They stood in the yard at Tattersalls, along with twenty other men, while horse after horse came out for inspection and bidding. Thus far none had been good enough. Certainly not the bay currently on the block, even if the auctioneer had touted the mare as suitable for a woman.
“You intend to buy today? The five horses in your stable here in town won’t do? The twenty you have in the country need a new friend?”
“It is not for me. It is a gift.”
“Ahhhhh. For your lady, you mean.”
“She needs a horse. A very good horse. She is as fine an equestrienne as you will find. She rides better than you do, even though she is stuck on a sidesaddle.”
“No woman rides better than I do.”
“Once I get her this horse, you can race her and we will see about that.”
“You are giving her a lot of gifts. Is it appropriate? First that ruby necklace, now a horse.” Langford peered at him. “Youdidgive her the ruby necklace, I assume.”
“Not yet. That is for later.”
“How much later? It has been weeks.”
“I am waiting for the right moment.”
“Which has not come yet, apparently.” Langford grinned. “Methinks the grand seduction is not unfolding as you intended. No, no, there is no need to explain. I am not the kind of man who presses a friend for such intimate details. Perhaps you should have taken notes when I gave my lesson, however.”
Adam would not mind thrashing Langford. Had he not wanted another opinion on the horse he chose, he just might have.
“Does she know you are buying her a horse?”
“No.”
“A surprise, then. Does her brother’s stable have room for another horse?”
“I don’t know.”
“Shouldn’t you find out before you buy one?”
“Stop being so damned practical.” That was better than telling Langford that Lady Clara had moved from her family home and now would arrange her own stabling.
Movements near the auctioneer claimed Adam’s attention. The bay had been knocked down and grooms led her away. A man led out the next horse. The gelding had deep chestnut coloring, almost black. It stepped high and resisted the hold on its bridle.
“Now that is a damned fine animal,” Langford said.
Adam thought so too. He walked over to get a close look, with Langford in his wake.
They gave the horse a thorough examination. Langford checked teeth while Adam lifted legs and hooves. Others also crowded around, but the auctioneer’s practiced eye must have spotted the gentlemen likely to bid high because he hovered near Adam.
“Three years old,” the man repeated, having just announced that information. “A real beauty. Spirited enough to race. A riding horse, to be sure. Not fit for a carriage, although he can be trained for one.”
“How does he take a saddle?”
“He tolerates one well enough. A gentleman like you should have no problem. I would be lying if I did not admit that I would not put a weak rider on him. Has his own mind, he does, and needs a firm hand.”
“He sounds just like the rider I have in mind. They may suit each other.”
“Then here is hoping you win him. I expect the bidding to go high.”
Adam retreated. Langford joined him. “So that is the one? Are you sure? If he throws her, you will feel very guilty.”
“She won’t get thrown.”
