Page 10 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

“Yes, true, I am sure.” Davis turned his attention to Miss Blake. “I would be certain to have a footman accompany you, along with your maid, for the next few days. One never knows what a desperate man will do.”

“I hardly think it necessary to frighten the ladies, Davis. Lord Loverly is most likely on a ship headed back to America.” Giles regarded him with contempt. What was wrong with the man that he would say something like that in mixed company? But then, Davis had never been graced with an abundance of common sense.

Within the hour, the rest of the guests announced their intention to withdraw, leaving only Lady Montford, who was fast asleep in the corner, Giles, and Miss Blake. The departing guests spoke in hushed tones to keep from waking their hostess.

Miss Blake glanced at Lady Montford with a soft smile. “I’m afraid my cousin does not sleep we

ll at night, so she catches little naps during the day.”

“I understand. She is a lovely lady. Perhaps to keep from disturbing her, I could offer you a stroll in the garden?” He hurried on when it appeared she was about to refuse to go without her chaperone. “It would be unkind to awaken her.”

“Very well. I would enjoy taking the air, myself.” She stood and smoothed her skirt. “Do you think I need a pelisse?”

“No. It was quite comfortable when I arrived.”

They entered the garden through the French doors in the drawing room. It was a short walk down the stone steps to the brick pathway through the newly planted flowers. Winter had finally loosened its grip, and the promise of spring was evident in the light green budding leaves on the trees.

Giles and Miss Blake walked arm in arm along the pathway, remarking on the fine weather, and avoiding any conversation that would lead them back to their stalemate. Finally, Giles had enough. He stopped their movement forward, turned her to face him, and took her hands in his. “I wish to court you, Miss Blake. I want to speak with your father and receive his approval.”

Chapter Three

Suzanna stared at Mr. Templeton with her mouth agape. Had she heard him correctly? He intended to ask Father’s permission to court her? She took in his tight lips and realized the man was serious.

“To say I am speechless is quite the understatement. Beside the fact that I already told you I do not wish to marry a man without a title.” Goodness, that sounded so churlish. But to imagine Mr. Templeton approaching her father, asking for permission to court her, brought her to the verge of panic. If Mother thought she was encouraging Mr. Templeton enough that he would make the trip to their country estate to seek approval, she would rise from her sick bed and descend upon London with a vengeance.

“As you’ve said. However, I plan to change your mind.” If anything, his stance grew more determined as he placed his feet apart and crossed his arms.

“That seems somewhat arrogant.” She sniffed. “I don’t believe I can be persuaded to change my mind.”

He shrugged. “I gather it won’t be easy. However, I intend to court you and win your hand. Be aware that I rarely fail any endeavor I set my mind to.”

“Oh, please. You make this sound like a threat. We are barely acquainted.”

“Call it what you wish. However, I agree, we are barely acquainted. I believe that is the purpose of courting, for a couple to get to know each other better. To see if they suit.” He reached out and tucked a loose curl behind her ear. “Do you deny the attraction between us?”

Heat rose to her face, and the now familiar flutters in her middle when she was near him returned with a vengeance. “As a sheltered young lady, I have no idea of what you speak.”

He leaned in and murmured in her ear. “Miss Blake, I have never courted a young lady of the ton, but I am quite familiar with the signs of attraction. If you insist on your ignorance of such matters, I am happy to inform you that you are as attracted to me as I am to you.”

She drew back. “Oh, you egotistical scoundrel!” She quelled the desire to stamp her foot like a child.

Instead of being insulted, he grinned at her. “Miss Blake, you wound me. How may I place myself back into your good graces?”

Honestly, it was hard to stay mad at the man. He took nothing seriously, and she found herself smothering a laugh. “You may start by promising you will not make the trip to Dorchester to speak with my father.”

He bowed. “Very well. I will wait. But as you’ve been warned, when I put my mind to something, I do it with the full intention of winning.”

She shook her head, and they continued their walk. Mr. Templeton’s remark about the attraction between them was true. She was sheltered from things having to do with relations between men and women, but she could read. She and her cousin Patience had scoured the library in their grandparents’ home one summer, looking for anything that would answer the questions they were asking each other.

Not only had they found a book to answer their questions, it had raised speculation as to how a person could twist their body into such awkward positions.

Mr. Templeton slowed their steps as they neared the patio door. “I would like to leave you with something to think about regarding my intentions, which I assure you are honorable.”

She viewed him with narrowed eyes. What was he up to now? “And what is that?”

His large hand cupped her chin and held it lightly. “Just a small token of my esteem.” Before she could absorb that remark, he lowered his head and placed his lips on hers. Soft, warm, moist. She had fantasized about her first kiss, and that was the last complete thought she had.

Mr. Templeton wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her flush against his rock-hard body. He nudged her lips with his tongue, and once she parted, he swept in, his well-practiced skills bringing her untried senses to life. Never had she felt this way before.