Basia turned Ruin in a tight circle, walking him away from the wall to get a clear line of sight. The horse's stride lengthened immediately. He knew what was happening. The adrenaline spiked in his blood, hot and electric.
I'll wager you 100. Basia said, turning back to face the Duke, her eyes blazing with a fierce, defiant light. I'll wager 100 guineas that he can clear it. Today, right now.
Henry's breath caught. He looked from her small, pale face to the towering, unforgiving stones. Kelly, no. It's too high.
The ground is frozen. If he refuses, he will crush you. He won't refuse. Basia said.
She gathered the reins, lifting herself slightly in the stirrups. The pain in her shoulder flared, but it was drowned out by the roar of her own blood. Because I won't hesitate. Henry opened his mouth to order her to stop, to pull rank and forbid it.
But the words died in his throat. He saw the absolute, terrifying clarity in her face. She wasn't doing it for the money anymore. She was doing it to break the ghost that haunted him.
100 guineas, Henry whispered, his knuckles turning white on his own reins. God help you. Basia didn't smile. She squeezed her legs against Ruin's massive sides.