Part 5 (1/2)
”It would be a popular win,” answered Alan.
”Have you heard anything?”
”The tip at the club last night was Gold Star,” he said.
”The favorite?”
”A very hot favorite. I fancy he'll be even money on Wednesday. Have you known Baron Childs long?”
”Some months; I was introduced to him at Goodwood last year, in fact he was one of the house party at Colonel Buxton's.”
”Very rich man, is he not?” asked Alan.
”A millionaire I believe; he is very una.s.suming, I like him,” she said.
Alan smiled as he said:
”He is a bachelor, the head of a great banking firm, I wonder he does not marry.”
”He has a wide choice, many lovely women would be glad of a chance to accept him.”
Alan wondered if the Baron had given a thought to Evelyn Berkeley; it was highly probable.
”The all-scarlet jacket has won many big races but not a Derby; perhaps it's his turn this year,” said Alan.
”I hope so, I have backed Merry Monarch,” she said.
”I called to give you some information about my horses. I am likely to win three races, so my trainer says, and he is not an over-confident man.”
”Lucky fellow, three races in Derby week; your colors will be worth following.”
”On the opening day Robin Hood should win the Epsom Plate,” said Alan.
”That will be a good beginning. We shall all have our pockets filled for Derby Day,” laughed Evelyn.
”He's a pretty good horse, make a note of him.”
”I shan't forget, no need to write down the names of your horses,” she replied.
”The Duke has a big chance in the Royal Stakes; I have a first-cla.s.s two-year-old running in the Acorn Stakes. It will be her first appearance; she's a splendid creature, a real beauty,” said Alan.
”That's Robin Hood, The Duke, and what's this wonderful two-year-old's name?”
”Evelyn,” he replied.
Of course she knew it was named after her and she was gratified.
”Oh, Alan!” she exclaimed, ”that's splendid of you.”
”If she were not a real flyer, with every prospect of winning at the first time of asking, I'd not have named her Evelyn. I waited until Skane p.r.o.nounced her one of the best before risking it,” he said.