Page 58 of A Lady Igniting Wicked Passions
Arabella nodded, looking up and smiling weakly. “You have not spoken like that before.”
Aaron shrugged, taking her hand, and focusing his entire attention on her, gazing into her sapphire eyes.
“You inspire me. I had not thought of it before. I was content to look after my tenants and lands. To care for the name. But you make me want to be a better man. And it happens that besides the royals themselves, there are few people with more ability to influence society than its dukes and duchesses.”
The look she gave him made his heart sing with pride. She looked up at him as though looking at an Olympian god. Her eyes shone and her cheeks were rosy, lips parted. He could not help but grin back at her.
“I think that sounds a fine idea. I did not think I could love you more. But, in this you have taken me to new heights.”
“Ashenwood! Over here!” Aaron heard Ethan’s voice.
Aaron rolled his eyes. “Our fortune awaits. I shall introduce you to Bredwardine. Do not pay attention to anything he says or does, he is the most frivolous individual you shall ever meet and not to be taken seriously.”
Arabella laughed, looking past Aaron. “He does look rather fun. Oh dear, I hope that is not his racehorse.”
Aaron frowned, following her gaze. “I believe it may be. Why?”
“I am sure it is nothing, but I think there may be a problem with its gait. Something not quite right with one of its hind legs,” Arabella said.
They approached and Ethan swept a bow to Arabella.
“My absolute honour, Your Grace. I am both overjoyed to meet you and insanely jealous at the same time. I shall now lose a fellow gambler and carouser. Such is life.”
“I am sure I will not object to my husband pursuing games and sport, Lord Bredwardine. Is this animal yours?”
“She is. And quite the finest example of horseflesh you will ever set eyes on.”
He patted the animal’s neck and ran his hand down her flank. Its ears twitched and it skittishly shied away.
“Looks nervous,” Aaron remarked.
“High spirited. Can’t wait for the off. Don’t worry. I have seen her in action, and she runs like the wind. But what kind of a host am I. Allow me to acquire a glass of champagne for each of you. Now that the dratted war is over it is so much easier to import. I have a case standing by.”
As Ethan went to fetch his guests their drinks, Arabella stepped close to Aaron and whispered.
“The horse has been recently run too hard. Did you see it shy from him. There is a problem on that side and the animal is trying to protect it. I think whatever fool your friend has running this poor beast’s training, they do not know their job and they have ruined it.”
Aaron had seen the shying but accepted the explanation of a highly strung animal. He frowned.
“How can you be so sure? You have not seen it run. Bredwardine has.”
“I am sure because I have seen it and observed. My father would see it in a heartbeat too. As would anyone who knows horseflesh. Those fools have ruined a magnificent animal. It will be of no use now except for pleasure rides. It would be a sin to make it run.”
Aaron ran a hand over his face, looking at the animal and not seeing what Arabella saw. He looked at her and saw a look of absolute conviction on her face.
“Here you are!” Ethan declared as he returned with two fluted glasses of golden, sparkling liquid. “I have just had a word with my trainer and the odds have narrowed on this one since she arrived. So, time to get your wager in forthwith, old boy, before they shorten the odds any further.”
Aaron glanced at Arabella and saw the look of dawning horror on her face. She realized that he intended to make a wager on this animal and that it would not be a casual flutter. He stared at it, willing himself to be able to see its ability or the certainty that Ethan assured him it had.
If those running the books were reducing the odds, then maybe Arabella was wrong. He saw her shake her head, visible just on the edge of his vision. The odds combined with the amount he could give a promissory note for would clear his debt. This felt like a God-sent opportunity.
“Don’t do it,” Arabella said.
“Don’t do what?” Ethan replied, frowning.
Aaron stared at the horse for a long moment, seeing nothing to cause concern. Perhaps, Arabella was inexperienced with such thoroughbred animals. Or animals bred for flat racing. Ethan would not invest in such an animal if he did not believe it to be a champion. Ethan could be impulsive, and he was prone to irresponsible behaviour at the card tables and with women. But…
“It is my business,” Aaron said, looking at Arabella directly, face impassive.
