Page 132 of From Rakes to Riches

“I will,” she said at last. “Send your carriage at eleven o’clock.”

Lola wasjumpy as a rabbit the following day. Weakened by emotion, she’d committed to meeting with Theodore, but now with distance and clarity she worried over her decision. Self-preservation wasn’t her only motive. She meant to protect hisfuture as much as her own. It didn’t matter her heart would break in the process.

Restless and agitated, she looked through the trunk where she kept her clothing and decided to return to the Bond Street Bazaar and buy a new shawl. She remembered the beautiful display in the window of Harding Howell & Company on the same day she’d thought she’d seen her sister.

Memories of Anna’s melodic laughter and warm disposition flooded her. She missed her family, her sister most of all. Weeks ago, when Lola had gone to Bond Street to purchase Anna a present, she’d never accomplished the task. But she could remedy that today and she’d invite Sofia to accompany her. Feeling better for having a purpose to her morning, she dressed quickly and went downstairs. Not thirty minutes later, the two ladies were inside a hackney on their way to the shopping district.

“I don’t remember the last time I bought something new to wear,” Lola said. She tugged on the knot of her well-worn shawl. “I won’t miss this old thing at all.”

“You should purchase an entirely new outfit. Something for your visit with Lord Essex this evening,” Sofia said with a gleam in her eyes. “The timing couldn’t be better.”

Lola had confided in Sofia about her late-night assignation while they rode toward Bond Street, wanting her friend to be aware she’d be out. “I don’t know. Why would I deliberately purchase something new if I’m going to tell him we can’t see each other anymore?”

Saying the words aloud caused a sharp pang in her chest.

“Dio mio,” Sofia groaned. “I thought I’d convinced you otherwise. You should enjoy your time with him and not worry about the future. No one can predict what will happen tomorrow.”

“Do you really believe that?” Lola asked. “I’m fairly certain I know what will happen if I continue to spend time with the earl.” She swallowed, pushing back on emotion, aware it was too late. It had already happened.

She loved him.

“Both of our futures changed unexpectedly,” Sofia continued in a more serious tone. “All my plans were destroyed by my brothers’ decisions and they never took my feelings into consideration. I was forced to leave my heart and country behind in Italy. I’m not going to live that way anymore.”

“You’re right.” Lola reached around Sofia’s shoulders and hugged her close. “But if I buy a new outfit, then you must buy one too.”

“Oh, you don’t have to work hard to convince me.” Sofia’s expression brightened. “Besides, whether you decide to continue to see the earl or walk away from him, you should look good doing it and I’m just the person to help you. Everyone believes the prettiest fashions come from France, but they’re wrong. Italy is far superior in creating style.”

They laughed, feeling better for their conversation and excited for their outing. When the hackney stopped, they quickly paid the driver and headed toward the shops.

Theodore stoodin the entry hall of his town house as he finished his conversation with Wyndham. He’d given his man-of-all-things a lengthy list of preparations and also instructed him to release the staff for the night. Once everything was in order, Theodore wished for privacy on the premises.

“Is there anything else, my lord?” Wyndham asked, poised for further directions.

“That will be all here in the house,” Theodore said as he pulled on his gloves. “Have one of the stable boys prepare a stall in the mews. I intend to purchase a horse today.”

“Very good,” Wyndham replied with a nod.

“And one last thing.” Theodore paused, a step from the doorway. “Did you learn anything in regard to your inquiries concerning Lord Sidmouth?”

“Not as of yet, my lord, although I believe I will know more by the morrow.” Wyndham’s usual professional composure eased. “I, too, have plans for this evening.”

Theodore eyed Wyndham knowingly and left, following the slates to where a footman waited holding the reins of his horse.

Tattersall’s was located on Hyde Park Corner and it was a pleasant ride through the park to reach the bloodstock auction. Having an appreciation of horses from an early age served as an advantage considering the significance of the purchase he intended to make today. He trusted no one except himself to make the selection.

Theodore anticipated the popular market house would be crowded and wasn’t surprised by how many elaborate coaches and phaetons packed the courtyard. He maneuvered his steed straight into the covered alleys and further into the stables without pause. Dismounting, he handed off the reins and proceeded to where the horses were housed before bidding began.

Many of the noblemen who favored Tattersall’s collected horseflesh for show and prestige, but Theodore appreciated the animals on another level entirely. He hoped Lola liked to ride. He had a feeling she did, her spirit daring and carefree. If not, he’d enjoy teaching her if she was interested in learning. He could picture her riding alongside him in the field behind Essex house, her long hair whipping free and laughter in the air, as they raced the wind together.

With that in mind, he focused on the mares, walking along the stalls until he happened upon an elegant chestnut Arabian that embodied the image he’d conjured. The young horse immediately trotted to the gate and he rubbed her nose with affection. She appeared healthy and fit. The notice attached to the outside of the stall detailed her superior lineage.

Noting the lot number, he made his way toward the auction house, having to pass through the lounge first. Inside was even more crowded than outside and he recognized several familiar faces. As he strode past one of the subscription rooms, he glanced inside, surprised to see the Duke of Leinster in conversation at a table with three other peers.

Theodore immediately recalled the innkeeper’s advice that he speak directly with His Grace concerning the incident that may have involved Lola. Much like Fremont’s murder, there were still too many pieces missing to make sense of the situation. Without knowing more, Theodore couldn’t approach the duke and eloquently bring up the subject especially if the problem presented a hardship of some kind. Regardless of coincidence and opportunity, he preferred that Lola trust him enough to reveal whatever troubled her. Hopefully tonight was another step toward earning that trust.

Comfortable with his decision, he left the lounge and entered the courtyard where gentlemen were gathered around the stone cupola at the center in a desire to be closer to the auctioneer and activity. With another ten minutes until the bidding began, he leaned against one of the stone columns to wait. His body was tense with anticipation, but it wasn’t caused by the auction. The realization he would have Lola all to himself for hours this evening simmered in his blood.

The sound of a gavel marked the start of the auction and things progressed vigorously from that point on. The courtyard grew more crowded as the most select animals were left untilthe final round and everyone from broker to farmer enjoyed watching the rigorous competition to win the last bid.

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