Surrender of Trust (First Volume of the Surrender Series) by Mariel Grey Page B

something.
However, I believe I'll have to wait, for now. Perhaps the next
time we meet?"
    Chalifour’s silky voice was a caress. Lucy
dropped her eyes and her cheeks grew warm.
    Monique's eyes traveled from one to the other
and narrowed speculatively. Could Monique have guessed? Lucy
hoped not. She wasn’t sure she could explain her own actions and
she was certain Monique would rightfully scold her.
    "Now that Season has begun, I hope to have
the pleasure of seeing both you and your sister," Monique said.
    "I'm sure my sister will be arriving at the
townhouse soon. She loves Season. For me, it's a simply a necessity
to make an appearance at the House of Lords. I'll make it a point
to mention to her that you were inquiring about her."
    "Thank you. That would be most thoughtful of
you."
    "I need to be on my way. I would like to see
if your brother is awake before I leave." Chalifour’s voice took on
a commanding tone.
    Forced to continue the deception, Lucy smiled
and left the salon. She climbed the stair case toward Lucien's
room. Lucy was happy to carve out some time to visit with him and
to escape Chalifour. She had not been able to check on Lucien last
night.
    Lucy entered Lucien's bedchamber. His soft
snores filled the room, together with those of Alistair. Alistair
was fast asleep in a chair pulled close to the bed. His grey hair
was mussed and a light growth of white beard stubbled his face. She
took great care not to wake either of them. Alistair would be
mortified if he was aware she had caught him sleeping in that
condition. Lucy stole across the room, perched on the edge of
Lucien's bed, and softly stroked his forehead.
    "Come back to me, Lucien. I need you to get
better," she whispered. Lucy sat quietly a few minutes before she
slipped from the room and returned to the salon where Monique and
Chalifour were politely conversing.
    Both Monique and Chalifour looked up
inquiringly when she entered. Lucy looked at Chalifour and shook
her head. "I'm truly sorry. I know you would like to speak with
him, but he's sleeping deeply." Oh, how I wish you could speak
with him.
    "Then, I guess it's time to take my leave of
you."Chalifour reached inside his coat and withdrew a document
which he handed to Lucy. "Here is the contract which I will leave.
I was also thinking I could use your expertise while your brother
is convalescing. You obviously have an eye for horses and I have
need of a practiced eye. I would like to have your opinion on some
of my mares. I would also like you to deliver this to me in person.
I believe that should be acceptable since I have been playing the
role of delivery boy for you up until now," Chalifour said.
    "I will have the contract delivered by one of
my servants. I cannot possibly visit your home without a chaperone.
It would be entirely inappropriate."
    "You have a chaperone. My sister is in
residence at the moment. On my honor as a gentleman and with Lady
Monique as my witness, I would not put you in a compromising
position. I will send my coach for you at the end of next week, say
Thursday. That should give you enough time to go into Town with
Lady Monique, meet with Lord Perdan as you promised him, and
return." It was a command, not a request. Without another word,
Chalifour turned on his heel and strode out.
    Lucy slowly turned to look at Monique's
questioning face.
    "I believe we better discuss a few things,"
Monique said.
    "Such as?" Lucy asked.
    "Such as your relationship with Chalifour and
your unescorted romp with him. We'll get to that after we look at
the contract."
    Lucy unfolded the document and began to read.
She felt the blood drain from her face. Paralysis seeped into her
body and she let her hands fall to her side clutching the
papers.
    "What's wrong?" Monique asked anxiously.
    "Well, this is a good contract for us, but
there's no money to exchange hands now. This is more of a
partnership. It's an agreement to essentially combine our
respective horse stocks for breeding. It's an