Page 26 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

As much as he wanted her to himself, he knew she was right. It would not do her reputation any good if others knew they’d spent the afternoon alone. “I bow to your concerns, Suzanna—”

“—Miss Blake.”

“—you are correct. If we hurry, we can catch the group headed toward the gardens.”

They turned the opposite direction to follow Lady Penrose, Cam, and Lady Honora. Giles slowed his steps to accommodate her. “Perhaps when the tour of the gardens is over, we can persuade them to join us at the bookstore.”

“Yes. That is an excellent idea.” She looked up at him. “Do you read much, Mr. Templeton?”

“Giles.”

Her raised eyebrows brought a smile to his face. “I won’t give up, you know. But to answer your question, yes, I do read. A great deal, in fact.”

“What sort of books?”

“I read everything, and my library at my estate has more than a thousand books. Many of them were there when my grandparents deeded the estate to me, but I have purchased hundreds myself. I have books on science, poetry, farming, history, war, just about anything you could think of.”

“Novels?”

“Oh, yes. My decadent pleasure. You might be surprised to know I enjoy all of Miss Austen’s works.”

“Truly?”

“Indeed. Hadn’t you guessed by now that I’m a romantic at heart?”

Suzanna rolled her eyes, and they continued on their way, joining the others headed to the gardens. The pleasant weather made for an equally pleasant stroll. Spring had arrived in full force, with a warmer sun on their backs. The ladies all whipped their parasols over their heads to keep their creamy English skin freckle-free.

Lady Honora, being very familiar with the village, gave the tour, pointing out flora unique to the area. As interesting as Giles found the tour, he was much more taken with the lovely woman on his arm. Her soft scent wafted to his nose every time a light breeze blew in his direction.

The time passed quickly, with Giles thoroughly enjoying the time with Suzanna by his side.

“These are truly lovely gardens, Lady Honora. Thank you so much for the interesting tour.” Suzanna looked at the rest in the group. “I was hoping to visit the bookstore before we have to meet the others at The Rose and the Crown Inn.”

“Oh, dear,” Lady Penrose said. “I had hoped to make a stop at that lovely church two streets down.” She grinned at the group. “I have a morbid interest in cemeteries, and there is a very old one attached to the church.”

“I love old cemeteries,” said Lady Honora. “And that is a fascinating one. Since I can visit the bookstore another time, I believe I will go with Lady Penrose.” She turned to Cam. “Well, Lord Campbell, it appears we are splitting in two. Would you prefer the church or the bookstore?”

“Cam loves cemeteries, and takes every opportunity to visit them, don’t you, Cam?” If his friend was as smart as Giles thought he was, he would pick up the hint.

“Ah, yes. Cemeteries. My favorite new thing to view.” He held his arms out to Lady Honora and Lady Penrose. “Lead the way, ladies.” He looked over his shoulder at Giles and Suzanna. “Enjoy the bookstore.”

Suzanna stared after the group as they continued down the street. “Well, now we are left alone again.”

“But we are headed directly to the bookstore and will meet the rest of the group in a short time at the inn for tea.”

“This is not a good idea.”

“Please, Suzanna, do you really think I plan to ravish you behind the bookshelves?”

She raised her chin. “It is all in how it appears, Mr. Templeton. You know that.”

“Giles,” he returned. “No one in the group seemed to think there was anything wrong with leaving us by ourselves. You are making far too much of this.” He placed her arm in his. “Come. The bookstore awaits.”

…

Although concerned about being left alone with Mr. Templeton, his observation was correct. No one seemed surprised at leaving them alone to go to the bookstore, and he could not very well do anything improper with other patrons there, coming and going.

A slight jangle from a small bell over the door frame greeted them as they entered Twin Brooks Village Bookstore. A rosy-cheeked middle-aged woman, as round as she was tall, greeted them with a bright smile. “Mr. Templeton! We haven’t seen you in a while.”