Page 36 of A Duchess to Fight For
Chapter 9
Percy’s stable boy took a job with Tattersall’s. One of his most loyal servants, Joey convinced everyone at the Pemberton stables as well as at the Tattersall stables that he was moving on because of a pretty girl who worked in the kitchen of the townhouse. His Grace supposedly suggested he might be better off somewhere else and gave him an excellent reference.
In truth, Joey couldn’t be more excited to spy on Victor. Percy gave him quite a bit of coaching on how to accomplish his mission. The last thing Percy wanted was an overeager boy pelting every stable hand with questions. Just like everyone else on this mission, Joey needed patience.
Frederick went to Hobart’s warehouse to talk about the next shipment’s status, but all he wanted to talk about was Barton. He told Hobart what Joey was doing and asked Hobart to assign someone to be Joey’s go-between because he couldn’t exactly tell Mendon he was there to see the Duke.
“I’ll take care of it today,” Hobart said. “Is he in place?”
Frederick nodded. “He’s been coached, but your man may be able to give him some pointers.”
“I’ll see to it. So, this is what I’m thinking. We have someone go in there and ask to buy a horse, but not at auction. He wants the largest, most powerful horse Tattersall’s can find. Nothing like the horses they sell to the gentlemen of London. He hints to Victor that the horse has to outrun another horse running after him.
“Victor finds a horse. I’m curious where he finds this horse, brings it in, the man comes to see it and starts to haggle with him. That’s when we see what Victor does.
“So, there are three parts of this transaction we want to explore. First, Victor doesn’t care if the horse is to be used illegally. Second, he has sources to get the horse. Third, how much does he expect to profit from the side deal.”
“That wouldn’t be surprising since it’s his business. I wonder if he uses the same sources for legitimate transactions.”
“Unless I’m mistaken, Barton only comes on auction days and drives up the prices of the horses through his ‘expert opinion’ on the superiority of a horse. He and Victor probably take equal cuts. I think Victor has a side business of private deals. He likely takes all the profits from them.
“This is my question to you, Frederick. If someone is talked into a value of something, anything, and overpays for that item, is that illegal? I don’t see how we can show any wrongdoing from someone being stupid enough to overpay for something.”
Frederick smiled. “If that were true, every woman in this town would be locked up for overpaying for something. Remember, Hobart, he and Barton are taking a cut from driving up the price. If they weren’t, the buyer is the only one at fault. Because they are profiting from the deception, they are guilty.”
Hobart nodded. “I should know that; I do know that. It’s just that if these men are overpaying, they have no one to blame but themselves.”
Frederick laughed. “That’s because you’ve never overpaid for a thing in your life. Can we talk about our next run now? How are you doing with the crates?”
Hobart put his hands on his desk and lifted himself up. He moved to a table against the wall and grabbed a pile of parchments Frederick thought looked unorganized. Then he remembered losing Barton’s insurance policy and vowed never again to call his brother unorganized again.
“So, this is what I have so far.”
*****
Percy entered the parlour and greeted the ladies. Louisa still looked pale, and she still had circles under her eyes, but she somehow looked better.
“Louisa, would you accompany me for a walk? The weather is perfect, and the flowers are in full bloom. It’s a rare day in London when conditions are as they are today.”
She looked at Percy, her face blank. “No, thank you, Percy. It was kind of you to ask.”
“We could take a carriage ride to the other side of Hyde Park if you’d like privacy. No one goes there, and it is still just as beautiful as St. James’s Park.
“We’ll get out and walk. A short walk if you prefer. Then return as soon as you like. I took the carriage over. Londoners will see my crest on the carriage, not yours.”
Amelia gushed. “May I join you, Percy? It’s been ages since I’ve been to the west side of Hyde Park.”
Percy smiled. “We would love your company, wouldn’t we Louisa?”
Louisa said nothing. Amelia and Percy looked at each other, then to Louisa. They waited.
“I never hear of anyone going to Hyde Park. Not when there are beautiful gardens so close by. You think we won’t run into members of the ton?”
Percy grinned. “I can’t guarantee it, but I’d be surprised if we did.”
Amelia spoke. “Louisa, let’s go get our bonnets.”
The women rose and left Percy alone.
