He took the money and shook his head. “Do you even know what the odds on her are?”

“No, but what does it matter?” she said. “That’s what I want to do.”

“Very well. As my lady wishes.” Still smiling, he made his way through the gathering to the bookies’ stands outside the enclosure.

“Edward put five pounds on,” Fenella said. “Now I feel as if we didn’t have enough faith.”

“Nonsense,” declared Petra. “I’m just feeling impulsive. What do you think of the queen’s hat?”

Fenella wrinkled her nose, watching the royal carriage approach up the Straight Mile. “Pedestrian,” she stated. “I’m sure I’ve seen her wear it before . . . at one of the garden parties, I think.”

“She’s never been much interested in high fashion.” They watched as the carriage disgorged its royal passengers, who took their places in the royal box. “Now that’s over, the excitement can begin.” Petra turned her head to look toward the entrance to the box. “It’s taking Guy a long time . . . oh, there he is.” She waved at him vigorously.

“Quite reasonable odds,” he said, giving her the betting slip. “The filly doesn’t have much of a reputation yet. If she wins, you’ll make some money.”

“Diana, how much did you put on Kimberley Diamond?” Petra asked. “Guy says the odds are reasonable.”

Diana looked stricken. “I didn’t put anything on her. I was so agitated and excited and nervous it was the last thing I thought of.”

“Well, fortunately for the honor of the family, I thought to put twenty guineas on her,” Rupert said, laughing.

Petra gave her attention to the racecourse, leaning her forearms on the rail, her gaze roaming over the crowds in the stands below her and across to the neighboring boxes. And her eyes met those of Clothilde Delmont, leaning forward in the neighboring box, regarding the crowds and the course. She held opera glasses on a wand in one hand, occasionally lifting them to her eyes to get a better look.

Petra turned her head away but not quickly enough. Clothilde raised the glasses and seemed to examine Petra minutely for a very long time. Even with her head turned away she could feel the stare boring into her. Deliberately she turned to look at the woman, then touched Guy’s arm. “I think Lady Delmont is trying to attract your attention, Guy?”

He raised his eyebrows, then turned to look where Petra indicated. Clothilde lowered her glasses and smiled, raising a hand in a fluttering wave. Guy bowed his head in curt acknowledgment and his expression was dark as he turned abruptly away.