Page 68 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

“Miss Blake, Lord Mallory has arrived. He awaits you in the drawing room.” Bessie offered her a sympathetic expression.

Suzanna forced a smile to her face. “Thank you very much. I shall be down momentarily.”

She gathered her gloves, bonnet, and shawl, and with one final glance in the mirror, left her room. Lord Mallory was a pleasant man, and in need of a wife. He was nearing his fortieth year, and even though that was not a great age, he had no immediate heirs and was concerned about his title.

Again, worry about a title. She sighed. Did the entire world revolve around titles?

“Good afternoon, Miss Blake. Thank you again for accompanying me on a ride.”

“It is my pleasure, Lord Mallory.” She pulled on her gloves and groaned inwardly as Mother beamed from behind his lordship.

At least Giles’s mysterious disappearance had made one person happy. After Lord Pemberton had withdrawn his attentions, Mother had retired to her room for days. Once she discovered that Giles had not sought out Father again, like a general regrouping, she’d rallied herself and jumped right back into her quest for a man with a title.

Suzanna and Mallory made their way down the stairs to the lovely phaeton waiting at the curb, the horses held by a groom. Mallory helped her into the vehicle, and once he was settled alongside her, they left, heading to the famous park where those of importance rode each day to see and be seen.

“Will you be attending the Strickland rout this evening, Miss Blake?”

“Oh, is that this evening?” Since she’d lost interest in all things ton, she depended upon Cousin Eunice to remind her each day where they were headed that evening. “Yes, I assume we are. It is so difficult to keep one’s schedule during the Season, is it not?”

Goodness, she hoped she didn’t sound like a ninnyhammer. It was difficult to hold a conversation when one’s entire being was still focused on one man.

…

Despite his desire to charge right over to Lord Montford’s townhouse upon his arrival in London yesterday, Giles took note of himself, and decided food, a bath, clean clothes, and a good night’s sleep would do him better.

So here he was, on the doorstep, ready to face whatever was on the other side. But one thing was certain. He would not leave until he knew for certain if Suzanna and Lord Pemberton were, or were not, headed toward matrimony. And even if they were, he would not leave until he had his say.

The door opened, and the butler greeted him. “Good afternoon, Mr. Templeton.”

“Good afternoon. May I ask if Miss Blake is receiving callers?”

“Miss Blake is out for the afternoon. You may leave your card, and I will present it to her upon her arrival.”

Just as he was reaching into his pocket, a woman’s voice floated to them. “Is that Mr. Templeton, Jamie?”

The man turned and regarded Lady Montford. “Yes, my lady. He is requesting a visit with Miss Blake.”

Lady Montford stepped to the door. “Mr. Templeton, how very nice to see you. I would enjoy your company for a while. I have no callers today and was about to have tea.”

Not sure exactly what Lady Montford had in mind—he certainly didn’t believe she needed company to drink a cup of tea, he gratefully accepted her offer and followed her to the drawing room upstairs.

Once tea had been delivered, and the footman had closed the door, she glanced at him as she poured tea for the two of them. Handing him a cup, she said, “What brings you here, Mr. Templeton? I know you said you wished to see Miss Blake but, since you have been missing for a few weeks now, I can’t help but wonder what it is that instigated this visit.”

Wishing he had a brandy in his hand instead of tea, he decided a frontal attack was best. “Before I answer that, may I ask you to indulge me, and tell me if Miss Blake is betrothed to Lord Pemberton.”

“She is not.”

“Are they still courting?”

She took a sip of tea and regarded him over the rim of her cup and shook her head slightly. “No.”

Finally able to take a deep breath, he continued. “I am in love with Miss Blake.”

Lady Montford offered him one of her mesmerizing smiles as she held out a plate of apple tarts. “Tell me something I do not know, Mr. Templeton. For instance, why have you been absent from London, and now appear at my doorstep?”

Chapter Nineteen

Muted conversation from the drawing room greeted Suzanna as she joined the guests for the dinner party Lady Montford had arranged. It had been a last-minute decision to hold the dinner, and ’twas odd that she had planned it on an evening when her parents were attending the theater.