by Mariel Grey
It was imperative she speak with Lucien. His health had greatly improved and it was time to bare her soul and beg his forgiveness. Chalifour had told her that his horses would be transported to their stables soon. Her stomach turned. She could not have those horses arriving without having spoken with Lucien first.
Monique had already informed her Chalifour would be attending this evening. Though Chalifour was considered highly eligible, he had not attended the last dinner party Lucy had been forced to endure. He had been at Chalifour Manor making ready for her arrival. Lucy's cheeks grew warm at the memory of her visit there.
If Lucy was honest with herself, Chalifour would be a good match for Monique. A twinge of jealousy stabbed her heart at the thought. Lucy tried unsuccessfully to brush her feelings aside. She had no right to feel this way.
Lucy was not of Chalifour’s station and not a suitable candidate for him. Even if she was, Chalifour would reject her if he knew of the allegations against Lucien and what she had done. If Chalifour knew of her forgery, it would only reinforce in his mind the possibility those accusations against her brother might be true. Not to mention Chalifour might even have her imprisoned.
And yet, Lucy had already spent two hours primping and still wasn't satisfied. Lucy had to ask herself why she was so concerned with her appearance. It had never been foremost in her mind before. Why now? Because Chalifour would be here? To even admit the real reason to herself was more than she cared to contemplate.
Lucy’s heart raced every time Chalifour looked at her, never mind when he touched her. She really should try and keep her distance from him rather than dwell on him. Yet in her most secret heart, Lucy wanted to be near him, smell his scent. Jumping up, Lucy paced her room. This could not end well for her.
Mentally thanking Lady Elizabeth for giving her the gowns, Lucy walked to the armoire and perused her selection. Her fingers caressed the silk fabric of the same green gown she had worn the other evening. It hadn’t served to charm Monique’s brother when she asked for the loan, Lucy thought ruefully. Still, it was definitely the most flattering one she had. Again, Lucy had to ask herself why was she so preoccupied with her appearance?
The maid had already fussed with her hair, pinning it into a fashionable, upswept style. Lucy leaned close to the mirror, examining her reflection critically. She yanked the hairpins from her hair and grabbed her brush. Brushing her hair in quick brisk strokes, Lucy finished and leaned back to stare at her reflection again. She really needed Millie right now. She signed and busied herself pinning her annoyingly, thick locks.
An hour later, pasting a smile on her face, Lucy coasted into the drawing room, head held high. Thanks to Glenhurst's matchmaking efforts, she and Monique were essentially on display like so wares in the marketplace. In reality, it was humiliating. Lucy and Monique might as well have been on the auction block at Tattersalls.
Lucy’s skin prickled from the predatory interest in the eyes which followed her as she crossed the room. She spotted Monique laughing and conversing with Lord Duttenshire in the far left corner. Turning in their direction, Lucy made to walk over to Monique when she realized Lord Carlton was also strolling in Monique's direction.
Lucy gritted her teeth. Monique was now officially on the prowl. Though Monique wouldn’t mind her joining the conversation, Lucy didn’t want to create a distraction or interrupt any courtship overtures of the men buzzing around Monique. Lucy swiveled to see who else might be safe harbor for her. She surveyed the room and saw him.
Arms folded across his broad chest, Chalifour leaned casually against the mantelpiece over the fireplace, his blue eye regarding her steadily. Lucy was certain her heart stopped because a moment passed before she could breathe again.
God help her! Chalifour was here already. Warring with herself, Lucy had half-hoped he would attend, half-hoped he would not. Determined not to let Chalifour see his effect on her, Lucy turned on her heel and walked toward the blue scrolled couch on the opposite side of the room. Not having been introduced to many of the men, it would be inappropriate for Lucy to approach them directly.
Lucy sat on the couch and plucked nervously at the folds of her skirt. She sensed, rather than saw, Chalifour move behind her. He had stalked her from across the room. Chalifour’s scent enveloped her and his breath grazed the back of her neck when he leaned close. A shiver rippled through her and the hairs along the nape of her neck stood at attention.
Chalifour whispered into her ear from behind."As always, your loveliness is enchanting. Elizabeth’s dress suits you."
Lucy refused to turn and look at him. "You are very charming, Lord Chalifour. Have we been properly introduced?" Lucy asked primly, continuing to stare straight ahead. Damn that silky voice of his.
"I’d say we’ve been very properly introduced. Wouldn’t you?"
Lucy said nothing.
"You still haven’t told me why you wanted to race in the Oaks."
"Nor will I."
"Sooner or later you need to trust someone."
When she didn’t respond, Lucy felt Chalifour’s presence move away and her breath came easier. Surreptitiously, Lucy watched his powerful frame move through the room with a feline grace to stand among a group of men in the corner. Lucy needed to make Glenhurst happy so it was time to circulate. Reluctantly, she stood and moved to mingle with the visitors.
Lucy smiled prettily and made polite conversation with some of the guests she knew. Lord Glenhurst and Monique introduced her to several young men. Her smile remained frozen on her face when their eyes wandered slowly up and down her form. Chalifour’s gaze seemed to follow as she traversed the room. It was obviously her imagination, but his eyes appeared to burn when she chatted with other men. Though at times, Lucy had an impression of restrained violence emanating from Chalifour.
Dinner was announced. Suddenly as if by its own volition, her arm was smoothly and firmly tucked into the crook of Chalifour’s powerful arm. "Allow me," Chalifour said.
The purr of his voice made Lucy's toes curl. Chalifour guided her into the dining room where Glenhurst and Monique, as host and hostess, were being seated. Choosing a chair toward the far end of the table, Chalifour withdrew it and gently settled her. So much for escaping him. Why did he have to be so handsome? And why did he have to be so close to her? He made it hard to concentrate. Lucy desperately needed the one thing she didn’t have, a clear head.
The conversation droned on about the table, like so many little bees in Lucy's head. She was occasionally peppered with questions from those seated near her. What was it like growing up in a family that raised thoroughbreds? Had Lucy been formally schooled? Did her brother plan to continue racing as a jockey?
Lucy tried to remain attentive to those around her, but all she could focus on was Chalifour sitting next to her, warming her blood. The hardness of his thigh pressed against her leg and warmth suffused her body, fogging her head further. Think. Think.
Lucy stole a glance at him. Chalifour’s lips were half curved into a sensuous smile, his deep blue eyes fastened squarely on her. Lucy looked away quickly, not willing to be pulled into those depths.
All Lucy had to do was survive dinner and the evening without making a faux pas. Once she satisfied Glenhurst, she would be free to return home tomorrow to square things with her brother. When would this wretched affair be over?
Lost in her thoughts, it dawned on Lucy an absolute silence had descended upon the room. All the little bees had stopped droning. Blinking, Lucy looked around with growing horror as she realized everyone at the table was scrutinizing her. "I’m sorry? What did you ask?"
"I said, Miss Goodwin," Lord Carlton repeated slowly and distinctly, as if to a child, "whatever possessed you to create that scandal at the Oaks the other day? I would really like to know the answer to that question."
Chapter Twenty Seven
Lucy caught a glimpse of Glenhurst before dropping her eyes. His face had darkened to a most unflattering shade of purple, a deep furrow ap
peared in his brow and his mouth was puckered in a frown. He was apoplectic. Nausea crept up Lucy’s throat. What could she possibly say? She had probably caused irreparable harm to both her and Lucien’s reputation. The ton was not very forgiving of scandal.
She stammered, "I, I’m ... "
"It’s all my fault, really." The smooth, assured voice came from beside her. Lucy turned quickly to look at Chalifour.
"Miss Goodwin and I had made a wager stemming from the fact she and her brother looked so much alike."
"Do tell," Glenhurst said with an edge to his voice.
"It began when she was explaining to me how people used to confuse her and her brother when they were young. I believe she was complaining about looking too much like a boy," Chalifour said.
A boy indeed! Lucy noted the wicked smile on Chalifour’s face and suspected he was having a little sport with her. She could hardly complain, however, since he was busy saving her dignity and Glenhurst would have learned of her fiasco sooner or later. Though she would rather it have been later.
"Miss Goodwin informed me she could still pass for her brother if she so desired. I, naturally, did not believe her so we made a wager on whether she could still pass for Mr. Goodwin. It seemed the race would be the best place to test the theory since so many people would be in attendance. I must say the resemblance was uncanny."
"Why the devil did you not admit to this the other day when I specifically asked you about this?" Glenhurst demanded, staring at Lucy.
"I’m afraid that’s also my fault," Chalifour said. "You see, I goaded Miss Goodwin into the whole thing. She was determined to ensure she continued the deception long enough to win the bet. When I realized belatedly I had indirectly put her in harm’s way, I assured her she had indeed won the wager and assisted her from her mount. Having done so, I was a little embarrassed I had precipitated putting her into a situation that could cause her harm. I asked that she not speak of it to anyone."
"I see," Glenhurst said stiffly.
"It is entirely my fault. She was only honoring my request."
"Very well. I see Miss Goodwin meant no real harm."
Lucy began breathing again. She tried to show Chalifour the gratitude she felt in the smile she gave him.
"And what was this wager?" Glenhurst asked.
"Miss Goodwin wanted her choice of one of the foals from the new business venture I have undertaken with her brother," Chalifour answered.
"Business venture?" Glenhurst's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"Yes, her brother and I intend to breed some of the finest racing thoroughbreds in the country."
"And how do you plan to do that? It would be hard to beat Lord Derby, and Lord Darlington, or the Dukes of Grafton for that matter."
"We’ll be breeding my mares to the Goodwin stallions, exclusively," Chalifour said archly. "I'm sure you'll remember, my mares are of the Godolphian Arabian bloodline. The Goodwin stallions are from the Byerley Turk and the Darley Arabian bloodlines."
"Good grief! You’re right, you’ll have a chance to breed some incredible thoroughbreds! Exclusively, eh?" Glenhurst stroked his chin with his hand and looked at both Lucy and Chalifour thoughtfully. "Well played, Chalifour. Well played. I can see now why you wouldn't want Lucy speaking of this. Her brother, being your new partner, wouldn't be happy at all."
"No, I daresay he wouldn't."
Lucy’s heart twinged. Of course Chalifour was only looking after her because of his interest in her brother, not because of anything he felt about her. Bitter disappointment welled up from her depths.
"He won't hear about it from me. Or any of my guests." Glenhurst looked sternly at the faces scattered about the enormous table.
The drama was over and conversation began buzzing again in small groups around the table. Furtive and questioning glances were leveled at Lucy by several guests. Not everyone believed the tale, of course, but who would dare insult Chalifour by challenging his version of the event.
"Lord Glenhurst, I don’t mean to be rude and must apologize, but I am not feeling entirely well and would like to take some air," Lucy said.
The deep, smooth voice at her side said, "I will escort you to the terrace, Miss Goodwin. After all, I would hate for you to be alone and feel faint."
"There is no need to trouble yourself, Lord Chalifour. I’m quite certain the evening air will revive me."
"I’m afraid I must insist," Chalifour said. The tone in his voice brooked no argument.
"I’m afraid I must insist as well," said Glenhurst. "I can’t have something happen to my sister’s bosom friend while she is in my care. Or anytime for that matter. My sister would never forgive me."
Monique chimed in, "That's so true. You'd best accompany her, Lord Chalifour."
Lucy swore mentally. Damn it Monique! Since it was pointless to argue, Lucy gave a slight bow and rose from the table. Taking her arm, Chalifour tucked it into the crook of his own and propelled her from the dining room, through the drawing room and onto the terrace.
****
Chalifour steered Lucy across the terrace toward the ornate wrought iron railing overlooking the garden. It was time to force the truth. He released Lucy's hand from the crook of his elbow. Chalifour placed his hands on Lucy's shoulders and turned her body so she was looking squarely at him. Chalifour bent his head close to Lucy's and looked into her eyes. "We have some things to discuss."
Lucy disengaged herself and backed away. "That was nearly a disaster. You saved me from utter disgrace. I suppose I should thank you for coming to my aid during dinner."
"You're welcome." Chalifour bowed.
"I am in your debt."
"I'm glad to hear it. Now maybe you will explain why you even considered racing in the Oaks. I think I deserve an explanation, especially in light of my extricating you from that delicate situation during dinner."
Lucy's brows drew together and she frowned. "Let's consider the fact I wouldn't have been in that, as you put it, delicate situation, had you not interfered at the race course! No one would have been the wiser! I might have even won!"
"In removing you from the race, I took you out of a far more delicate scenario than that dinner, one which might have injured you or even taken your life."
"What makes you think that? I'm an excellent rider. Certainly as good as some of the men!" Lucy's voice rose in indignation.
"Yes, you are. But you would have been out of your depth riding astride. Had you ever ridden astride before that day?"
Lucy's lips thinned in anger. "No, but I'm sure I would have been fine," she said stubbornly
"That's doubtful. But since neither of us can prove our point, there's no sense in debating the issue. There are other things we need to talk about."
Lucy frowned. "Such as?"
"You've been lying."
"I'm not sure I understand you."
"I'm quite sure you do."
Lucy said nothing, but her beautiful mouth began worrying itself. Chalifour breathed in her intoxicating smell, like wild flowers on a spring day in a warm field. He wanted to grab Lucy and shake the truth out of her, make her trust him. Then Chalifour wanted to possess those lips and run to the nearest bed with her. The strains of laughter from inside broke Chalifour's train of thought.
With an effort, Chalifour forced his carnal thoughts back where they belonged and focused his attention on the matter at hand. "Lucy, your brother didn't sign that contract."
"But of course he did." Lucy's eyes shifted away from him.
Chalifour reached out and gently cupped Lucy's chin in his hand. He waited until Lucy returned her gaze to him. "No. He did not."
"Why would you think such a thing?" Lucy's hands began to fidget.
"I went to see Lucien this morning." The color drained from Lucy's face. Chalifour's fingertips registered the tremors coursing through Lucy's body.
"You went to see Lucien?" Lucy's voice was barely audible. She pulled her chin from his grasp.
"Yes."
"What did he say?"
"We'll get to that. But first you need to tell me. Why did you do it?"
"Do what?"
Chalifour sighed. They were getting nowhere. "We all know now. You signed that contract. You forged it, Lucy. I could press charges against you. So could your brother. The question remains. Why did you do it?"
Lucy sighed. "He was injured. I didn't know when he would be well enough to tend to his affairs. I was only trying to tend to protect Lucien and look after his business until he could do it himself."
"You could have told me. I could have waited."
"But I couldn't." Lucy's eyes dropped from his again.
Lucy's tremors became more violent and visible to his eye."Why couldn't you wait?"
Lucy's vivid green eyes began to well and Chalifour thought she might break. Instead, Lucy took a deep breath seemed to gain control of herself.
Chalifour asked her again. "Why couldn't you wait?"
"I, I can't talk about it."
"You can't, or you won't."
Lucy remained silent.
"What is Perdan's involvement in this?"
Lucy's sudden intake of breath was sharp. "Why would you think he has anything to do with this?"
"You haven't answered the question."
"Lord Perdan doesn't have anything to do with this."
"Why are you protecting him?" An awful, agonizing thought rose up in Chalifour. Bile crept up the back of his throat. "Are you romantically involved with him?" A red haze clouded his vision at the prospect of Perdan touching Lucy. To Chalifour's great relief, a look of utter horror crossed Lucy's face.
"No," Lucy spat. "How could you think I would ever be involved with someone like him?" This time Lucy's shudder appeared to be born of revulsion.