Page 23 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

Well, then.

…

After cleaning up from his ride and changing out of his riding clothes, Giles descended the stairs to the breakfast room. Eight guests sat around the table, eating and conversing. The aroma coming from the table along the side wall drew him like a magnet. It held numerous dishes of fish, eggs, potted meat, fruits, ham, kidney pies, muffins, toast, and bacon.

He was ravenous. Suzanna had not yet come down, so he made a plate for himself and took a seat near the end of the dining table, with empty chairs both across and next to him.

“Feeling unsociable today, Templeton?” Giles was just finishing up when Cam entered the room and, tossing him a smile, strode to the food table. After loading his plate, he took the chair across from Giles.

“No, not feeling unsociable, just leaving a place available for Miss Blake when she arrives.” He looked at his empty plate, then eyed the food table, considering whether he wanted another helping of kidney pie.

“She might be one of those who sleep until noon.” Cam cut a piece of ham, closing his eyes in pleasure when he placed the meat in his mouth.

“Not Miss Blake. She and I rode this morning. I expect her to join us shortly.” He hoped she would join them, since usually female guests opted for a tray in their room. On the other hand, from what he’d seen this morning, Suzanna did not necessarily follow all the rules for young ladies.

“Interesting. Most ladies eschew early morning rides.”

“I told you Miss Blake is one of a kind.” Indeed, she was. He had to admire not only how she’d sat a horse, but that she’d taken the jumps with ease. And on a sidesaddle! He’d love to see how a man would handle being so off-balance riding and jumping. So little credit was given to women, whom Society generally viewed weak as kittens, emotional as babies, and unable to think for themselves.

And then, the image of her riding in breeches brought a tightening in his groin. How he’d love to see those lovely legs displayed in that fashion. Except he would not want any other man to witness her attire. Once they married, he would make sure she had an ample supply of breeches on hand to ride in the country. The thought made him smile.

“So, I assume the pursuit continues?” Cam asked.

“Nothing has happened to change my mind. In fact, every time I am with her, my determination strengthens.”

Deciding against another helping, Giles pushed back his empty plate and pulled his coffee cup closer. “Like you and Hawk, I had planned not to marry for years. I never understood the hurry to do so, although m’mother seems to think I will drop in my tracks any day now, without providing her with grandchildren. But after spending time with Miss Blake, marriage seems like the right thing to do.”

Cam studied him over his coffee cup. “Templeton, the girl insists she will marry only a title.”

Giles waved his hand in dismissal. “Have you not ever heard of a woman changing her mind?”

Cam snorted. “They do that all the time, then become huffy if you mention it. My sisters are a prime example. Can’t make up their minds to begin with, then two hours later they’re spouting something entirely different and will happily whack you over the head with their parasol if you dare to mention it. I shall never understand women.”

“There you have it. Right now she thinks she wants only to marry a title, but I am changing her mind.”

“Is it worth it, though? Miss Blake seems like a charming enough young lady, but if she feels you’re not worthy of her attention, and you do convince her, will she not resent you one day?”

A knot formed in his stomach at Cam’s words. It was something he’d thought himself. But over the years, he’d seen a few mismatched couples who’d been besotted with each other. Once love came into the picture, the difference made no difference at all. He would just have to make sure she fell in love with him.

“Good morning, Miss Blake.”

Giles turned from Cam to see Suzanna enter the breakfast room. Even though it had not been directed at him, but at Lord Gulliver, her smile lit up his world.

“You have it bad, my friend.” Cam shook his head and pushed his chair back to stand as Suzanna walked toward them. “You may have my seat, Miss Blake. I was merely keeping it warm for you.”

“Oh, I don’t wish to impose. I can take another seat.”

“Not at all, I am sure Mr. Templeton would much rather stare at your lovely face than mine. Not that my face isn’t lovely, of course, but Templeton’s been staring at it for years now.”

Giles stood as Suzanna approached. “May I fill a plate for you?”

Cam groaned. “You would make a fine footman, Templeton.”

“Didn’t you say you had somewhere to be, Cam?” Giles glared at him.

“Not that I remember but, since it appears

I am unwanted, I’m sure there is somewhere else I can be.” He bowed slightly in Suzanna’s direction and left the room.