Chapter 7 #3
Branford raised a brow at the young man as he began tapping his crop against his boot. “Mr. Chilton, I am merely offering to help you acquire a decent horse, nothing more,” he said pointedly. “If you don’t wish to accept, it is of no matter to me.”
He turned as if to walk away.
Justin colored. “Milord,” he said quickly. “Please forgive me for my bad manners. I would be very grateful if you would speak to the dealer.”
“You are showing some sense, Chilton. By the by, be advised that one doesn’t come to Tattersall’s the first couple of times without someone experienced to show you how things are done.”
Justin swallowed. “I-I’m very grateful for the advice, sir. I won’t make such a bacon-brained mistake again.”
“Wait here.” Branford strolled over to the dealer and, taking his elbow, guided him out of the young man’s hearing. “How much are you asking for the chestnut, Miller?”
The man rubbed his chin. “For you, milord, fifty guineas.”
Branford nodded. “A fair price.” Narrowing his eyes, he added, “Now listen carefully. You will sell the horse to my young friend there. You will tell him the price is twenty pounds and haggle down to eighteen. My man of affairs shall send you the rest of the money this afternoon.”
He paused. “But if you ever breathe a word that I had anything to do with the purchase, you will never see any of my business again. Is that clear?”
The man’s head bobbed. “Yes, sir. Exceedingly clear.”
“Excellent.”
Branford stood aside as Miller hurried over to Justin. In a few minutes, the deal was made and money changed hands.
Giddy with elation, Justin hurried back to the earl. “Thank you, sir! I am well aware that without your help I would never have gotten such a good price.”
Branford smiled to himself, happy that the young man was too green to realize it was an absurd price for such a quality hunter..
“I never dreamed to own such a horse,” continued Justin with boyish enthusiasm.
“He is beyond all I could have ever hoped for!” A grin.
“Though of course, he is nothing compared to your magnificent black stallion, Hades. I have seen you riding him in the park. He’s as fleet as the north wind …
” Justin stopped abruptly, looking embarrassed for speaking so familiarly to the earl.
“Hades has both speed and stamina,” agreed Branford pleasantly, not wishing to squelch the young man’s elation.
At the earl’s friendly tone, Justin recovered his tongue and ventured another question. “Is it true that he ran at Newcastle in the Haverill Cup?”
“Yes. He came in second by a stride, but strained a hock that made him unfit for racing,” answered Branford. “However, he suits me.”
Justin gave a low whistle. “He must have cost a veritable fortune in any case.”
“No more than I could afford,” said the earl, hoping to send yet another helpful message to the young man.
“Speaking of which, you should have enough left over for your sister to purchase a new gown.” He paused for a fraction.
“Just make sure it is dark green rather than mauve.” he added under his breath.
Justin blinked in confusion. “Green?”
“A very deep green,” counseled the earl. “I am accorded to have an excellent eye for matters of fashion as well as horseflesh.”
“It is my aunt who likes mauve,” mused Justin, “Alex never bothers to overrule her.”
“The color may suit your aunt. It does not suit your sister.”
Branford thought for a moment. “If you wish to make a special present to your sister, you should take her to Lady Marie’s on Bond Street—and trust the lady’s choice of style.
She is the best modiste in Town. Mention my name and she will see you get a favorable price.
” He made a mental note to send his man around with a full purse to the dressmaker as well as the horse dealer.
Justin nodded. “Again, my thanks for the advice, sir.”
“You might also look into new tack—and check it carefully before you ride. It would disturb your family greatly were you to suffer another accident.”
The young man’s jaw tightened. “Hell’s bells! I’m sorry that Alex felt the need to share her concerns with you. It was simply an accident, but I’m afraid that she became rather overwrought about the mishap, as ladies are wont to do.”
“Your sister does not strike me as the hysterical type, Chilton,” replied Branford dryly. “Have you any enemies?”
Justin shook his head, a look of bafflement on his face. “I can think of no reason anyone would have a quarrel with me, much less wish me harm. I’m afraid my life has been rather tame, to say the least.” His eyes flicked up shyly to meet the earl’s. “Not nearly as interesting as yours.”
“You should wish it to stay that way,” said Branford. “Therefore, I suggest you have a care when you are out and about, so that your sister has no reason for further worries.”
“I will, sir,” promised Justin.
The young man then excused himself to join a pair of friends he had spotted in the crowd—no doubt to share with them his remarkable good fortune.
The earl lapsed into thought as he watched Justin hurry away. He was not a great believer in coincidence. But if the accidents befalling Alex’s brother were not coincidences, then there seemed to be no logical explanation for them.
And alas, in his experience, that meant it was time to be very worried.