Page 46 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

Suzanna glanced between Eunice and Giles. They were conspiring. It was quite obvious. A trip to the theater and a visit to Patience. All three of them. How very cozy.

The drawing room door opened, stopping conversation, and all the guests looked up. The butler stepped aside.

“Darling, I am so happy to be here. As you can see, my ague is all cleared up.” Her hands extended, Mother sailed into the room, a bright smile on her face.

Chapter Thirteen

Giles was immediately struck by the paleness of Suzanna’s face at the arrival of the woman, with a man following close on her heels. When he glanced back and forth between the couple and Suzanna, it became quite clear they were her parents. She had a bit of both in her features and form.

“Mother,” Suzanna whispered, then stood and hesitantly walked across the room. Her mother air-kissed her cheeks, and then Suzanna turned to her father. “Father.” He hugged her with more warmth than her mother had shown.

The woman sailed across the room and stopped in front of Lady Montford. “Eunice, how very lovely to see you.” She held her hands out, which Lady Montford hesitantly accepted. “I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you taking care of our little girl in our absence.”

“It has been a pleasure, Mrs. Blake.” Lady Montford looked as astonished as Suzanna.

Suzanna’s mother gave her a dismissive wave. “Tsk, tsk, we are family and must not be so formal. Please call me Aunt Lavinia.”

Lady Montford shifted on the settee. “Please, do take a seat alongside me, and I’ll send for more tea.”

Mr. Blake continued to stand at the doorway, looking uncomfortable. Mrs. Blake tittered—that was the only word that fit—and did not take Lady Montford’s suggestion. “I believe we would prefer to retire to our rooms for a brief rest. The journey was quite arduous.”

Lady Montford stood. “Of course, how inconsiderate of me.” She walked to the brocade pull next to the door to summon a maid.

“Suzanna, dear, have you forgotten your manners completely?” Mrs. Blake turned her cool glance at her daughter. “Please introduce us.”

Suzanna seemed to come out of a trance. “Of course, Mother. Please forgive me.” She said to the room at large, “May I make known to you my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Reginald Blake.”

She gestured toward Cam and Miss Grover and introduced them. Mrs. Blake’s eyes lit up when she mentioned Lord Campbell.

So, it appeared her mother was aware of Suzanna’s desire to marry a title.

“And this is Mr. Giles Templeton, Mother, Father. He is the son of the Earl of Wexford.”

“A second son, I assume?”

The room grew silent at her question that could only be considered rude. Giles recovered himself, and said, “No, Mrs. Blake. Third, actually. I have two older brothers.”

“In any event, it is a pleasure to meet all of you,” Mrs. Blake said.

A maid entered the room, and after receiving instructions from Lady Montford on where she was to escort the couple, the girl led them out of the room. Mrs. Blake swept from their presence in a manner that would cause a queen envy. Mr. Blake trailed behind her like one of her subjects.

The scent of sweet perfume remained in the air, and silence reigned once the door closed behind them. Giles glanced over at Suzanna, who looked as though she wanted to drop through the floor and disappear.

“You resemble your mother somewhat,” Cam said.

Suzanna continued to lick her lips and looked anything but happy at her parents’ arrival. She tried to smile, but it did not quite reach her eyes. “Yes, I do. I’ve been told that.” She reached for her teacup with a shaky hand, which made Giles wonder exactly what the relationship was between Suzanna and her parents.

Not warm, it seemed.

“I believe I will be on my way.” Cam stood and addressed his remarks to Lady Montford, who looked almost as unsettled as Suzanna. It was truly amazing how rattled both of his hostesses were by the arrival of Suzanna’s parents. There must be a story there, somewhere.

Giles also rose. “I will take my leave as well, Lady Montford, so you may attend to your guests.”

“Unexpected guests.” Even though she mumbled the words under her breath, he was certain that was what Suzanna said. “I will see you out, Mr. Templeton.”

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Cam, Miss Grover, and her companion had already left when Giles and Suzanna reached the entrance hall. “Thank you for the call, Mr. Templeton.”