Page 27 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

“Good afternoon, Miss Andrews. It is wonderful to visit your fine store again. How is your sister, Miss Eloise?”

“Not too well. I’m afraid. Thank you for asking. The doctor thinks a trip to Bath for the healing waters might do her good. Our brother plans to take a trip there with his family and will bring Miss Eloise along.”

“I’ve heard many people have been helped by the waters—if one can stand the smell, that is. Please give her my regards, and I wish her well.” He pulled Suzanna forward. “Miss Blake, may I make known to you Miss Andrews.” He turned to the store owner. “Miss Blake is a guest at Hawkins Manor this week.”

Miss Andrews made a slight dip. “Good afternoon, Miss Blake. Thank you for choosing our store to visit. I hope you find it to your liking.”

Suzanna immediately liked the woman. Her demeanor was quite pleasant, and she reminded her a bit of Cook at her family’s estate. “I am sure I will, Miss Andrews. I love books and I am looking forward to browsing your shelves.”

The woman’s cheeks grew even rosier at Suzanna’s words.

After Miss Andrews described how the bookstore was laid out and where they could find various subjects that might be of interest to them, Suzanna and Giles went their separate ways as they began to examine the numerous shelves. She was in her glory with all the books around her. There were so many subjects to choose from, she didn’t know where to start.

No more than five minutes later, she looked up to see Giles heading toward her. “Here is another Jane Austen novel.” He held out a book to her. Persuasion.

“I thought Miss Austen died?”

“Yes, she has passed. However, oftentimes a publisher will release a book posthumously if an author had written it before her death.”

Suzanna took the book from his hand and opened it, turning the first few pages. “I will definitely buy this one. I’ve loved her other novels.” Before the words were barely out of her mouth, Mr. Templeton bestowed her with a lazy smile and rested his shoulder on the bookshelf, crossing his arms over his chest. His warmth and clean linen scent drifted toward her. She was taken again with the gold flecks in his light brown eyes. His nearness had her heart thumping and her mouth drying up. Of course, he would not kiss her right here in the bookstore, but the look in his eyes was wreaking havoc with her mental state. She raised her chin. “What?”

“Nothi

ng, I just enjoy watching you.”

“I doubt there is anything about me to garner such interest.” A slight tingling between her legs made her uneasy and she shifted. She attempted to move away from him but was blocked by the wall behind her and a very large and most tempting Mr. Templeton in front.

“Ah, not so, Miss Blake. I find everything about you of great interest.”

She sniffed. “At least you’ve remembered my proper name.” Although she tried for the words to come out with strength and conviction, she sounded like a tired squeaky mouse.

“I would never forget your name, Suzanna. ’Tis something I think of all the time.”

He was blocking all her air—that had to be the explanation for the rapid rise and fall of her chest. All she could see, hear, and smell was him. She had to get away or she would likely swoon like some foolish debutante. “Sir. I believe I have found the book I wish to purchase. If you will allow me to pass, I shall proceed to the front of the store.”

He grinned. “Well done, Suzanna.”

“Miss Blake. And you are much too close. Are you daft? Someone might come by, and how would it look?”

He reached out and touched her cheek, running his long finger down until it stopped right above where her bodice met her skin. “Yes, daft. You make me daft.” He slowly, oh so slowly, ran his fingertip along her neckline. “So lovely. One day I will view with a great deal of pleasure all the beauty that hides beneath your clothes.”

Aghast, she dropped the book and stepped aside, making a quick escape around him. Turning, she stopped and smoothed her gown. “I can assure you that will never happen, Mr. Templeton.” Still a bit unstable, she stumbled away from him.

From temptation.

From possible scandal.

From her mother’s wrath.

Chapter Eight

The drawing room at Hawkins Manor, where the guests had gathered after dinner, mimicked a ballroom. Deep red-and-black silk paper covered the upper half of the walls above dark cherrywood wainscoting. Candelabras dotted the room, and fires burned brightly in the two fireplaces on either side of the massive space, the warmth needed with spring temperatures still chilly.

Giles leaned against the wall, sipping from his glass of brandy, as Lady Honora held center stage to explain there would be card games set up on the south wall of the drawing room, the billiard room was open, and for those who did not wish to play cards or billiards, parlor games would keep them amused.

Lady Hawkins announced she would lead the group to play cards, while Hawk stated the gentlemen interested in billiards could join him.

Still holding the brandy in his hand, Giles wandered from the sideboard and wove his way through the crowd to Suzanna’s side. She’d been avoiding him since they’d left the bookstore earlier. He hadn’t followed immediately, giving her time to calm herself. Then he’d purchased the copy of Persuasion for her and followed her down the street.