by Mariel Grey
Lucy groaned inwardly. Honestly, couldn’t she at least appear presentable just once when she met this man? Was it too much to ask she at least occasionally look presentable? Lucy wanted to place a bucket over her head and hide, but it was too late for that. Chalifour stared at her, doubtless amazed a woman could appear so disheveled not once, but twice.
Though she was not a highborn lady, Lucy was the daughter of a prosperous and respected business man and she would attempt to comport herself as such. She made an effort to smooth her hair with her hands before speaking. "Lord Chalifour, my apologies to you. I believe my servants sought only to inconvenience you as little as possible."
"And? Why is it I need to speak with you? Judging by your clothing, am I to gather your brother is more than slightly indisposed?" Chalifour raised an eyebrow.
Lucy glanced down and realized he had misconstrued the reason for the black garments, inferring she was now in mourning over her brother. "Oh, oh no, My Lord, I still wear these clothes for my father, not my brother!"
"Well, that's a relief," Chalifour said dryly.
"The reason the servants so strongly suggested you speak with me, My Lord, is that my brother was injured in a coach accident the other evening while he traveled from Town. He may have broken a leg. The doctor wants him to lie still and be disturbed as little as possible. Aside from the fact the doctor does not want him disturbed, I am sure you can imagine how you would feel having someone visit you in your bedchamber when you have not even had the benefit of a bath."
"So when will I be able to speak with him?"
The blue eyes blatantly scrutinized her from head to toe. What was he thinking, taking in her state of disarray?
"It may be several weeks before my brother is in a position to receive callers. Perhaps I could serve as a go between for you both until he is well enough to speak with you directly?"
Chalifour’s piercing eyes narrowed and he continued to study her. "I suppose that would be satisfactory. I need to know if the details of my offer to purchase an interest in your brother's business are acceptable as I outlined them to him in our correspondence."
Stunned, Lucy swayed slightly. She expected Chalifour to be seeing her brother regarding some routine business matter such as stud fees, purchasing a foal, or the like. She had not expected to hear he was purchasing part of her brother's business!
Swallowing, Lucy said, "Since Lucien is unwell, and I am not familiar with your discussion, perhaps you could set the terms and conditions down in the form of a contact I could take to my brother?"
With a looking of exasperation, Chalifour said, "That is precisely why I came to see Mr. Goodwin today. I wanted to confirm whether the details we discussed were acceptable to him before I had the contact drawn up. I would prefer not to waste time and money having a contract drawn and then having to redraw it because something is not palatable to your brother."
Lucy took a breath to calm herself. They needed money, needed it now. A mild panic arose in her. She needed to find a way to give Lord Perdan enough of a payment on the debt to satisfy him in the interim. Panic morphed into desperation at the mere thought of Perdan. Desperation enough to prompt her to let an outsider into their business, at least temporarily.
According to the accounts she reviewed, Lord Perdan had been taking payments for the last year. Lucy needed to buy enough time to sort things out with Lord Perdan. Namely, she needed to ascertain the basis for the debt and how to pay off the staggering sum. Later, she would divine a way to extricate Lord Chalifour from their business, or leave it for Lucien to deal with. After all, Lucien had initiated this arrangement in the first place. What had Lucien been thinking?
Lucy smiled in what she hoped was a radiant fashion. "My Lord, if it pleases you, let’s retire to the house. I could offer you some tea and something to eat after your long ride." And I could at least freshen up. "I'll ask Lucien if there was anything unacceptable in your offer. You'll have your answer before you leave."
Chalifour regarded her for a moment. "Fine. I'll accompany you to the house so you can confer with your brother."
Chapter Five
An awkward dilemma faced Lucy as she led Chalifour through the garden toward the house, should she escort him through the kitchen or walk to the magnificent, ornately carved front door her father installed to please her mother? Lucy was unsure of the proper etiquette for the situation.
Would Chalifour expect to be walked through the front entrance? Lucy had never much bothered herself with the rules of decorum before. So why was she now worried about social conventions or what Chalifour thought? And why did Chalifour have to be so devilishly handsome? Why couldn’t he have a paunch, a bald pate, and a hump or something?
At twenty- two years old, Lucy was already on the shelf and in no hurry to marry. In truth, the prospect of marriage didn't appeal to Lucy in the least. Recent conversations with Lucien drifted through her mind. Lucien had been interested in her matrimony prospects of late and started prodding her on the subject. Lucy had resisted his efforts thus far.
Was Lucien's recent interest in the idea of marriage more for himself, or for her? An uncertainty welled up within her. Shaking herself, Lucy decided to bring Lord Chalifour through the kitchen. After all, he had already visited the stables and seen her looking like something the cat drug up. What difference would her choice of entrance make at this point? So much for a dignified reception she muttered to herself.
Traipsing though the kitchen with her guest, Lucy saw Cook's eyes widen as she mumbled something. Though Chalifour followed her wordlessly through the house, Lucy was acutely aware of his presence. After passing through the formal dining room and into the front hallway, Lucy abruptly changed direction. Bypassing the salon, she led him toward her mother's sitting room.
As Lucy escorted Lord Chalifour through the house, irrational though it was, she found herself growing more and more agitated. She was annoyed at Lord Chalifour for finding her in the state she was in. She was annoyed at Lucien for putting them in this financial position which she didn't even understand and could ruin them. She was annoyed about everything that was happening to her serene world. She was even annoyed her father had abandoned them when he died. Lucy knew she was being ridiculous, but she couldn't help herself.
Lucy had a sudden urge for petty revenge, for what, she wasn't quite sure. Lord Chalifour was, well, so intensely male. His masculinity was bringing out the worst in her. She couldn't help but notice his height and the breadth of his shoulders. He almost had to turn sideways when he entered the kitchen door.
Would Chalifour would feel as off balance as she did right now if she placed him in her mother's sitting room? The room was distinctly feminine room and reflected her mother's taste. Leading Chalifour into the room, Lucy smiled sweetly up at him.
Chalifour’s eyes surveyed the room. He looked at her and raised an eyebrow.
"If you'll excuse me a moment, I'll arrange for tea to be brought to you while I speak with Lucien."
Lucy left Chalifour alone in the room. Once outside, she gulped air. She had been unaware of holding her breath. Hurrying upstairs to Lucien's room, Lucy watched Alistair rearrange the bed covers over Lucien. "How is he?"
"The same. Not much change, I'm afraid. I'm not sure if that's good or bad."
"Neither am I," Lucy admitted. "Dr. Willets will return in a day or so. Since Lucien is no worse, I’m hopeful he is not bleeding internally or developing any kind of infection."
After a brief silence, Lucy said, "I left Lord Chalifour downstairs in Mother's sitting room." Alistair looked at her with a quizzical expression. Ignoring the look, she continued, "Could you have Cedric serve tea to Lord Chalifour? If he inquires about Lucien's well-being, instruct Cedric he is not to disclose Lucien's true state of health, only that Lucien is not feeling well. Is that understood?"
Alistair glanced at her in an odd manner and answered, "Yes, m'am. I will see to Cedric now."
"Thank you, Alistair. And please send M
illie to my room." She followed Alistair from Lucien's room and continued down the hallway. Thinking furiously, Lucy reviewed her options. She couldn't let Lord Chalifour discover the severity of Lucien's injuries, otherwise he wouldn't invest in the business which meant, in turn, she wouldn't gain access to the funds she needed by the end of the week to pay Lord Perdan. Which meant they would be ruined.
Lucy stood at her washbowl and splashed water on her face before sitting at her dressing table. She unpinned her tangled hair, her dark auburn curls falling in a cascade past her shoulders. Grabbing her silver hairbrush Lucy brushed her mass of hair.
Millie entered her room. Looking up, Lucy said, "Quick, Millie. I need you make me look presentable." Millie worked quietly and efficiently, brushing and pinning. Satisfied, she backed away so Lucy could study her reflection in the mirror.
"Once again, Millie, you have worked magic."
"Thank you, m'am."
Lucy descended the stairs and approached her mother's sitting room. She stood outside a moment and trepidation engulfed her. Taking a breath, Lucy determined her course of action. Lifting her chin and squaring her shoulders, she glided into the room.
The intense blue eyes swung to her and locked on her. Lucy’s mouth went dry. Chalifour’s eyes widened slightly and he might have noticed her hair had been styled, but she couldn't be sure. Lucy’s pulse quickened and something moved in the base of her stomach. Chalifour’s large frame looked ridiculous in the dainty chair.
"I feared you might never return," Chalifour said dryly.
Lucy gazed at Chalifour’s large form stuffed into a dainty chair with a floral pattern adorning the fabric. Her lips twitched and Lucy stifled an impulse to smile. Unable to control herself after a moment, a laugh burbled up and escaped her throat.
"Perhaps you will share the source of your amusement?"
Lucy choked back her laughter and took a deep breath. "I beg your indulgence, it's just," she started laughing again. "It's just, you look so out of place in here!"
The ghost of a smile touched Chalifour’s lips momentarily. "I'm so pleased to have been able to amuse you."
It occurred to Lucy belatedly she might have insulted Chalifour. She quickly said, "I meant no offense. In retrospect, I'm sure I should have taken you to the large salon instead. I should have foreseen you would be uncomfortable in here. Perhaps we should adjourn to the large salon?"
"No, you've gone to the trouble of providing refreshments here. I wouldn't wish to inconvenience you." His blue eyes mocked her. Somehow Chalifour knew she intentionally placed him in this room to make him uncomfortable!
"Oh, but it would be my pleasure. I do so hate the thought of a guest being uncomfortable," Lucy said, eyeing Chalifour with feigned innocence.
"I believe we should just conclude the business at hand rather than moving about."
"Of course, how silly of me. I am to inform you that Lucien has nothing to add to your proposal." Well that much was true. Lucien certainly didn't have any changes to make to the proposal since he wasn't even conscious at the moment.
Chalifour's eyes narrowed and he eyed Lucy speculatively. "You are quite sure there are no changes that your brother wished to make."
"No, he did not speak of any changes to me." Well, that was true too.
"Very well. I am returning to Town today and will have the contact drawn up. I've been spending far too much time as of late traveling between my estate in Chalifour and my house in Town trying to conclude a number of business dealings. Now that Season is getting under way, there are matters I need to attend to in the House of Lords. I'll return here in about two day's time on my return trip to Chalifour Manor so the contact can be signed. Perhaps your brother will be well enough to speak with me then."
"Perhaps he will, My Lord."
Chalifour’s eyes flicked to the musical instruments in the room. "Do you play the pianoforte or harp?"
"No, I'm afraid not. They belonged to my mother. She loved to play."
"That's a fine harp. A double action pedal harp made by Georges Cousineau, I believe."
Lucy stared at Chalifour in surprise. "That's right. How did you know?"
"I have a sister. She plays the harp so I know a lot about them, more than I care to, actually."
"Does she play well?"
"No, not really."
"Oh, I see."
"I think my sister mostly plays because she is expected to, not because she enjoys it. You said your mother loved to play. Did she play well?"
"Yes, she did. It was beautiful to hear, like an angel would play."
"I wish I could say the same of my sister."
Lucy laughed. "It can’t be that bad!"
"Want to bet! Well then, I'll take my leave. I will expect to see you, and Mr. Goodwin, in two day’s time. Thank you for the pleasure of your company and your excellent hospitality."
They stood and Chalifour followed Lucy to the door. Chalifour's presence behind her was distracting. Lucy was certain he was scrutinizing her. What was his impression of her now that she looked presentable for the first time since making his acquaintance?
Pausing at the front door, Chalifour bent his head close and looked down at Lucy, his face a foot away. Her breath caught in her throat. That pesky stray lock of dark curly hair had fallen across his forehead again. Lucy almost reached up to brush the hair back into place, but quelled the urge. Chalifour stared at her and said nothing for a moment, pinning her with those blue eyes. Did he know what she was thinking? Her breathing accelerated and her heart beat faster. They stared at one another a moment before Chalifour broke the contact.
"Good day, Miss Goodwin." Chalifour turned and walked out the front door.
****
Climbing into his coach, Chalifour settled in for the ride into Town. He had made the trip between Town and Chalifour Manor all too frequently of late. He began to mull over the exchange which had just taken place at the Goodwin residence. He was missing something. He was sure of that. But what? His curiosity was now piqued.
Chalifour recounted the events in his mind. After they entered the house, Lucy had placed him in her mother's parlor. The room was obviously not used, yet Lucy chose to host him there. The little chit wanted to make him uncomfortable by design. The question was why.
Lucy had left him to speak with Lucien. When she rejoined him in the salon, Lucy had restyled her hair during the time she was supposed to be consulting with her brother. That meant Lucy and her brother couldn't have spoken long. Though curious, that in and of itself did not amount to much. However, Chalifour had never done business with someone who didn't at least attempt to change some of the terms of an agreement to his own betterment.
Lucy had reported her brother requested no changes. That was highly unusual. Though if Lucien was as out of sorts as Lucy implied, perhaps he simply didn't have the strength or the clarity of mind at the moment. If that was the case, while Chalifour thought of himself as shrewd in his business dealings, he certainly was not so dishonorable as to take advantage of someone in a weakened physical and mental state. He needed to think this through.
Having nothing else to occupy him on the ride into Town, Chalifour leaned back in his seat and stretched his long, muscular legs. Chalifour crossed his hands behind his head and let his thoughts wander back to Lucy. She was as beautiful as he remembered. When he had spied her in the stables with her back turned to him, humming and combing that magnificent stallion, he had been mesmerized by the thick, curly mane of auburn hair shot through with copper colored streaks. What would it feel like to bury his face in those lustrous locks?
When Lucy turned to face him, he had been unable to take his eyes off of her. Chalifour found himself lost in the emerald pools of her eyes, unclouded by grief this time. The sensuality of her mouth made him think of nothing but sin. Perhaps there might be a diversion for him with Lucy in the future. He certainly hoped so.
Despite the lingering misgivings of his visit, Chalifour was sure he was going t
o proceed with this business transaction. The contract would be fair and beneficial to both of them. Chalifour would have his lawyer draw up the agreement. He could bring the contract to Lucien Goodwin for his signature when he returned to his estate in the next few days. Chalifour couldn't help being disappointed. After all this time, he would have liked to finally meet Lucien. Maybe he would have an opportunity on the return trip.
Before initiating discussions with Lucien for a potential business partnership, Chalifour had investigated the family. His investigation has confirmed the Goodwin reputation for forthrightness and integrity. The father had been well respected and known for his brilliance in breeding winning thoroughbreds.
Lucien, living in the shadow of his father, was not as well known as a breeder. He was, however, known as one of the most renowned jockeys in the field. After his father's death, Lucien Goodwin, as the heir, had taken the reigns of the family business, literally and figuratively. Chalifour hoped Lucien's leg was not broken. Lucien's fame as a jockey was an important asset to the new partnership. His many winnings in various races had brought much acclaim and demand for the Goodwin horses, which would soon be affiliated with his own.
The Goodwins possessed horses descended from the great bloodlines of Herod, sired by The Byerley Turk, and the undefeated Flying Childers, "Mile a Minute Childers," sired by The Darley Arabian. He himself possessed several "royal mares" descended from Matchem, from the Godolphin Arabian's line. All of his own mares were listed in the General Stud Book. Their combined cattle represented all three of the great thoroughbred bloodlines.
Chalifour and Lucien were going to bring all three of these bloodlines together. This business partnership would be a coup for both him and for Lucien Goodwin. Chalifour had always loved horses and thoroughbred racing. Now he could combine his passion and his business. His excitement at the prospect made him restless. Chalifour intended to breed a line of the finest thoroughbreds available.