Page 45 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

The knots were back, as Suzanna returned to her seat after requesting tea. She licked her lips and darted a glance at Giles.

“It was a very pleasurable time.”

Suzanna started at his words, but when she looked at him, his expression was once again innocuous, as though he meant nothing by those words. Perhaps she should stop looking for monsters under the bed and enjoy his visit. He was not going to say or do anything to embarrass her. Of that she was certain.

“Miss Blake and I took a very enjoyable ride one morning.” He glanced at Suzanna, with appreciation in his eyes. “She is a fine horsewoman.”

“Yes. I remember her as a mere child, racing over the grounds at her country estate, jumping hurdles that took the breath from me.”

“Lady Montford. I have been offered the use of the Duke of Bedford’s box at the theater, and I would love for you, Lord Montford, and Miss Blake to join me one night, sometime soon.”

Eunice smiled warmly at Giles and addressed Suzanna. “Wouldn’t that be lovely, Suzanna? I haven’t been to the theater in a while.” She looked in Giles’s direction. “That is most generous of you. Lord Montford and I do not hold a box, but I do enjoy the theater. We accept your kind offer.”

“Excellent. Shall we say Thursday, next?”

“What does our calendar look like, Suzanna?”

Suzanna rose. “If you will excuse me, I shall check. We keep our calendar in a drawer in the library.”

She left the room to the sound of murmuring between her cousin and Giles. Apparently, his campaign to win the wager included Cousin Eunice’s surrender to his charm. Drat the man.

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nbsp; For the first time, she began to hope that maybe Father would give permission for them to marry. Although she would lose their silly wager, she smiled at the thought and felt a lightheartedness she hadn’t enjoyed in a while. Yes, perhaps he would. Then she could allow her feelings to take hold, instead of always pushing them away.

She granted herself time to imagine being married to Giles. Sharing breakfast and the morning newspaper every day. Attending evening events, then returning home to fall into bed together. His hands sweeping over her body, pleasuring her the way he had at the folly.

Spending time at his country estate. One day having a child or two. Children who would look like him, and perhaps a bit like her. She grinned with the images that danced in her imagination.

Given his family’s status, they would be welcomed into every circle of the ton. Giles was charming, handsome, thoughtful, and protective. He would be a wonderful husband and father. He had his own estate and did not have the reputation of overindulging in gambling or drinking. Of course, his arrogance still grated on her nerves and would have to be dealt with, but all things considered, hers could be a very pleasant life.

Were they to marry, she was certain she would receive his fidelity. Although she would never admit it to him, he already owned her heart, and he’d made it clear he held his out to her.

What more could a woman ask for?

A title.

Her mood dissolved like early mist in the sunrise. Mother had been determined to have a title for her daughter—most likely since the very moment the midwife had announced she’d given birth to a girl.

She pulled the calendar out of the middle drawer of the desk and, hugging the book to her chest, left the room and returned to the drawing room. Cousin Eunice and Giles were enjoying a laugh over something, and both looked up as she entered the room.

Butterflies began a dance in her stomach when she looked at Giles, who viewed her with caring and—oh, Lord—love. It was right there in his eyes, and Lady Montford glanced back and forth between the two of them. The woman was not stupid, and the smile that edged her lips told Suzanna her cousin knew exactly how Giles felt. And probably her, as well.

“Here is the book, cousin.” Suzanna handed the calendar to Eunice and took her seat. She glanced at Giles, but he was intent on her cousin as she flipped the pages of the calendar book. “Thursday next would be fine, Mr. Templeton.”

“Excellent. I look forward to the outing.”

A footman entered the room with tea service. Eunice nodded at Suzanna to pour, while Giles engaged them both in conversation about the last play he’d seen. Suzanna fixed their tea, ignoring Eunice’s smirk when she fixed Giles’s tea without asking how he preferred it. The woman was reading much too much into these little things.

Lord Campbell, arriving at the same time as Miss Grover and her companion, joined their little group. Campbell took a seat as far away from Miss Grover as he could without being rude. He apparently did not want an assumption that they were together. Suzanna suppressed a laugh at that one. He had been quite vocal at the house party that it was his intention to remain a bachelor for many years to come.

“I heard that Bedford and his new bride have arrived back in London.” Campbell accepted the teacup from Suzanna, nodding in her direction.

“Perhaps I will call on him.” Giles placed his cup down and looked at Suzanna. “I would love for you to accompany me. I am sure Her Grace would be happy to see you.”

“What a splendid idea, Suzanna,” Cousin Eunice said. “Since I was unable to attend the wedding, I would so like to see your cousin again.”

Giles beamed in Eunice’s direction. “Then you must definitely join us.”