Page 94 of A Single Obsession

Anthony shook his head in despair. “You don’t get it, do you? You’ve no idea how that ghastly look on your face made her feel, and you’ve said nothing to soften it.”

“I was shocked. Horrified at the danger she’d put herself in. Distraught at the thought she could have been killed—and it would have been my fault. Surely she realised that?”

“Not if you didn’t tell her. I saw how you looked, and I observed her reaction to it. If I’m not mistaken, she’s placed a different interpretation on your expression from the one you’ve given me. She thinks you’re disgusted by her behaviour. By her.”

Had he really made her think that? If he had…

“I need to see Eliza. Confess how much I love her and still want to marry her. Assure her I’m not disgusted with her—but with myself.”

“Yes, you must. Where is she staying?”

“I don’t know. Romeo was stabled at the White Horse, so she may be there. I’ll ask Finch when he brings my colt over.”

There seemed nothing else they could do but wait. Beau poured two glasses of wine and they sat down to discuss the race.

“It’s a shame we can never boast to Cunningham that his jockey was beaten by a woman,” said Beau.

“In her first race.”

Beau glared at his friend. “In her first and only race.”

“Of course. But I agree it’s a pity we can’t tell anyone. What will you do with Majesty?”

“Race him for another season or two and then add him to my stud. Romeo might be faster, but there’s no doubt he’s a fine beast with noble bloodlines. I feel rather sorry for him. Cunningham’s affection for him seemed to dissipate with his defeat.”

“It was arrogant of the man to bet so heavily in his favour. We all know the Good Book warns us that pride comes before a fall—”

Anthony was interrupted by a knock at the door.

“If you please, your lordship, there’s a man below asking for you.”

The two friends exchanged a glance, and with a nod, Beau followed the servant downstairs. The man pointed to the back door. “Out there, my lord.”

Beau walked out into the yard, expecting to see Finch. Instead, he saw a harassed-looking Jem holding Romeo’s bridle with his good arm.

“Sorry to trouble you, my lord, but I couldn’t manage and—”

“Where’s Finch?” he asked, cutting across Jem.

“Gone. He said he’d agreed with you about bringing Romeo here and, as he was mighty keen to go and Thompson was not about, I took him. Keep forgetting how little I can do with this dratted arm in a sling.”

“Did he say…nothing else?”

“Just that he hoped all was in order, but if you needed anything further from him, to send word and he’d wait on you in London.”

“Very good,” Beau said in a wooden voice. He helped Jem see to the colt and then stomped back inside and up the stairs to his room. He slammed the door behind him and turned a woebegone face to Ant.

“It seems you’re right. I’ve upset Eliza—again—and now she’s gone.”

“What are you going to do about it?”

“Go after her, of course. Are you coming?”

Anthony gave him a wry smile, accompanied by a brief nod, and he suspected his friend would have insisted on their immediate departure whether or not he wished it.

Beau barked orders at his valet. If Eliza had already left, there was no time to lose. He must see her and put things right.

His spirits rose at the thought of what she had risked for him, but a lingering doubt remained.