Surrender of Trust (First Volume of the Surrender Series) (20 page)

Elizabeth and Lucy entered what was
apparently Chalifour's personal study. Lucy admired the masculine
room with its ornately carved walnut desk and massive mahogany
bookshelves filled with books of all sizes. Chalifour turned from
his desk to see who had interrupted him, his handsome face in a
scowl.

Chalifour's features softened at the sight of
them. He perused Lucy slowly from head to toe. Chalifour's eyes
made contact with hers and lingered. Lucy's heart seized and her
cheeks grew warm again. Lady Elizabeth would have to be blind to
miss her brother's scrutiny of Lucy or the intensity of the gaze
that passed between them.

"When do you plan to take Miss Goodwin to see
Lady Monique?"

"Are you ready?" Chalifour asked, turning to
Lucy.

Not trusting herself to speak, Lucy merely
nodded.

"Fine, we'll make ready to leave then,"
Chalifour said brusquely.

Chalifour waved off the coachman to assist
Lucy into the coach himself. Chalifour placed his hand against the
small of her back and sent a small jolt through Lucy. She stiffened
for a moment before ascending into the conveyance. Lucy settled in
and Chalifour eased himself inside and sat directly across from
her, the knees of his long legs pressing against hers
inappropriately. Lucy tried to shift her legs away from him, but he
held her fast, his blue eyes regarding her steadily.

"I know something is distressing you, Lucy.
Why don't you tell me what is it?"

"I'm fine. I'll be much better when I reach
Glenhurst Hall."

Chalifour raised one eyebrow skeptically.
"Indeed? You still haven't explained your reasons for trying to
race in the Oaks, pretending to be your brother. For someone who is
doing fine, that seems a little odd. Don't you think?"

Lucy pressed her lips together. She wouldn't
answer him. She couldn't. What could she possibly say?

The ride to Monique's was never ending. In
the closeness of the coach, the sexual aura emanating from
Chalifour was unmistakable. Lucy was enveloped in his musky scent.
Despite herself, Lucy was drawn to Chalifour’s magnetism. Her heart
palpitated in her chest and she had difficulty catching her breath.
Lucy hoped Chalifour didn't notice her discomfort in his presence.
Dear heavens, how could such a short trip take so long?

At Glenhurst Hall, Monique greeted them and
tried unsuccessfully to hide her surprise when Chalifour escorted
her inside. "How is it you've come to escort Lucy to us?" Monique
asked.

"I found Miss Goodwin at Epsom Downs. I'll
let her tell you the story. I must be off now that I've safely
delivered her to your care." Chalifour gave a small bow and
departed.

The front door closed behind Chalifour and
Monique turned to look at Lucy, her eyes wide. "What was that all
about? How did he come to bring you here?"

"Oh, Monique. Let's go sit down. Actually,
could I please have a glass of sherry?"

"Of course! But sherry, really? It's so early
yet. Are you sure you don't want tea instead?"

"I'm sure. Really, I am. You might have
guessed, but things didn't go well."

Lucy and Monique ensconced themselves in the
salon. The morning sun filtered into the room through small colored
glass panes which outlined the main frame of the window. Lucy
sipped the sherry, casting her eyes idly about the room. She had
longed to confide in Monique and discuss everything. Now that she
was here, she was having difficulty marshaling her thoughts and her
courage.

"So what happened? Did you win?"

"Win? I never even got to race. Chalifour
came and dragged me out before the race even started."

"Dragged you out? As in bodily?"

Lucy nodded.

"Oh my!"’

Lucy grimaced and nodded again. "Now you know
why I need the sherry."

It pained Lucy to keep secrets from her
friend. Until recently, the thought had never even occurred to her.
They had confided in each other about everything since childhood.
Lucy was completely alone now. She could not confide in anyone.

Now that her hopes of winning the Oaks had
been crushed, Lucy needed to find another avenue to get her hands
on a large sum of money. What if she couldn't? What if Perdan
demanded more money than they had available? Their family name
would be destroyed and they would be ruined. Her heart lurched at
the thought.

Lucy had only succeeded in making matters
worse by signing that contract. The agreement with Chalifour meant
they would share all of the spring foals and there would be no
outside stud fees forthcoming this year. With Lucien unable to
race, there was no chance for an influx of money from that avenue
to help tide them through the year either.

Could she do the unthinkable if it became
necessary?
Could she offer herself to Perdan?
Lucy
shuddered and her stomach heaved. Perdan was a vile and repulsive
man. Best make sure it doesn't become necessary.

Think.
What was she going to do? Lucy
couldn't just march into the bank and demand a loan. Was there
anyone she could ask?
Wait a minute
. Lucy sat up straight.
Why hadn't she thought of it earlier? Could she be so
ignorant?
The answer might have been in front of her the entire
time. Why not ask Monique's brother for a loan? Lucy looked at
Monique and smiled.

Lucy rummaged through her borrowed gowns.
Yes, this was the one. She smiled. The green gown accentuated her
figure and complemented her coloring. The dress was the same one
Lady Elizabeth particularly liked on her. It seemed like a good
idea to dress in her most flattering gown if she intended to ask a
man for a loan.

The maid appeared and assisted Lucy in
dressing and styling her hair, unleashing a flood of homesick
thoughts. Lucy missed Millie's saucy attitude that never failed to
lift her spirits and make her laugh. What a blessing Millie had
been after her father's death. Millie also had a magical touch that
could tame Lucy’s unruly locks. Lucy could only hope she would be
home soon. The maid finished and Lucy stood tall and straight and
surveyed her reflection in the mirror. Satisfied, she descended to
the salon. Mustering her brightest smile, Lucy entered the room
where Monique and Glenhurst waited.

"You look lovely this evening," Lord
Glenhurst said.

"Thank you for your compliments, you are far
too kind." Lucy simpered, fluttering her lashes. From the corner of
her eye, she saw Monique's puzzled face. Monique doubtless knew she
was up to something.

There were no guests this evening so tonight
was the perfect opportunity for Lucy to approach Lord Glenhurst for
a loan. The subject of money was considered gauche by the ton and
Lucy needed to be circumspect. Lucy perched herself on her favorite
sofa upholstered in a light blue silk with scrolled ends and a dark
mahogany frame with small rosettes carved into the center. The sofa
was the perfect complement to the wallpaper of striped blue and
cream. The conversation was leisurely and she chatted with Lord
Glenhurst and Monique about banal matters. Lucy began to relax when
Monique's brother inquired about her attendance at Epsom Downs.

"Yes, I was in Epsom yesterday, though, most
regrettably I was forced to leave before the main race began."

"Pity. I was hoping you could enlighten me.
There was apparently some of sort scandal that occurred just prior
to the beginning of the race. I've yet to receive a full report,
though I believe some woman was attempting to ride dressed as a
man. Can you imagine such foolishness?"

Lucy and Monique's eyes met across the room.
"Well, if it's true, I'm sure there must have been good reason,"
Lucy said.

"I can't see how. Why would a woman want to
race amongst men when she could race against other women?"

"l don't believe the other races for women
offer purses, or at least substantial ones."

Glenhurst paused, considering her comment.
"Hmm, I guess I could see the attraction if you were racing solely
for the purse."

"Besides, it seems to me that men race for
the purse as well as the bragging rights," Lucy said.

Glenhurst laughed. "You're right, of course!
If you're going to race, why not race for both?"

Lucy flashed a radiant smile in his
direction. "So, Lord Glenhurst, are you racing any of your horses
this year?"

"No, I'm sad to say that currently, all of my
horses are either too old or too young for the major races. Though
next year I may be squarely in the running, so to speak." Glenhurst
smiled at his own witticism.

It was Lucy’s turn to laugh. "I know how your
horses feel! I'm too young to be a spinster yet and too old to be a
considered good marriage material."

Glenhurst laughed so hard, he spit his wine.
"That may be, but I've yet to see a man not affected by your
charms."

"I think you’re being overly generous in your
compliments, but I appreciate them all the same."

"No, I'm not being overly generous. You would
be a sought after bride should you make yourself available, Lucy.
There are many men who would be interested in you, regardless of
your station."

Lucy smiled at Glenhurst's use of her
familiar name. Before she asked him for a loan, Lucy wanted
Glenhurst to feel comfortable with her based on the familiarity of
their family history. "I repeat, you are far too kind."

"Not at all."

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Monique
pretend to vomit.
Best get on with it.
"Lord Glenhurst, I
know you are aware my brother was recently injured."

"Yes, has he improved since we last spoke of
it?"

"Yes, he is much better now, though at first
it was rather frightening."

"I'm glad to hear it," he said sincerely.

"I know it's not my place, but Lucien has a
fractured leg and has been unfit for travel." Lucy glanced at
Monique before continuing, "I feel compelled to speak to you in his
stead."

Glenhurst set his wine glass down and gave
her his full attention. "What is it that you feel so compelled to
speak about?"

Lucy swallowed, suddenly nervous. She would
be extremely forward in speaking with Glenhurst about a loan. How
would he react? To ask him would presume a great deal on their
families' friendships and may not be welcomed.

Her mouth dry, Lucy plunged ahead, "During my
brother's convalescing, it came to my attention we have a large
debt we owe to a certain gentleman. This man is disagreeable to say
the least."

Lucy looked at Glenhurst, wondering what she
should say next, found herself blurting it out. "I wanted to ask
you if you would consider loaning my brother the money so he might
pay you instead?" In her peripheral vision, Lucy saw Monique's jaw
drop and her eyes fairly pop out of her skull.

"Exactly how much money are we talking
about?"

"Six thousand pounds," Lucy said.

Glenhurst jerked in surprise and looked at
her sharply. "That's a considerable sum of money, particularly for
people of your station. May I inquire how your brother found
himself owing this sum of money?"

"I'm not sure. I've not had the opportunity
to speak with him about it."

"So, he's not aware we are having this
conversation?"

"No."

"And you don't even know what this debt is
for?"

"No."

"Then I suggest you speak with your brother.
He may have plans of which you are unaware. It's also my firm
belief that my discussing this with you is highly improper. It is,
after all, your brother's business and these types of decisions
belong to him, not to you." There was an edge to Glenhurst's
voice.

Lucy's cheeks warmed and she dropped her
eyes. Cringing inwardly, she said, "I beg your pardon. I did not
wish to offend you."

"I suggest we forget we ever discussed this
matter. The only thing you need to be concerned with right now is
finding a suitable husband. Both of you." Glenhurst stared at Lucy
and then at Monique.

Monique sniffed. "You needn't worry about me.
I've already begun my search."

Glenhurst swung his gaze back to Lucy. "And
you? You'll be on the shelf before too long. Did you want me to
begin making some discreet inquiries among a few select eligible
young men?"

How did we get from me asking for a loan
to me avoiding marriage?
"Your offer is exceedingly kind, but I
am not quite ready for that step yet."

"Nonsense. Both you and Monique need to find
a young man. I'll begin making those inquiries. Perhaps in the next
evening or so we can invite some suitable young men for
dinner."

Panic rising, Lucy said, "I appreciate your
interest, truly I do, but I must return home to see to my brother's
welfare."

"I'm sure your brother's welfare will be much
improved if he knows he will not have to worry about your welfare.
Besides, maybe by tomorrow I'll have the details on the woman who
attempted to race in the Oaks. I'm sure it will be an entertaining
story."

"It's bound to be fascinating, however, I
feel I really must leave tomorrow."
Egads! I can't be here when
he discovers it was me at the race.

A slight scowl crossed Glenhurst's face. "I'm
afraid I must insist you stay another day or so. Your father would
have agreed. I'm positive. I'm sure your brother would as well.
It's Season and you have certain, well, unique opportunities to
meet eligible young men here, particularly staying under my roof
and with my sponsorship. Now it's high time both you and Lady
Monique settled down. I'll expect you here at least through
tomorrow evening."

Lucy groaned inwardly. This was not what she
needed. Lucy needed to leave tomorrow. Evading Glenhurst's
matchmaking efforts was bad enough, but she had to escape before he
discovered she was the woman who created the scandal at Epsom
Downs. It was also time to face Lucien. Lucy plastered a weak smile
on her face. "But of course, Lord Glenhurst. As you wish."