by Mariel Grey
"Then what is his hold over you?"
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"You were obviously involved in a heated discussion with Perdan when I visited your home that one day. I couldn't help but wonder if I had interrupted a lover's quarrel. You also went to see him in Town." Chalifour took some perverse measure of satisfaction in the momentary flush of anger that suffused Lucy's face.
"There is nothing between him and me."
"I can't help you if you don't tell me what this is about."
"My brother was injured and I signed the contract in his stead while he was incapacitated. That's it. There's nothing else to tell."
Chalifour stared at Lucy's resolute face. He stepped in close to her and ran his finger along the firm set of Lucy's jaw.
"You still haven't told me what you and Lucien discussed," Lucy said.
"And you have yet to tell me the truth. And I want to hear it from those lovely lips of yours."
Lucy stepped back and eyed him warily.
"No more games, Lucy. You've committed a crime and haven't even told me why."
"Do you plan on pressing charges, Lord Chalifour."
Chalifour gritted his teeth. "I believe we are long past titles, at least when we are in private. And the answer is no, I don't plan on pressing charges. Though you might ask your brother the same question."
Lucy gasped. "He wouldn't." Her face shattered with despair. "Lucien probably hates me," she whispered.
Ashamed, Chalifour quickly said, "I'm certain he doesn't hate you, though you owe him some explanations." He turned from her and paced the terrace. Why wouldn't Lucy tell him about Perdan's blackmailing her family? Why wouldn't Lucy admit the reason she forged the contract was an effort pay Perdan money? He sighed. It was not yet the time to confront her directly.
Chalifour stopped pacing and turned to study Lucy. It had been a surprising revelation when he admitted to himself he wanted Lucy, all of her, not just her body. Earning Lucy's trust was going to require time. Chalifour would have to curb his natural impatience or risk frightening her away. Lucy must have the opportunity to learn to trust him. Chalifour wouldn't push the issue, not yet, but he would give Lucy a bone to chew on, something that would make him appear to be more of an ally.
"Are you sure you're not involved with Perdan?"
Lucy's face looked apoplectic. "Yes, I'm sure! How many times do I need to say it?"
"Good, I'm truly glad to hear it."
Lucy crossed her arms and shot him an exasperated look. "And why is that? What concern is it of yours?"
"Because he's a liar and a cheat. It wouldn't do to be associating with him."
Chapter Twenty Eight
Those simple words were a physical assault on Lucy, forcing her take a step backward. The words reverberated in her ears, drowning out everything else around her. Lucy was speechless. Perdan was a known cheat and a liar? Had she heard Chalifour correctly?
Her brother was being blackmailed for cheating by someone who truly was a cheat? The unfairness of it was beyond Lucy's imagining. Anger exploded from her bowls, an inferno of rage. Lucy's hands involuntarily clenched into fists at her sides. How could the world go so wrong?
And now Lucien knew about the forgery. Would he ever forgive her? Would he understand Lucy had only tried to protect him? Did he know about the money she had given Perdan and the diminished funds in his accounts? Did he think she had stolen the money from him? Lucy hadn't been able to get to Lucien to explain things because of this dreadful dinner she had been forced to endure, just to appease Monique's brother.
Lucy felt a momentary flash of anger at Monique's brother, but it quickly faded to guilt. It wasn't Lord Glenhurst's fault she had made such a disaster of things. Lucy should be grateful to him instead of being a shrew. Lord Glenhurst had her best interests at heart in including her with his sister. He was using his sponsorship to provide Lucy with an opportunity to socialize with men well above her station.
Lord Glenhurst was only trying to ensure she was well taken care of. All Lucy had done in return was offend him by asking him for money, lie to him about the race, and embarrass him in front of his friends. She even had the temerity to feel unjustly angry at him for trying to help her find a husband that normally would have been impossible for a woman of her station. Lucy was so ashamed.
Chalifour's gaze weighed on her. Lucy couldn't meet his gaze. For the first time in her life she wanted a man to think well of her. Even if Chalifour didn't care for her in the ways she might dream about, Lucy still wanted his approval. Lucy had ruined any chance of Chalifour having a favorable opinion of her. Chalifour probably didn't want to press charges because it might call attention to his involvement with a potential scandal involving cheating.
A trace of hope erupted in Lucy's breast. Since Chalifour knew she had forged the contract, he could force her brother to abandon it. Maybe that's why he wasn't pressing charges. The forgery would allow him to extricate himself from any association with her family. Just as quickly, the spark of hope extinguished itself. That couldn't be right. Chalifour had just announced the partnership at dinner, in front of everyone. A numbing chill crept through her. Chalifour was obviously still unaware of the blackmail and accusations of cheating.
Knowing about Perdan's reputation moved something inside Lucy. It was time to change tactics. Perdan was unscrupulous and Lucy was going to find a way to use that against him. How dare Perdan take advantage of her brother and place them in harm's way. This revelation gave Lucy a new perspective. She was going to stop Perdan.
Lucy was going to need help to do this. There was only one person she could turn to now, and that was Monique. Lucy would have to trust Monique to believe in her brother's innocence. Lucy had to tell Monique everything she should have told her from the beginning. She could add Monique to her growing list of personal sins and hope Monique would forgive her for withholding things. Lucy needed forgiveness from everyone she knew for one thing or another, or so it seemed.
Collecting herself from her thoughts, Lucy looked at Chalifour. "I'm sorry, but that's a rather serious charge. Could you explain what you mean?"
"He's never been caught, but I have it on good authority Perdan probably cheats at cards, and maybe other things. Sooner or later, he'll be found out."
Lucy smiled at Chalifour. "Would you escort me back inside now?"
Chalifour's eyebrows drew up into his forehead, but to his credit, he said nothing, just tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and escorted her back into the house. His nearness created a sense of security for Lucy. How wonderful it would be to feel free to lean against Chalifour and spill her soul to him. But she couldn't.
Lucy and Chalifour approached the dining room. The din of laughter reached her ears and the buzz of conversation grew louder. Judging by the sound of the voices, dinner was finished. The ladies had retired to the drawing room.
Lucy cast a look at Chalifour and he withdrew her hand from the crook of his arm. Chalifour pressed her fingers between his hands before letting her palm slip away. Lucy quivered at the sensation of her skin sliding across his. Stop that! Get hold of yourself!
****
If order for Lucy to devise a way to trap Perdan, she had to what she had thus far avoided. She would be forced to admit the truth to Monique. Lucy hastened through the wide double doors into the drawing room. Surprised faces swiveled toward her and conversation died on the lips of the faces scattered about the room. An awkward silence settled. Lucy had the distinct feeling the women had been discussing her.
False smiles appeared on faces and Monique broke in, "I'm so glad to see you’re feeling well again. I guess taking the air helped. Ladies," she looked around at her guests, "why don't you ask Miss Goodwin your questions directly?"
Lucy surveyed the expectant faces. The few women who had been invited were primarily older matrons. Glenhurst wanted to ensure there would be no competition from other young women for the attentions of the men he invit
ed. "By all means, ladies, if there are questions you have for me, please feel free to ask. I'll answer them as best I can."
"Miss Goodwin," Lady Borgen blushed, then in a hushed voice continued, "what was it like riding astride?"
Lucy started. Of all the questions she expected, this was not one of them. "It was awkward, really. I much prefer riding side saddle."
"But was it, you know, sinful feeling?" asked Lady Ellenton.
"I don't really know what you mean by sinful feeling, Lady Ellenton."
"You know, dear, she means like a man," Lady Borgen chimed in.
"Well, since I have yet to marry, I can't speak to that."
"I guess that's true, " Lady Ellenton said, disappointment in her voice.
The servant appeared to refill everyone's glasses and Lucy took a glass of sherry. When the talk turned to more general matters, Lucy caught Monique's eye. She slowly glided over to her side and said, "I need to speak with you privately at our earliest opportunity."
"All right. We'll both be tired when our guests leave, so how about we speak first thing in the morning. We'll go for a ride in Hyde Park. Besides, you're probably itching for a ride."
Lucy couldn't hide her smile, "You're right. I would love to ride. It might help clear the cobwebs."
"Good, that's settled then. Now put on your best face, the men will be rejoining us soon. I noticed Lord Erskin watching you at dinner."
"Yes, like he might study an interesting insect."
"Oh, nonsense," Monique said with exasperation. Frowning, she admonished her, "And rather than focusing all of your attentions on Chalifour, you need to circulate a bit more."
"I'll do my best."
The men began to filter into the room, their deep voices a welcome contrast to the high chirping voices of the women. Lucy knew when Chalifour entered the room even though she was not facing the door. The women all perked up and stood straighter.
Lucy sensed Chalifour's presence and his eyes on her. Her skin prickled and warmth crept into her cheeks. Blast! She looked around. Had anyone noticed? If they did, Lucy hoped they would attribute it to the sherry she was drinking.
Lucy was relieved Chalifour did not approach her again. He knew she was sensitive to potential scandal, and rightly so, particularly in light of her stunt at the racecourse. Lucy and Chalifour sat together at the dinner table. He salvaged her honor during the meal and prevented her from being disgraced. They had obviously seen one another at the racecourse, and Chalifour had just escorted her outside onto the terrace. Any more time spent together might cause tongues to wag. Lucy appreciated Chalifour’s understanding and discretion.
After what seemed like hours of excruciating polite conversation, the guests departed well after midnight. Exhausted from fighting the surge of emotions which swept through her every time she caught Chalifour's eyes, Lucy stumbled upstairs to her bedchamber. Her bleary eyes threatened to close while the maid helped her undress. The maid left and Lucy collapsed into her bed.
Lucy turned on one side and then another. Sighing, she sat up. Lucy grasped her pillow in one hand and banged it with her other hand. Her pillow had undoubtedly turned to stone. The tedious march of the clock wore Lucy down until at last she slipped into a fitful slumber.
When dawn thrust its feeble light through the drapes, Lucy awakened with a start. She shook her head to clear it. Had she really slept in a bed last night or had she been drug behind the coach instead? She rolled over. Wake up! You need to have your wits about you when you speak with Monique.
Lucy drug herself from the warm, soft bed. Goosebumps pebbled her skin. Donning her morning dress, Lucy washed her face in the wash basin. The shock of the cold water made her eyes blink and her face sting.
Plopping herself on the chair in front of the window, Lucy gazed out over the gardens in the rear of the estate. Where should she start with Monique? She continued to stare out the window. The light gradually grew stronger. Unable to put it off any longer, Lucy dressed for the day.
Thankfully, Lady Elizabeth had the foresight to provide her with a riding outfit. Lucy suppressed a smile. Maybe Elizabeth just wanted Chalifour to buy her a new riding outfit. Lucy had grown fond of Lady Elizabeth in the short time they had been acquainted. Lady Elizabeth was like Monique in a great many of ways. Their independence and spunk were unusual for women who were members of the ton. Lucy counted herself incredibly fortunate to be acquainted with such uncommon women.
Lucy dressed with the help of a maid and trudged downstairs where she found Monique finishing breakfast. "You're up and about early this morning."
"Yes, and you're up and about late! I only came down early because you generally do. It figures this is the one day you would delay. Are you hungry?" Monique asked.
"In truth, I am not. Let's say we take our ride now. I can always eat when we return."
"All right, then. Let's go." Lucy and Monique crossed the mews and headed for the stables. Once there, Lucy chose a roan to ride. They mounted and set off at a trot toward Hyde Park.
"Monique?" Lucy said tentatively.
"Yes?"
"I don't even know how to tell you all of this, so I'll just do my best."
Monique looked at her sharply and brought her horse to a stop."You look so serious. What is it?"
"I've not been honest with you and I am truly sorry."
Monique's face registered confusion.
"The debt Lucien owes Perdan? It's not a debt. He's blackmailing Lucien."
"I don't understand. What are you saying?"
"I'm saying Perdan has accused Lucien of cheating in some races. If he doesn't pay Perdan, he will make those allegations public and try and ruin Lucien."
Monique's eyebrows shot up and her mouth dropped. "What! That's absurd! Who would possibly believe him?"
"A lot of people, I'm afraid."
"Why didn't you tell me this before? Why did you wait until now?"
"I was afraid you would believe Perdan."
Monique's face took on a hurt look. "How could you think that? We've known each other since we were children. We've always shared secrets. I can't understand how you would treat me like a stranger."
Lucy couldn't meet Monique's eyes. "I'm sorry. I was wrong. I should have told you everything."
"Yes, you should have," Monique said tautly.
"Can you forgive me?"
"I'm sure I can, but maybe not today." Monique spurred her horse ahead and left Lucy alone with her thoughts.
Chapter Twenty Nine
Lucy watched Monique's back fade into the distance. Monique was understandably angry and hurt with her. Lucy had spurned Monique's friendship by not confiding in her. Guilt dug into her heart, leaving it heavy.
Lucy should have known better. Monique hadn't expressed a flicker of belief in the possibility that Perdan's allegations against Lucien were true. Monique's concern was Lucy's lack of trust in her, not in the possibility Lucien had acted dishonorably. Lucy had hurt Monique in not placing her faith in her.
A sigh escaped Lucy. She would have to make it up to Monique. Glumly, Lucy observed the other riders in the park. The happy faces only served to make her more miserable. They were a stark reminder that, in her Monique's mind, Lucy had betrayed her.
Submersed in her thoughts, Lucy made her way back to the stables alone. She stood motionless inside the stables and petted her mount. Her throat closed and her eyes misted. Lucy missed her horses and ached to be standing in her own stables. Unfortunately, she couldn't return to her own stables until she found a way to loosen Perdan's stranglehold on her family.
Lucy needed Monique's help yet again. Monique was well equipped to help her devise a plan to expose Perdan for what he was. With Perdan's true nature revealed, her brother could live without fear of Perdan's fabricated falsehoods. Lucien, and by extension she, would be free of any power Perdan might hold.
Lucy would approach Monique this evening after she had a chance to digest everything and cool off. In the meantime, Lucy
would try to think of a way to redeem herself with Monique and make up for her transgression.
****
Lucy trudged to Monique's bedchamber. Unsure of her welcome, she tapped on the door. She scrunched her face in consternation while she waited for a response. She needed Monique's help to find a way to defeat Perdan.
"Yes? Come in."
Lucy opened the door and poked her head inside. "Monique? Are you still mad at me?"
Monique was seated at her dressing table, brushing her hair. The dressing table was adorned with Egyptian hieroglyphics and animal heads carved into its rich mahogany. Monique laid her ivory handled brush on the table and turned to face Lucy, arms crossed. "I'm not sure."
"Well, when do you think you'll be sure?" Lucy said. She opened the door wider and stepped inside, closing it behind her.
"I haven't decided."
"Should I come back next year when you've had a chance to make up your mind? Should we call the coach to fetch me home?" Lucy asked. Monique's sullen tone wasn't fooling her.
"Oh, Lucy! You know better than that! I'm just really upset with you!"
"I know you are. And you've every right to be. I know I’ve treated you abominably."
"Yes, you have. You're supposed to be my closest friend and yet you didn't trust me enough to tell me these things!"
Lucy shrugged her shoulders. "I know, I know. I could've used your counsel so many times. You have no idea. I've really missed talking with you. Forgive me?"
Monique made a rude noise."Yes, of course," she huffed.
Lucy crossed the room and wrapped her in a hug. "Thank you. What can I do to make it up to you?"
"I'll have to think about it. I'm sure I can come up with something," she said, a smile crossing her lips.
Lucy pulled away from Monique and walked to the large, four poster mahogany bed decorated with ornate carvings of leaves and flowers. She pushed back one of the heavy drapes and plopped down onto the mattress. The bed was similar to the one in her room. "Monique, I need your help."