Page 88 of A Single Obsession

“How are you, boy? Did they look after you? I’ve missed you.”

He inspected the bay colt and let out a sigh of relief. “All is well, Finch. He seems in fine health, and you’ve done an excellent job of getting him here without exhausting him in the heat. Now, where is young Robson? I’d like to thank him for stepping in at such short notice.”

“I’m sorry, my lord. He’s not here at the moment.”

“Gone to watch the races, has he? Never mind. Make sure he’s rested and spends as much time with Romeo as possible. The more the two are acquainted, the better they’ll work together.”

“I will. Till tomorrow, my lord.”

Beau walked back to the racecourse alone, the glimmer of a smile on his lips. Romeo looked as strong as ever.

If Robson could create a bond with his horse, all was not lost.

There was a chance he could still win.

Chapter 39

Eliza left the Red Lion early on the morning of the race. A pang of guilt assailed her as she told her maid she was going for a ride and might be some time. That at least was true. She hated deceiving Sarah, but she had to do this. For Beau.

The staff of the inn were busy with their work and paid no heed as she slipped into the stable yard, where Finch was waiting with the two horses. He helped Eliza into the saddle, and they rode away from the hostelry in silence, heading for the place where Romeo was stabled.

When they arrived at the White Hart, she put the next phase of their plan into action, as Finch had insisted they act out a charade to protect her reputation.

After dismounting, Eliza raised a hand to her forehead, swayed dramatically, and collapsed into her groom’s arms.

He called for help and, from under her lightly closed eyelids, she saw one of the stable boys run inside the inn. Her groom touched her arm, and she awoke from her false swoon as the landlady bustled into the yard.

“My mistress is unwell and needs to rest for a while. Please show her into the best bedchamber you have available.”

The woman seemed overawed by Finch’s demanding manner and hastened to do as he bid.

“Yes, of course. This way. Poor lady.”

Eliza was shown into a simply furnished, but clean, bedchamber.

“I’m sorry I’ve nothing better to offer you. It’s the races.”

Eliza was relieved any room was available, otherwise their plan would have been hindered from the start.

The landlady summoned a lad to remove her boots and then banished him from the room before bustling forward to remove Eliza’s gown and stays.

“Please send for my groom to bring my saddlebag,” she said in a weak voice. “I need my vinaigrette.”

By the time Finch arrived, the landlady had tucked her into bed. The woman would have searched the bag for her smelling salts, but Eliza stopped her.

“Please don’t trouble yourself. I know where to find what I need. If I can lie down for a few hours, I’m certain to recover. It’s only one of my headaches.”

“Are you sure you wouldn’t like me to summon the doctor?”

“No, thank you. I want to be left alone. Once I’ve rested, I’ll be fine. Do not disturb me on any account. I will ring for your help when I need it.”

“Well, if you’re sure…”

Eliza thought she would never go. “I am. If I lie down quietly in a darkened room, I’ll soon feel better.”

Thankfully, this last plea, uttered as it was in a truly pitiful tone, convinced the well-meaning woman that to be left in peace was all she required. She drew the curtains and bobbed a curtsey before bustling out of the room.

Eliza heaved a sigh of relief, and once alone, she leapt from the bed and opened the saddlebag. She extracted the man’s clothing and pulled on a shirt and a pair of breeches, transforming her—for what she hoped would be the last time—into Mr Robson.