Page 25 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

Suzanna looked back and forth among the girls. “I thought you would all want to marry a man with a title.”

“Not me,” Miss Granger said. “I’ve seen too many titled men who flaunt their mistresses or gamble their estates into the ground. I oftentimes think they consider their title a license to do what they please, without regard for their wife. Mr. Templeton is enough of a rake to draw attention, but from what my cousin tells me, he doesn’t gamble much or indulge in the other activities many of the titled lords do.”

“I’m sure he keeps a mistress,” Miss Forester sniffed.

“Don’t they all?” Lady Penrose rolled her eyes. Scandal had surrounded her last year, when her late husband had died in his mistress’s bed.

Lady Honora joined in. “Not all, I’m sure. Among my brother’s friends, I’ve always thought Mr. Templeton was the best of the lot. From the time he began visiting, when we were merely children, he has been kind and considerate. One time when Bedford, Cam, and my brother tied me to a tree to keep me from following them, it was Mr. Templeton who came to my rescue. He snuck back after they’d all gone on their way and released me.” She sighed.

“Such a gentleman,” Lady Penrose agreed. “Since I am out of mourning, I would certainly give Mr. Templeton a second look.”

Miss Forester shook her head. “I doubt it would do any good. All I have heard this Season is that Lord Hawkins, Lord Campbell, and Mr. Templeton are definitely adept at dodging marriageable ladies.”

“I can certainly say that about my brother,” Lady Honora added. “Even though Mother is most anxious to see him settled.”

The ladies then switched to another topic, which gave Suzanna time to digest what they’d said. So, it was known that Mr. Templeton had no desire to marry? Yet, he had already made it plain that he intended to marry her. It appeared his lack of a title didn’t prevent these ladies from admiring him or wanting to bring themselves to his attention.

But then, she knew how appealing the man was. Which was precisely why she’d been attempting to avoid him. However, she also found him insufferable in his arrogance, which she was certain these women were unaware of.

A man with a title. The words had been drilled into her head for years. In fact, she was a bit uncomfortable to admit that until she’d met Mr. Templeton she’d never given it a second thought, always assuming she would marry someone of whom Mother would approve. Now a seed of rebellion grew within her. Perhaps she should not be so amenable. After all, she did defy her mother regarding riding breeches. She grinned to herself. Maybe that was a start.

Since Mr. Templeton

had strolled across the Abbey’s drawing room at her cousin’s wedding, she’d been giving a great deal of thought to what she wanted in a husband. When she made up her own list—not Mother’s—a title was nowhere near the top. First, she wanted love. A man in love with his wife did not secure the services of a mistress. Next, she wanted kindness, consideration, and like-mindedness.

She would prefer a man who did not waste his time and money on gambling or reckless investments, since her, and any future children’s, entire financial security depended on him. She preferred intelligence, lively debate, and conversation. Over the short time of their acquaintance she’d found his company very enjoyable—another plus. With that list in mind, Mr. Templeton rose to the top.

However, his overconfidence and overbearing manner dropped him down a few points. Add in Mother’s requirement and he slid to the very bottom. So frustrating.

It would be wise of her to not only discourage him this week, but to also encourage a few of the other gentlemen present. There must be someone Mother would approve of whom she could tolerate across the breakfast table for the rest of her life.

Before long they were entering the main street of the village. They passed interesting shops, and she noted the bookstore. The door to the carriage opened, and Lady Penrose and Lady Honora stepped out.

Suzanna stood and reached for the footman’s hand, which was quickly replaced by another man’s warm hand and matching smile. “Welcome to Twin Brooks Village, Miss Blake.”

Her lips tightened, Suzanna accepted Mr. Templeton’s hand. He was not going to make this easy. But then, he’d said many times that when he wanted something, he always succeeded.

…

Earlier, while Giles had waited for the ladies’ carriages to arrive at the front door of Hawkins Manor, he’d had a hard time keeping his eyes off Suzanna. She’d changed into a cerulean blue walking gown with white lace at the hem and neckline—right above her breasts; her very tantalizing breasts that he would love to press his lips to. The blue straw bonnet framed her heart-shaped face with a few blond ringlets close to her cheeks.

As much as he’d wanted to stroll up to her, she’d been conversing with Lady Hawkins and, rather than interrupt them, he’d decided to wait until they arrived at the village, at which time he planned to stake his claim.

And stake it he did. He withheld his grin when she scowled as she took his hand and stepped from the carriage. It was obvious she was going to attempt to thwart him, but he would not allow that.

“The Roman wall is a short walk from here.”

Suzanna glanced at the crowd, as they broke up into clusters of three or four. “Perhaps we should stay with the rest of the group.”

“No. I think everyone has different interests. Hawk has asked us all to gather around four o’clock for tea at The Rose and the Crown Inn.”

As he spoke, the various groups wandered in different directions, leaving the two of them standing alone together. Perfect.

“I do wish to see the wall, but I think I prefer to start at the bookstore. Lady Hawkins mentioned that it had a fine selection for such a small village.”

He bowed slightly and extended his arm. “The bookstore it is, then.”

“We should not be going off by ourselves. It is not proper. Lady Montford has joined the group headed to the old church.”