Page 19 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

About fifteen people had arrived before her, standing in clusters, sipping on glasses of sherry and brandy. She was pleased to see Lady Montford had already joined a group of ladies, and Lord Montford seemed to be engaged in a deep conversation with Lord Schneider.

Suzanna was about five steps from Lady Montford when a warm hand covered her elbow. She didn’t need to turn around to know it was Mr. Templeton. The air around her seemed to crackle; his already familiar scent of bergamot drifted toward her. She took in a deep breath and turned.

Oh great goodness, was it possible the man had grown more handsome since their meal at the Bear and Beaver Inn? He was dressed in all black except for a pure white cravat and a white silk waistcoat. Loose curls had escaped his combed-back chestnut brown hair to rest on his forehead, only a few inches from his light brown eyes with flecks of gold. Eyes that watched her with hunger.

His warm, rakish smile set her stomach fluttering and her heart thumping—again. Exactly what I don’t need. The tips of her nipples tingled, and she had this ridiculous urge to rub them against his chest. Why did her body react in such a way to this man?

This would not do. She was supposed to be discouraging his suit, and instead she must look like a besotted idiot. She tried regaining her dignity and controlling her body by taking another deep breath. Based on the heat in his eyes when he viewed her neckline as her chest rose, that was an even worse idea.

“Good evening, Mr. Templeton.” Wonderful. Now she sounded like she’d swallowed a mouse. She cleared her throat and raised her chin. “You are looking well.”

His boyish grin turned into a deep chuckle as he leaned forward, staring into her eyes until her knees almost melted. “Good evening to you, too, Suzanna.”

“Don’t call me that,” she breathed.

He pulled back and studied her for a moment, this time offering a very polite, solicitous smile. “May I fetch you a glass of sherry?”

How did he do that? She was still reeling from his closeness and the tumultuous feelings in her body, and he looked as cool as a crisp autumn day. Another reason to avoid the man.

“Yes, a bit of sherry would be nice.”

He inappropriately placed his warm hand on her lower back, and they made their way to the sideboard where bottles of various liquors and drinks had been set up. She might have been able to gain some strength in her wobbly legs but for the heat that radiated from his palm. She quelled the urge to ask him to remove his hand, knowing it would only give him satisfaction that his touch had so affected her.

“Good evening, Miss Blake. You are a vision of loveliness.” Lord Hawkins greeted her, with a slight nod toward Mr. Templeton.

“Good evening to you, my lord. I must say your home, from what I’ve seen so far, is lovely.”

Lord Hawkins nodded. “Thank you. My mother will certainly appreciate your kind words.”

Suzanna accepted a glass from Mr. Templeton. “I am most anxious to greet your mother, my lord.”

Hawkins waved his glass in the general direction of the door. “Mother likes to make a bit of a show at these things. I’m sure she will be here directly.”

Lord Hawkins’s sister, Lady Honora, joined the group. “Mother was almost ready to come down when I passed her room a minute ago.” She smiled at Suzanna. “Miss Blake, I am so glad you were able to join us.”

Lady Honora was one year Suzanna’s junior. They had come out the same year, and rumor had it that she had the attention of the Earl of Graymoor, who’d suddenly left London mid-Season and had not been heard from since. Now the young girl seemed to have a sense of melancholy about her, and Suzanna wondered if it had something to do with Graymoor.

“I am happy to be here, as well. It is always nice to get away from the frantic pace of the Season for a short respite in the country.” Suzanna took a sip of her drink, more in control of herself with others surrounding her. Mr. Templeton remained by her side, but with Hawkins, Campbell, and Lady Honora added to the group, her considerations were not so caught up by him.

“I agree, Miss Blake. Sometimes I find the round of balls and routs tiring.” She slipped her arm into Suzanna’s. “Mother and I have so many wonderful activities planned. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate.”

“What activities have you planned for the gentlemen, Hawk?” Cam asked.

“Right now, the plans include a few outdoor activities. We have boats for an excursion on the lake, and even though it’s not the season for it yet, we might try some shooting. The billiard room is always open, and I thought a trip into the village for a tour of the Roman ruins and lunch at the local pub might be interesting for both the ladies and gentlemen.”

“Well done, Hawk. You have actually given this some thought.” Cam grinned and slapped Hawk on the back. “You will become a decent host yet.”

Hawk regarded Cam with a lazy smile. “Please don’t let the word get out, or some darling debutante will attempt to convince me that besides an excellent host, I would also be the best of husbands.” He shuddered and took a sip of his drink.

“Hawk, that is not proper conversation in front of ladies,” his sister scolded. “What will Miss Blake think?”

“She will think I am not husband material and will allow her friends to know that.” He saluted her with his glass.

“I think you are in your cups, brother.”

“Not yet, little sister of mine, not yet.”

Suzanna considered Hawkins’s words. Not that she had any draw toward him—certainly not as she did toward Mr. Templeton—but if she were to obey her mother’s strict requirements, she could cross Lord Hawkins off her list. He appeared a tad bitter and derisive. She couldn’t help but wonder about that.