Page 24 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

“That ride certainly worked up my appetite.” Once Suzanna had filled her plate, she took Cam’s vacated place. “Everything looks wonderful.” She placed her serviette on her lap. “I wonder what activities are planned for today? I do hope, with this lovely weather, there will be some outdoor ventures. I would love a stroll in the village, as Hawkins mentioned last evening.”

“I shall prevail upon Hawk to set that up. You are correct, the weather is too fine to waste. I have been to the village a few times myself. There is a Roman wall still standing—in part, of course—that you might find interesting.”

“Yes, I would like to see that. I have a penchant for history.”

“While you finish up your meal, I will find Hawk and see to him making the arrangements.” With a quick bow, he left her to find his host.

Chapter Seven

Later that morning, Suzanna and Lord and Lady Montford joined the small group at the front of the estate, awaiting the arrival of the three carriages that would carry the ladies to the village for a visit. The gentlemen would ride horses from the Hawkins stable.

“My dear Miss Blake, I feel as though I have been remiss in my hostess duties. We have spent little time together since the party began. I hope you are not feeling neglected.” Lady Hawkins slipped her arm through Suzanna’s and gave her a slight hug.

“No, not at all, my lady. I know hostesses at these events are quite busy, although it looks to us as if everything is running smoothly.”

Lady Hawkins laughed. “Yes, it is easy when you have a full staff, an amazing cook, attentive footmen, and hardworking maids.”

“And a very adept hostess who keeps it all together,” Suzanna added with a smile.

“Thank you. You are very kind. But now that I have your ear for a few minutes, are you enjoying yourself?”

“Yes. It has been quite pleasant, and a nice break from the city and the frantic pace of the Season.” As she spoke, Suzanna caught sight of Mr. Templeton striding up to Hawk and Cam. His casual country clothes, tan breeches tucked into long Hessian boots, tan waistcoat, dark brown jacket, and loosely tied cravat fit him to perfection.

Lady Hawkins leaned in. “My son is a wonderful man, Miss Blake. He would make some young lady a very devoted husband, despite his reputation.”

When Suzanna looked at her in surprise, Lady Hawkins’s eyes sparkled with mirth. “I just thought I would mention that. You know how anxious mothers are to see their children settled. However, it does appear to me that you and Mr. Templeton have an attachment.”

Suzanna glanced sideways at Lady Montford, but she was chatting with Miss Granger. “Oh no, my lady. We have barely met and are nothing more than acquaintances.”

Lady Hawkins laughed, the deep, rich sound reaching several people in their vicinity, causing them to glance in their direction. “Don’t fool yourself, Miss Blake. I’ve seen the way Mr. Templeton watches you and how you watch him.”

She shook her head. “No, my lady, you are mistaken.”

Lady Hawkins raised her eyebrows. Heat climbed from Suzanna’s middle to her face. Thankfully, the first of the three carriages pulled up, the other two right behind it.

Lady Hawkins patted Suzanna’s hand. “I hope you enjoy your visit to the village. If we go our separate ways, be sure to stop in the bookstore. Miss Andrews has a lovely shop and, for a small village, an impressive array of books on various subjects.”

Happy to have the subject changed, Suzanna dipped. “Thank you, my lady, I will be certain to do that.”

A footman in the red-and-black livery of Hawkins appeared and opened the door of the first carriage, and the ladies moved forward. Four settled into the first one, five in the second, and another three in the last vehicle. Suzanna found herself between Miss Granger and Lady Penrose, a young widow. Across from them Lady Honora and Miss Forester settled in. Suzanna had spoken to the other ladies several times at various ton events.

“Did you see Mr. Templeton this morning?” Miss Granger addressed her remarks to Suzanna and Lady Penrose. “I think he is so very handsome.”

Lady Penrose nodded furiously. “Yes, I think he is wonderful. I only hope I can catch his attention sometime this week.”

“I wouldn’t bother,” Miss Forester chimed in. “He is a notorious rake and has eschewed marriage publicly many times. Mr. Templeton has never danced more than once with any young lady since I first came out.”

“That was three years ago, wasn’t it, dear?” Lady Penrose’s sweet countenance hid the claws she was known to possess.

Suzanna cast a glance at Miss Forester, whose cheeks were quite red. It was obvious she was grinding her teeth at the insult from Lady Penrose, but everyone knew one did not spar with Lady Penrose and come out the winner.

“Personally, I think it would be a very clever lady to catch him.” Lady Penrose leaned in toward the rest of the girls. “He is immensely wealthy, you know, and I have heard he is known to have quite the skills in the bedchamber.”

“Lady Penrose!” Miss Granger sucked in a breath. “That is not proper conversation.”

She fiddled with her reticule. “Oh, hush. Everyone knows it.”

“If not before, they do now,” Miss Forester added, casting a glance at Miss Granger, a known gossiper.