Surrender of Trust (First Volume of the Surrender Series) Read Free

was an unfamiliar feeling. In fact, he doubted
anyone had ever used the word giddy to describe him. The
prospect of seeing Lucy again was enticing too. With a grin,
Chalifour turned to his Stable Master.
    "Good man, John. I have no doubt you've done
an admirable job segregating the horses. You always do excellent
work."
    John beamed. "Thank you, My Lord. Do you know
when we'll be moving the mares?"
    "Not exactly, though I'll be meeting with
Lucien Goodwin the day after tomorrow to finalize matters. How long
do you think it will take you to actually transport the mares to
the Goodwin stables once we’re ready?"
    "So as not to stress the girls, let's say
three, maybe four days."
    "Excellent. I'd like feedback from Lucien on
the mares before we move them. I expect that will entail him making
a trip here beforehand to help select them. I'm sure you wouldn't
mind a chance to meet him." Chalifour glanced at his Stable Master,
awaiting his reaction. He wasn’t disappointed.
    John's face lit up and a wide smile split his
face. "I see! Well then, that's wonderful! I'll be looking forward
to meeting Mr. Goodwin and getting his measure on the mares. Maybe
he could give me a few pointers on riding as well. He's the best
jockey I've ever seen! And I've seen some good ones. Anytime he's
racing, I always place my wager on him."
    "You and half of England!" Chalifour laughed
and John joined in.
    "I daresay he's one of the most honest too,"
John said.
    "Yes, I would agree his reputation is solid.
Aside from the fact I believe his blood horses are some of the
finest in England, his reputation is another reason I sought to
align my business interests with him as opposed to some of the
other owners."
    "I know ethics are important to you, My Lord.
It does my heart good to see you've worked so diligently to elevate
the sport. Your efforts at eliminating corruption and cheating have
made a difference. Maybe one day the King's Sport will really
deserve that moniker."
    Chalifour smiled. "I hope so."
    Leaving John at the stable, Chalifour
returned to the mansion to sift through his correspondence. His
recent neglect had transformed the small pile of paper into a large
stack. Chalifour should have been resigned to tackling the
desultory task, instead, a whistle escaped his lips. After all
these years, his dream of breeding the finest thoroughbreds in
England, or anywhere else for that matter, was close to becoming a
reality.
    The image of his mother's face entered
Chalifour’s mind. She would have been thrilled. They had shared
this dream, but she would not see its fulfillment. Melancholy
abruptly swept through him, choking off his whistle. I'll make
this happen, Mother. Thoroughbred racing will continue to become
more respected without any taint of corruption and our horses will
set the standard.
     
     

Chapter Three

     
    Dawn's light peeked through the drapes the
following morning and Lucy hurriedly dressed in her customary
black, holding fast to a tenuous hope Lucien had improved during
the night. Lucy entered Lucien's bedchamber clinging to her fragile
hope and encountered Alistair sponging her brother's forehead.
Lucien showed no discernible reaction to the man’s gentle
ministrations and her hopes faded.
    A soft tap sounded on Lucien's door. "Miss
Goodwin?"
    "Yes? Come in."
    Cedric entered the room and presented a
silver and calling card to her. "Ms. Goodwin, the Viscount of
Perdan is here to see Mr. Goodwin. What should I tell him?"
    She and Alistair glanced at each other. Lucy
said, "Show him to the salon and let him know he will be received.
Don't say anything else."
    "Yes, Miss Goodwin."
    Lucy eyed Cedric. "Did Lord Perdan happen to
state the reason for his call?"
    "No, only that he was here to call on Mr.
Goodwin."
    "Thank you. I'll be down shortly. Remember,
tell him only that he will be received, nothing else. I don't want
him to know just yet that it is I who will be receiving him instead
of Mr. Goodwin. And send Millie to me