by Mariel Grey
"I don't see that you have much choice but to take that risk."
"Neither do I. The problem remains in how to access our funds since I have no legal authority to do so."
"You've decided to proceed with forging the contract, is that correct?"
"Yes, if I don't, it will make Lord Chalifour suspicious, not to mention it's something Lucien already set in motion. Why do you ask?"
"I truly hesitate to bring this up. But if you're forging one document, then one more probably shouldn't make much of a difference as far as the threat of prison is concerned."
"I'm not sure I understand you."
"I'm sure Lucien probably has some cheque paper here, doesn't he?"
"Yes, I hadn't thought of it. I believe he has cheque paper in his desk. Of course! I just haven't been thinking very clearly. I’m so glad you’re here. I'm not sure what I would do without you right now."
"Don't thank me for suggesting something that could place you in greater jeopardy. Before you do this, I want to make sure you are clear about the possible ramifications. Forgery is a crime that could put you into prison if it were discovered. You understand that?"
"Unfortunately, I'm very aware of the potential consequences. The potential consequences are terrifying. However, if I don't do this, all may be lost. This sounds dreadful, but other than you, should Lucien pass, who would know he didn't actually sign anything? Since I know he's going to live, he will just have to find it in his heart to forgive me when he is well. Besides, it appears he wanted this arrangement with the Marquis."
"That may or may not be true."
Lucy stared at her. "At this point, I will just have to trust that this is what he wants. I wish I could have had access to the details of this transaction before the contract was drawn up. I would have asked for some money concession for forgoing the spring stud fees. Not knowing what this was about, however, and supposedly consulting with Lucien, who naturally would have known everything, questions on my part would have seemed suspicious."
"Do you think you can you copy Lucien's handwriting very convincingly?"
"I'm not sure. I've never tried."
"Then you'd best practice before you sign the contract. Lord Chalifour has been corresponding with your brother and will know his signature. Your signature must pass for Lucien's. Remember, Lord Chalifour is focused on ridding thoroughbred racing of dishonest tactics and cheating. I daresay that would extend to things of this nature as well. Though Lucien may have wanted this to occur, he is not the one who will be signing this document. I'm not sure Lord Chalifour would forgive you for committing forgery. It has that odor of corruption to it."
"You're right, of course. Let me practice signing Lucien's name and see how it appears to you."
Lucy went to Lucien's desk and removed various documents which bore his signature. She stared at Lucien’s signature, trying to memorize his style, the flourishes that made it uniquely his. She took out a quire of folded foolscap.
Lucy was cognizant of the high cost of paper and wanted to waste as little of it as possible. Taking quill in hand, Lucy laboriously formed each letter on the linen paper. Over and over she wrote out Lucien Goodwin until she was satisfied with her effort. Lucy looked over at Monique resting on the Egyptian inspired settee, legs curled under her, eyes riveted to a book. "What do you think?"
Monique stood and stretched like a sleek feline and glided to her side. She compared Lucy’s handwriting to that of Lucien. She pointed at Lucy’s forged signature. "That looks very good. I think you need to work on the G, though. It doesn't look quite right yet."
****
Rolling over for the umpteenth time, Lucy, rubbed the sleep from her tired, scratchy eyes. She had tossed and turned all night thinking about what she needed to do today. Rising, Lucy dressed in her morning dress and padded downstairs.
Cook took one look at Lucy and frowned. Lucy sat at the table and stared down, lost in thought. Without a word, Cook put a pot of tea and plate of toast with butter in front of her. Startled, Lucy looked up at her and smiled.
Nibbling at her toast, Lucy considered her plan. Monique needed to return to Town tomorrow so they should pack today. Lucy also needed to check on the horses. While she knew the stable personnel were fully capable of taking care of the horses, she would feel better if she could see them and talk to them.
Monique had not appeared by the time Lucy finished morning repast so she returned to her bedchamber to dress with Millie's assistance. Lucy was so tired of drab mourning colors. She was certainly entitled at this point to dispense with her mourning wardrobe. No more mourning colors from here on.
Lucy chose her pale blue riding habit with its jaunty matching hat and Millie helped her dress. Just wearing her first bright color in nearly a year lifted her spirits. Leaving her room she went to check on Lucien.
Alistair beamed at Lucy when she entered Lucien's bedchamber. "He woke for a few minutes very early this morning. He asked where he was. I told him he was home and was able to shovel some cold porridge down his throat before he drifted back to sleep." He laughed. "I don't think he much cared for the cold porridge!"
Relief surged through Lucy and she slumped against the door frame."That's the best news we've had in these last five days. It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly a week. I know Lucien's been waking for a few minutes here and there, but this. This is wonderful!"
"Yes, I think he'll be on the mend now, but it's going to be a slow recovery I suspect."
"At least it looks as if he will recover. I don't want to, but I need to go into Town with Monique tomorrow. I'll likely stay tomorrow night and probably Monday night as well."
"There's nothing you can do for Mr. Goodwin here that I can't. As a matter of fact, there are things I can do for him that you shouldn't be doing anyway, like his sponge baths. So don't worry about Mr. Goodwin. I'll take good care of him."
"I know you will. I didn't mean to imply otherwise. You are, of course, right. I've just been so worried about him."
"I understand that. It's only natural you would be. There's no reason for it, though, at least as far as his care goes."
Lucy looked at Alistair and moisture filled her eyes. She gave him a smile of gratitude. "I hope to be back on Tuesday. Dr. Willets should be here Monday or Tuesday. If I'm not here, make sure he knows Lucien has finally spoken and eaten."
A spring in her step, Lucy left her brother's room and stopped in the kitchen to pilfer a few apples before she headed to the stables. Walking into the stables, she inhaled the rich aromas of oat hay and timothy and the musky scent of the horses. Lucy walked directly to Zeus's stall.
"Hi, Zeus, Lucien’s getting better! What do you think of that?" Lucy scratched the horse’s ear. "I've missed you. Have you been a good boy? Will you forgive me for neglecting you?"
Reaching into the pocket of her riding skirt, Lucy retrieved an apple and offered it to Zeus. His soft lips quivered over her hand and accepted her offering. After Zeus finished crunching his apple, she rubbed his neck affectionately. Hearing Thor's impatient whinny, she moved to his stall.
"Good morning, Thor. Did you think I forgot you?" Lucy held out an apple for Thor. Unlike Zeus, he gobbled it greedily from her hand. She laughed and rubbed his ears.
Lucy next moved to Heather Mist's stall and offered her an apple. Heather Mist nibbled the apple delicately from her palm. These horses were so alike, and yet so very different. Their differences never ceased to amuse her.
Every time Lucy thought of what she must do, her hands trembled. Forgery was a serious offense. She couldn't even be sure that this was what Lucien wanted, but she couldn't imagine Lord Chalifour had shown up for no reason and lied. Chalifour had no inkling what had happened to Lucien and had merely arrived for a prearranged meeting. Even if this wasn’t Lucien's wish, it was the only recourse she had to salvage their reputation. Her stomach plunged when she thought of the alternative.
To quiet her nerves, Lucy decided to take both Zeus and Thor
out for a short ride. Since Thor was the most difficult to manage, she rode him first. Lucy allowed Thor to gallop freely across the countryside, hoping that by allowing him to burn off some of his excess energy, it would help her cope with her own anxiety. After a brief period, Lucy reined Thor in to walk for a spell and cool down.
After returning Thor to the stables, Lucy took Zeus out for a run. Feeling satisfied both horses had been thoroughly exercised, she meandered up the path to the house. Lucy wished she had time to ride Heather Mist, but she would make it up to her horse when she returned. Lucy instructed the groom to make sure Heather Mist had a good romp sometime that day.
Lucy’s unease grew rather than diminished and she dawdled along the path, her stomach becoming queasy. Reaching the kitchen, Cook informed her Monique was taking breakfast in the dining room. Monique's cheeks were full when Lucy walked into the dining room.
"You look like a chipmunk!"
Monique swallowed hard and said, "You look like something the cat drug up! You must have gone riding. Pity you didn't wait, I'd love to go."
"All right, then. Why don't we pack for the trip into Town. Then we'll plan to ride together in the afternoon." Anything to take my mind off signing the documents and Perdan.
"Alistair told me about Lucien waking. That's wonderful! Maybe he'll be better soon and can begin to take control of things again."
"I would like to believe that is true, but, realistically, I think it will be some time before he is hale and hearty again. I also don't want him to worry about anything until he fully recovers. It could be detrimental to him until he is stronger."
After a moment of thoughtful silence, Monique said, "Let's talk about what you need to do when we get to Town. You know you need to try and keep from alienating Lord Perdan if you can. The old adage about catching more flies with honey rather than vinegar and all that. From what you told me, you had him thoroughly confused after I left the room the other day. It worked to your advantage Lord Chalifour arrived when he did. However, you can't count on such a distraction this time when you see him."
"I've thought about that. You're right, it was fortuitous that Lord Chalifour arrived in time to thwart Lord Perdan, though I was in a panic at the time for fear Lord Perdan would make a comment about Lucien's real state of health."
"I think it would be best if you could flirt with Perdan a little and keep him guessing. Since he has a hold over your brother, better to keep him off-balance if you can rather than antagonize him. Remember, honey for flies. I think he counts as a fly."
Lucy couldn't help but laugh. Then her stomach protested and she swallowed hard. "Being nice to him may be easier said than done, though I understand your meaning. Should I let him think I am actually considering his preposterous proposal? I fear it could lead him to trying to take liberties."
"I agree it could be risky. I think you will have to judge how you handle things as they occur. Your only goal right now is to appease him."
They both went to their rooms to ready themselves for a ride. Lucy was thankful for Monique's presence. Monique was her only real friend, and the only woman she could confide in. When she finished choosing the wardrobe she would take, Lucy asked Millie to pack it for her and went downstairs. Lucy sat at Lucien's desk and stared at it. She couldn't put this off any longer.
She smoothed the pages of the contract and dipped the nib of the quill into the ink. Holding her breath, she committed herself. Hands shaking, Lucy signed the document in Lucien's name.
Lucy then took out one of the printed cheque papers drawn on their, or more accurately, Lucien's account at the Bank of England. With trembling fingers she wrote out The Right Honble. Perdan into the payee portion of the cheque. Pondering the amount, she pulled Lucien's ledgers from the shelf and reviewed them again. The previous payments had ranged between five hundred and one thousand pounds.
Taking a deep breath, she made the cheque payable in the amount of one thousand pounds. Leaning back in the chair, Lucy stared up at the ceiling. Monique would soon join her for their afternoon ride. At least they wouldn’t be disgraced for not paying a debt. Though Lucy might face prison if anyone discovered the forgery. She honestly wasn’t sure which threat was worse.
Chapter Ten
Chalifour greeted his sister, Lady Elizabeth, in the dining room. He plopped into a chair at the dining room table. Eyeing his sister, he watched her slather marmalade on a thick slice of toast before she lifted it daintily to her lips and devoured it in a most unladylike fashion.
"You're up rather late this morning," Elizabeth said. "I rarely see you here when I'm having breakfast."
Chalifour yawned. "I didn't sleep well. I've been a bit preoccupied."
"I'll say. You've been downright cranky, an absolute dudgeon. What's wrong? I thought you were happy to have your way about the horse breeding."
"I am," he snapped.
"Well, you certainly don't sound like it," she snapped back.
Ignoring her, Chalifour reached for several slices of crisp bacon and two pieces of toast. A servant swooped in and poured him a hot cup of coffee. He sipped his coffee and leaned back in the chair. "Ah, that's good. This is a lifesaver."
Chalifour sighed and rubbed his faced with his hands. "I'm sorry to be short with you. I just have a few things I need to work out. Oh, by the by, I've also invited Miss Goodwin here on Thursday to look at some of our fillies and mares."
"Miss Goodwin? I presume she will be arriving with her brother?"
"No. Her brother was in a coach accident and has been indisposed. She will be delivering the signed contract to me in her brother's stead."
"She agreed to this? You can't be serious! It's highly improper for her to arrive here at the residence of an unmarried man with no chaperone. Do you want to ruin the girl?"
"She didn't exactly agree. In truth, I didn't give her a choice. I told her you were here and could serve as a chaperone. Besides, I have been playing the role of delivery boy much more than I care to do."
"You may not care for the role, but she cannot help that her brother is incapacitated, and your bringing her here could be trouble for her."
"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.