Page 7 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

Remember, my dear daughter, it is my fondest wish that you marry well. Anyone can marry, but my daughter, with her beauty and charm, can have any man she wants. A titled man, a man of consequence.

I am sorry I cannot be with you at this crucial time in your life, to advise you and encourage you to aim for the best. Keep your reputation unsullied and go forth and enjoy yourself. Make your mother proud.

With Great Fondness, Mother

Despite Mother’s words, ’twas not easy to forget Mr. Templeton’s broad shoulders, teasing smile, quick wit, and most of all, the flattering attention he paid her. When they’d gone outside together, she’d been certain he’d planned to kiss her. The thought had excited her, but instead of receiving her first kiss, she’d made an abrupt departure. Once she’d blurted out her preference for a title, she’d not had the courage to look at his face to see what he’d thought of a woman who was only interested in such shallow things.

Mother’s words any man she wants had run through her mind for the rest of the day, until she’d grown weary of the sentence. Of course, Mother had not meant “any man” because if Suzanna brought home a tradesman—or the horror—any man without a title, he would be dismissed out of hand. She could have any man she wanted if—a small but powerful word—said man held a title. He could be a philanderer, a gambler, a drunkard, abusive, or any number of nasty things that can be found in a man, but as long as he held a title, he would be welcomed into the bosom of her family with open arms.

Susanna sighed and shook herself back to the present. The ballroom had been gaily decorated in honor of Lady Esther, who was making her debut this Season. Huge vases of flowers were tucked into each corner, next to every piece of furniture left in the room. Flowers were wrapped around picture frames, draped from the walls, gathered together in bunches, and tied with enormous pink bows.

Hundreds of candles glowed from chandeliers and candelabras, reflecting off the numerous mirrors along the east wall, creating a beautiful backdrop for the colorful gowns and jewels sparkling in the light.

Lady Esther was swathed in pale pink, beribboned and ruffled so she looked like an exploded wedding cake. Suzanna shook her head. It seemed the Season was already overdone. She could only guess that every debut ball going forward would attempt to outdo one another.

She scanned the crowd, telling herself she was not searching for anyone in particular. But she couldn’t lie, not even to herself.

As she and her chaperone wandered the room, her dance card was signed several times. Mother would be pleased. Every man who’d requested a dance had a title.

Are you happy, Mother?

Halfway through a lively country dance, the butler announced Mr. Giles Templeton, Lord Hawkins, and Lord Campbell. Suzanna almost tripped over her own feet as the three men descended the stairs, one more handsome and compelling than the other.

The room held its collective breath as the trio reached the bottom of the staircase. Fans fluttered, young ladies sighed, and marriage-minded mamas rallied, ready to present their darling daughters to the men.

If only she felt the same draw to Lord Hawkins or Lord Campbell, she might consider this a successful Season. But it was the sight of Mr. Giles Templeton that caused her heart to flutter in her chest, and not due to the efforts of the lively dance. Determined to put him out of her mind, she cast a brilliant smile on her partner, Lord Thomas, who then stumbled.

He swung her into a final turn, they both bowed and dipped a curtsy, and the dance ended. “I feel a bit parched, my lord, after that rousing number. Would you mind escorting me to the refreshment table?”

“Of course, Miss Blake.” Lord Thomas extended his arm, and they took the slow walk to the wall where the lemonade and ratafia were being served.

He took a sip of the lemonade and said, “May I call on you, Miss Blake?”

Here it comes, then, the men who Mother would love to call son-in-law would start showing their interest. “Of course, my lord, I would be flattered.”

“Then perhaps I may call on you as well.” The deep, warm, already-familiar voice of Mr. Templeton almost made her spit out the mouthful of lemonade. Thank heaven for quick reflexes. She turned and offered him what she hoped was a warm, but not encouraging, smile. “Good evening, Mr. Templeton. I did not see you arrive.”

He raised one eyebrow and offered his lazy smile. She cringed. He’d probably seen her gaping at him and his friends as they arrived.

“Mere moments ago.” He nodded in his lordship’s direction. “Thomas.”

“Templeton.”

For heaven’s sake, they both stared at each other as if they were preparing to turn their backs to walk twenty paces, then turn and shoot.

Mr. Templeton redirected his attention to her. “May I request a dance, Miss Blake?”

“Of course.” She held out the small card dangling from her wrist. Mr. Templeton glanced at it, then jotted his name in one of the spaces. “Pity all the waltzes are taken.”

Lord Thomas bowed. “You must excuse me, Miss Blake, but I need to find my partner for this next dance.”

Suzanna nodded and tried her best not to glance back at Mr. Templeton.

“Ignoring me is not going to work. I have no intention of ignoring you. And you have not answered my question. May I call on you?”

She sighed and looked him in the eye. “We have already had this conversation.”

“Yes, we have. But, unfortunately, it did not end in my favor, so I would like to have it again.”