Checkmate

8

Valerie was ready at eleven and was surprised the Earl was sitting in a two-seat sporting buggy. It was a good thing she had told Anna she was not going with her today. Nathan helped her into the buggy and then they were off.

"I will show you what fun is Lady Valentine."

"The name's Valerie or Val Nathan. If we are going to meet secretly it seems silly to be so formal."

"As you wish Val."

"Today we will be going to a special site where there are buggy races."

She piquet her eyebrow

"How fun can that be for me if I am on the sideline?"

A smiled played across Nathan's face and even his eyes were bursting with humor.

"Can you drive a buggy?"

"Of course, I can silly man."

He handed the reigns and waited to see what she could do. To his amazement she was an exceptional driver. When she thought they were far enough out of the city she encouraged the horses to go faster. He was more surprised at the speed she was willing to go and still had control over the animals. Today was going to be fun for him anyway.

"I do not know where we are going."

He put his hands out to receive the reigns.

"It is just a little farther."

When they arrived at their destination it was an open field where they could run the horses without getting hurt. The biggest concern would be the buggies tipping over. Val looked around and saw a lot of men she knew who friends of her brothers were, and a friend of Tory's Marcus was there. This was going to be an interesting day.

"Are you sure I should be here? There are not many women at this site."

"I thought you craved fun Val. Is this to much for you to handle?"

He challenged her, and she knew it. What did she have to lose by playing along. Her reputation could withstand a little scandal after all she bared the title of Princess.

"What should I do Nathan cheer you on?"

"Oh no my dear you will be driving the buggy."

"Excuse me you want me to race against all these men?"

"Only if you are up to it. Do you think you can win at a man's game?"

She put out her hands,

"Give me the reigns. You better wager it all on me Nathan or you will lose."

He had a wide grin she had taken the bait. He left her to go enter and make a wager. While he was gone a few of the men came over to talk with her. Lord Farnsworth, Lord Applebee and Marcus. Lord Farnsworth was a friend of Vincent's and Lord Applebee was a Friend of Victors. Lord Applebee was in a jolly mood when he approached the buggy.

"Does your brother know you are at a betting event?"

Lord Applebee had always driven her crazy when he came to the house with Victor. It was rumored he was tied to his mother's apron strings so to speak.

"Does your mother know you are at a betting event?"

Both Farnsworth and Marcus laughed at the comment. Farnsworth slapped him on the back.

"She has you there my boy."

"I'm not a boy I am my own man."

Marcus laughed,