‘Would you mind if I found myself a chair? This is going to be a most distressing meeting for both of us.’

She waved vaguely towards one of the spindly gilt chairs arranged along the far wall and he fetched one and sat down with a sigh.

‘Do you love my brother, Miss DuPont?’

This question surprised her and she answered instinctively. ‘Of course I do, do you think I’d join a family who despises me if I didn’t?’

His eyes glittered in the candlelight. ‘Then you would not wish to ruin his life and cause him intolerable unhappiness.’ He paused as if expecting her to answer but she had no coherent response to this. He continued. ‘If Bennett marries you he will no longer be accepted in society. I’ve been making enquiries about your family circumstances and have discovered some unpalatable facts about your father.’

Grace bit her lip knowing something dreadful was coming next. She raised a hand as if by so doing she could prevent his next words from coming.

‘I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this, my dear, but once you know you’ll understand why this marriage can never take place. Your father is infamous in certain circles in London – he’s made it his life’s work to acquire the vowels and debts of a dozen or more gentlemen and has then systematically ruined them. Three of these gentlemen have ended their own lives because of his actions.’

She opened her mouth to protest at this horror, but in her heart she knew what he said was true. Like an old woman she pushed herself to her feet and sunk into a deep curtsy. ‘Thank you for telling me this, your grace. I’ll leave here at dawn and…and… kindly convey my apologies to Lord Sheldon and say that I release him from the betrothal.’

She swayed and he was by her side to offer his assistance. ‘Do you have somewhere you can go? I assume that you have no wish to return to your familial home.’

‘I intended to win all the races and make enough money from the wagers so that my companion and I could live until I come into my trust fund next year.’

‘You never had any intention of trying to ensnare my brother, did you?’

‘Of course not – I don’t belong here – but my parents gave me no option. My wish was always to be able to live quietly and run my stud successfully.’

‘I can see why my brother is besotted with you – if there was any way around this appalling situation I can assure you that I would give you my blessing. Initially I admit that I thought you unsuitable, but as you know, I’ve changed my mind. But you must see, my dear, that however unfair, you will be forever tainted by your father’s actions. My brother would be forced to remain in the country and abandon all his old pastimes and pursuits. However much he loves you I fear that this canker would grow and eventually he would regret his marriage.’

‘I couldn’t do that to him, your grace. It will break my heart to leave him, but I must do so. Will you promise to take care of him for me? He’ll be devastated by my desertion – don’t let him do anything foolish.’

‘I give you my word.’ He pushed a soft cotton square into her hand and she mopped her eyes. ‘Although at the moment this information is not known by my guests, you can be very sure that it won’t be long before someone receives a letter from Town. Bennett would ignore this – would insist on marrying you anyway – but we both know we cannot let this happen.’

She sniffed and blew her nose. ‘He’ll be here momentarily and however good my intentions, your grace, I’ll not be able to turn him away.’

‘I understand. Come, I’ll take you to your apartment through the servants’ route. I’ll tell my brother that you were so upset by the treatment you received from the ladies that you’ve retired. I’ll make sure he drinks heavily so he’ll not be capable of visiting you this evening.’

Gently he escorted her to a door hidden in the panelling and, holding her candlestick aloft, he guided her expertly along narrow passageways and up staircases until they emerged in her own dressing room.

‘I wish things could have been different, Miss DuPont, I would love to have had you as part of my family. Godspeed and take care.’

Annie had been head first in a trunk, placing tissue paper between the gowns. The sudden appearance of her mistress and the duke shocked her into silence. Grace pulled herself together and spoke first.

‘We must leave as soon as everyone has retired. I wish to change into my travelling gown – no – I want to put on my habit. I’ll ride Rufus.’

‘Will Lord Sheldon be accompanying us? Where are we going?’

‘My association with this family is at an end. Miss Newcomb must be told. As soon as you’ve done here, make sure you have a substantial supper as I’ve no idea when we will be able to stop for refreshments.’