There was a faint note of mockery in his voice, which told the Earl that the gossip about him and Irene had reached as far as Hertfordshire.
The Earl poured out a glass of champagne for his friend and refilled his own.
“Now listen, Charles, I need your help. And I feel only you can help me.”
Charles Kenwood raised his eyebrows but did not reply.
“One or two friends have told me,” the Earl continued, “what excellent horses they have bought from you recently that you have broken in and trained yourself.”
Charles nodded.
“It is something, as you know, I have always enjoyed. When my father died I had to leave the Regiment and make enough money to keep my estate going and provide both for my sister and myself.”
“Which I am sure you have done admirably,” the Earl declared. “And as I am su
