Page 20 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

Mr. Templeton leaned in close. “You can forget Hawk if you’re looking for a title.”

She glared at him just as the butler announced dinner.

Chapter Six

The next morning, Giles entered the stables at Hawkins Manor to find Suzanna already there, speaking with the head groom. He could not believe his luck. He had no idea she was also an early morning rider.

“Good morning, Miss Blake.”

She turned, her mouth forming a perfect circle, then her eyes narrowed. “Did you follow me?”

“Hmm. Follow as in, after you in arriving? Yes. Follow as in, watching surreptitiously from behind the window drapes in my assigned bedchamber in the hopes you might be riding this morning? No. I always take an early morning ride—in the country, and even when I’m in London.”

“Very well, then.” Apparently mollified, she turned backed to the groom. “Once again, I do not want some ladylike weak-kneed mount. Please saddle something more vigorous.”

The groom stood, holding the reins of a very meek-appearing horse that Suzanna was not happy with. He had to agree. The poor animal looked as though it should be allowed its last days enjoying peaceful slumber.

“But miss, this is the horse we generally give our lady guests.” He looked around as if hoping someone else would come by and take the decision away from him before one of Hawkins’s guests was thrown and broke her neck.

“My good man, if the young lady wishes to ride something a bit more energetic, please accommodate her. I will be riding along.”

The groom shrugged, but appeared relieved, no doubt because someone else would be blamed if Suzanna took a toss.

She glared after the groom, her hands on her hips. “Honestly, I can’t imagine a groom refusing to supply a male guest with the mount he prefers. Women are simply not given enough credit. Did the man think I would ask for a more serious ride if I couldn’t handle it?”

“Unfortunately, what you say is true. The world we live in doesn’t grant women much freedom to make their own choices or for having common sense, even.”

“Well, then.” She regarded him with raised brows. “Congratulations. I don’t believe I’ve ever heard a man say that.”

Giles grinned. “I will impress you yet.”

Suzanna tossed her head, the curls escaping from her riding hat bouncing alongside her face. “I must admit, that is quite admirable of you.”

The groom returned with a different horse—a beautiful buckskin gelding tugging on the reins, stepping lively, obviously ready for a run. “Will this do, miss?”

Suzanna walked up to the horse and ran her hand down its velvety nose. “Yes. He will do just fine.” She nuzzled the horse. “We will have a wonderful run, won’t we?” She turned to the groom. “What is his name?”

“Demon.”

Giles and Suzanna burst out laughing.

“I hope he lives up to it,” Suzanna said.

“Will you saddle Gallant for me, Edgar?”

“Yes, Mr. Templeton.”

Still petting and nuzzling Demon in a way he wished she was doing to him, Suzanna said, “With Hawkins being such a close friend of yours, I guess you would know the horses in his stables.” She looked in his direction. “Is Gallant the horse you generally ride?”

“No. He is my own horse. The one I rode yesterday.”

Although Giles had agreed with her that she should have a more vigorous horse, he could not help questioning her. “I hope you are capable of handling that horse, after I insisted on Edgar finding a better ride for you.”

She grinned. “Oh, yes, Mr. Templeton. Demon and I will get along just fine. Won’t we, boy?” She patted the horse’s face, and he moved his head to face her, obviously already in love.

It’s easy, isn’t it, Demon?