Page 70 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

Apparently having noticed the exchanges between her and Giles, Beaumont looked from her to the wretched man, who certainly was taking a breath only before he annoyed her once again.

“I find the Season quite entertaining. Lady Beaumont and I have had to actually refuse a few invitations in order to enjoy a quiet evening at home.”

Lord and Lady Beaumont had been a love match, and they were notorious for attending the same events each evening, not something that was always done within the ton. How she had wished for that same type of marriage. At one time she thought she would have it, but Mr. Templeton had managed to disabuse her of that notion. Her thoughts must have shown on her face, because Lord Beaumont looked concerned. “Are you well, Miss Blake?”

Good Lord, if this didn’t stop she would have the entire table studying her, waiting for her to either collapse or jump up and run from the room screaming like a banshee. It was time to gain control of herself.

She smiled tightly. “I am quite well, my lord.” She picked up her wine glass. “In fact, I have never been better.”

…

Although Giles presented a calm and amused demeanor at the antics between him and Suzanna, his stomach was in knots. Just seeing her had almost brought him to his knees. He’d missed her so much.

During his tea with Lady Montford he had learned Lord Pemberton had withdrawn his suit at Suzanna’s request. While they’d sipped, ate biscuits, and talked, she’d spoken of how angry Suzanna’s parents had been, but how Mr. Blake now seemed to be more open to Suzanna’s wishes. Lady Montford confirmed that it was, indeed, Mrs. Blake who had insisted on a title for her daughter.

He still was unable to determine what the scene he’d witnessed in the garden had been about. Lady Montford had assured him that Suzanna had been quite distraught when he’d disappeared leaving no word.

No doubt Suzanna was quite angered at his behavior, and it would take quite a bit of groveling to return to her good graces. But return he would.

Earn it, lad.

Giles leaned forward again. “Miss Blake, how do you find the trout?” The lightly buttered and sautéed dish had been placed in front of them while Lady Florentina had engaged him in a conversation about the troubles with her lady’s maid.

God help me.

Suzanna turned toward him. “I found the trout with my fork, Mr. Templeton. If you are having some trouble with that, I suggest you ask one of the footmen to assist you. Perhaps bring more candles if you find your eyesight failing. You are getting up in years.” She tossed her head, the curls alongside her face dancing in the candlelight.

He choked on his wine but could not help enjoying her snipping. Had she no response to his bantering, he would have been concerned. But it was obvious he was annoying her, which was a good thing. He’d rather annoy her than have her apathetic to his presence.

“I find the trout to be quite delicious, Mr. Templeton.” Lady Florentina smiled at him. And then leaned forward to offer a better view of her charms.

Good Lord. Now he had to put up with not only trying to engage Suzanna in conversation but with his dinner partner flirting with him.

“Excellent. I agree, my lady.” He concentrated on his plate, trying to think of another way to gain Suzanna’s attention. It was quite rude of him to be conversing with her when he was supposed to be entertaining the ladies on his right and left sides, though he had requested Lady Montford not place him directly next to Suzanna, lest she stomp off and leave the room when he sat down.

Dishes came and went, and for the most part, he spoke with Lady Florentina on one side and Mrs. Davies on his other, always keeping his ear toward Suzanna. Now that he had stopped trying to gain her attention she seemed to relax more, although he’d caught her glancing in his direction more than once. Studying him, then looking away, pretending indifference when he caught her eye.

His best opportunity to speak with her would be once dinner was over. He had no intention of staying behind with the men to drink port. Anxious for the meal to end, he wasn’t even quite sure what he had eaten. He was too busy thinking of what he could say to win—nay, earn—Suzanna’s regard.

Lady Montford had believed Suzanna’s parents, her father in particular, would be more amenable to his suit, since they had viewed the debacle with Pemberton as a pending scandal. Now he must work to deserve his lady’s love.

Finally, the meal came to an end. Lady Montford stood and invited the ladies to join her in the drawing room for tea while the gentlemen enjoyed their port.

About five minutes after the ladies left, Giles excused himself and headed directly to where the ladies had gathered.

Suzanna sat next to Mrs. Davies, holding a teacup in her hand. She glanced up and put her cup down when he walked up to her. “Mr. Templeton? What are you doing here?”

Mrs. Davies’s eyes snapped open at Suzanna’s words. Blushing slightly, Suzanna offered him a tight smile. “Are you not enjoying port with the other gentlemen, Mr. Templeton?”

“No, Miss Blake.” He extended his hand. “I hoped to take a walk around the room with you.”

She studied him for a minute, then stood and accepted his hand. “Very well. I believe I could use a bit of exercise.”

Her hand was cold. Very cold, even through her gloves. He placed her hand on his sleeve, and with the utmost correctness, led her to the perimeter of the room. He would love to take her to the garden for a stroll, but with it being dark, Lady Montford would never allow such an impropriety.

He would have to state his case without the other ladies—a few of whom had turned their interest toward them—hearing what he had to say. No doubt when he’d disappeared after being so attentive to Suzanna ther

e had been talk. They walked to a corner of the room, the shadows from the candlelight giving them a bit of privacy. “Suzanna, I don’t even know how to begin this conversation.”