Page 32 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

Hawk glanced over Giles’s shoulder. “I must give you credit, Templeton. You did pick a beauty.”

The muscles in Giles’s stomach tightened. Amazing, how protective he was of Suzanna and how he already thought of her as his. “Don’t get any ideas, Hawk. It’s not just her looks—although I don’t object at all—she is truly a remarkable woman.”

Hawk studied him for a moment. “You know we wish you well, but I am still concerned about where this affair of the heart will end.”

“Have no fear. It will end exactly where I want it to end. At the altar.”

Chapter Nine

The minute Suzanna descended the stairs at Hawkins Manor the next morning, she hurried toward Miss St. George and linked her arm with hers. Lady Montford had elected to bypass the picnic, since she’d sent word to both Lady Hawkins and Suzanna that she had the beginnings of a megrim. Lord Montford said he would stay with his wife, which had Suzanna wondering how much of a megrim Cousin Eunice had.

Today, Suzanna was determined to avoid Giles. No walks in the garden, no partnering in games, no whispers in her ear as they sat drinking tea. Today she would make every effort to encourage the other gentlemen at the party.

The single, titled gentlemen.

She’d tossed and turned the night before, touching her lips with her fingertips, remembering the feel of Giles’s warm mouth on hers. Her racing heart when he’d touched her with his large, warm hand—the hardness she’d encountered when he’d pulled her close, and how she wanted to rub her woman’s parts against him. She had groaned, recalling the sound of their heavy breaths mixed with the scent of early summer flowers.

Each memory had brought another tingle to her nipples, another ache between her thighs. She might be an innocent, but she’d learned enough over the years to recognize passion. There were only three days left to the party, and she was determined to do everything in her power to stay far away from the rakish Mr. Templeton.

“I’m very excited about the picnic.” Miss St. George’s curls bounced as she practically jumped up and down like a small child. But her enthusiasm made Suzanna smile, reminding her how very young Miss St. George was. In her first Season, and only seventeen years, everything was new and exciting to the young girl.

“As am I.” She urged Miss St. George to walk toward the front door. She’d like to be outside, perhaps even in one of the carriages, before Mr. Templeton joined the group.

Her heart plummeted when they walked through the door and Mr. Templeton waited on the pathway. “Good morning, ladies.” He bowed slightly. “You are both looking exceptionally lovely.”

Miss St. George blushed and gave a slight dip. “Thank you, Mr. Templeton.”

Suzanna raised her chin and gripped Miss St. George’s arm tightly. “Good morning, Mr. Templeton.”

His smirk told her he remembered his threat to kiss her every time she called him Mr. Templeton. At least in private, which she had no intention of ever being again.

He glanced up at the brilliant blue sky, with only a few puffy clouds. “It appears we are to be blessed with excellent weather once again.”

“Yes, I’m so happy about that.” Miss St. George giggled, and Suzanna smiled at the young girl, feeling so much older than her three and twenty years.

“Mr. Templeton, I understand there will be rowboats. Do you row?” Miss St. George’s large blue eyes regarded him with a longing only a young girl, new to the Marriage Mart, would exhibit. She’d not yet learned to curb her excitement. Suzanna almost felt pity for her. Once she spent a year or two in Society, all her girlish charm would segue into ennui.

Suzanna jumped at her chance. “I’m certain Mr. Templeton is quite adept at rowing. No doubt he will be happy to take you for a ride, Miss St. George.” She smirked at his expression that went from happy to a near scowl.

However, his years of training in good manners kicked in, and he smiled at Miss St. George. “I will be pleased to take you on a rowboat ride.”

That settled, Suzanna’s spirits rose. Time spent on the lake in a rowboat would give her the opportunity to converse with the other men at the party and even have one of them take her out in a boat near the time Mr. Templeton and Miss St. George were about to return.

Feeling quite satisfied with her maneuver, she urged Miss St. George forward. “Let us take this carriage.” She turned and offered Mr. Templeton a bright smile. “We will see you at the picnic.”

Her stomach muscles clenched as he studied her carefully. Oh, Lord, it was obvious from his expression that he was already planning something. She shivered as she took the footman’s hand to climb the two steps into the carriage.

The three carriages and the men riding horses began the journey to the picnic area. Miss St. George waxed on and on about Mr. Templeton. How handsome, how charming. How delighted she was, and thankful to Miss Blake, for suggesting Mr. Templeton take her on a rowboat ride. The girl was so enthralled, Suzanna imagined she was already planning the menu for the wedding breakfast.

So, another young lady was smitten and had fallen for his charms. It seemed every woman wanted to marry him, except her. She sighed, reminding herself it wasn’t that she didn’t want to marry him, but…

Sometimes she believed the only reason he continued to pursue her was for the challenge. She was probably one of the very few women who had not succumbed to his charm, and fallen at his feet.

Suzanna gazed out the window at the passing scenery. Hawkins Manor was spread out on over eight thousand acres, Lady Honora had told her, which encompassed the manor house, fields of crops and livestock, as well as a few smaller farms, in addition to the village and church.

As the entourage left the manor house area, they headed to a wooded expanse, where a large pathway had been cut. Dappled sun shone on the ground, trees, and undergrowth as the wheels of the carriages rolled through. Small animals scurried for cover, no doubt frightened by the noise of their group.

Suzanna breathed deeply. She so loved the country, and the smells one could experience only there. She’d never been overly fond of London, with the noise, stench, and confusion. Hopefully, once she married, her husband would be amenable to them spending most of their time in the country.