Page 53 of Betting on a Duke
“I am. They are locked away in my chambers. Would you like to be the first—besides my jockey and The Jockey Club, who needed to approve and record them—to see them?”
“Can I give Zeus a carrot first?”
Samuel chuckled as he handed her a carrot. “If not, I think he might eat your long strands of hair.”
“Now, you be a good boy, Zeus, and win that 2000 Guineas Stakes for your owner. As you know, he’s a wonderful, loyal, and kind man. I have it on good authority that if you win, you can eat all the carrots you want.”
“You listen to Clarice, Zeus. She knows what she’s talking about. I can plant a row of carrots in the pasture, and you can dig them up whenever you want. I’m leaving the top door open, as Tobias comes by this time of the day.” Laughing, Samuel held out his hand, his eyes filled with amusement. “Come. I would love to show you my silks, but you must swear yourself to secrecy.”
She took his hand, stepped down from the stool, and giggled. “Be careful what you say. One might think you’re showing me your silk bedding.”
Samuel couldn’t help it; he burst out laughing. He couldn’t be more in love with Clarice if he tried. “I never thought of it like that.” He tugged gently on her hand to hurry her along. She had given him a very salacious idea. He may not be sleeping on silk bedding, but the cotton was soft, and he definitely wanted to show it to her.
They entered through the front door and were greeted by the butler, who bowed in greeting. “Your Grace, Lady Chesterfield.”
“Sullivan, are the baron and baroness in?”
“They have not returned yet.”
“Thank you. When they return, please inform them that Lady Chesterfield will be joining us for dinner. Also, send a message to Mrs. Mather. I don’t want her to panic when she sees an extra place setting at the table.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Samuel, still holding her hand, led them up two flights of stairs and down the hall to the room he used when in Newmarket. He always wondered how he could repay Ramsbury and Anna for their kindness.Not just for housing him and his horses, but also for their friendship and sharing their deep knowledge of the racing business. He didn’t know what he would do without them, especially Ramsbury.
“Here we are.”
“It’s nicely decorated with masculine colors. I love the navy and brown. And you have a nice sitting area in front of the hearth. You would think the room would be dark, done in deep colors, but with light from the windows, it’s not.”
“There’s a dressing room through that door.” Samuel pointed to the right. “It’s comfortable and I feel at home here.”
Clarice wandered over to look out a window. “You mentioned buying property somewhere near here. Have you found anything to your liking that meets your needs?”
“I have a business agent looking for me, but so far, nothing is for sale that meets my approval. There is land for sale, but it would take too long to build a house and stables. The perfect property needs a large house and stables already built and in good condition. If nothing becomes available soon, I’ll set up my stud farm at my country estate in Hampshire. That is where I spend most of my time anyway.” He moved and now stood beside her. “I just thought if I had a farm close to Newmarket, it would be more convenient for buyers to visit. Although, to be realistic, I can always use Tattersall’s.”
She turned to look at him, and he could see her thinking. “Forgive me if I overstep, but I believe you said funds were tight and you were looking for investors. Perhaps you could start the stud farm in Hampshire, and when you have the money, you could then buy property here.”
“Hmmm. I’ve thought about that. Truthfully, I’m waiting for the perfect moment to speak with Greyson and Hunter and ask them to invest. I’d rather have them as partners than anyone else. With them, I know I’ll get hard work and honesty.” He paused and considered another option. “I could always give up my dream of owning a studfarm and just enjoy the ride as far as it goes with Zeus and Clover. It would be the safest and wisest path. I could spend more time dealing with obligations to the dukedom. I would feel less guilty if I did that.”
She moved closer, wrapped her arm around his waist, and leaned her head against his shoulder. “What would make you happy?”
He exhaled and ignored the knot in his stomach. “Perhaps when one is a duke, one is not meant to be happy. I have obligations to my title. I try. I really try to manage it all, but I don’t always succeed. I have this undeniable draw and connection to my horses—actually, all horses in general—I can’t always ignore it. I know this might sound perplexing, but they know me and I know them on an elemental level. We connect. Both Greyson and Hunter say I’m part Arabian horse myself.”
“Regarding dukes or gentlemen with titles, I’m unsure how truly happy anyone is. But for daughters born into the aristocracy, we learn early on that our success, our hoped for happiness, depends on the talents we can share—embroidery, musical instruments, painting, and other art forms—things a potential husband admires in his bride. And, of course, there is the amount of our dowry. But our parents will plan the match for most unwed young ladies. Whether it’s a father, mother, or legal guardian, they have complete control over us.” She sighed. “Our years together, Samuel, knowing we were meant to marry and spend our lives together, becoming friends and then lovers, is most unusual. Most girls and young ladies are made to feel that their only purpose in life is to secure a good match for their family. And then produce heirs for her husband. If that match leads to friendship, common interests, and perhaps love, they are considered lucky. That is the only happiness a woman can hope for or expect.”
“You are correct. But it’s sad to hear it said aloud.” Because he and Clarice had had a wonderful time growing up and falling in love, he’d never thought of how little input a young lady had when it came to marriage.
At least he hadn’t thought about it until Clarice married Chesterfield.
