Page 18 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

“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.

“Oh, miss, this is such a lovely gown.” Bessie’s eyes lit up when Suzanna pointed out the gown she’d chosen to wear for dinner. The pale blue frock, shot through with silver, was one of her favorites. The neckline dipped a bit for interest but was still modest. A large deeper color blue satin ribbon circled the gown high on the waist. Light muslin capped sleeves covered the top of her arms.

“Thank you, Bessie. You’ve done a wonderful job of removing any wrinkles from the journey. I’ll wear my silver slippers and white gloves. Do you think you could do something different with my hair?”

She tried to tell herself she was not interested in catching the attention of that arrogant Mr. Templeton, but merely wanted to present herself well so she might bring an end to the Season by capturing a man of whom Father and Mother would approve.

A titled man to suit her parents and someone she could tolerate in her home—and bed—for the rest of her life. The last part had her shuddering. Until now the only man who’d made her heart thump was unacceptable.

Be a grown-up. You don’t need a husband who makes your heart thump. You need someone kind and considerate, who will hold you in his affection. Hopefully, he would not turn out to be a philanderer or spend his time at the gaming tables. If he kept a mistress, one hoped he would be discreet enough that she would not have to listen to gossip. Or watch as he allowed bored matrons to drape themselves all over him at events.

And of course, there would be children to pour one’s love into, if a husband did not appeal in that way. Suddenly depressed, she stood so Bessie could help her dress.

Suzanna loved her parents, truly she did, but she also resented that their desires should be a burden placed upon her shoulders.

What of me? Don’t I get to have what I want in a marriage?

Once she was gowned and coiffed, she pulled on her gloves and jewelry, then viewed herself in the mirror. Yes, she certainly looked like a woman who could turn the head of a man her parents considered suitable. Raising her chin, determined to do what was expected and stop her internal wailing at her fate, she left the bedchamber. She headed down one flight of stairs to the drawing room where the sound of conversation drew her.