A Bold Wager — Barbara Dan

When Persia Montello bets against the high-strung racehorse her late father bred but never could win a race with, she had every expectation of rescuing herself from poverty. But Lord Wildemere, the horse's new owner, must have had a few tricks up his sleeve, because the horse streaks to the finish line, winning by several lengths. Persia loses her bet, and before the night is over, she is in the earl's custody, accused of injuring the horse and ending his racing career. The earl invites suspects to a house party at his country estate and suddenly there is also a murder to solve. Regency Romance with snappy repartee.