Page 26 of A Single Obsession

“That’s what Robson said, but neither of us has heard of Mr Cunningham.”

Beau’s face clouded over, and Eliza wondered what kind of man he was. “You haven’t been around the race track, Merry, or you’d be familiar with the name. He owns a large stud in Sussex, including Majesty who’s unbeaten this year.”

“Is he likely to be trading a broken-down pair?”

“No. Cunningham wouldn’t allow anything second-rate to be associated with his name.”

“Then why’s he selling? Does he need the money?”

“Far from it. He’s a very wealthy man. These two are from his stables. I’ve seen them in action, and they’re a sweet-stepping pair. You won’t do better for the price.”

Eliza saw Anthony moving toward them and judged it was time to go. “I’m glad to see my advice was not amiss. Please excuse me,” she said, nodding at Beau and then at her brother. “I have another engagement.”

She spotted a clear path to the entrance and, her heart pounding, she slipped past Anthony while his back was turned. She hoped Beau wouldn’t mention Robson’s presence to him, or she would be bound to face a fresh round of teasing.

Once mounted and riding back to the mews alone, Eliza breathed freely again. She revelled in her narrow escape, but it had been far too close for comfort. With reluctance, she had to admit Georgiana was right, and it was time to lay Robson to rest.

Eventually, Beau would see through her disguise, and she could not predict his reaction. Anthony thought it was a good joke, but his opinion was unimportant.

How would Beau react if he discovered she had been masquerading as a man?

Chapter 11

The next morning, after dressing with extra care, Beau presented himself at Harting House in answer to a parental summons. No doubt, the visit would be even more unpleasant than usual as his mother would be peeved with him for escaping to the Newmarket Craven race meeting without taking his leave of her.

He had known there would be consequences, but he didn’t regret his decision. He had feared she would discover some way to prevent him from going, and he’d needed to get away.

From her. And from the pressure she was putting on him to find a wife.

Beau pulled at his intricately tied cravat, took a deep breath and entered the drawing room. His mother sat in a chair by the fire, her back straight and her fingers intertwined in her lap with her thumbs pressed together.

“How kind of you to take the time to visit me, Beaumont.”

“I came as soon as I received your message.”

“How strange. I thought I sent it round to your lodgings three days ago.”

“I’m sorry, madam, but unfortunately I was out of town and my man did not give me the note until this morning.”

She flared her nostrils as she glared at him. “As you say, how unfortunate. I had no notion you had left London.”

Heat coursed up Beau’s neck and into his cheeks. On this occasion, he deserved her recriminations. It had been rude of him to go out of town without taking leave of her.

“I apologise for not informing you of my intentions.”

His mother said nothing, and Beau felt the tension in his body mounting.

After a long pause, she spoke again. “You were missed at Lady Helston’s ball on Tuesday.”

Drat. He’d forgotten about that.

“I’m sorry. I was otherwise engaged.”

She sucked in her cheeks in displeasure. “I am taking a party to the opera at the King’s Theatre tomorrow evening, and I wish you and Elizabeth to accompany me.”

Beau’s spirit of contrition evaporated. Was this her way of punishing him for daring to leave town without her permission? To attend the opera with his mother would be agony. He would have to listen to the infernal squawking, unable to understand a word, and pretend to be enjoying it to satisfy his parent.

At least she wanted him to bring her niece rather than the Whitlow girl. He much preferred Eliza’s company, even though she was his mother’s current favourite. She understood horses—and she didn’t expect him to appreciate opera.