Page 101 of Yielding to Love

Crispin stepped into the breach. “If Jasper’s case is that I cannot be persuaded to join Parliament, I must award victory to him. I have no interest in politics.”

“So you say,” Hazard said. “But the war is definitively over this time. You’ve sold your commission. Your cottage is beautifully refurbished.”

“Haz’s case is ‘what is there for Crispin to do now?’ But I have the answer,” Jasper crowed. He was loud, brash, and amused. Crispin rolled his eyes.

Hazard blew a razz of derision. “And I am positive he will refuse.”

“Refuse what?” Crispin asked.

“Lord Sidmouth,” Jasper said. “He asked me to speak with you about a position in the Home Office. He needs a personal secretary—”

“Oh, good God, Jasper! No.” A wave of revulsion swept over him. “I’m not going to spy on my countrymen.”

Silence fell. Even Hazard looked shocked, and he had been the one certain Crispin would refuse.

“Not spy,” Jasper finally said.

Hazard said, “Sidmouth is an arse. He sees traitors to the Crown behind every bush. He thinks any man with a new idea is a provocateur. But he would not ask a gentleman to spy.”

“He would. And he has. And I’ve said no. If he presses you again to enlist me, Jasper, I would appreciate it if you will repeat for him my refusal. Word for word. I will not spy on my countrymen.”

Jasper set his rummer down. He looked sobered. “I will. I will tell him. I’m sorry, Crispin.”

“For?”

“For my naivete, I suppose. For pushing Sidmouth’s case. I envisioned you organizing his correspondence, or something equivalent.”

Still appearing shaken, Hazard said, “A filthy business. Spying. During peacetime, I mean.” He drew his gaze away from Crispin. “I understand the necessity in war.”

Benjamin cleared his throat. “Perhaps now is the time to tell them what you do have planned.”

Crispin nodded. The perfect time. It would divert attention from all other considerations. And there was no reason to keep it a secret. “I’m going to breed horses.”

Jasper’s brow wrinkled. “Where?”

“Here. Walk out to the new stables—”

“Benjamin, you knew this?” Jasper turned to frown at their brother-in-law. “Yet you let Haz and me argue like two bosky fools?”

“Yes. Because it was not my news to tell.” He leaned back. “I only knew because Crispin asked to purchase Winner. Olivia refused, of course, but said she would lend her for the purpose. As long as she gets first right of refusal for the foal.”

“Mercury and Second Place?” Jasper started to grin. “I will outbid her for that foal. Crispin, that is a superb idea. But beyond that pair, do you know what you are getting into? Horse breeding requires a substantial investment. And…and knowledge of the art.”

“Yes, I do know. But I have a ridiculously wealthy brother, who I can tap for a loan. And Olivia has suggested one of the hands in your stable to steal away to be head groom in mine. She says he knows horses.” He turned up his palms. “I intend to go slowly. To see how it goes first with Mercury and Winner. Besides, the worst thing that can happen is I am left with too large of a stable and too many horses.”

Hazard stepped around a chair to come clasp Crispin’s shoulder. “If Jasper balks, talk to my man of business. Or have Benjamin talk to him. If Olivia is involved in this, I can’t see any way for it to fail.”

“Thank you, Haz.” He grinned. “And yes, I intend to consult with Olivia.” And Camellia. He hadn’t thought of including carriage horses, but why not? “And you, Jasp. I’ve often wondered why you have not turned breeder yourself. Your stable is one of the finest.”

Jasper shrugged. “Too much work. I prefer to buy good horses rather than make them.”

Crispin looked around the room, then focused on the empty bottle and half-empty second. “There is no point in having a drink. I will never catch up. I’m going to bed.”

Goodnights were offered all around. Crispin escaped the room and made fast for the stairs. When he reached his chamber, he closed the door quietly, then leaned back against it with a sigh of relief. Tomorrow’s talk would be nothing but horses.

Yet as he straightened, his relief spiraled into regret. Camellia belonged here. With him. The devil. He wished they had been caught.

But no. If he were to propose under these conditions, she would assume he felt coerced. She would say no. He would be hurt. They would start the whole damn cycle again.