Page 17 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

“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.