Page 34 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

“Lemonade for me, as well, Mr. Templeton.” Both Miss Fenster and Lady Honora spoke at the same time.

He looked in Suzanna’s direction, his brows raised.

“I would prefer champagne, if you please.” She offered him a brittle smile. If looks could kill a man, his funeral would be the next morning.

Instead of signaling a footman, he returned with a tray he’d confiscated from one of the servants and distributed the drinks to the ladies. He sat and conversed with them until Lady Honora stood and said, “I believe this is a good time to form teams for pall-mall.” She moved away from the table, calling the guests to gather.

Giles jumped up and pulled back Miss Fenster’s and Miss St. George’s chairs. They shook their skirts and followed Lady Honora. Suzanna sat, tapping her foot in the grass, which probably did not give her any sense of satisfaction, since no sound came of her efforts.

He rounded the table and assuring that no one was near enough to hear him, he pulled out Suzanna’s chair. “I am so looking forward to our walk, Suzanna.”

“Miss Blake,” she said through gritted teeth.

He took her arm and tucked it against his side. As they moved forward, he whispered into her ear, “Score one for my team.”

She stomped on his foot, pressing as hard as she could, then continued on, as if nothing had happened, smiling contentedly, twirling her parasol.

…

Despite her smile, Suzanna was not only angry. She was scared. She didn’t want to be strolling along with Mr. Templeton. She wanted to be free to have other gentlemen approach her. They’d spent so much time together since the house party had begun, she was certain the other men thought she was practically spoken for.

With a forced smile plastered on her face, they walked toward the lake. At least he was keeping her in view of the others. She had no fear he would attempt to kiss her with the others watching. At least she hoped he was too much of a gentleman for that.

“I really wanted to take you out in the rowboat. ’Tis the sort of thing a man does with his lady when they’re courting.”

“We are not courting.”

They stood and examined the lake. “This is truly a lovely spot for a picnic.” Suzanna took a deep breath of the fresh air. “I do so love the country.”

“More than London?”

“Truth be known, I detest London.” She twirled her parasol, enjoying the way she forced him to duck to keep from being hit by it.

“You do?” he asked, placing his hand on the parasol handle to stop the spinning. “You don’t revel in the balls, parties, routs, the theater, and everything else that I’ve been led to believe a young lady of the ton adores?”

She shook he head. “No. I am not so young, and I hope this is my last Season, anyway. It all grows rather tiresome. The gossip, the pretenses, the married couples taking lovers right under their spouses’ noses.”

He intertwined their fingers. “I would never be unfaithful to my wife, and I too, prefer the country and could live my life away from London with no regrets. I have a wonderful country estate given to me by my grandparents.” He placed his finger under her chin and tilted her head, his demeanor quite serious. “I will be more than happy to make this your last Season, Suzanna. I want to marry you.”

She closed her eyes, his words almost causing her pain. His arrogance aside, he could truly be the man she had been waiting for. They suited in every way. How she longed for a life mostly spent in the country and a husband who did not humiliate her by parading his mistresses around London.

She blinked away the tears that threatened to spill. She could not cry in front of him. He would demand an explanation, and she was not prepared to tell him the edict she lived under.

“I must, once again, remind you that we will not be marrying.” Her voice was dull, somber, exactly how she felt. She glanced up at the sky, thinking her mood had come from clouds drifting across the sun, blocking out the light and warmth.

But there were no clouds in the sky.

He must have caught her mood, because it was a quiet walk back to the tables. He held out her chair, and she sat and immediately engaged in conversation with Mr. Davies.

After luncheon, Lady Honora suggested they make use of the rowboats. Miss St. George practically ran up to Giles to remind him of his promise to take her for a ride. He left Suzanna’s side and escorted Miss St. George to the water’s edge.

Suzanna’s stomach muscles tightened, and a very uncomfortable feeling caused her heart to beat faster and her lungs to breathe deeper at the sight of Mr. Templeton and Miss St. George chatting amiably as they settled into the rowboat.

This was truly ridiculous. She was not at all envious of the girl. I

n fact, she had been the one to suggest he take her out in the rowboat.

Since she had no intention of marrying him, one day she would bear witness to him courting, and then wedding, a young lady. Perhaps someone like Miss St. George. Or even the girl herself.