Page 63 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

gown. “Don’t you look especially lovely this evening, Suzanna. It must be that conversation you had with Mr. Templeton yesterday that has put that glow on your cheeks.”

Suzanna’s eyes flew to her cousin. “Mr. Templeton? I didn’t see him yesterday.”

“Oh. How very odd. I sent him out to see you. He was here for tea yesterday. He arrived shortly after you and Lord Pemberton left to stroll in the garden.”

Suzanna frowned and stared at Cousin Eunice through the mirror as Bessie put the finishing touches on her hair. “No. I did not see him.”

“Well, perhaps you and Lord Pemberton had already returned.”

“Yes. That must be what happened.” That was certainly strange. Why would Giles not speak with her? She shrugged. He must have gone into the garden after she and Lord Pemberton had returned to the house, as Eunice said.

But it would all be cleared up this evening when she saw him. She took one final look in the mirror and stood. “Thank you, Bessie. As usual, you have done a wonderful job.”

“It is a pleasure to serve you, Miss Blake.” She gathered up a few items and left the room.

Suzanna picked up her gloves and shawl and, after linking arms with her cousin, they both descended the stairs where Lord Montford awaited them.

“Well, it seems I get to escort two beautiful ladies this evening.”

With a light heart, and looking forward to the evening ahead, Suzanna accepted his arm, and they left the house.

…

Giles stared morosely into his cup of tea. He’d had enough brandy of late to knock out a strong horse, but for some reason the liquor was not having the desired effect, so he’d opted for tea when he’d reached the inn where he planned to spend the night on his way home.

Home.

The place where he’d planned to bring Suzanna as his bride. To begin their life together, making love all day and night, taking long walks, having picnics by the pond, creating children to run and laugh and cause him and Suzanna gray hairs as the little ones grew to adulthood.

“This is one time I am not happy to be right.” Startled out of his misery, Giles looked up at Hawk as he grabbed the chair across from him and sat, resting his hand on the table. “I assume you are on your way to Bedfordshire to wallow in self-pity?”

“Sod off, Hawk. I’m not in the mood.”

Hawk leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. “I’m surprised at you, Templeton. I thought you were the man who never gave up?”

“She wants Pemberton. It was difficult enough when I was fighting her parents, but once Suzanna decided a title was what she wanted, there didn’t seem to be any reason to continue.”

“My understanding is that her parents haven’t even allowed you to talk to her. How do you know she changed her mind?”

“I saw it with my own eyes.” He stood and pushed his chair out. “What are you doing here, anyway?”

“Escaping. Like you.”

“From what? Or should I say who? Another overwrought opera dancer?”

Hawk leaned back, crossing his arms. “London, in general, and Mrs. Ambrose, in particular.”

“Ah. Another dalliance gone bad.” He shook his head. “Hawk, it’s time you quit chasing opera dancers and took your title seriously.”

“Bloody hell. You sound like my mother. I am merely one and thirty and have plenty of time to stick my neck into the parson’s noose. Just because you thought it was a good idea for you—which it turned out not to be—doesn’t mean the rest of us are ready to surrender.”

“May I remind you that your country estate is the other direction?”

“I’m visiting my cousin. He and his wife have four offspring, which will more than convince me that putting up with the Mrs. Ambroses of the world is far better than sniveling, crying urchins tugging on your breeches.”

Funny how Giles’s idea of marital bliss had envisioned children who would be the center of his and Suzanna’s world. He shook his head. No Suzanna. She’d made her choice, and he hoped she would be happy with it.

“I am off for the night. I hope to make it home by the end of the day tomorrow, so I must leave at first light. Good luck with your cousin’s urchins.” Giles gave Hawk a slight salute and left the private dining room.