Wishes In The Wind Part 22

Poole cleared his throat politely. "My lord?"

"Forgive me, Poole." Forcing his attention back to the matter at hand, Dustin ascended the manor steps. "Have you filled Saxon in on any details?"

"Only that the matter is a delicate one, requiring both physical prowess and utter discretion. The rest I left for you."

"Thank you." Dustin paused. "See that we're not disturbed."

"Of course, sir."

Dustin entered his study, shutting the door and greeting Poole's nephew. "Good to see you, Saxon. I appreciate your coming on such short notice."

The tall, powerfully built fellow rose. "It's good to see you, too, sir. I'm delighted to be able to be of service to you."

"I hear you've established quite a glowing reputation for yourself."

"I enjoy my work, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to pursue it on my own."

"So your uncle mentioned." Dustin poured two drinks, extending one to Saxon. "I won't insult you with words like secrecy or confidentiality. I a.s.sume they're ever present in your line of work."

"Indeed they are, sir."

"Very well, then, here's my dilemma." Dustin proceeded to fill Saxon in on the entire situation, from the personal he'd placed in the Gazette, to Aldridge sending Stoddard in his stead, to the menacing intruders who'd invaded Tyreham, to Sullivan's beating and Redley's questionable death-the whole ugly scheme he suspected was undermining the turf, everything except for the fact that the Aldridges were staying at Tyreham.

Saxon listened intently. "Obviously, what you want is to bring the men who threatened you out of hiding so they can lead you to whoever issued their orders."

"Exactly. I have a list of jockeys I suspect are taking bribes, throwing races for money. I intend to call on them."

A nod. "That will serve two purposes-gain information and upset whoever is in charge."

"Hopefully upset him enough to send those hoodlums back to beat me into compliance."

"You do realize, sir, that you're setting yourself up as a walking target."

"Um-hum. A walking target with a very capable carriage driver for an escort. A driver who insists on transporting me everywhere. Why, would you believe the faithful fellow refuses to indulge in even one day off lest I have to abide an inferior subst.i.tute? That's how loyal he is."

"A rarity indeed, sir."

"I thought you'd say that."

A corner of Saxon's mouth lifted. "Have you ever considered investigative work, my lord? You're quite good, you know."

Dustin grinned back. "I'm flattered. Now, the remaining question is, how well do you handle a carriage?"

"Nearly as well as I handle unsavory people."

"Excellent. We'll leave for Newmarket tomorrow. The second set is commencing. It'll run until May fourteenth. Most of the jockeys on my list should be there." Dustin tossed off his drink. "Get a good night's rest, Saxon. It's off to Suffolk in the morning."

"Reins in hand, sir."

"Thank you, Atkins. You can go now."

The astonished footman started at the unexpected dismissal, blinking first at Lord Tyreham, then at the closed cottage door, and last at the cart of food he'd just rolled from the manor to the tenants' quarters. "Don't you want me to carry in the trays, my lord?"

"I'll manage."

"But the cart is laden. Surely ..."

"I'll manage," Dustin repeated firmly. "I appreciate your offer and your help. But Mr. Stoddard's father is ill and doesn't wish to be disturbed. The less fuss-or callers- that intrude on his solitude, the better. Don't worry. Stoddard will a.s.sist me. Between the two of us, we'll transfer these trays into the cottage."

"All right, if you say so, sir." With a dubious expression, the footman took his leave.

Dustin waited a full three minutes.

Then he knocked.

"I'm alone," he murmured.

Nicole eased the door open a crack, her eyes bright with laughter. "You're still far too smooth a liar, my lord."

"Let me in and I'll show you how honest I can be."

The door opened the rest of the way, keeping Nicole carefully concealed until Dustin-and the cart-were inside. Then it closed, and she emerged, wearing a simple beige gown, unadorned by anything save her wishing locket.

"Your other dress, I presume?" Dustin managed, drinking in her beauty.

"I'm afraid so. Not terribly impressive, is it?"

His reply was to glance restlessly about. "Where's your father?"

"He'll be down in a minute. He's ..."

The rest of Nicole's words were stopped by Dustin's mouth. "Kiss me h.e.l.lo," he demanded huskily.

"Yes, my lord." She wound her arms about his neck, kissing him without hesitation or embarra.s.sment.

Enfolding her against him, Dustin inhaled the scent of her hair, reveling in her softness. "I'm glad your father's on his way down," he muttered, burying his lips in hers for a deep, drugging kiss. "If he weren't, my resolutions to give you time wouldn't be worth a d.a.m.n." He raised his head, his body taut with hunger. "Is that honest enough for you, Derby?"

She blinked, giving him a sensual look that frayed his control still further. "That was magnificent, my lord, as are you. So magnificent, in fact, that were my father not on his way down, I would suggest you burn your resolutions to ashes and kiss me until I forget all the obstacles that so plagued me last night."

Dustin searched her eyes, sensing a change that transcended the light, seductive banter in which they'd been engaging. "Nicole." He framed her face between his palms, frowning as he heard Aldridge's footsteps overhead. "I'm leaving for Newmarket tomorrow. I'll be gone several days."

She was instantly alert. "You're going to speak with the jockeys on Papa's list."

"Yes." He shook his head impatiently. "We can discuss all that in a minute-with your father present. But before he joins us ..." Dustin glanced at the still-vacant stairway, then back at Nicole. "When I return, we need to talk. And I don't mean about the threats to your father, although I intend to get some answers while I'm in Suffolk. I mean about us and our future. I get the feeling that a few days will give you enough time. Please tell me I'm right, that that's all the time you need. Because, G.o.d help me, I don't know how much longer I can wait."

Slowly, she nodded, her amethyst eyes wide, vulnerable. "That's all I need. We'll discuss the future when you return."

G.o.d, he wished he had thirty seconds more. To erase the vulnerability from her face. To rea.s.sure her.

To tell her he loved her.

No. She deserved better than to hear those precious words blurted in haste. And, as a man who'd waited forever to say them, so did he.

Bending his head, he brushed a light kiss across her mouth. "Fear not, beautiful stargazer. Your father will resume racing in ample time to sweep the summer meetings. You have my word. As for those other obstacles, they're as good as gone."

Gently, he touched her wishing locket, then released her just as Aldridge descended the stairs.

"h.e.l.lo, Tyreham." The greeting was not quite as stiff as Dustin had antic.i.p.ated, and the man actually chuckled when he saw the abundant trays of food. "How many armies will be joining us for dinner?"

"None." Dustin grinned. "However, as I was telling Nicole, I'll be away for a few days. Hopefully, this will sustain you during my absence."

"Papa, Dustin is going to Newmarket."

Nick's grin vanished. "When?"

"First thing tomorrow. The second set will be ongoing for several days. I plan to make the most of that time, learn whatever I can. After which, I'll stop and check on Sullivan, then return home." He looked at Nicole. "Incidentally, I don't want you practicing at Epsom until I get back."

Her chin came up. "I'm perfectly capable-"

"I know you are, Derby. But the entire racing community, touts, bookmakers, handicappers, are waiting to descend on the unknown jockey I've entered in the Derby. We can't risk exposing you to crowds. With all their voices simultaneously hammering at you, it would be near impossible for you to remain silent. One wrong word might arouse suspicion, and I needn't elaborate on what that would mean to your Derby entry, not to mention the danger it would expose both you and your father to."

"How will that risk be lessened by your accompanying me?"

Dustin arched a brow. "I'm very resourceful. Trust me. No one will get near you or become suspicious of why they can't if I'm there to oversee the situation. Remember, I've been preparing for these possible complications from the moment I hired you."

"He's right, Nickie," her father inserted. Meeting Dustin's gaze, he added, "Don't worry, Tyreham. She won't go to Epsom. I'll make sure of it myself."

"What do you suggest I tell your new trainer?" Nicole questioned with a hint of distaste. "He's expecting us to move on to the course at Epsom immediately."

"I'll handle Raggert," Dustin a.s.sured her. "I'll simply tell him the truth without embellishing on it."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning I'll remind him that I don't want scores of money-h.o.a.rders converging on you at once. He needn't be aware that you're a woman to understand some of what you're up against. After all, Stoddard is an unknown jockey riding a questionable mount. I'm sure Raggert will see the prudence of delaying your public trials until my return. Besides, the Derby isn't until the twenty-sixth, and you're already timing well enough to win the b.l.o.o.d.y thing. Believe me, Derby, Raggert won't have a problem with my orders for you and Dagger to remain at Tyreham. I'll just instruct him to vary the path of the course so Dagger's trials don't become monotonous. We'll have more than enough time to practice at Epsom. The other horses won't arrive until the twenty-fifth, possibly a day sooner. By then, we'll have long since vacated the race course."

"And when do you intend us to return?"

A grin. "On the twenty-sixth. After the other contenders have left the paddock and are lining up. Just in time for the Derby to commence. Relax, sweetheart. I know what I'm doing."

The endearment slipped out of its own accord, and Dustin mentally kicked himself as he saw Nick's jaw tighten a fraction.

He steeled himself for an outburst, one that never came.

"The marquis is right." Aldridge shot Dustin a look that clearly stated he was squelching his personal feelings in lieu of resolving a more crucial matter: ensuring Nicole's safety. "We can't take any chances of being discovered. As it is, I'm uneasy as h.e.l.l since Raggert got here."

Nicole's head came up. "You feel that way about him, too?"

"Of course. He's the first person staying at Tyreham who actually knows me. I'm skittish every time I go to the window, thinking that maybe he'll pa.s.s by and spot me."

"Oh." Nicole's face fell. "I thought you meant-never mind." Her voice trailed off.

Thoughtfully, Dustin studied her reaction. "You don't like Raggert. I sensed that on the course and again now. Why?"

An uncomfortable silence.

"I'd appreciate an answer."

"I'd rather not give one. As usual, I've inserted myself where I don't belong."

"Let me be the judge of that." A long pause. "Nicole?" he prodded.

She sighed. "I swore to myself that I wouldn't address this issue. It is, after all, none of my business, but, if you insist, no. I don't like Raggert, nor do I trust him."

"Why?"

"Gut instinct. That and the fact that I don't agree with his training methods."

"His training methods?" Dustin's brows arched. "When did you see him train?"

"I didn't, but I've certainly heard him spout his opinions."

"Nicole, the man's qualifications are flawless, as are his references. He worked for Lanston for two years, and the only reason Edmund let him go was because his regular trainer returned from an agreed-upon leave of absence. I myself interviewed Raggert twice. He impressed the h.e.l.l out of me. He's intelligent and knowledgeable. As for his opinions, we discussed those, too, including the techniques he employs with every manner of thoroughbred imaginable. No, we didn't agree on everything, but he was blunt about his weaknesses as well as his strengths, and I saw absolutely no indication that he was untrustworthy. Further, I've seen him handle horses, and he's more than capable."

Nicole rolled her eyes.

"It's apparent that our instincts conflict here," Dustin concluded. "And, at the risk of sounding pompous, mine are quite good."

"Obviously not as good as mine."

Dustin was torn between laughing and throttling her. "Aldridge?" He turned to her father for corroboration. "What's your opinion of Raggert?"

"I've already told you," Nick replied, with a puzzled glance at Nicole. "He's good. Oh, I've heard he's a little particular about the mounts he works with, but he makes no secret of that fact. If he likes what he's got to train, he's said to be one of the best. Not to mention the fact that he's been on the turf for years. If I remember right, I once heard something about him wishing he could have been a jockey. Unfortunately, nature had other ideas. He grew way too tall and lanky. So he took another path." A shrug. "He's obviously committed to his training."

"But not to what he trains," Nicole countered.

Her father eyed her with tolerant affection-and a dash of pride. "Not everyone reveres horses as you do, Elf. To a lot of men this is a job. They do it well and with great integrity, but they don't necessarily have a personal attachment to each of their mounts."

"More fools they."

Dustin frowned, troubled by the intensity of Nicole's reaction. "Put intuition aside for the moment. Give me specifics."

"I have none. Other than the fact that he spoke of Dagger as if he were a wild and unwanted beast."

"Well, he was-with everyone but you."

"Raggert had no faith in Dagger's skill or potential."

"He told me that from the start. It was one of the things we disagreed about. I was fully prepared to leave Dagger's transformation to you and my other thoroughbreds to Raggert, but be fair. Raggert's reasons for doubting Dagger were sound. The poor man had endured months of unrewarded efforts at Lanston. He was quick to apologize today when he saw the amazing progress you'd made with our soon-to-be champion."