Page 43 of A Duchess to Fight For
“I’ve come with news. I don’t know what to make of where I heard it, but it is news nevertheless.”
Percy told the men the story of overhearing the auctioneer and someone else talking in Hyde Park. He wondered if they saw him and planted the discussion there or if it were a coincidence. He was still having trouble thinking it was a coincidence.
“I don’t think it was a plant, but let’s explore that first. They deliberately wanted to give you information about inferior horses being sold at Tattersall’s, and they wanted you to know Barton’s part in it. Or they wanted you to go on a wild goose chase based on what you heard.
“If they wanted you to know Barton’s part in it or if they wanted you to go on a wild goose chase, wouldn’t they, or at least the auctioneer, be implicated?
“They’ve caught on that we have men on them, as Barton has obviously caught on as well. I think they went as far out of the way as possible to meet. This other man doesn’t even have to show his face in the city if they meet in Hyde Park. Everyone knows no one goes to Hyde Park.”
“Hobart’s right, Percy. This wasn’t a set-up. How would they know you would go to the park today, and you would go down that path? We’ll keep the way you got the information in mind when we decide what to do with it. I find it interesting that Victor is squeezing Barton. He’s in one heck of a predicament, isn’t he?”
“That’s why Barton shouldn’t make enemies,” Hobart said. “He already has a situation he can’t extricate himself from. And now, Frederick, he’s starting a war on another front? I have to wonder how he’s made it this far in life without painting himself into a corner.”
“Yes, but let’s not paint ourselves into a corner either. What to do. What to do. Nothing this horse trader and Victor said can be used as solid evidence. Barton talking about horses on a Saturday afternoon at Tattersall’s cannot be used as solid evidence.
“If we saw Victor and Barton behind the stables splitting up money and pocketing it, is that evidence? We know what Barton is doing. We need to be part of a horse trade,” Frederick said.
Hobart tapped his index finger on his lips. “Who do we know that no one else knows?”
Frederick shrugged, “Someone in Rutland?”
Hobart turned to Percy. “What about Gordon. How do you come about your horses, Percy?”
“Here. Tattersall’s. But I’m going to re-think where I purchase my horses.
Frederick snorted. “When this is over, we’ll straighten out the old man and his lazy grandson. The old man should sell the business and let the new owner keep the Tattersall’s name. I think that’s the only way to get the place on track again.”
Hobart stood and poured himself another drink then held up the decanter for Frederick and Percy to see.
Frederick nodded, but Percy shook his head and put down his empty glass. “I’m meeting my friends at White’s. I’ll ask them where they buy their horses.”
Shortly after, Percy sat down next to Cecil. A waiter was by his side in seconds. “Whisky. And we’ll need a private dining room.” The waiter bowed silently and left.
“Again?” Kent said. “What is it now? Your life has become downright intriguing, Percy.”
“I’ll tell you when we’re alone.”
Cecil and Kent looked at each other with grins on their faces. “Why are you grinning?”
Kent spoke. “Because whatever you’re going to tell us will be more interesting than anything we could tell you.”
After they were seated in their private room and orders had been placed, Cecil and Kent leaned forward, putting their elbows on the table, and stared at Percy.
He didn’t leave them waiting long. He started by telling them about overhearing the discussion in Hyde Park. Cecil and Kent were sidelined by a discussion about the beauty of the park and its infrequent use.
When back on track and the story complete, Percy asked them about where they purchased their horses. He wanted their horse seller to make a deal with Victor.
Cecil knew his horse seller well and would help them. His love of animals far exceeded his love of mankind. Cecil would make a trip to his estate the following day.
