Page 33 of A Duchess to Fight For
Chapter 8
Percy, Cecil, and Kent went to Tattersall’s in search of a horse. They decided amongst themselves that Cecil was in the market for a carriage horse. Since none of them knew much about the difference between a carriage horse and a single mount, they would need some guidance. Perfect.
The three of them wandered around the maze of stables, the track, and the paddock. They didn’t have to try very hard to look like they didn’t know what they were doing.
Percy, Cecil, and Kent milled through a crowd of gentlemen bunched together, watching stable boys lead horses around the track. Each horse had a number draped over its back where a saddle usually sat.
“I’m going to wander and listen for a raspy voice,” Percy whispered to Cecil and Kent.
They nodded and stayed together in the crowd. A gentleman approximately their age struck up a conversation with the men.
“Good day. Aren’t these animals magnificent?”
“They are,” Kent said. He introduced Cecil and himself to Lord Harold Newton.
“This is our first time here. Have you been to Tattersall’s before?” Kent asked.
“Enough. I know my way around. You’ll enjoy the auction. Very entertaining.”
They watched as the action began. The auctioneer’s voice rang in their ears.
Cecil and Kent exchanged looks. They turned to Harold.
“I can’t place him, but I swear I’ve heard that voice before. What do you know of the auctioneer?” Cecil asked.
Harold grinned. “He’s a Tattersall’s institution. Victor’s been with the old man Tattersall since the place opened.”
“Does he run the place?” Kent asked.
Harold nodded. “Everything but the books. The old man’s grandson, Reginald, takes care of them.”
Cecil looked around, “Where is he?”
Harold snorted. “Downtown. He doesn’t come here and get his shoes dirty. After the weekend is over and the place shuts to customers except by appointment, he and Victor get together and go over purchases and sales.”
Kent looked at Harold. “Sounds like Victor has free rein of the place.”
“Yes, he does. He’s the only one keeping the place together.” Harold shrugged. “It works for them. I’m moving on but before I go, do you dine at the club?”
Kent laughed. “Every night.”
“I’ll look for you there, tomorrow evening?” Harold asked.
Cecil looked at Kent, then at Harold, “We look forward to it.”
Harold walked away, and Cecil and Kent looked at one another again.
“Nice arrangement Victor has. How much you want to bet he and Barton are good friends?”
“Let’s find Percy.”
Percy made almost an entire loop around the track before finding Cecil and Kent. No wonder. They were looping around looking for him. If Percy’s stride wasn’t so long, they could have searched for one another all day.
“There you are,” he said, loud enough for Cecil and Kent to hear him ten feet away.
They turned around and waited for Percy to catch up. “Let’s find a spot where we can talk,” Percy said quietly.
Tattersall’s was crowded, and it took the three of them time to find a secluded spot. Percy thought this bode well if he decided to have Barton followed.
