Page 11 of Lady of Fortune
“I’ve practiced over the years,” she said, shrugging her shoulders. “I’ve trained Orianna, watched and listened to more experienced horse trainers, and been a spectator at more than a few races.”
“Nothing can properly prepare someone for what it’s like to truly race.”
“That,” she said, “Is for certain. And it is why I need you.”
He groaned as he ran a hand over his face, and at that moment, she knew she had him.
“So you’ll do it?” she asked hopefully.
“Aye,” he finally said, though regret was already written over his face. “Meet me in your stables tomorrow at dawn. Oh, and as the owner of Orianna, you’re going to have to come up with an identity for your new jockey. It will be on the lips of all within the stables, who this new man is that has come from nowhere.”
She nodded her head and took a hesitant step toward him. Clasping the dress to her, she reached out a hand, placing it on his arm.
“Thank you,” she said. “For helping me, and for keeping my secret. I’ve always been able to count on you, and it’s a blessing to know that hasn’t changed. Oh, and Eddie…”
She bit her lip now. She didn’t want to ask him, knew it was crossing the line, but she didn’t know who else could help.
“Would you… wait outside the door for a moment, and button my dress when I’m ready?”
He looked as though he wanted to say no as a horrified expression crossed his face, but he jerkily nodded, and before she could say another word, he was out of the stall, emptiness remaining where he had previously stood.
CHAPTER6
Julia dressed hurriedly before anyone else entered Orianna’s stall, tucking the silk jacket up underneath her skirts, leaving the breeches on underneath. She would need them for the next time.
She peeked her head out, finding Eddie waiting for her, and she crooked a finger at him. He slipped back into the stall, did up the buttons she hadn’t ripped off as she had undressed, and when he hurried off without a word, and Julia wondered how deeply she had offended him by asking him to do such a chore for her. Well, there was nothing to be done about it now. She would apologize the next time she saw him.
When she finally emerged from Orianna’s stall, she saw the horse being led around the corner, and she approached the filly, accepting the nuzzle of her shoulder. She loved this horse, she had to admit, and she hated the thought of having to give up her care to anyone else.
After one final pat, Julia continued on her way, steeling herself for her eventual confrontation with her father. She would tell him that she had gotten lost, and by the time she had returned to the grandstand the race had been underway, and so she had watched from where she stood.
And— oh dear. Maybelle. With all of the distractions, Julia had completely forgotten about her maid, who she had last seen flirting with one of the grooms. Her father may accept the fact she had gotten lost, but he would certainly not be pleased if he knew she had been alone.
Looking one way and then the other, Julia was overcome with relief when she saw Maybelle hurrying toward her from the stairs of the grandstand.
“Oh, my lady, thank goodness! I have been looking everywhere for you. I had hoped you had returned to your seat, but not to worry, I didn’t let your father see me. I knew how displeased he would be to know we were separated, and I didn’t want to cause any trouble for either of us. But my goodness, I was worried. I am so sorry, I never should have stopped to speak to that groom, it’s entirely my fault, I —”
“Maybelle.” Julia took her maid by the shoulder, and despite the fact that she was a good head shorter than her maid, she looked her in the eye in an attempt to calm her. “’Tis not your fault. And all is fine. I will explain all once we are at home. Thank you for not allowing Father to know we were separated. He would be ever so worried.”
Maybelle nodded, calmed now, and she took a deep breath. “He is looking for you.”
“Yes, we must return,” Julia said, though as they climbed the stairs to their place in the grandstand, Julia came to a quick halt when she saw with whom her father was standing.
“Julia, there you are!” her father’s voice boomed down toward her. “Come, daughter, we have been waiting for you.”
We.
“Lady Julia, how wonderful to see you. And in St. Albans colors, of course.”
“Your Grace.”
Julia curtsied to the Duke of Clarence, suddenly well aware of the fact of what she must look like. She had hastily shoved her bonnet over her hair, tied back in the messiest chignon likely ever seen on a woman, her cheeks were flushed, and her clothing likely wrinkled. She was actually unsure of just how unkempt she must look.
“Congratulations on a terrific race.”
Julia stared at him for a moment. He couldn't have known that she — no, of course he didn’t know she had actuallyriddenOrianna. He was simply congratulating her as Orianna’s owner.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” she finally responded, particularly after her father sent a pointed look her way. “I had hoped for a win, of course, but Orianna performed admirably.”
