To Make a Match (A Scandal in London Novel) by Liana LeFey

Author:Liana LeFey [LeFey, Liana]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Published: 2013-08-13T04:00:00+00:00

“You know, perhaps a friendly race is in order,” Julius offered up cheerily, breaking the tension. “I should myself like to see how Primero compares to my Sir Handel.”

“Perhaps a cross-country, then?” suggested Victoria. “Our estate encompasses a variety of terrains. I could arrange a challenging course quite easily.”

“And if I win, you’ll grant me exclusive stud rights for Primero?”

“Exclusivity?” she replied, clearly taken aback. “That’s rather high stakes for a ‘friendly race,’ don’t you think?”

“Is it?” He slid his gaze over to Withington, surprised to feel a prickle of jealousy. The man didn’t have to be quite so convincing with his innuendos.

“Well, I suppose it’s fair enough,” she acceded. “Provided all prizes are of equal value.”

“Fair enough. And what would you claim if you win?”

“The winner will take a prize from both losers,” she announced. “If you win, I’ll give you exclusive rights to Primero’s bloodline. If I win, I’m certain I shall think of a suitable prize to claim from each of you.”

“Unspecified forfeits are dangerous stakes, but I agree. Two prizes to the winner, then.” He turned to Withington, his lips quirking. “And what would you have of me?”

His friend grinned back. “The same thing I’ve been trying to wrest from your possession since we were children, of course.”

“It’ll never happen.”

“I’ll still try, just the same.”

“What is it?” asked Victoria.

Julius smiled fondly. “When I was young, Father gave me an exquisitely carved chess set from India. Withy’s coveted it ever since he laid eyes on it. That set’s been the stakes for many a wager between us over the years—but he has yet to win it.”

“I look forward to showing you Silvertail’s beautiful hindquarters,” said Withington.

Victoria chuckled at his tone. “If we are to race cross-country, then I shall enjoy seeing both of you trailing in my wake.”

“Ah, but you’ll have to give us a handicap, my lady,” Julius said with a smile. “After all, you’ll be the only one on familiar ground.”

“True. Therefore, I agree to a count of fifteen ticks’ head start for both of you.”

Withington adamantly shook his head in denial. “Very generous of you, but I should feel unchivalrous taking advantage of a lady.”

Amelia snorted and immediately tried to cover it up with a cough.

Julius’s lips twitched with suppressed mirth. “I think, in this case, we had better take advantage of her goodwill. Especially when the stakes are so high. God knows what she might ask of us.”

“Very well. I shall concede to the handicap,” replied Withington, albeit grudgingly. “And what of you, Lady Amelia? Will you be joining the race, as well?”

Folding her arms, Amelia shook her head. “Not I, my lord. I do not share the same affinity for horses as Victoria. I prefer to admire them from afar, when at all.”

“What do you enjoy, Lady Amelia?” pressed Withington.

“Oh, the typical things: music, art, literature,” she said, seemingly caught off balance by his interest.

“Do you play an instrument or sing?”

“I play the pianoforte a bit,” she replied shyly.

“A bit?” cut in Victoria.

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