Page 5 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

“What of you, Mr. Templeton? You mentioned before that Alex painted you with a too-wide brush. Are you not the rake that the ton credits you?”

He regarded her with mock horror, his eyebrows raised, his hand plastered against his chest. “Me, Miss Blake? Surely, I have done no more than any other young man about town.”

Suzanna was truly enjoying Mr. Templeton’s company. He was charming, and she experienced a certain unfamiliar excitement in his presence. But it mattered not, because nothing could come of this brief interlude at Patience and Alex’s wedding. Once the ceremony and wedding breakfast ended, they would go their separate ways, and if she saw him again at a ton event, they would greet each other, perhaps share a dance, and nothing more.

During her one Season, no gentleman had caught her interest. Mother had spent a great deal of time pushing various lords in her direction, but none of them had suited. The ones interested in her had bored her to tears. All they had talked about was their money, their consequence, their hounds and horses, and their tailors.

Were it not for her lingering ague, Mother would be with her right now, glowering in her direction, constantly reminding her that she should encourage only men with titles. She understood her parents’ desire for her to make a splendid match. However, she wanted more than a title. Her fondest wish was to marry for love, something Mother did not understand, or would never admit to understanding, anyway.

After making two rounds about the room, they joined Alex, Patience, Lord Hawkins, and Lord Campbell gathered in a grouping of chairs and a settee. The men held drinks, and Patience sipped from a teacup. She smiled as they joined them. “Would you care for tea, Mr. Templeton?”

“Tea?” Alex chortled. “Give the man a glass of brandy.” He motioned to a footman and asked for the bottle of brandy to be brought.

“Sit next to me, Suzanna.” Patience scooted over to make room.

Mr. Templeton turned his attention to the duke. The four men hovered together, but occasionally, Mr. Templeton glanced in her direction.

“You seem to have acquired an admirer.” Patience smiled at her over her teacup rim. “Mr. Templeton hasn’t taken his eyes off you since he entered the room.”

“I know.” Suzanna sighed. “He is really a very nice gentleman.” She continued speaking as her eyes once more drifted to the group of men. “Even before Alex mentioned it, I’d heard about Mr. Templeton’s reputation with the ladies.”

“Exaggerated, I am sure. I have spent some time with Alex’s three friends, and they all impress me as solid, responsible men.” She tilted her head sideways as she regarded them and smiled. “Although every one of them turns heads when they enter a ballroom.”

Patience placed her teacup on the table in front of her, stood, and shook out her skirts. “I believe I will retire for the evening. Would you care to join me for a few minutes in my sitting room before we go to bed?”

“I would love to. It’s been ages since we had a nice long visit.” Arms linked, they moved toward the group of men.

“Your Grace, I find myself a bit fatigued, so I will be retiring.”

Her betrothed broke away from the group and took Patience’s hand, moving her away from Suzanna. They bent their heads in conversation.

“I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, Miss Blake.” Mr. Templeton smiled down at her, and once more his near presence took her breath away. His eyes mesmerized her, and she had the silly urge to push back a lock of chestnut brown hair that had fallen on his forehead.

Instead, she backed up a bit lest Patience’s mother, Aunt Harriet, notice the attention Mr. Templeton was paying her. Her aunt was fully aware of Suzanna’s mother’s edict about not encouraging any man without a title.

The last thing Suzanna needed was for Aunt Harriet to take it upon herself to pen a note to Mother. Despite her ague, her mother would surely rise from her sick bed and descend upon Suzanna at Lord and Lady Montford’s townhouse. “Thank you, Mr. Templeton.” She gave him a slight curtsy and took Patience’s arm as they headed upstairs to the future duchess’s sitting room.

Tomorrow would be an interesting day, and not just because her beloved cousin was marrying her true love.

Chapter Two

Giles had watched Miss Blake dance with several men, old and young, in the hour and a half the musicians had entertained the guests at the reception following the wedding breakfast. He bided his time, waiting for his waltz, which the master of ceremonies had told him would be the next number played.

Before anyone had the chance to usurp him, he made his way across the room and extended his hand. “I believe the next dance is mine.”

“Indeed?” Although her eyebrows rose almost to her hairline, the twitching of her lips told him she found his smugness amusing.

He grinned, continuing to hold out his hand when the music started. As promised, the musicians played a waltz. He made a deep bow. “May I have the pleasure of this dance, Miss Blake?”

She took his hand and followed him to the dance floor. He turned and swung her into his arms, perhaps a bit closer than was considered proper. They fit together perfectly and danced as though they’d done so many times before. “Are you enjoying the music?”

“Yes, I am. I love to dance, and it’s been wonderful to have so many opportunities to do so.”

“I’ve noticed.” He twirled them around a slower-moving couple. “Oftentimes young ladies dance because it’s expected, or they feel it’s a way to garner a man’s attentions. You dance for the absolute enjoyment of it. It shows in your face and in how you move.”

“Have you been watching me?” If that thought frightened her, it was not reflected in her eyes. She studied him, as if she were searching for something.

“I have, and I’ve had a great deal of pleasure in doing so.” Moving them into a turn, his legs briefly brushed against hers, his skin burning where they touched. She looked up quickly and licked her lips. Perhaps she had felt it, too?