Page 33 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

Husband.

Just the word brought her spirits low. Naturally, she wanted to marry. She desired her own home, husband, and eventually a family. Children to love and nurture

. She’d been trained since the nursery what was expected of her. Where her duty rested.

But she’d always intended—at least until Mother’s suggestion about marrying a titled lord had turned into a demand—to marry for love. How wonderful to be bedded by a man who loved her, and whom she loved, as well. To bear their children, manage their home, grow old together. She had never considered such an impossible feat, to find someone to meet those wishes, and still possess a title to please her mother.

Then Mr. Templeton, with his soft warm lips and mesmerizing eyes, had swept into her life like a raging storm. And declared he would win her hand.

…

Giles rode alongside the carriages headed to the picnic area, chatting with Hawk and Cam as they left the manor house behind. Despite contributing to the conversation, his mind remained fixed on Suzanna. Very clever of her to manipulate him so he would be stuck with the young, giggling Miss St. George in a rowboat. Exactly where he had expected to have Suzanna to himself for a good hour.

Being familiar with the lake, he had planned a visit to a little cove out of sight of the picnic area, but not so far as to cause gossip.

Not one to be thwarted, however, his mind bounced from idea to idea that would give them time alone. It had been obvious from their very first kiss that Suzanna was not indifferent to his regard. He would never force his attentions on a woman—there were too many who welcomed his touch for that—but her fear stemmed from knowing she was affected by him.

Ah, the chase! Never had it been so enthralling. And the reward was something he would enjoy the rest of his life. Suzanna in his bed, in his home, in his life. Their children clinging to her skirts and her, well-loved and protected, slumbering in his arms each night.

“I say, Templeton, I wish you would win the gel, so we can enjoy your company again.” Cam scowled at him from atop his horse.

“I agree,” Hawk added. “You’ve been here and not here since we left the manor. Cam just asked you a question—twice—and you still haven’t answered.”

Giles grinned in his friends’ direction. “A man on a mission needs time to plan and maneuver.”

Cam snorted. “As I said, win the girl, so we can go back to the way things were before you became addlepated.”

One by one, the carriages came to a rolling stop. The deep green grass, an array of wildflowers, and the bright sunshine made for a perfect picnic spot. Tables and chairs had been set up in a large grassy area, brimming with starched white tablecloths, china, silver, and crystal. Giles smirked. A typical ton picnic.

About five hundred yards ahead, a small lake, the sun glistening on the soft waves like diamonds, gave the area a littoral feel. Several bobbing rowboats had been secured to a wharf that extended into the water.

More than a dozen women, in an array of colorful gowns with matching parasols—quickly opened to protect delicate skin—spilled from the carriages, exclaiming delight over one another as if they had not been at the same house party together for days. Giles rode Gallant to a small wooded area where he dismounted, turning his horse over to the groom who had been stationed there.

Suzanna rested her parasol on her shoulder. Her pale rose gown, with a deeper rose ribbon under the breasts and along the hem, brought out the creaminess of her skin that rose tantalizingly above her neckline. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she chatted with Lady Honora.

All he could think of was striding across the space separating them, throwing her over his shoulder, and returning to the house to find the nearest bed. But those thoughts were dangerous, given his body’s reaction and the fact that he was in public.

He joined Cam and Hawk as the group headed to the tables and chairs. Servants were pouring champagne and lemonade. Suzanna settled in a chair, safely guarded by Lady Honora on one side, Miss St. George on the other, and Miss Fenster across from her.

Well played, Miss Blake.

Not to be deterred, he wandered over to the table and sat alongside Miss Fenster, immediately giving his attention to Suzanna. “Tell me, Miss Blake, are you adept in pall-mall? I understand there’s to be a game before luncheon is served.”

She waved her hand at him. “I’m afraid I have no talent in sports, Mr. Templeton.”

“Excellent!”

Her eyes flew to his face, obviously startled. “Excuse me?”

“I have never enjoyed the game, myself, so I hope when the others play, you might join me in a walk around the area. There are some exquisite flowers I would love to show you.”

Giles worked hard to keep from bursting out with laughter at the conundrum he’d just caused her. She would have to be downright rude to refuse him in front of the others. His fingers tucked into the pockets of his waistcoat, he leaned back in his chair, watching her wrestle with her desire to smack him over the head with her parasol.

“Certainly, Mr. Templeton. I would love to take a stroll with you.” The words barely made it past her clenched teeth, her jaw was so tightened. She had the look on her face of having just tasted something horrid.

“Wonderful. While we wait for the game to start up, may I bring you ladies some champagne or lemonade?”

“I would love lemonade,” Miss St. George said, her face quite red, which he didn’t think had come from the little bit of sun to which she’d been exposed.