“My men found him where Kindred said he’d be—at his brother’s cottage in Cranston, scared to his toes. He and Kindred both have told me of your instructions, my lord. At least you didn’t order them to kill any horse or jockey, merely disable the horse that looked like it would win, if, that is, any horse was ahead of Lamplighter.”
Charles roared to his feet and advanced on Lord Grimsby. “You would have had one of your villains shoot my Ganymede?”
“Don’t be absurd, Charles. Sit down. Jason is trying to set us against each other.”
Jason said, “Yes, Charles, if Ganymede had been the clear leader, why then, I fancy he or your jockey would have gotten a ball of lead in him.”
“No, that’s a lie. Elgin, tell him that’s a lie.”
“It’s a lie, Charles. If I were to believe the lie, why then, that would mean Brutus was also at risk. My uncle would never seek to harm a horse that belonged to my heiress.”
Jason said, “I fancy Lord Grimsby would shoot whatever needed shooting for Lamplighter to win. But, Charles, feel free to believe what you wish to believe.”
Lord Grimsby exploded, “Now, listen here, Jason. This is racing! All sorts of things are done in racing, a bit of mischief, a bit of pain, it’s simply part of the sport, it doesn’t alarm anyone, it adds excitement and suspense.”
Charles said, “Actually, it makes me rather rabid. You know my reputation, my lord. You surely wouldn’t be such a fool as to disregard the punishments I mete out if anyone, let me repeat, anyone tries to harm my horses.”
“Of course I do. I’m not a fool. That’s why this is all nonsense. Besides, you’re different, Charles, you take it all too seriously.”
Elgin said, “Will you punish Jason, Charles? After all, his jockey kicked yours off Ganymede.”
“That’s true enough, Charles, can I expect a visit from you?”
“No,” Charles said.
“Good, since your jockey started the whole business in the first place,” Jason said. He turned back to Lord Grimsby. “My lord, what if one of the other owners had shot Lamplighter?”
“I’d kill the blighter.”
“Just so,” Charles said and took a sip of his tea.
“Dammit, boy, none of this makes any difference. Listen to me now. It was just a flesh wound, nothing of any importance at all. Dodger still managed to win the race, so what’s there to say?”
“You wish me to tell my jockey that the bullet wound in his arm added nothing more than some lovely color to his racing livery?”
“A tear through the flesh, nothing more,” Elgin Sloane said.
“Ah, Elgin, how did you know it was only a flesh wound?”
“Everyone from here to London knows about it. Mr. Blaystock was quite upset. He wished the bullet had been more true, that it had at least knocked your jockey off that damned Dodger, so that his Brutus would have then won.”
Charles tsked. “Ganymede would have won if Jason’s jockey hadn’t kicked my jockey off his back. No, Elgin, Brutus wouldn’t have won no matter how many horses’ rumps he’d managed to bite, an interesting ploy, I admit, but doesn’t Mr. Blaystock find it somewhat unpredictable?” He turned to Lord Grimsby. “I find myself wondering, sir, if your Lamplighter were to run a straight race if he would beat Ganymede. I tend to doubt it, though Lamplighter is a fine animal. Had there been a straight race between Ganymede and Dodger, I am sure in my own mind that Ganymede would have taken the prize.”
Jason said, “Dodger ran as straight a race as he could. It took Lorry time to kick back at your jockey, Charles. I wish it hadn’t been necessary, but you know it was. Listen to me, all of you. At the very least all these shenanigans distract the horses and the jockeys. I’ve always believed it would be better to let the horses run without interference.”
“That will never happen,” Lord Grimsby said. “Never in a thousand years. Jockeys like to use their whips, like to kick their opponents, like to squeeze in on a horse until he falls back. As for the horses, they’re devious, it’s bred into them. Mr. Blaystock told me Brutus was born to bite. Horses would be so bored if they didn’t fight that they wouldn’t run their best. They need distractions to keep them going.”
Jason said, “Dodger doesn’t need distractions, he doesn’t like them, nor do I.” He didn’t say that Eclipse, however, kicked up his back legs when he felt a horse getting too close, something he’d done naturally the first time he raced. “However, don’t you believe there must be a line drawn?”
Lord Grimsby shrugged. “It happens. It will always happen. If you’re serious about racing, Jason, you’ll accustom yourself to the way it’s done.”
Charles said, shaking his head, “Five hundred pounds, that is quite a purse Dodger took, Jason. I imagine you also bet a good amount for Dodger to win. I myself wagered a couple of pounds on him, the odds were so long. Do you mind if I ask what you won?”
“Ten thousand pounds or thereabouts. All my relatives did well too. I’ve also gotten notes of thanks from others who wagered on Dodger to win.”
“That’s not fair,” Elgin Sloane said bitterly. “No one told me how very fast Dodger was, how well trained. Damnation, you have a female for a partner. Who would believe you would know what you’re doing? It’s simply not fair. At least there won’t be long odds again. Why didn’t you tell me, Charles?”
“I myself didn’t realize how very fast he was, Elgin. I only won a couple hundred pounds, nothing really.”
Jason said, “Do I wish you well, Elgin? Will you be marrying Brutus’s mistress?”
“Yes. Thank God she isn’t like Hallie. She knows nothing about horses and would be disgusted were she to have to witness a mating. She knows when to yell her head off at the races and that’s enough for any woman. Her father doesn’t know much more, except biting. He enjoys seeing his horses bite the competition.”
“Then you’ll have a free hand,” Jason said. He walked to the fireplace to lean against the mantel, arms folded over his chest. “Charles, do you recall telling me that no one tried to shoot either your jockeys or horses because the consequences were so painful?”
Charles Grandison nodded.
“Hallie and I agreed that we would outdo you if anyone had the nerve to try to cause us harm. I am here to tell Lord Grimsby of his punishment.”
“Now, see here—”
“My lord,” Charles said in a sigh, stretching his long legs out in front of him, “did I not tell you not to try your skullduggery on Jason? Did I not tell you that he was a serious man? Look at what he did to my jockey for a small jostle during the race.”
“Yes, but he knows nothing about racing, nothing at all! He raced in America, the former Colonies, for God’s sake. There is nothing there, nothing remarkable, including horses or jockeys.”
“Actually, the Americans have skullduggery down to a fine art. I hated it there as well.”
“You won the damned race, Jason. You said you were going to announce my punishment? You young pup, your father won’t allow you to do anything to me, why I’ve known him and your mother since before you and your twin were born.”
“That’s a very long time, my lord,” Jason said, and shook his head. “That’s why I am surprised you would be so stupid. Can you imagine my father ever allowing anyone to harm someone close to him?”
“Your father understands racing, understands the risks, the challenges, the little eccentricities. Another thing, you are not your father. All know never to cross him, or there’s hell to pay.”
“You’re right, I am not my father. Actually, both James and I are much meaner. Now, I have weighed both Kindred’s and Potter’s guilt in this matter. I’m not sending them to Botany Bay. My wife has devised a much more effective punishment. You will see two very chastened men when they return here. I imagine news of their punishment will spread. Everyone will hear about it. It will be more and more difficult for owners to find minions to do their mischief. As for you, sir, as I’ve said, I’ve decided upon you
r punishment.”
“Impudent puppy!”
“You won’t race for a full year, indeed, not until the Beckshire race next August.”
Lord Grimsby jumped to his feet, his face crimson, shaking his fist in Jason’s face. “You can’t give me orders like that, you young bastard! I won’t stand for it. Get out of my house!”
CHAPTER 42
Charles said, “Jason, don’t misunderstand me, I think it’s excellent retribution. But tell me how you will prevent Lord Grimsby from racing for a year.”
“You’ve used beatings against the actual miscreants, Charles, and you wounded two owners in duels when they shot one of your jockeys and one of your horses. I don’t like duels, they’re too dangerous, the outcome too unpredictable. And they are against the law. I don’t fancy having to haul my wife off to the Continent or back to Baltimore because I got caught after shooting some fool racehorse owner. No, I prefer something more bloodless, but infinitely more painful.”
Lord Grimsby looked faintly alarmed now. “I will race, damn you! What is bloodless?”
Jason said in a very low voice to Lord Grimsby, “You will not race for a year, sir, or else Elgin Sloane, this precious relative of yours, won’t be allowed near Elsie Blaystock. Indeed, her father might shoot him. I will also see to it that every heiress he wants, flies away. And what, I ask you, will happen to Elgin’s family if he is unable to provide for them?”
“You can’t do that,” Elgin said, alarmingly pale now, sitting forward in his chair. “I didn’t do anything to your damned jockey—he did. I’m not to blame.”
“Then you’d best convince Lord Grimsby to agree to my terms. Just as you convinced him to push your suit with Hallie Carrick.”
Lord Grimsby waved his fist in Elgin’s nose. “You try to convince me of anything, and I’ll break your bloody face, you paltry excuse for a man! Besides, there is no way Jason can prevent you from marrying Elsie Blaystock or any other heiress you choose. I have some power here. I can forestall anything he’d try to do. I know you must have money. I’ll see that you wed.” He whirled back to Jason. “Of course he must have money for his family.”
Jason said pleasantly, “That is the big concern, isn’t it, sir?”
“Of course it is,” Lord Grimsby said as he began pacing. He paused to shake his fist in Jason’s direction, then gave Elgin a look of pure hate.
Charles said, “I fancy, dear Jason, that your father will assist you.”
Jason smiled. “He would, if I asked him, but I don’t see the need, at least in Lord Grimsby’s case. He will do as I ask, with only my boot lowered to his neck. As for Elgin here, I fancy my father would enjoy speaking to Mr. Blaystock about who his daughter marries.”
Elgin Sloane raised his head. “I beg you, sir, agree not to race for a year. I must wed, I must, or all will be lost. A word from Lord Northcliffe, and Elsie’s father would shut the door in my face. I need her, sir, very much. I need her now.”
“That’s true enough, Elgin,” Charles said, “but it’s the horses you really want. You can see yourself, the proud son-in-law, owning a big stud farm.”
“Perhaps that is a part to it, Charles, and why not?”
Jason said quietly to Elgin, “Remind Lord Grimsby about Elaine.”
Elgin’s jaw dropped. “You know about Elaine? But how?”
“Actually,” Jason shrugged, “I know everything.”
Lord Grimsby said, staring at Jason, “You do?”
Elgin said, “He’s right, sir. You must do as he says, else I won’t marry Elsie and my sweet sister will starve in a ditch. Already she has no governess, I can’t afford one. She is alone, and will not have a roof over her head unless I wed very soon.”
Jason said, “Did you hear him, my lord? Elgin is concerned that Elaine will starve. What do you think, sir?”
Lord Grimsby rounded on Elgin, ignoring Jason. “You damned idiot, you foolish ass! You could have married Hallie Carrick, beautiful and rich she was, but no, you had to sleep with some bucktoothed matron during your betrothal! Naturally she found out and broke it off! Then you were married to Anne Cavendish. Just look at how you mucked that up. Her father tied up her dowry and she had the nerve to die. Now, enough of this. You will bring your sister here to me—rather your half-sister—and that’s an end to it.” Lord Grimsby waved his fist in Elgin’s face.
“Oh no, sir.”
“Damn you, she belongs with me. My wife wants her here. Bring her to me!”
Elgin said, “I will never give up my leverage. I’m Elaine’s guardian and I will remain her guardian. You will continue to do as I tell you, sir. You will not race for a year.”
“I’ll kill you!”
Jason said, “No, sir, he’s not worth it. I’ve found there are always reasons for a man’s behavior. One must find out what they are. It didn’t take me long to discover why you’ve suffered this idiot in your home, given a ball in his honor, tried to find him a rich wife. How long have you known Elaine was your daughter, Lord Grimsby? Like I told you, I know everything sir, no reason to lie anymore.”
He whirled around to Jason. “I would tell the world about her, if it weren’t for this bastard making his damned threats. I’ve known since before she was born, so did Elgin’s father. He threatened to make her a servant in his own house unless I paid him well. And now his son does the same thing. Rotters, both of them. My wife wants her with us. We have no children and Elaine is but ten years old. She’s ours, she shouldn’t be under this idiot’s thumb.”
Jason said, “And you, Charles? I’m not quite sure how you fit into this puzzle.”
“I’m not a big mystery, Jason. I was only trying to help Lord Grimsby. I’ve always known about poor little Elaine, how Elgin has used her for a bargaining chip, learned it from his father. Poor little girl, I feel for her. I must say I’m impressed with how quickly you’ve gained your information. You are talented, Jason.”
“Just don’t ever try to hurt my horses,” Jason said. He turned to Lord Grimsby. “You will agree not to race for a full year, my lord. All will know that you are being punished for your misdeeds, and all will know they run a huge risk if they try anything against my jockeys or horses in the future. Do you agree, sir? One year of not racing? I’m perfectly ready to help you gain what you wish.”
“What do you mean by that?”
Jason nodded to the open doorway. Lord Grimsby looked up to see his wife standing there. She’d heard everything, he knew it. The woman had ears like Elgin. Lord Grimsby said slowly, “I will agree not to race for a year if you make Elgin give me my daughter. I mean give her to me legally. My wife and I wish to adopt her. Then I won’t have to ever speak to this nincompoop again. Can you do it?”
“Of course, sir. Elgin?” Jason’s voice was very soft, the voice he always used to gain instant attention and compliance from every child he’d ever met. “You will have Elaine here within the next three days. Lord Grimsby’s solicitor will see to the adoption. Then you may marry your heiress.”
“No, I won’t give up my leverage. My father told me I could dine on this until Lord Grimsby croaked. Oh damn! It’s not fair.” He fell silent, his hands clasped between his knees. He looked ready to cry. He said finally, “I want that racing stud. Blaystock is a fool, knows nothing about anything. Did you hear the idiot shouting for Brutus to bite the horses in front of him? He has no finesse, no imagination.” He turned to Charles. “Do you assure me that Blaystock is very rich?”
“As rich as Croesus until the Persians planted their heels on his neck.”
Slowly, Elgin nodded. “I would certainly rather marry Elsie Blaystock than Hallie Carrick. She doesn’t show the proper respect for a man, doesn’t forgive him for small, really insignificant blunders. She doesn’t shut her mouth and she’s too smart by half. I am in her father’s debt for convincing me she wouldn’t make me a good wife.”
Jason smiled. “She forgives my blunders.”
“That’s just because you’re so
damned pretty,” Elgin said, and waved a fist toward Jason.
“Pretty is as pretty does,” Charles Grandison said, and rose. “What a morning it’s been. I believe I am no longer needed here. My lord, my lady, I wish you the greatest happiness with Elaine. She’s charming. Elgin, I doubt I’ll be attending your nuptials. I would like to keep Jason as a friend in the future, you see. Jason, I’ll see you at the Grantham races next month.”
“I’ll be racing two horses,” Jason said as he shook Charles’s hand. “James Wyndham is bringing Eclipse over to me. He was born and bred in Baltimore.”
“Eclipse?” Elgin said. “He’s been dead for years and years. He wasn’t bred in America.”
“The same name and, I hope, a similar future. I believe my Eclipse may be as fast as Dodger.”
“An American horse named Eclipse, just what we need,” Charles said. “What do you say we try to make this one a straight race?”
“I know that Kindred and Potter will spread the word.”
“What is your punishment?”
“You’ll find out soon enough,” Jason said. When he took his leave a few moments later, Lady Grimsby stopped him at the front door. “Thank you, Jason. How I’ve hated all this deception, hated having to pander to this paltry young man. I have wanted Elaine since she was born, you see. How very grateful I am to my husband for making you his victim. Thank you for what you have accomplished. Give my regards to your lovely wife.”
Jason’s lovely wife was sitting on the ground, covered with dust, yelling at the top of her lungs at Charlemagne, who’d thrown her trying to get to the mare who’d been delivered to Dodger.
Jason pulled her up, dusted her off, kissed her nose. “I’ve been thinking. Why don’t we breed a mare to Charlemagne? He’s a bighearted fellow, arrogant as his namesake. Who knows, with the proper mare, we might produce a legend.”
“Charlemagne, a legend,” Hallie said, and laughed.
CHAPTER 43
Lyon’s Gate