Page 60 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

“No sugar, a bit of cream.”

Once the tea had been consumed and the biscuits passed, Mother shifted in her seat. “Suzanna, I believe his lordship would love a tour of the gardens.” She turned to Lady Pemberton. “They are simply lovely, and Suzanna just adores spending time there.”

That was a surprise on her part, as Suzanna rarely entered the garden. She stood and smiled at Lord Pemberton, who offered his arm.

Once they were outside, and far away from his mother and hers, a plan presented itself to Suzanna. This might be her only chance to save herself, and she was going to take it. ’Twas time she took a stand against her mother, even if she had to do it behind her back. Inhaling deeply, she turned to Lord Pemberton. “My lord, while I am most flattered at your attentions, I feel it is imperative for me to ask you a question.” She tried to figure out the easiest way to say what needed to be said.

“Are you aware that I had no knowledge of your interest in me until you and your mother arrived for dinner last week?” She chewed her lip. “I mean, why did you ask my father for permission to court me, since we hadn’t even met?”

They stopped walking, and he turned toward her. “My mother told me she had been approached by your mother at some event. Since m’mother has been badgering me to marry for some time now, I visited your father. He assured me that you were anxious to marry this Season, and he was in a position to accept suitors for you.

“I realized at the time we had not been formally introduced, but I had seen you at several events. However, I had not approached you, since I had been under the impression you were already spoken for.”

“Mr. Templeton?”

“Yes.” His brows furrowed. “However, your father disabused me of that idea.”

Suzanna sighed and continued to walk. “My parents—my mother in particular—is adamant that I must marry a man with a title.”

“I see.” He was silent for a few moments, then turned to her. “And you?”

She closed her eyes, then regarded him. “I am in love with Mr. Templeton.”

“Ah.” He smiled softly, then looked off into the distance.

She watched him carefully, her heart pounding. So much depended on how kind this man was. The idea of telling him she no longer possessed her virginity had occurred to her. Depending on how his conversation went, she might have to resort to that.

“So, am I to assume you do not wish to marry me—or perhaps anyone else besides Mr. Templeton—and any offer on my part will be met with rejection?”

She reached out and touched his arm. “I don’t want to hurt your feelings, and you seem like a lovely man, but no, I do not wish to marry you. Although I might wish to reject your suit, my parents will not allow me to do that. Do you see my conundrum?”

He took her by the hand and led her to a stone bench, where they both sat. Their hands still joined, he looked her in the eye. “I must admit I never thought much about love in my marriage. I always knew it would be necessary for me to wed to preserve my title, but I assumed my wife would be someone I would grow fond of over the years.”

She shook her head. “Is that all you really want, my lord? Only to feel fondness? You do not wish for a stronger connection? Love? Passion?”

He grinned. “Actually, I never gave it a great deal of consideration.” After a few moments, he looked at their joined hands and gave her a soft smile. “Now what do we do?”

Suzanna held her breath. Was it possible this man would not insist on continuing his suit? “I’m afraid I am powerless in this situation, my lord. My parents will not allow me to refuse.”

“And you are in love with Mr. Templeton? And he with you?”

“Oh, yes.” She smiled for the first time in days. “If you discontinue your suit, with most of the ton expecting you to offer for me, that could very well create enough of a scandal to make me unmarriageable.”

He placed his knuckle under her chin and raised her head. “Miss Blake, I want you to know that I believe Mr. Templeton is a very lucky man.”

She held her breath while he studied her. “I will advise your father today that I intend to withdraw my attentions, since I believe we will not suit.” He hesitated for a moment. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, quite sure.”

He grinned. “Then I will do so. It is not every day that I get to be a beautiful young lady’s knight in shining armor.”

“You have made me the happiest woman in London, my lord.” Then she threw her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a hug.

Chapter Seventeen

Before the embracing couple in the garden could see him, Giles backed up then turned abruptly and left the garden. Through the numbness that strangled him, the thought kept running through his mind that it certainly appeared that his friends had been right and Suzanna had reconciled herself to Pemberton’s courtship.

One day in the near future, he would allow himself the luxury of self-pity, anger, and whatever else he needed to do to deal with the pain. Now, he headed home with the intent of closing up his London townhouse and heading to his estate in Bedfordshire.