Page 59 of A Duchess to Fight For
Amelia paused, then said, “If you would prefer, I can accompany you tomorrow.”
“I may ask you to do that. Even bringing along a maid, it would feel like we were alone. With you, I wouldn’t feel that way.”
***
Donnie made his second pass through the Tattersall stables. There were some beautiful animals there, but there were also horses he would never buy. It wasn’t visible to many people, but it took no time at all for him to recognize.
Instead of going out to pasture, these poor animals would be ridden or become part of a team. They would give out.
The owner would never be able to tell if his horse hit a rut in the road the wrong way or if one of his legs just gave out. Then, instead of going to pasture, it would be put down. Donnie shook his head. All for a little extra coin.
“Pardon. Is there anything I can do for you?” Victor said. He didn’t like anyone walking through his stables. Trespassers saw things Victor didn’t want them to see.
“I was looking at what you have here. My name is Donnie Williams. I have a horse business in Essex.”
“Victor Johnson. I’m the auctioneer and run Tattersall’s.”
Donnie nodded. “Are you interested in buying some of my inventory?”
Victor leaned back against one of the wooden fences in the stable. “Depends. I need to know quality and quantity.”
“Quantity could be one at a time up to five at a time.
“Quality depends. I have stallions, geldings, and mares that are prime and beautiful animals. I’ve got the same with minor imperfections only seen by professionals who know what they’re looking for.”
“What are you looking to do, Donnie?”
Donnie paused then answered, “I’m looking to sell my inventory to you. Inventory my local market can’t afford to or won’t buy. I’m looking to unload what I can’t use.”
Victor looked at Donnie suspiciously. “What have you got today?”
“I’ve got a gelding in perfect condition. He is a gorgeous animal that your customers will leave here raving about what beautiful horses you have.
“With him, I’ve got a nice gentle mare that is a little older, and I’ve got a cart horse that is strong and docile but likes to work alone.”
Victor nodded. “I’d like to see these animals.”
“You are welcome to come to Essex at your convenience. You can look at my entire stable to see if there’s anything else you’re interested in. Right now, I’m mostly interested in selling the three I’ve described,” Donnie said.
“I’ll make that trip. You realize you’re not going to get as much for that gelding if you package it with the mare and the cart horse.”
Donnie laughed. “I realized I’m not going to get what I want for the mare and the cart horse. I expect to get what the gelding is worth.”
“Tell you what. I auction all weekend, but I could visit you on Tuesday into Wednesday. Would that work for you?”
Donnie nodded. “I’ll leave my information about my ranch before I leave town. Come any time. You don’t need to notify me at ahead of time.”
Donnie started walking out of the stables. “You will see me,” Victor called after him.
Donnie walked to Hobart’s warehouse and was relieved to find him there.
Hobart ushered him into his office, put a drink in his hand, and looked at him expectantly.
Donnie laughed. He liked Hobart. He was enjoying his trip to London more than he imagined since he despised the place before this visit.
After he told Hobart the whole conversation between himself and Victor, Hobart was pleased. The only downside was telling Frederick that hopefully this week but maybe next week or the week after that, Victor would visit Donnie.
Donnie and Hobart talked some more, mostly about the shipping business and Donnie’s dislike of London. He said goodbye and went in search of Cecil.
Cecil was at his townhouse waiting for him. He was thrilled at the outcome of his trip. He promised Donnie his horse would be ready at dawn for his ride back to Essex.
Cecil took Donnie to White’s for dinner. Before they left the townhouse, he warned Donnie not to talk about their scheme. It was amazing what you could overhear at White’s. Kent joined them, and they had a pleasant dinner.
When they returned to the townhouse, Donnie told Cecil he would retire early. Because he was leaving at dawn, Cecil thanked Donnie for his help before saying goodnight. Cecil stayed up a little longer, whisky in hand, and a smile on his face.
