Princess Charming (Legendary Lovers 1)

“Hyde Park is a public enough place. I doubt he would proposition me again in front of witnesses. And I won’t allow myself to be caught alone with him again.”

“But what do you hope to accomplish?”

Realizing Beaufort would not give up his questioning until his curiosity was satisfied, Maura gave in. “As galling as it would be, I may have to apologize for unmanning him last night.”

She saw Beaufort’s lips twitch. “I didn’t think you fancied eating crow for breakfast.”

Her own lips twisted in an unwilling smile. “I don’t, but I am willing to swallow my pride for the sake of my horse. I mean to try one more time to persuade Deering to sell Emperor. Barring that, I will ask him to return Emperor to my farm, or at least to one of his own estates in the country. It is a reasonable request. Emperor is highly nervous in London traffic, and Deering is known as a ham-handed rider. He is treating a champion racehorse like a common hack, riding him in a busy park. Any idiot would know better.”

“True, but you underestimate Deering if you think him a complete idiot. He is merely excessively vain. No doubt he hopes to increase his prestige by showing off his new prize possession before the ton.”

Maura found herself grinding her teeth again, and her voice dropped to a low growl. “I suspect he also wants to broadcast his victory over me. He enjoys rubbing salt in my wounds,” she added with a touch of bitterness.

Beaufort thought about that for a moment before asking another question. “Just how do you know what Deering’s riding customs are?”

“I told you, my steward Gandy has connections.”

“Ah, you have a spy in his stables.”

Maura blushed to have her underhanded methods exposed, but she’d deemed it necessary to fight fire with fire. “Something like that. Emperor is stabled in the mews behind Deering’s home, and some of the grooms there are former colleagues of Gandy’s, and so are willing to keep him informed.”

“I am surprised Gandy is not here to help you deal with the problem.”

“He originally came with me to London, but he couldn’t remain long because it is prime foaling season.”

“Then you have all the more reason to welcome my support.”

Maura bit back a sigh. Beaufort’s forceful personality was much like his sister’s; opposing him would be like trying to resist a powerful storm.

Her conclusion was proved right with his next words.

“Regardless of your stubborn pride, Miss Collyer, I intend to offer my unwanted advice. You are letting anger and grief cloud your judgment. You need someone with a cooler head to help you formulate a new plan.”

He sounded eminently logical and rational, drat him.

“If you have half the intelligence I credit you with,” he added for good measure, “you will allow me to help.”

Maura fell silent, acknowledging the truth of his observation. She would be foolish not to at least consider his offer.

“What did you have in mind?” she asked cautiously.

“Your best course is to gain some leverage over Deering, something that will force him to sell.”

She didn’t reply, and Beaufort said nothing more, doubtless deciding to let her think about his advice. They reached the entrance to Hyde Park a short while later. Maura kept her eyes peeled for Deering, but there was no sign of him.

She and Beaufort cantered their horses along Rotten Row, the wide thoroughfare beside the Serpentine Lake, which was flanked by trees that had leafed the lovely green of spring. After a time, though, Maura began to fret with impatience and frustration. Where was Deering? Would he even come? And would he be riding Emperor?

She had just dropped back into a walk when she drew a sudden breath, having spied her beloved horse in the distance.

She would recognize that powerfully muscled form anywhere, but Emperor was unique in other ways: the elegant head, the kind eye, the sleek black coat that held no trace of white except for a small star on his forehead, and most of all the lively, mischievous temperament. Her horse had a vivid personality all his own.

His rider was indeed Lord Deering, Maura saw as she moved closer. She quickened her pace, even though realizing the viscount had paused beside a landau to speak to the occupant. Her heart sank when she spied the long whip Deering carried and the sharp spurs he wore.

The stallion obviously recognized Maura in return, for he abruptly lifted his head and let out a piercing whinny before breaking into a trot and heading in her direction. In response, Deering hauled on the reins, sawing the bit against Emperor’s tender mouth and digging those wicked spurs into his flanks. Not surprisingly, the horse laid back his ears, resenting the savage treatment.

Then the nobleman raised the whip. Maura went cold, watching helplessly as the leather weapon came down hard on the stallion’s rump again and again. Giving a small cry, she spurred her own mount forward, but after two more blows, Emperor began combating the beating, rounding his back and giving a violent buck that sent the viscount flying.

Free of his tormentor, the stallion raced toward Maura, seeking her protection. When she pulled up, breathing erratically, he came to a skidding halt before her and stood trembling.