Chapter Thirty

"The important thing today is that you enjoy yourself," Aldric said to Niles as the Gents alighted from the two carriages in which they had ridden to the site of the Hamblestead fair. The ladies had ridden in a third.

"Enjoy yourself?" Lucas shook his head in disbelief. "That doesn't sound like a strategy our beloved and terrifying General would champion."

"I'm not actually terrifying," Aldric said.

Digby tipped his hat as he stepped past the General. "Beg to differ, my friend."

Aldric was undeterred. "The strategy is a good one, Niles. Allowing yourself to be at ease today and pass a pleasant interval will give your mind rest. So much of what you are facing tomorrow will be mentally taxing. Being keen of mind will go a long way toward surviving the bout."

"Surviving is one of my goals," Niles acknowledged. "But could I not have prepared for survival in my own clothing at least?"

Wilson had ridden up with the coachman, having received leave, like all the other servants, to enjoy themselves at the fair. He, however, had wanted to be present when Niles alighted to offer whatever help might be needed in putting his clothing to rights. Wilson had, after all, overseen the creation of Niles's current ensemble.

"You'll draw attention by fiddling with your clothes," Wilson warned in the very moment Niles hooked a finger around the cravat tied snugly around his throat. "And that would undermine the entire thing."

The young man wasn't wrong. Niles simply wasn't accustomed to wearing colors that weren't at least a little muted. Digby and Wilson had both insisted the borrowed frock coat and waistcoat wouldn't garner him extra notice, which he was keen to avoid. The ensemble would instead make him in many ways more invisible. He would be seen as simply another of the Quality and a gentleman far too fashionable for something as low-class as taking part in a boxing match.

"Keeping the hat a bit low will help make you less recognizable tomorrow," Wilson added.

Niles had never known a valet with Wilson's ease of manner around his employer's friends and associates. He couldn't help wondering if that would change over time, if the young man would settle into his role and take a more traditional approach. He hoped not, as he very much liked Wilson. But he also realized that Wilson would struggle to find his place in Lucas's household and among the other servants he would come to know in London if he were seen as not knowing his place. So many people had so very many expectations. It made being oneself a tricky thing to manage.

Apparently satisfied that Niles wouldn't make a complete mull of his efforts, Wilson wandered off into the fair.

The ladies' carriage arrived a moment later. As unsure as Niles was about his current appearance, knowing Penelope would emerge and spot him dressed as he was made him far more nervous. He'd hardly seen her the past few days. He'd spent a lot of hours in the outbuilding, practicing and building his endurance. But he'd also been avoiding her a little. They'd ended their conversation on the island on a note of hopelessness, acknowledging the worrying likelihood that life would tear them apart in the end. He didn't want that to happen and couldn't bring himself to face her without some small glimmer of hope to offer.

Now he not only had to face the possibility of seeing disappointment in her eyes over all that had happened, but he also knew there was a high likelihood that she would see how comparatively garish his current clothing was and think he looked ridiculous.

The women handed little Philip out of the carriage and into Lucas's waiting arms. Then they handed tiny baby Layton to Kes, who stood nearby as well. Lastly, Julia, Violet, and Nicolette emerged, their respective husbands greeting each of them.

"Part of enjoying yourself today, Puppy," Aldric said from directly beside him, "is allowing yourself the pleasure of Penelope's company. You've denied yourself that joy for several days now, and I don't think it has done either of you any good."

"Would it not be cruel to let our hopes soar today, knowing they'll fall to the ground tomorrow?"

"Win tomorrow and the purse would be enough for you to possibly aim for land near Fairfield," Aldric said.

"I can't beat the Bath Butcher." Niles knew that well enough. "I mean to make every effort to best him, but I am far too realistic to expect it to happen."

"I never thought my father would allow me the use of any of his estates, but he did. Miracles happen every day, Niles."

Penelope stepped from the carriage at that exact moment. She was, as always, breathtakingly beautiful. And her eyes, as was also usual to her, took in the entirety of her surroundings in a single, excited sweep. Heavens, but she would be delightful to pass through life with, eager to try and see new things but not needing him to be a person of renown or importance; she would be content and pleased with precisely who he was.

He crossed to the carriage and offered her his hand. She hesitated for just a moment before a broad smile lit her face.

"I didn't recognize you at first," she said, "and couldn't see your face very well."

"That was the hope." Niles helped her to the ground, then offered his arm. He lowered his voice. "It is rather important that tomorrow I not be easily recognized as the same gentleman who is wandering about today."

"That is wise," she answered equally quietly.

"I feel a little ridiculous," he said.

She squeezed his arm. "You needn't. 'Tisn't your usual appearance you're sporting today, but you're still quite handsome."

Lucas passed them, bouncing Philip in his arms.

Julia was directly behind, holding the baby. "We're off to see Punch and Judy," she explained.

"What would you like to see?" Niles asked Penelope.

"Are we to spend some time together?"

"All day, if you're willing."

She turned the tiniest bit toward him as they walked in the direction of the fair booths. "I have missed you so much these past days. I know that you've needed to prepare for tomorrow, but everyone is leaving in only a couple of days' time, and I'll need to leave when Kes and Violet do. I've worried I'd not have time with you before we are forced to part."

"I wish I had funds enough for purchasing an estate near Fairfield," he said. "Or alternately, had dreamed these years of an equine career rather than a political one."

She shook her head. "Our dreams aren't identical, but, Niles, they are so very well matched to the both of us. You understand and enjoy horses, which makes my dreams suited to your participation. And I enjoy learning things and hearing people's thoughts and points of view, which makes your dreams suited to my participation. We could be so very perfect together."

"Then, let's not abandon hope," he said. "It might take me years to have money enough for an estate near yours, but I am willing to keep saving and keep earning where I can."

"More fights?" she asked quietly.

"Those are getting riskier," he admitted. "Not merely because I don't dare get caught, but I'm also growing more out of practice, and that will eventually catch up to me."

They'd reached the heart of the fair and its rows and rows of stalls. He bent his head closer to hers so she would be able to hear him over the din of voices.

"I'll find something to supplement my income, and I'll not stop doing all I can until I have enough."

"As will I," she said. "Once I am able to hire the stable staff I need, I can begin with the horses I have. In time, there will be profit that I can save. Between the two of us, we'll have enough before we know it."

The questionable wisdom of the day would have dictated that Niles object to the idea of his would-be wife bearing any of the financial burden of allowing them to be together. But far from bruising his pride, her sincere and earnest offer buoyed him. He wasn't alone in this struggle. And he wasn't fighting for something that mattered only to him.

There was such strength in that knowledge.

"Fairings for you?" a woman at the stall they'd only just reached called out to them.

That stopped Niles in his tracks. " Cornish fairings?"

The woman nodded. "My mum's from Cornwall. Taught me how to make them."

Niles looked to Penelope. "Have you ever had a Cornish fairing?"

"I've not the first idea what it is."

"A variety of ginger biscuit," he said. "The very best variety."

"I love ginger biscuits," Penelope said.

He paid the biscuit seller and gave Penelope the purchased ginger treat. As they walked along, she broke off a piece and held it out to him.

"It's your biscuit, my dear. I'll not steal it from you," he said.

She laughed a bit. "I'm offering; therefore, it is not stealing. And I am keeping most of it, which pleases me to no end. I will enjoy it thoroughly."

He accepted the offered bit of biscuit. "One of the most ridiculous rows I ever had with Stanley Cummings—Julia's late brother, he was one of the Gents—was over a biscuit. A tin of biscuits, if I am being entirely honest. We knew at the time it was ridiculous, but we were both being stubborn."

"I am grateful you have learned to stop being stubborn about biscuits."

On they wandered, past stalls and crowds. It was an easy thing being in her company. Even dressed a little uncomfortably and with the worry of the next day's fight heavy on his mind, he felt entirely at ease. She lifted his burdens simply by being with him. He hoped he did the same for her.

They reached the open area where horses were corralled in the hope of being sold. He'd always enjoyed that section of any fair. It was no surprise that Penelope immediately stopped to study the animals. Offerings at country fairs like this were often sparse and focused on work horses. He didn't doubt Penelope would appreciate a horse no matter its pedigree or purpose, but Fairfield's focus would be riding horses or impressive matched teams to pull grand carriages. She was unlikely to find something here that would suit her needs.

"Niles." She spoke his name in an amazed whisper. "Look at that horse by the wagon."

He followed her gaze to a stunning white horse.

"I can't tell from this distance and angle if it is a mare, a stallion, or a gelding." Her focus hadn't shifted in the least. "Do you suppose it is pure white or a gray that has gone white?"

"We'd need to get a closer look."

But she shook her head. "That would afford its handlers a closer look at you and a reason to remember you. 'Twould be dangerous for tomorrow."

"And unfortunately," he said, "they probably won't discuss anything with you if you attempt an inquiry yourself."

"That is truer than it ought to be."

A quick glance around revealed they were in luck. Aldric and Digby were happening past.

Niles waved them over. "Penny would very much like to know more about the white horse at the back, but neither of us is in a position to lead the charge in asking questions."

Digby caught on quickly. "Because she is a lady, and you are a... duke."

Aldric was nodding along, clearly having realized the impediment at the same time Digby had.

"We'll lead the discussion," Aldric said. "You two remain nearby and keep your ears perked."

It was the perfect plan.

"My good man," Digby called out to the horse trader nearest the animal they were interested in. He waved him over.

"'Ow may I 'elp you?" The man watched them with awe and hope.

"What can you tell us of that white animal?" Digby asked the question casually, with the air of dandification that had prevented so many people over the years from taking his true measure.

"Spirited stallion," the man said.

"A stallion," Penelope whispered. That seemed to be the answer she'd been hoping for.

"But he ain't so full of the fire that he's difficult. He don't like doing the farm work I'd hoped he'd do, and it's a right struggle keeping him patient enough to see to it."

Under her breath, Penelope said, "That is not a farm horse."

Aldric eyed them without seeming to.

"I'd like to know where the horse came from," Penelope whispered quickly, "and if it is truly white."

To the horse trader, Aldric said, "I do not hail from this area. Are white horses common here?"

"This'n came from Lincolnshire," the man answered. "And though I've seen gray horses about, he's a different sort. Skin underneath's pink, if you can believe it."

"I'll believe it if I can see it," Digby said.

The man dipped his head and rushed toward his horse. Digby and Aldric both looked at Penelope expectantly.

"Pink skin tells us it is a true white horse," she said. "The man said it's a stallion. And from Lincolnshire, so there is the possibility it could be descended from Alcock's Arabian."

"You wouldn't be able to prove that," Niles warned.

"I know, but I have a true-white broodmare. We could breed white horses. I don't know of any other horse-breeding estate with that focus. When a true-white horse happens to be born, the interest is immediate. And when that horse becomes available for purchase, the asking price is incredibly high. To breed true-white horses with lines like this stallion has... . That'd be the making of Fairfield."

Niles took her hand while they were being paid such little heed. He was having to be careful not to draw notice.

"I don't want to get excited too quickly," she said. "I'm certain I can't afford him. But heavens, Niles, if I could... Being unmarried, I have no hope of the banks lending me money for the other stallion I was hoping to purchase. Having only one stud will slow down the building of my business. But to have this one, this remarkable one, would change everything. Fairfield could turn a tremendous profit in only a couple of years."

"Perhaps this is the beginning of that miracle we're hoping for," he said.

She released a tight breath. "It would require a miracle."

The man was returning, leading the horse by a rein. Niles squeezed Penelope's hand quickly before letting go.

"Age, overall health, more about its temperament," Penelope said quickly. "Let's make certain it definitely has not been gelded. Then a price."

Digby and Aldric continued asking the questions, managing to do so without seeming overly eager and without drawing undue attention to Niles. All the while, Penelope studied the stallion. So did Niles. It was exquisite. The pink of his nose, now near enough to be clearly seen, confirmed that he was truly white. And his eyes were blue.

This was a unique horse.

Penelope stroked its nose and rubbed its neck. And while the animal didn't seem to entirely trust her, it didn't snap or nip or object.

"True white. Beautiful lines. It hasn't been gelded." The slight shake in her whisper, Niles felt certain, arose from the enormity of this discovery. "Oh, Niles, I am getting my hopes up."

"So am I."

The horse trader quoted an asking price. Penelope froze. Niles didn't think he'd ever seen her so still. He'd been to Tattersalls and been present for equine purchases often enough to have had something of a guess as to what the trader would ask. He'd assumed the price would be high. Had Penelope as well?

Digby indicated they'd need to discuss it a moment. The four of them took a few steps away and spoke quietly.

"The price he's asking is far, far lower than it could be." Penelope shook her head. "And while I want to agree to it before he realizes his error, I'd also feel criminal accepting it."

"I know the man's family," Digby said. "I guarantee you he believes he is ruthlessly cheating you."

"What if we asked him to deliver the animal to Pledwick Manor for an additional fee? Then I could pay a little more and feel a little better without wounding his pride by insisting he doesn't know the value of what he has."

"Wise," Aldric said.

"Does this mean you can afford the stallion?" Niles asked. "Without having to petition any banks for a loan?"

She turned to him, shaking a little. With a look of absolute amazement, she nodded. "A horse like this shouldn't be at a tiny fair in an isolated corner of the kingdom. I never expected to be at a tiny fair in an isolated corner of the kingdom. My mind simply refuses to make any sense of this."

"Logical or not," Aldric said, "this opportunity is both real and, I suspect, fleeting. If you are going to seize it, you had best do so quickly."

"I haven't that much money on hand," Penelope said. "I would need to write to my solicitors to release funds, which would take at least a week."

Digby waved that off. "I can pay the man, and you and I can settle accounts once your funds reach you."

"I would appreciate that." Penelope still seemed to be holding her breath, as if afraid to let herself believe the truth of her unforeseen good fortune. "I would also need to keep the animal in the Pledwick stables until I can arrange for its transport to Surrey. That would be another inconvenience to you."

Digby smiled. "I will consider it repayment for you and Niles getting my little silver filly to feel at ease. The stable staff are all singing your praises."

Penelope looked at Niles once more. "It will still be years before Fairfield is profitable enough to help us find a solution to our separation. But this would make it possible."

How he wanted to pull her into his arms, to kiss her and hold her and tell her how well worth the wait a life together would be. Decorum required he do none of those things. So he contented himself with a smile of encouragement.

"I've always wanted to be part of a miracle," Digby said. "And purchasing horses is rather fun." With a flourish, he strode back to where the horse trader waited. Aldric joined him there.

The nervousness that had clung to Penelope gave way to excitement at last. Her eyes danced and shone. "Our fortunes are turning, Niles."

"And it's about time," Niles added. "Now we just need to plead for one more miracle tomorrow."

"I'd beg you to be careful, but I suspect that would make the undertaking more dangerous, as you'd be likely to hesitate and overthink."

"I intend to fight as hard and as skillfully as I can," he said. "And if fate is as kind tomorrow as she has chosen to be today, I'll not only not get mauled in the process, but I might also even win."

"That will be my request, then: not that you be careful but that you don't get mauled."

He chuckled. "I will do my best."

Her gaze remained on the white horse. It was truly a beautiful animal.

"What do you mean to do the rest of today?" she asked.

"Walk about with your arm through mine. Perhaps have another fairing. Wander about, and enjoy the company."

"That would be my company?"

He smiled. "If I'm lucky."

She set her hand in his. "Niles Greenberry, from this moment forward, I am choosing to believe that we are going to be very, very lucky."