Page 594 of From Rakes to Riches

“One of them was your brother, correct?”

She nodded. “Aye, Liam.”

“And the other?” Rake asked, low.

A tetchiness glittered about her. Though she’d known the question was coming, she didn’t want to answer it. “A friend of Liam’s.”

The words emerged as if dragged from her mouth.

“Afriend?” Rake couldn’t keep the disbelief out of his voice.

“Aye,” she said. “Liam makes friends wherever he goes.”

Though the words held the ring of truth, they weren’t the entire truth. He could sense it.

He could sense something else.

She didn’t like lying to him.

“Have you been to the Rowley Mile today?” she asked, clumsily attempting to change the subject.

He let her.

For now.

“Aye,” he said. “Best it’s looked in years.”

“The turf has some spring to it.”

“It’ll be a good ride.”

“Aye.”

He wanted to have a discussion with her that she wasn’t going to like. “About tomorrow…”

Suspicion entered her eyes. “What about it?”

“I want you to race from the front.” Before she could refuse, Rake continued, “Get Hannibal off to a fast start and let him hold. He can do it.”

Gemma shook her head, adamant. “I spotted several blacklegs at the Mile today.”

“Those scoundrels are always hanging about the courses.”

“They had their eye on Dido, in particular. She ran well.” A beat. “Too well.”

Rake began to understand. “You think there will be several false starts tomorrow.”

Gemma nodded. “She’s high-spirited, and they’re going to try to rattle her.” Her gaze held his. “I won’t start Hannibal fast. He has heart. He’ll earn it.”

“Then what’s your race strategy?” he asked, but his brow was already furrowing with understanding. “You’re not suggesting the Chifney Rush.”

She didn’t flinch. “As it happens?—”

“No.”

“You can’t tell me no.”

“I can, and I do. It’s too dangerous.”

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