Having ended her conversation with Miss Grant, Lady Montford directed her attention to Suzanna. “Oh, but that is what makes the house party so welcome, my dear. Right about now, many of us are looking for a break from the constant whirlwind. The chance to relax in the country before resuming the Season’s hectic pace is a splendid idea. Lady Hawkins is most clever in her timing.”
“Yes, that is an ingenious notion,” Suzanna demurred, glancing sideways at Giles. “Very clever, indeed.”
He conjured up his most innocent smile. She shook her head and lowered her voice to almost a whisper. “Perhaps you were not the catalyst for the house party, but with Lord Hawkins being your friend, the coincidence of my invitation is questionable.”
More callers came, and a few left, but Giles remained by Suzanna’s side the entire time. When he wasn’t whispering annoying things in her direction meant to vex her, he turned his charm on Lady Montford, who was slowly, but surely, falling under his spell.
Finally, he was the only visitor left. After taking in the empty room, he stood and adjusted his jacket. “I believe it is well past the time I took my leave.”
“Yes, it certainly is,” Suzanna drawled.
“Suzanna!” Lady Montford viewed her with surprise. She turned to Mr. Templeton. “It has been a pleasure visiting with you, Mr. Templeton. The time has passed so quickly, I can’t believe it is already five o’clock.”
“Yes,” Suzanna added. “’Tis quite late. I am sure we have kept you from important duties, Mr. Templeton.” She rose and began edging toward the door, no doubt preferring that he leave.
He turned to Lady Montford. “I look forward to spending time with you and Miss Blake at the Hawkins’s house party next week.”
“Lady Hawkins is an excellent hostess, and a relaxing week will refresh us all for the remainder of the Season.” Lady Montford turned to Suzanna. “Will you see our guest out? I will retire to my bedchamber for a short respite before we must dress for dinner.”
“Of course.” She took Giles’s arm and mumbled under her breath, “I doubt someone as clever as Mr. Templeton needs guidance to find his way to the front door.”
Giles choked at her words, suppressing his laughter as they strolled to the foyer. “Thank you so much for your charming company, Miss Blake.” With a short bow, he took his hat and cane from the butler and left the house.
…
The following week, before the sun even made itself known, Suzanna climbed into Lord Montford’s carriage and covered her mouth to suppress a yawn. Because his lordship preferred to make the trip to Lady Hawkins’s house party without stopping overnight in what he called a bug-infested inn, they were leaving London at the crack of dawn.
Despite the prospect of spending most of the party dodging Mr. Templeton, she was still looking forward to the event. She did, indeed, feel the need to escape London for a bit, away from the grime and noise of the city and the frenetic pace of the Season.
She’d only seen Mr. Templeton—she refused to even think of him as Giles—a couple of times since his visit to her cousin’s house—for which she was grateful. At the events they both attended, he was polite and proper, danced with her once per evening, and otherwise acted the gentleman, with no requests to walk in dark gardens, nor had he made any more intimate remarks in her ear.
Truth be known, she was disappointed and wondered if he had decided to withdraw his attentions. Which of course, is precisely what she wanted. She reminded herself of that fact several times a day. But even so, when he wasn’t watching her, she allowed herself the opportunity to study him.
Aside from being easy on the eyes and charming, he was also honest, forthright, and kindhearted. He had spent a great deal of time at the last event they’d attended listening to elderly Lady Forsythe ramble on and on about how things had been when she was young.
He’d even taken Lord Danforth to task when he’d insulted a young debutante who’d fled the room in tears. He’d danced several times with known wallflowers and brought lemonade and champagne to the elderly matrons sitting with the chaperones. It appeared his popularity with the ton was not just from his good looks and pockets of money.
Although she noticed his good side, he still came across as arrogant to her. His insistence and confidence that he would win her hand, even though she tried to discourage him, had her pushing back every time he pulled.
Although the moniker “arrogant” was generally reserved for men, Suzanna was enough under her mother’s thumb that she did not relish the idea of marrying a man who would spend his life directing hers. As the carriage moved forward, leaving the city behind, she turned her thoughts to her situation thus far into the Season. Mother had written several times, inquiring on her progress with attracting the attention of a peer. She always cringed when she read those notes, not only because she knew the man who had shown her the most interest would never receive Father’s approval, but also because Mother’s constant harping on a title made her feel imperious.
She had always held in contempt those girls who’d constantly dwelled on who the best catch was, how high of a title one could attract, and how one should never settle for less than another girl. It was all so competitive, sordid, and cold. No one ever spoke of love or respect. Giggling and blushing young girls were happy to marry an old man who was titled and rich, hoping he would die quickly, leaving them with an heir to secure the title, money, and freedom.
She knew a few couples who had married for love and had remained happy and true to each other. But as she took note, those couples were not in abundance. Her cousin Patience and the duke came to mind. Most couples living in matrimonial harmony also seemed to avoid London and spent most of their time together at country estates. That was the sort of marriage she wanted for herself.
But if she followed her mother’s desires, she had no choice. There was the possibility, of course, of finding a titled gentleman who was not old enough to be her grandfather, and also handsome, charming, loyal, faithful, and kind, who would love her, and she could love in return. Just as there was a chance of finding a pink unicorn underneath her bed tonight.
It was all so depressing.
Then there was Mr. Giles Templeton. She had yet to meet anyone who affected her the way he did. She’d danced with numerous men, conversed and had supper with several, and always she was left with a feeling of emptiness. None of them stirred her, made her heart pound, or tempted her in any way.
Only Mr. Templeton had been able to do that. Curse the man. She sighed and closed her eyes, wishing for a few more hours of sleep to help pass the time in the carriage.
Her eyes slowly opened as the vehicle came to a rolling stop in front of a posting inn. “This one looks presentable,” Lord Montford said, pushing the window curtain aside and glancing at the Bear and Beaver Inn. “I think we can find an acceptable meal here.”
An ostler ran out to take charge of the horses as Suzanna and Lady Montford gathered their bonnets, gloves, and reticules. Lord Montford assisted his wife down the few steps and then turned to help Suzanna, when she groaned at the sound of a very familiar voice. “I will be happy to assist Miss Blake, my lord.”
One foot on the top step, Suzanna stopped, and her eyes narrowed as Mr. Templeton strode up to the carriage, his eyes twinkling with mirth, his hand held out to assist her. “Good afternoon, Miss Blake. Imagine running into you here.”
Her lips tightened. “Yes. Imagine.”
Chapter Five
Giles led Suzanna on his arm to the inn. Lord Montford had already secured the private dining room where he and Lady Montford awaited them.
It had been his luck that he’d spotted their carriage coming to a stop just as he was passing the Bear and Beaver Inn. He hadn’t planned on stopping at that point, but nothing would dissuade him from the opportunity to spend time with Suzanna.
“What a pleasure to meet you on our way to Hawkins Manor, Mr. Templeton.” At least Lady Montford was happy to see him.
“An
d a pleasure to spend time with all of you, as well.” He grinned in Suzanna’s direction, enjoying the pique his appearance had caused her. Giles held out her chair and then took the seat across from her.
“How has your journey been so far, Miss Blake?”
“Enjoyable.” She smiled brightly. “Until now.”
“Suzanna!” her cousin chastised. Instead of appearing remorseful, Suzanna smirked at his scowl. One point for her team.
“Looks like some fine horseflesh you’re riding there, Templeton,” Lord Montford said, nodding thanks at the serving girl who placed a teapot, cream, sugar, and four cups on the table.
“Yes, sir. I purchased Gallant from Tattersalls two years ago. He was a bit difficult to control at the start, but now he has grown to understand that I command him and make the decisions.”
“How terribly cavalier of you, Mr. Templeton. Do you assume you can always control everyone in your world?” Suzanna’s eyes bored into him, her silent message clear.
“Of course. When I set my mind to something, I always win.”
“Always?”
“Always.”
“Most fortunate for you, Mr. Templeton. But you cannot always win.”
“I haven’t lost anything yet that meant something to me.”
“Perhaps it is time you did.” She hesitated, her finger on her lips as if in thought. “Maybe sometime soon, in fact.”
Lady Montford glanced back and forth between them, her eyebrows furrowed. She opened her mouth to speak just as the innkeeper’s wife and daughter appeared with trays of food. Time was taken up with passing the bowl of thick, rich stew, with fragrant bread and fresh butter, until everyone’s plates were full.
“Mr. Templeton, I understand you invested quite heavily in Lord Nichols’s recent venture.” Lord Montford broke a piece of warm, fragrant bread and dipped it into his stew.
“Yes, I did.” Giles regarded the man over his teacup. “It seemed a bit risky at first, but when I delved more into the scheme, the promised return was quite tempting.”
“And it worked out well for you?”
“Yes. I brought several of my friends into it, and they were quite pleased.” Giles smiled to himself, thinking of how happy Hawk and Cam had been at almost doubling their investment. They’d all shared a fine bottle of smuggled French brandy that night.
“Well done.” Lord Montford nodded. “I’ve heard tales around my club about your good instincts when it comes to these things. Next time, stop by and grant me the opportunity to get in on one of them, myself. I’m not too skilled at picking winners. Certainly not as well as you.”
“I do have a flair for picking winners.” He grinned and cast a glance at Suzanna. “In fact, I am involved in a plan right now—nothing involving money—that I am certain will also turn out in my favor.”
Suzanna’s lips tightened, and she narrowed her eyes at him. “I would not be so very sure of yourself, Mr. Templeton.”
When Lord Montford engaged Lady Montford in conversation, Giles leaned close to Suzanna’s ear. “Perhaps we should make a wager, my dear.”
“Do not be ridiculous; ladies do not gamble.”
He took a sip of his tea. “Interesting idea, though.”
Lord Montford drew out his timepiece and studied it. “We best get back on the road if we are to reach Hawkins Manor before nightfall.”
“If you would permit me, sir, I shall enjoy riding alongside your carriage the rest of the journey.”
“Good idea, Templeton. In fact, I will release my horse from the back of our carriage and join you. Never did like riding in carriages when there are sturdy horses to be had.”
“Excellent.” Giles stood and drew out Suzanna’s chair. Lord and Lady Montford walked to the doorway, and Giles touched Suzanna’s arm as she moved forward. “Lovely meal, wouldn’t you say? I thoroughly enjoyed the company.”
Suzanna waved her finger at him. “I know what you are up to. Fawning all over my cousins. Well, it won’t work.”
With raised eyebrows, he placed her hand on his arm. “Allow me to escort you. I would never allow a lady to come to harm.”
She huffed. “I doubt I would come to harm walking to the carriage from an inn.”
“One never knows, sweetheart.”
“Miss Blake,” she snapped.
Giles rather enjoyed Lord Montford’s company as they rode side by side next to the carriage for the remainder of the trip. Montford was an intelligent man, knew horseflesh, kept up with the goings on in Parliament, and loved his wife. That last, of course, was not said out loud, but it was obvious by the way the man spoke of Lady Montford.
The few times Giles glanced into the window of the carriage, Suzanna was conversing with her cousin or reading. He loved watching her when she didn’t know she was being observed. Her natural beauty stirred parts of him that made his ride uncomfortable, but it was worth it.
The sun was just edging its way to the horizon when they reached the long, winding pathway to Hawkins Manor. Another carriage was just pulling away from the front door when Montford’s carriage rolled to a stop.
Giles jumped from his horse just as Hawk and Cam came striding down the pebbled path. “About time you made it, Templeton.” Hawk slapped him on the back. “We thought you were going to leave us to dodge all the lovely debutantes ourselves.”
“Not at all.” Giles glanced over his shoulder as Lord Montford helped his wife down the small steps of the carriage. “I wouldn’t miss this event for anything.”
Giles left his two friends to assist Suzanna. “I hope your journey was pleasant,” he said to her.
“Frankly, I hate carriage rides almost as much as Lord Montford does. But ’tis a necessary evil, if one wishes to travel.” She offered him a slight smile, which he found encouraging, as she took his arm.
Hawk and Cam walked up to them and bowed. “Miss Blake, thank you for joining us.”
She dipped a graceful curtsy. “Lord Hawkins, Lord Campbell. ’Tis a pleasure to join the party.” She glanced around, most likely looking for their hostess.
Hawk spoke to her and Lord and Lady Montford, who had just walked up to join the group. “My mother offers her apologies, as she just brought the last guests inside. My sister is also assisting another guest. If you will follow me, I will direct you to a footman who will show you to your rooms.”
The group entered the house, the entrance hall being large enough to serve as a drawing room. Giles had been here many times over the years, and he was always taken by its elegance, good taste, and money well spent.
The sweeping oak staircase rose in front of them, with floor-to-ceiling windows lighting the path of those gathered. Numerous pots of flowers lined the wall and the steps, spaced strategically around the area, giving off a light floral scent.
An older couple Giles did not recognize ascended the stairs with Lady Hawkins. Voices rose from the second level drawing room where, no doubt, those guests who had already settled in, enjoyed refreshments after their trip.
Giles cleaned up in his bedchamber. His valet, Macon, who had arrived ahead of him in the carriage with his luggage, brushed the road dust from his clothes. Once Giles washed his hands and face, and combed his hair, he was ready to head down to the drawing room.
He joined Hawk and Cam who stood with their shoulders resting against the wall, sipping brandy.
“There you are.” Hawk pushed away from the wall. “We were just discussing retiring to the billiard room for a round or two before the bell to dress for dinner.”
Since Giles had no idea how long it would take Suzanna to join the others, or even if she planned on doing that, a few games of billiards sounded like just the thing.
They chose cues, and Hawk set up the balls.
“I take it from your arrival with the Montfords and Miss Blake that she is still in your sights?” Cam leaned on his cue as he watched Hawk take aim.
“Indeed, she is.”
Hawk looked up from where he lined up his
next shot. “How is it going?”
“Slow. But that’s to be expected. I’m patient.” Giles winced as Hawk missed, a mumbled curse coming from his lips.
Cam bent over the table and viewed the position of the balls. “Word around Town is Miss Blake is a bit high in the instep and has voiced her intentions more than once that a titled man is whom she will marry.”
Giles’s stomach muscles tightened, but he refused to let Cam’s comment upset him. She’d felt the pull between them as much as he had. The two times they’d kissed, she had certainly not been a reluctant participant.
He waved his hand in dismissal. “No matter. I will win.”
Cam made a successful shot. “Not this game.” He looked up at the other two men and smirked.
“No, perhaps not. But this game is not important. My other game—as you put it—will be won.”
Hawk rubbed his cue stick with chalk and regarded him. “If you’re so sure of yourself, maybe a wager in the betting book at White’s would bring a lot of interest.”
“And some blunt,” Cam added.
Giles shook his head. “No, thank you. If Miss Blake heard of a wager in the betting book, I am sure my cause would take a definite step backward.”
Hawk and Giles watched as Cam shot a carom. “Frankly, I don’t understand this rush into marriage,” Hawk said. “First Alex, now you.” He turned to Giles, his face somber. “Since ’tis well-known where Miss Blake’s marriage interests lie, just be careful.”
Giles studied Hawk’s sudden somberness. “Is there something you would like to share with the group, Hawk? Someone who stomped on your heart to make you so wary of a woman’s intentions?”
“Never, my good man. I’m just offering a friendly warning.”
…
Suzanna decided to avoid the crowd gathered in the drawing room and instead took a short lie-in before the bell rang to alert the guests to dress for dinner. She and Lady Montford were sharing her maid, Bessie, who had ridden on ahead of them with Lord Montford’s valet.
Wagering for Miss Blake Page 5