“What is that?”
“Racing. Fine horses. And a chance to make a nice little profit on an investment.”
“You want money from me?” Ralph asked grumpily.
“Well that depends.”
“On what?”
“On whether you are the right man for such a venture,” Thomas said, dangling the enticement in front of the Earl but not letting him grasp it just yet.
“You think I am not worthy of a venture with a duke?”
Thomas turned away and gazed out the window. “Well… it all depends…”
“On what? Tell me.”
“I am only inviting averyselect few. At this point, it is very hush hush and not widely known.”
“Are you going to tell me or not? Seems to me you are being very coy, and I cannot see why.”
“I assume you are a gentleman of discretion,” Thomas said, circling Ralph as he began to reel him in.
“Why, what is so damn secret about this proposition of yours?”
Thomas stood looking at Ralph in a way that suggested he was considering whether to tell him or not. Finally, he shook his head and turned as though to leave. “Another time, perhaps.”
“What, you do not trust me?” Ralph asked chasing after Thomas and grabbing him by the sleeve.
Thomas turned back. “Very well. But, as I said, there are only a few limited opportunities, and I have many more gentlemen interested in this venture than I can possibly accommodate.”
Ralph took a step back. “Well, you had better work with those gentlemen, then. It seems you have no use for me.”
Thomas realized he might have gone too far with his ploy and said, “Did I say that? In fact, I have come to you first, as I believe your interests and mine are a good fit.”
“Hmm. Very well then, what is this offer—if it is nottoosecret?”
Thomas laid out the proposition in as much detail as he could at the moment and mentioned that George Edgerton was to be his partner.
“The Edgerton family are good folks,” Ralph said, “I know young George. He spends a lot of time with Helena. She tells me they are just friends, but sometimes I think the interest goes deeper—if you catch my drift.”
“That is not for me to say. But think about my proposition and let me know if it is something that might interest you.”
“What is the price of the shares and what are we looking at as a return on our money? And do you have a budget?”
“George and I are working on all the details which we will have in writing. I will contact you again when we have it ready for your perusal. That is if you are interested.”
“Yes,” Ralph said grudgingly. “I will take a look—but I am not committing myself just yet.”
“Of course, I understand.”
And as Thomas turned to leave, Ralph added, “And you are to marry this foreign lady?”
“I am.”
Ralph sighed. “Pity. Now I need to start all over again finding a husband for Helena.”
Chapter 14
