Page 48 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

Oh Lord, now what? Of course, there would be the usual reminder to be aware of her reputation, to not encourage any man who did not have a title, and to encourage any man with a title who showed interest in her. Regardless of his age, size, demeanor, and odor. She was to encourage them all.

She used her finger to push the window curtain aside to see how close they were to their destination. She had to get out of this carriage before she suffocated.

“Suzanna! Do not stare out the window like a fishmonger’s wife.” Mother shifted in her seat and looked at her father. “It is a good thing I have arrived to take your daughter in hand. Heaven knows what she has been allowed to do.”

Cousin Eunice sucked in a breath. Suzanna hated that Mother made it sound as though Cousin Eunice had not been a good enough chaperone. She loved her cousin and thought her the most kind and thoughtful person she knew. Lord Montford cast Mother a disdainful look, most likely assuming from her words what Suzanna had surmised.

Finally, the carriage slowed to a stop, and they all gathered their belongings as the door opened and a footman lowered the steps. Lord Montford exited first, turning to take Cousin Eunice’s hand. Father was next, helping Mother down, and then reaching out to Suzanna.

She had taken no more than a few steps when Mother placed her hand on her arm. “Walk with me, dear.”

Reconciled to a lecture, Suzanna nodded and linked her arm with her mother’s. “’Tis a lovely night, is it not, Mother?”

“Never mind that, Suzanna. You have been avoiding me since I arrived.”

Yes, Suzanna had been avoiding her mother, and it had taken some maneuvering to do so. She knew eventually she would have to face this lecture. “No, I haven’t, Mother. I have just been busy, and you know you need to lie down in the afternoon while you are still recovering from your ague.”

“Nonsense. I feel perfectly fine. Furthermore, I know why you have avoided me.”

Her stomach clenched, but she raised her chin, ready for the assault. “And why is that, Mother?”

“Don’t take that tone with me, young lady. I am your mother, and I always have your best interests at heart. Remember that.”

“Yes, Mother.” She tried not to sigh, but she didn’t succeed.

“It has come to my attention, even all the way out in the country, that you have been seen a great many times in the company of Lord Wexford’s boy.”

“Mother, Mr. Templeton is hardly a boy. He is nine and twenty years.”

“He is unsuitable. I suggest you drop whatever fancy it is you imagine you have for the man and concentrate on someone of whom your father will approve.”

“My father?”

“Yes. Your father and I agree about your future and the man who is best suited for you.”

“You mean someone with a title,” Suzanna said through her clenched teeth.

“Of course.” Mother turned and regarded her as they reached the top of the stairs, ready to be announced. She fussed with her daughter’s neckline, looking directly into her eyes. “Do not disappoint me in this, Suzanna.”

…

Giles had been at the Eversons’ ball for more than an hour, and he’d yet to speak with Suzanna. Her mother was attached to her side so securely that it was a wonder the two women could even walk. The only time Suzanna left her side was when she danced. Her mother kept a close eye on every gentleman who approached, and either nodded, or gave her head a slight shake at Suzanna. Since it would have been unmannerly to refuse one man and accept another, she had been forced to pass on a few dances.

He was growing frustrated. Each time he attempted to approach her, her mother either dragged her off

to speak with someone or they disappeared completely into the crowd. He wasn’t sure what game they were playing, but he intended to have the supper waltz with Suzanna as promised.

When the time approached, and the orchestra was announcing the supper waltz, he wended his way behind Mrs. Blake and Suzanna, who were engaged in a conversation with Lord Ambrose. An older man with four children—pot-bellied, bad teeth, and each year with increasingly less hair, it was well-known he was desperate for a wife.

Giles clasped Suzanna’s elbow from behind, drawing a gasp from her mother. Suzanna turned to him and smiled. “Good evening, Mr. Templeton.”

“I believe this is my dance.” He looked across the small space at her mother, his eyes daring her to object. Mrs. Blake was, if nothing else, aware of propriety in public.

Suzanna’s mother raised her chin and glared back at him. “I believe Lord Ambrose asked for this dance, Mr. Templeton.”

To his credit, Ambrose looked confused for a moment, and then bowed in Suzanna’s direction. “Yes. I had intended to request this dance, but I will not usurp Mr. Templeton if he had a prior request.”

Giles bowed in the man’s direction and whisked Suzanna away before Mrs. Blake opened her mouth to speak. He clutched Suzanna’s hand and made his way through the throng to the dance area.