“First thing tomorrow. The second set will be ongoing for several days. I plan to make the most of that time, learn whatever I can. After which, I’ll stop and check on Sullivan, then return home.” He looked at Nicole. “Incidentally, I don’t want you practicing at Epsom until I get back.”
Her chin came up. “I’m perfectly capable—”
“I know you are, Derby. But the entire racing community, touts, bookmakers, handicappers, are waiting to descend on the unknown jockey I’ve entered in the Derby. We can’t risk exposing you to crowds. With all their voices simultaneously hammering at you, it would be near impossible for you to remain silent. One wrong word might arouse suspicion, and I needn’t elaborate on what that would mean to your Derby entry, not to mention the danger it would expose both you and your father to.”
“How will that risk be lessened by your accompanying me?”
Dustin arched a brow. “I’m very resourceful. Trust me. No one will get near you or become suspicious of why they can’t if I’m there to oversee the situation. Remember, I’ve been preparing for these possible complications from the moment I hired you.”
“He’s right, Nickie,” her father inserted. Meeting Dustin’s gaze, he added, “Don’t worry, Tyreham. She won’t go to Epsom. I’ll make sure of it myself.”
“What do you suggest I tell your new trainer?” Nicole questioned with a hint of distaste. “He’s expecting us to move on to the course at Epsom immediately.”
“I’ll handle Raggert,” Dustin assured her. “I’ll simply tell him the truth without embellishing on it.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning I’ll remind him that I don’t want scores of money-hoarders converging on you at once. He needn’t be aware that you’re a woman to understand some of what you’re up against. After all, Stoddard is an unknown jockey riding a questionable mount. I’m sure Raggert will see the prudence of delaying your public trials until my return. Besides, the Derby isn’t until the twenty-sixth, and you’re already timing well enough to win the bloody thing. Believe me, Derby, Raggert won’t have a problem with my orders for you and Dagger to remain at Tyreham. I’ll just instruct him to vary the path of the course so Dagger’s trials don’t become monotonous. We’ll have more than enough time to practice at Epsom. The other horses won’t arrive until the twenty-fifth, possibly a day sooner. By then, we’ll have long since vacated the race course.”
“And when do you intend us to return?”
A grin. “On the twenty-sixth. After the other contenders have left the paddock and are lining up. Just in time for the Derby to commence. Relax, sweetheart. I know what I’m doing.”
The endearment slipped out of its own accord, and Dustin mentally kicked himself as he saw Nick’s jaw tighten a fraction.
He steeled himself for an outburst, one that never came.
“The marquis is right.” Aldridge shot Dustin a look that clearly stated he was squelching his personal feelings in lieu of resolving a more crucial matter: ensuring Nicole’s safety. “We can’t take any chances of being discovered. As it is, I’m uneasy as hell since Raggert got here.”
Nicole’s head came up. “You feel that way about him, too?”
“Of course. He’s the first person staying at Tyreham who actually knows me. I’m skittish every time I go to the window, thinking that maybe he’ll pass by and spot me.”
“Oh.” Nicole’s face fell. “I thought you meant—never mind.” Her voice trailed off.
Thoughtfully, Dustin studied her reaction. “You don’t like Raggert. I sensed that on the course and again now. Why?”
An uncomfortable silence.
“I’d appreciate an answer.”
“I’d rather not give one. As usual, I’ve inserted myself where I don’t belong.”
“Let me be the judge of that.” A long pause. “Nicole?” he prodded.
She sighed. “I swore to myself that I wouldn’t address this issue. It is, after all, none of my business, but, if you insist, no. I don’t like Raggert, nor do I trust him.”
“Why?”
“Gut instinct. That and the fact that I don’t agree with his training methods.”
“His training methods?” Dustin’s brows arched. “When did you see him train?”
“I didn’t, but I’ve certainly heard him spout his opinions.”
“Nicole, the man’s qualifications are flawless, as are his references. He worked for Lanston for two years, and the only reason Edmund let him go was because his regular trainer returned from an agreed-upon leave of absence. I myself interviewed Raggert twice. He impressed the hell out of me. He’s intelligent and knowledgeable. As for his opinions, we discussed those, too, including the techniques he employs with every manner of thoroughbred imaginable. No, we didn’t agree on everything, but he was blunt about his weaknesses as well as his strengths, and I saw absolutely no indication that he was untrustworthy. Further, I’ve seen him handle horses, and he’s more than capable.”
Nicole rolled her eyes.