Page 56 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

He studied her from under heavy eyelids, his demeanor serious. “Wager aside, you do want to marry me, do you not?”

Suzanna smiled and tossed her head, the small curls alongside her face bouncing, then grew serious. “Yes, Giles. Yes, I do want to marry you. However, I fear my wishes and yours are hopeless.”

His heart soared at finally hearing those words from her lips. “Shall I give you an improper kiss to seal the proposal?”

She sucked in a breath. “No!” She glanced around, but no one was near enough to have heard him. “I hope you are joking.”

His knuckle touched her chin, and he tilted her head up. “I will do nothing to jeopardize your reputation. Ever. It is my desire to love you, provide for you, and give you children.”

The last part brought a delightful blush to her face. “Giles! What if someone overhears you?”

He pulled her closer than he should have, but he could not resist. He wanted more than anything to take her to the dark garden. To the darkest part of the garden, kiss her senseless, and impress upon her that she was his—always.

“No one can hear us, sweeting. Let us just enjoy the dance.”

He guided them around the room, making sure he stayed clear of where Hawk and Mrs. Blake were still conversing heavily. He made good use of the darkened corners in the room, as well as shadows that hid him and Suzanna quite successfully.

…

A week had gone by since the Robinsons’ ball. Giles had seen Suzanna at two other events during that time, but never had the opportunity to speak with her. Mrs. Blake watched over her better than the Regent’s guards.

His frustration grew, and more than once he pondered climbing into her bedchamber one night and whisking her off to Gretna Green. ’Twould be a scandal, of course, but he had run out of ideas.

Luckily, Lady Montford sympathized with his situation and accepted notes from him at various events to pass along to Suzanna. It left him feeling like a smitten youth, a truly uncomfortable feeling for a man his age.

Cam and Hawk had offered advice and support, but even they had tried of late to convince him to forget Suzanna. Rumors had begun that her father was in negotiations with Lord Pemberton, an earl about ten years her senior, whose mother had been haranguing him to marry for some time.

He’d spotted her outside Gunter’s, taking the ices, accompanied by her mother and other ladies, all chatting merrily, Suzanna twisting her spoon, sighing, and generally looking forlorn. He had to do something, and soon, or he would go completely out of his mind. They were at a stalemate, and the idea of absconding with her greatly appealed to him.

Late one afternoon, he sat in a comfortable chair in White’s, enjoying a brandy with Bedford, who had recently learned his wife was carrying their heir. Their marriage had started out rocky, but it appeared all was well now, and Bedford was playing the proud papa-to-be.

Bedford’s wife was cousin to Suzanna, and it occurred to Giles that he might garner some assistance from Her Grace.

“Well, look who has arrived back in town. I thought you and your charming new wife would remain buried in the country for the rest of the Season.” Hawk joined them, dropped into a chair across from Bedford, and signaled a footman to bring a bottle of brandy.

“Patience wished to spend some time at a few ton events before she was forced into confinement.” The smirk on Bedford’s face told it all.

“Congratulations, my man. May Her Grace have a healthy and successful birth.” Hawk raised his glass in a salute.

The three men all downed their drinks.

Hawk spoke to Giles as he refilled their glasses. “It looks as though your financial acumen has worked again.” Once he finished, he raised his glass. “Here is to the golden boy who seems to have the Midas touch. I just had a meeting with my man of business, and the investment you suggested has paid off quite handsomely.”

Giles grinned. “I am happy it worked well for you.”

Hawk grew serious and placed his empty glass on the table. “I’m afraid I don’t have happy news for you now, though.”

Giles’s heart thumped at the look on Hawk’s face. “What?”

Hawk unrolled a newspaper. Spreading it out, he handed it to Giles, and tapped a section on the second half of the page facing him. It was the society column.

This columnist has been told in the utmost confidence that Mr. B- will soon announce a betrothal between his lovely daughter, Miss S- and Lord P- who has been dancing attendance on the lovely miss. Mrs. B- is said to be already planning the wedding.

“Bloody hell!” Giles crushed the paper in his hands and stood. “Excuse me, gentlemen. I have business to attend to.”

Hawk grabbed his arm as he moved past him. “Keep your head, man. Don’t do anything rash.”

Chapter Sixteen