“Spirited stallion, he is—” began the dealer.
“Unstable is the more accurate word.” Branford’s low voice interrupted the fellow, who whirled around, an angry retort on his lips until he saw who had spoken.
“Lord Branford!” The dealer rubbed his hands together nervously. “The young gentleman didn’t tell me he was a friend of yours. Of course, there are other mounts I could show him.”
Justin hesitated, then bowed a civil greeting to Branford. Clearing his throat with a cough, he asked shyly, “Y-You would not recommend that I purchase the horse, sir?”
“Indeed, I would not,” replied the earl. “It would be a sad waste of your blunt.”
Justin stared wistfully at some of the fine stallions on offer nearby. “I’m afraid he’s really the only one I can afford— and even then, it’s more than I should spend. I was hoping to have something left over for a new gown for my sis?—”
He stopped abruptly, looking acutely embarrassed for having revealed such personal matters.
Branford found himself liking Justin for his honesty—and even more for his concern for his sister. Not many young men would give a thought to such things when tempted by the offerings at Tattersall’s. There was also something about the young man’s demeanor that kept reminding him of Jeremy.
So much so that that he felt a painful clench in his chest.
The earl turned away, pretending not to notice Justin’s discomfiture. A chestnut hunter caught his eye, a compact horse with nice lines and sound legs. An excellent mount, if not showy one.
“Have you inquired about the chestnut?” he asked,
Justin’s eyes flared in admiration as he turned to see the animal in question. “No sir. I’m sure he’s way above my means.”
“What do you have to spend?”
Justin told him the amount.
Branford was careful to show no reaction to the paltry sum. Contrary to what he had told Alex, hedidremember what it was like to be young and without funds.
“I’m acquainted with the dealer. Perhaps if I have a word with him, I might arrange a favorable price for you.”
Justin’s face betrayed the war between his longing to acquire a good mount and his reluctance to accept a favor from someone he wanted to dislike. His shoulders stiffened as youthful pride won out. “I wouldn’t want you to put yourself out, milord,” he replied.
Branford raised a brow at the young man as he began tapping his crop against his boot. “Mr. Chilton, I am merely offering to help you acquire a decent horse, nothing more,” he said pointedly. “If you don’t wish to accept, it is of no matter to me.”
He turned as if to walk away.
Justin colored. “Milord,” he said quickly. “Please forgive me for my bad manners. I would be very grateful if you would speak to the dealer.”
“You are showing some sense, Chilton. By the by, be advised that one doesn’t come to Tattersall’s the first couple of times without someone experienced to show you how things are done.”
Justin swallowed. “I-I’m very grateful for the advice, sir. I won’t make such a bacon-brained mistake again.”
“Wait here.” Branford strolled over to the dealer and, taking his elbow, guided him out of the young man’s hearing. “How much are you asking for the chestnut, Miller?”
The man rubbed his chin. “For you, milord, fifty guineas.”
Branford nodded. “A fair price.” Narrowing his eyes, he added, “Now listen carefully. You will sell the horse to my young friend there. You will tell him the price is twenty pounds and haggle down to eighteen. My man of affairs shall send you the rest of the money this afternoon.”
He paused. “But if you ever breathe a word that I had anything to do with the purchase, you will never see any of my business again. Is that clear?”
The man’s head bobbed. “Yes, sir. Exceedingly clear.”
“Excellent.”
Branford stood aside as Miller hurried over to Justin. In a few minutes, the deal was made and money changed hands.
Giddy with elation, Justin hurried back to the earl. “Thank you, sir! I am well aware that without your help I would never have gotten such a good price.”
