In for a penny, in for a pound.
“Ah, that’s only one half. Not only will you marry me, but you will fall in love with me.”
Her lovely mouth dropped open, and he took the opportunity to cover her lips in a soft kiss that soon turned possessive and greedy.
Suddenly, he pulled back and leaned his forehead against hers, his eyes closed. The sound of their heavy breathing filled the air. He could have easily taken her again, but he needed to get himself under control. They’d been damn lucky no one had wandered by while they were in flagrante delicto just a few minutes ago.
“Do you accept my wager, Miss Blake?” His voice was raspy, dry, unlike his previous tone.
“No. I think the whole thing is silly.”
“Ah, I sense a bit of uncertainty. Perhaps fear that I will prevail?”
“You will not prevail, sir.” She studied him, and he could see the glimmer of interest in those very expressive eyes. “If I were to accept your challenge—I do love a good wager—what do I get when you lose?”
“Hmm. Well, since I do not intend to lose, it is irrelevant, but how about if I donate a thousand pounds to your favorite charity?”
Her eyes sparkled in the moonlight. “The orphanage?”
“Is that your selection?”
“Indeed, it is. I send money whenever I can. The children are in need of so many things. A thousand pounds would give them warm clothing, new shoes, and a better diet. I have oftentimes wanted to work there when I am in London, but Mother will not permit it.”
Based on her enthusiasm for the little tykes, he’d donate the thousand pounds once he’d won the wager anyway. But no need to tell her that now.
“Then a wager it is. If you consent to marry me, I win. If I fail to win your heart, and your hand, I will donate to the orphanage.”
“There must be a time limit on this. How about by the end of the Season?”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “Since it is halfway through the Season already, that does put me at a disadvantage.”
She smirked. “Are you backing out?”
“Not at all.” He wrapped his arm around her. “It grows chilly. Let us return to the house.”
It was not just the passion between them that drove his hunger to have her in his bed and his life. After spending the week with Suzanna at the house party, he’d witnessed various sides of her that only convinced him his initial response when he’d first laid eyes on her was accurate. She was the woman for him.
It was a slow walk back to the house, and instead of being ready for sleep, he was energized. He poured a large tumbler of brandy and took it upstairs to his bedchamber. After shrugging out of his breeches and pulling his shirt over his head, he climbed into bed and sipped the liquor, imagining all the different ways he could pleasure Suzanna in the future.
The glass had been emptied for a full hour before he drifted into a fitful sleep, full of images of Suzanna as her nightgown had dropped to the ground and she stood before him—albeit very briefly—completely nude, like a siren in the moonlight, beckoning him to crash his heart on treacherous rocks.
Imagining Suzanna would feel awkward seeing him in the morning, Giles elected to leave Hawkins Manor at sunrise. He left a brief note for Hawk and climbed into his carriage to sit alongside Macon. With rain on the horizon, he decided to stay in the carriage instead of riding his horse.
To appease his valet, he promised they would stop to break their fast within the hour. Macon had never been a happy early riser, despite his duties sometimes demanding it, but he was otherwise a cheerful fellow, and in some ways more friend than servant.
“I have made an appointment for you with your tailor tomorrow, sir. It is past time to replace a few items in your wardrobe.”
Giles settled in and rested his booted foot on his knee. “Why do I think my mother sent you a note mentioning my last visit made her wonder if I had the funds to properly clothe myself?”
Macon sniffed. “Lady Wexford is a devoted mother who wants only what is best for her offspring.”
“In other words, yes.”
“Yes.”
Giles sighed. “I believe you—and my mother—are correct. Thank you for that. What time is the appointment?”
“Ten o’clock.” He reached into his pocket and withdrew a slip of paper. “I have written down a few items that need replacing and updating.”
Giles took the paper from his hand, examining the list, figuring how much time the visit would require. He wanted to call on Suzanna, spend some time with her and her cousin. Perhaps if he could engage Lady Montford in conversation, he might find an ally. She seemed pleasant enough when he’d met her before. He needed all the help he could get because Suzanna was too stubborn to admit, probably even to herself that, since they’d been intimate there was little choice but for them to marry.
…
Suzanna looked up from her needlepoint as Jamie, the Montford butler, opened the drawing room door. “Mr. Giles Templeton.” He stepped aside, and Giles entered the room.
Suzanna’s face heated, and she was certain the flush on her cheeks lit up the room. She closed her eyes, hoping once she opened them, Giles would disappear. She took a deep breath and looked up, expecting to see a smirk, or humor at her discomfort.
Instead, he bowed over Lady Montford’s hand. “My lady, it is a pleasure to see you, as always.” He then turned to Suzanna, with a completely bland look on his face, as though they were mere acquaintances. “Miss Blake, you are looking well.”
Her shoulders slumped, and she immediately relaxed. Another point in his favor. He must have known how very distressed she would be at facing him for the first time since their encounter in the garden at Hawkins Manor.
Other gentlemen would have enjoyed reminding her of her disgrace with a certain look or demeanor. She blinked rapidly, to rid herself of the tears of relief that flooded her eyes. At that moment she wanted to throw her arms around his neck and kiss him, but that would startle Cousin Eunice and undoubtedly lead to questions.
“May I send for tea, cousin?” Now that the knots in her stomach had unraveled, she remembered her manners.
“Of course.” Lady Montford placed her needlepoint on a small table and gave Giles her attention. “I’m afraid I didn’t see much of you at the house party, Mr. Templeton. Did you enjoy it?”
The knots were back, as Suzanna returned to her seat after requesting tea. She licked her lips and darted a glance at Giles.
“It was a very pleasurable time.”
Suzanna started at his words, but when she looked at him, his expression was once again innocuous, as though he meant nothing by those words. Perhaps she should stop looking for monsters under the bed and enjoy his visit. He was not going to say or do anything to embarrass her. Of that she was certain.
“Miss Blake and I took a very enjoyable ride one morning.” He glanced at Suzanna, with appreciation in his eyes. “She is a fine horsewoman.”
“Yes. I remember her as a mere child, racing over the grounds at her country estate, jumping hurdles that took the breath from me.”
“Lady Montford. I have been offered the use of the Duke of Bedford’s box at the theater, and I would love for you, Lord Montford, and Miss Blake to join me one night, sometime soon.”
Eunice smiled warmly at Giles and addressed Suzanna. “Wouldn’t that be lovely, Suzanna? I haven’t been to the theater in a while.” She looked in Giles’s direction. “That is most generous of you. Lord Montford and I do not hold a box, but I do enjoy the theater. We accept your kind offer.”
“Excellent. Shall we say Thursday, next?”
“What does our calendar look like, Suzanna?”
Suzanna rose. “If you will excuse me, I shall check. We keep our calendar in a drawer in the library.”
She left the room to the sound of murmuring between her cousin and Giles. Apparently, his campaign to win the wager included Cousin Eunice’s surrender to his charm. Drat the man.
&
nbsp; For the first time, she began to hope that maybe Father would give permission for them to marry. Although she would lose their silly wager, she smiled at the thought and felt a lightheartedness she hadn’t enjoyed in a while. Yes, perhaps he would. Then she could allow her feelings to take hold, instead of always pushing them away.
She granted herself time to imagine being married to Giles. Sharing breakfast and the morning newspaper every day. Attending evening events, then returning home to fall into bed together. His hands sweeping over her body, pleasuring her the way he had at the folly.
Spending time at his country estate. One day having a child or two. Children who would look like him, and perhaps a bit like her. She grinned with the images that danced in her imagination.
Given his family’s status, they would be welcomed into every circle of the ton. Giles was charming, handsome, thoughtful, and protective. He would be a wonderful husband and father. He had his own estate and did not have the reputation of overindulging in gambling or drinking. Of course, his arrogance still grated on her nerves and would have to be dealt with, but all things considered, hers could be a very pleasant life.
Were they to marry, she was certain she would receive his fidelity. Although she would never admit it to him, he already owned her heart, and he’d made it clear he held his out to her.
What more could a woman ask for?
A title.
Her mood dissolved like early mist in the sunrise. Mother had been determined to have a title for her daughter—most likely since the very moment the midwife had announced she’d given birth to a girl.
She pulled the calendar out of the middle drawer of the desk and, hugging the book to her chest, left the room and returned to the drawing room. Cousin Eunice and Giles were enjoying a laugh over something, and both looked up as she entered the room.
Butterflies began a dance in her stomach when she looked at Giles, who viewed her with caring and—oh, Lord—love. It was right there in his eyes, and Lady Montford glanced back and forth between the two of them. The woman was not stupid, and the smile that edged her lips told Suzanna her cousin knew exactly how Giles felt. And probably her, as well.
“Here is the book, cousin.” Suzanna handed the calendar to Eunice and took her seat. She glanced at Giles, but he was intent on her cousin as she flipped the pages of the calendar book. “Thursday next would be fine, Mr. Templeton.”
“Excellent. I look forward to the outing.”
A footman entered the room with tea service. Eunice nodded at Suzanna to pour, while Giles engaged them both in conversation about the last play he’d seen. Suzanna fixed their tea, ignoring Eunice’s smirk when she fixed Giles’s tea without asking how he preferred it. The woman was reading much too much into these little things.
Lord Campbell, arriving at the same time as Miss Grover and her companion, joined their little group. Campbell took a seat as far away from Miss Grover as he could without being rude. He apparently did not want an assumption that they were together. Suzanna suppressed a laugh at that one. He had been quite vocal at the house party that it was his intention to remain a bachelor for many years to come.
“I heard that Bedford and his new bride have arrived back in London.” Campbell accepted the teacup from Suzanna, nodding in her direction.
“Perhaps I will call on him.” Giles placed his cup down and looked at Suzanna. “I would love for you to accompany me. I am sure Her Grace would be happy to see you.”
“What a splendid idea, Suzanna,” Cousin Eunice said. “Since I was unable to attend the wedding, I would so like to see your cousin again.”
Giles beamed in Eunice’s direction. “Then you must definitely join us.”
Suzanna glanced between Eunice and Giles. They were conspiring. It was quite obvious. A trip to the theater and a visit to Patience. All three of them. How very cozy.
The drawing room door opened, stopping conversation, and all the guests looked up. The butler stepped aside.
“Darling, I am so happy to be here. As you can see, my ague is all cleared up.” Her hands extended, Mother sailed into the room, a bright smile on her face.
Chapter Thirteen
Giles was immediately struck by the paleness of Suzanna’s face at the arrival of the woman, with a man following close on her heels. When he glanced back and forth between the couple and Suzanna, it became quite clear they were her parents. She had a bit of both in her features and form.
“Mother,” Suzanna whispered, then stood and hesitantly walked across the room. Her mother air-kissed her cheeks, and then Suzanna turned to her father. “Father.” He hugged her with more warmth than her mother had shown.
The woman sailed across the room and stopped in front of Lady Montford. “Eunice, how very lovely to see you.” She held her hands out, which Lady Montford hesitantly accepted. “I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you taking care of our little girl in our absence.”
“It has been a pleasure, Mrs. Blake.” Lady Montford looked as astonished as Suzanna.
Suzanna’s mother gave her a dismissive wave. “Tsk, tsk, we are family and must not be so formal. Please call me Aunt Lavinia.”
Lady Montford shifted on the settee. “Please, do take a seat alongside me, and I’ll send for more tea.”
Mr. Blake continued to stand at the doorway, looking uncomfortable. Mrs. Blake tittered—that was the only word that fit—and did not take Lady Montford’s suggestion. “I believe we would prefer to retire to our rooms for a brief rest. The journey was quite arduous.”
Lady Montford stood. “Of course, how inconsiderate of me.” She walked to the brocade pull next to the door to summon a maid.
“Suzanna, dear, have you forgotten your manners completely?” Mrs. Blake turned her cool glance at her daughter. “Please introduce us.”
Suzanna seemed to come out of a trance. “Of course, Mother. Please forgive me.” She said to the room at large, “May I make known to you my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Reginald Blake.”
She gestured toward Cam and Miss Grover and introduced them. Mrs. Blake’s eyes lit up when she mentioned Lord Campbell.
So, it appeared her mother was aware of Suzanna’s desire to marry a title.
“And this is Mr. Giles Templeton, Mother, Father. He is the son of the Earl of Wexford.”
“A second son, I assume?”
The room grew silent at her question that could only be considered rude. Giles recovered himself, and said, “No, Mrs. Blake. Third, actually. I have two older brothers.”
“In any event, it is a pleasure to meet all of you,” Mrs. Blake said.
A maid entered the room, and after receiving instructions from Lady Montford on where she was to escort the couple, the girl led them out of the room. Mrs. Blake swept from their presence in a manner that would cause a queen envy. Mr. Blake trailed behind her like one of her subjects.
The scent of sweet perfume remained in the air, and silence reigned once the door closed behind them. Giles glanced over at Suzanna, who looked as though she wanted to drop through the floor and disappear.
“You resemble your mother somewhat,” Cam said.
Suzanna continued to lick her lips and looked anything but happy at her parents’ arrival. She tried to smile, but it did not quite reach her eyes. “Yes, I do. I’ve been told that.” She reached for her teacup with a shaky hand, which made Giles wonder exactly what the relationship was between Suzanna and her parents.
Not warm, it seemed.
“I believe I will be on my way.” Cam stood and addressed his remarks to Lady Montford, who looked almost as unsettled as Suzanna. It was truly amazing how rattled both of his hostesses were by the arrival of Suzanna’s parents. There must be a story there, somewhere.
Giles also rose. “I will take my leave as well, Lady Montford, so you may attend to your guests.”
“Unexpected guests.” Even though she mumbled the words under her breath, he was certain that was what Suzanna said. “I will see you out, Mr. Templeton.”
Cam, Miss Grover, and her companion had already left when Giles and Suzanna reached the entrance hall. “Thank you for the call, Mr. Templeton.”
He leaned in close. “Ah, you keep tempting me. Were I keeping track, I believe you owe me several kisses by now.”
She grinned, looking much more relaxed than when her parents had been present. “No. I don’t. Jamie is still right by the door, so we are not alone.”
“A technicality, my dear.” Bloody hell, he wanted that kiss—and much more—soon. He’d been a gentleman enough not to mention their encounter in the folly, but he was eager for a repeat.
“But still true.”
He took his hat and cane from Jamie. “Will you be attending the Everson ball tomorrow evening?”
She still appeared distracted and glanced a few times at the stairs to where her parents had disappeared. “Yes. Lady Montford and I were planning on attending, but I’m assuming my mother will also join us, now that she is here.”
“I assume your parents’ visit was unexpected? You seemed surprised by their appearance.” He didn’t want to mention not only surprised, but uncomfortable. In fact, in all the time he’d known Suzanna, and during conversations with both her and her cousin Lady Montford, very little had ever been mentioned of her parents. They apparently were not estranged, though, since her mother had seemed quite happy to see her daughter.
“Indeed. The last time Mother wrote, she said her ague had passed, but that she continued to feel weak. I never expected her to make the trip.”
Jamie opened the door, and Giles stepped out. “I had a most enjoyable visit, Suzanna.” He said her name in a lowered tone, so no one heard except her. “I look forward to seeing you at the Everson affair, and please be sure to save a waltz for me. Preferably the supper waltz.”
Suzanna raised her chin in the air. “If you wish to have a special dance with me, Mr. Templeton, I suggest you arrive early.” For some reason, the normal spirit he’d become accustomed to was missing from her words.
“To avoid the hordes of gentlemen swarming about the loveliest young lady at the event?” He attempted a light voice but didn’t completely succeed. He hated to admit it, but he was jealous of any man who had the opportunity to hold Suzanna in his arms. She was his, and now that her parents were available, he would make an appointment with Mr. Blake to stake his claim.
Wagering for Miss Blake Page 13