Free Surrender of Trust (First Volume of the Surrender Series) by Mariel Grey Page B

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.
    What was the real reason he was more or less
forcing Lucy to come to Chalifour Manor? Chalifour wasn't sure he
was prepared to answer the question, even to himself. He found
himself fixated on her lush mouth and the willing response she had
given him when he kissed her.
    Chalifour had been surprised by the joyous
abandon Lucy displayed when racing him on horseback. He had wanted
to taste her lips since he first saw her at Glenhurst Hall. The
kiss had been impulsive on his part, but Lucy's response had jolted
him. Lucy had composed herself quickly enough from wild temptress
to prim and proper young lady when she entered the house,
however.
    Lucy intrigued him. Most women he met were
busy evaluating him for future marriage material. Lucy did not
strike him that way. If anything, she appeared to have the opposite
agenda. There was something about her, some quality that reminded
him of a sunny day. He found himself smiling again.
    Thinking back, Chalifour recalled passing Dr.
Willets traveling in the direction of the Goodwin residence. He
knew the man only slightly. It was likely the doctor had been on
his way to see Lucien Goodwin. He'd not thought to ask Lucy if a
doctor was treating Lucien. It might be in his interest to seek out
Dr. Willets and make some inquiries.
    Chalifour stomped into his office, out of
sorts and prickly for reasons he didn't understand. Settling into
his chair, he sat at his desk and leaned back. Chalifour passed his
hand over his face and then sat rubbing his chin. Shaking his head,
he removed himself from his ruminations and bent himself to
answering the correspondence that awaited him.
     
     
****
     
     
    Monique's brother, Lord William Cathdon, Duke
of Glenhurst, had sent his luxurious Town Coach to fetch his
sister. The coach had arrived the evening before to allow the
horses time to rest. Not surprisingly, the cattle pulling the coach
were all beautiful steppers. The coach bore the Glenhurst coat of
arms.
    As planned, Lucy and Monique left early
Sunday morning. The footman pulled the steps of the coach down for
the women to enter and closed the door behind them. Lucy trailed
her fingers across the glossy rosewood that lined the interior of
the door and coach. Both women leaned back and settled themselves
into the deep, wide seats covered in a rich puce velvet. The coach
was well sprung. The rhythm of the coach horses clopping their way
toward Town was hypnotic and both women found themselves nodding
after only a brief time.
    Lucy awoke with a start not far from Town.
"Monique! Wake up! We're nearly there."
    Monique's eyes blinked in confusion before
focusing on her