Page 70 of The Duke of a Thousand Desires

“Rochecliffe, is that you?” a gruff voice queried over the low thud of hoofbeats. “It is. Good to see you alive and well.”

Simon turned to the gristle-haired gentleman who had spoken, a former commander of Light Dragoons who frequented his father’s club. “Am I believed to be dead?” he asked with a laugh, clasping the man’s hand.

“You haven’t been sighted in weeks, although I have to say you look in excellent health. Married life must agree with you.”

“It does.”

“Your papa would approve of the choice you made. A solid family, if scandal-prone, but that’s in the blood. Excellent match, indeed.”

“Thank you. I value the suggestion of my father’s blessing.” He took a pause. “On the subject the family, is Bruxton here today, by chance?”

The commander hesitated. “You’ve missed your brother-in-law by minutes. I barely spoke to him. He bought the stud that is the talk of the Jockey Club and took off in a rush to meet his -- ” He coughed in embarrassment. “Pardon me. I sound like an old gossip. What the earl does is not my concern.”

“He has a paramour. It is fine. I know of her. I hope to see you again soon, sir.”

“Visit me soon, your grace. I think often of your parents.”

The confirmation that his father would approve of his marriage pleased Simon. He’d already learned that Bruxton had a new love interest. Still, as far as Simon knew the earl had not betrayed Susannah during their marriage.

Why had he killed her?

He rode from Tattersall’s to Pennant’s private livery stable on Oxford Street, not far from Grayson’s house. It was here he purchased Ravenna’s horse and a sturdy coach for their country travels. He trusted the stablemaster and bought on sight the gelding brought out.

A young man with sable hair stuffed under a cap approached him from another stall. “He’s a fine choice for a lady, your grace. Dependable but not a dray.”

Simon turned slightly. The Earl of Bruxton’s head groom stood between a pair of coaching hacks. He doffed his cap in respect. Kieran Healy … wasn’t that his name? He had been employed at the earl’s house before Susannah had taken residence there.

The younger man bowed stiffly, adding, “You’ll not remember me, perhaps.”

“I do. We spoke after my sister passed.”

“Aye. There aren’t enough words for that sorrow.”

Simon lapsed into thought. The groom had obviously been eavesdropping on Simon’s exchange with the stablemaster. It was considered inappropriate for a servant to initiate a conversation with a noble, not that Simon minded. But hadn’t Susannah often praised Kieran’s dedication to his job in the flood of letters that Simon had neglected to answer?

If Kieran had made a favorable impression on Susannah, then Simon would not disregard him. “Is your master in the stables?”

“His lordship is out of town until Sunday, your grace. He’s only just gone.”

“You have served him for how long?”

“Over ten years.”

“That’s half your life.”

“My family has trained horses for a hundred years back,” Kieran said with pride.

“I could use a man of your expertise on my estate.”

The groom’s eyes flashed with interest then quickly dimmed. “It would be an honor. However, I am indebted to his lordship. And I’m training a colt for the earl to race at Newmarket in October.”

“I understand. You are good at what you do, aren’t you?”

“It’s not for me to boast.”

“Go on.”

Kieran half-smiled. “Well, a few bookmakers have sought my advice and offered to pay me for racing tips.”