Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
* * *
“I think we can all try to do better.” Janice sighed.
CHAPTER 24
Betting his father’s London property on a horse race was strangely liberating. Especially since it was an impromptu horse race between Lord Hemsworth and Lord Sarandon - a drunken one, following a night of debauchery and dissolution. Lord Hemsworth had been throwing insults at him all night and so he was happy to bet against him, and for his friend. But Sarandon was three sheets to the wind and he’d be lucky to finish the race let alone win it.
* * *
They all went out to the field, where the sun bathed the grass in the golden glow of early morning, reflecting upon the lake and turning it into a mirror. Jonathan Hannigan was on hand to flag off the race.
* * *
There were quite a few men hanging about, wagering on the result, and Arthur felt the camaraderie of a common interest with them all. His deed had graciously been accepted by Jonathan while the other men wagered large sums of money. As the sun rose to touch the horizon, Jonathan flagged off the race.
* * *
To Arthur’s surprise, Sarandon shot into the lead, his horse flying. They were to reach the tree line and then circle back to the start of the race. Sarandon was a great horseman and his state of sobriety or lack thereof did not seem to affect that. Arthur screamed, jumping up and down as he cheered for his friend. Much as he would prefer to lose the townhouse, he was also rooting for his friend to win against the abhorrent Hemsworth.
* * *
As they rounded the trees, Hemsworth caught up with Sarandon and they were neck and neck as they made their way back. Both men’s supporters did their best to cheer them on. As they approached the finish line, however, Hemsworth swerved into Sarandon’s path, causing his horse to shy, and Sarandon, being none too steady, slipped off the saddle and fell to the ground.
* * *
Much to Arthur’s relief, he got up at once and jumped back on his horse. But the damage was done. Hemsworth won the race and Arthur lost the house.
“It was quite the spectacle if you could believe it,” Uncle Keith was telling her father as she stepped into the dining room. “If Hemsworth hadn’t cheated, Sarandon might well have won the race.”
* * *
“Yes, well…he is not exactly the most honorable of men,” Lord Benjamin said serenely as he dug into his kippers. “What on earth were they all-,” he stopped abruptly as he looked up to see Janice, “Oh, good morning my dear.”
* * *
They both got to their feet as Janice took her seat. “Good morning. What happened?” She looked to her uncle as the butler poured her some tea.
* * *
He shook his head. “Nothing that should concern you. Simply some careless wagering amongst the district gentry.”
* * *
“Oh? I hope Lord Hemsworth lost?”
* * *
“Unfortunately no. But he did win dishonorably.”
* * *
“If he won dishonorably, then he lost.” She nodded to the butler, picking up her cup and taking a sip before buttering the freshly baked bread and taking a bite. “Is that not so father?”
* * *
“In this case unfortunately, he broke no rules and so…” Lord Benjamin shrugged.
* * *
“What was the wager?”
* * *
Uncle Keith and her father exchanged loaded glances and she wondered what they were trying to hide.
* * *
“What is it?”
* * *
“Nothing. Just…” Lord Benjamin sighed. “Hampton happened to be there. It is said he lost his London Townhouse in the wager.”
* * *
Janice froze. It was the first time anyone had mentioned the duke in her presence. She almost did not know how to react. “How…unfortunate.”
* * *
“Yes. Sarandon tried to lodge a protest on his behalf but he would not have it. Said he lost the property fair and square and would not demur on handing over the deed.”
* * *
“So Lord Hemsworth owns his townhouse now?”
* * *
“Well, since the wager involved more than two people, I imagine they shall sell it and divide the money.”
* * *
“Oh…” Janice said quietly, swallowing the bread she’d stopped chewing.
* * *
Both men watched her carefully.
* * *
She sighed. “I feel quite sorry for him. He is a man haunted by his past.”
* * *
Her father nodded. “You are wise to realize that.”
* * *
She looked from one to the other. “I do not blame him, you know? We both got carried away. Something might have come of it if…” she shook her head, “But now, it’s all ruined with scandal and notoriety, guilt and shame. A trifle annoying is what it all is.”
* * *
“That is indeed one way to look at it,” her father agreed.
* * *
“I mean, who comes up with these rules? It’s all such terrible nonsense!”