Page 76 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

They all gathered in the drawing room for tea after the men had enjoyed their port, while Giles had suffered, waiting to join the ladies.

Once everyone had their tea and the plate of tarts and biscuits had been passed around, Mr. Blake stood and cleared his throat. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the earl and his countess for a wonderful dinner.” He turned to Mother and Father who sat side by side on the settee near the large window, their hands clasped. “Mrs. Blake and I are very happy to make your acquaintance, my lord, my lady.”

He turned and looked directly at Giles. “And we both wish to congratulate our daughter and Mr. Giles Templeton on their betrothal.”

Checkmate.

Epilogue

Giles strode to the window, looked out at the rolling hills of his country estate, then paced back to the door of his bedchamber, his hands clasped behind his back. He repeated the action several times as he awaited a summons from Mildred, the new lady’s maid Suzanna had hired, to let him know his bride was ready for him. The flaps of his banyan billowed out as he turned in one direction, then the other.

It had been a hasty wedding, soon enough to keep Giles from absconding with Suzanna and heading for Gretna Green, but distant enough from the signing of the marriage settlements to—almost—appease Mrs. Blake, who insisted on a wedding worthy of a woman who was not marrying a man with a title, but was nevertheless the son of the lovely Earl of Wexford and his charming countess.

The marriage ceremony itself had been attended by his parents and siblings, Cam, the Duke of Bedford and his duchess, as well as Lord and Lady Montford. Strangely, Hawk had disappeared from his cousin’s estate, and no one seemed to know where he had gone.

Close to a hundred guests attended the wedding breakfast following.

The way Mrs. Blake had behaved, flitting from guest to guest, and gushing over her daughter’s marriage, one would never know how hard Giles ha

d worked to garner her approval.

A light scratch at the door drew his attention. “Sir, Mrs. Templeton is ready.” Mildred’s voice broke into his thoughts, speeding up his heart.

He opened the door partway. “Thank you, Mildred. Mrs. Templeton will summon you in the morning when she is ready.” He did not want to be awakened and pulled from his bed by a maid. He had plans to make love to Suzanna throughout the night.

“Good night, Mr. Templeton.” She dipped a curtsy and left.

He downed the rest of the brandy he’d poured himself earlier and walked through his dressing room to the door to Suzanna’s bedchamber. After tonight, they would have no need of two bedrooms. He had full intentions of sharing a bed with his wife. No typical ton marriage for him with Suzanna in one chamber and him in another. She could decorate her bedchamber the way she wanted, but she would sleep in his.

Suzanna stood in the middle of the room, her hands clasped together. Her glorious golden hair had been brushed to a glow, cascading down her back, and over her breasts. She licked her lips and took a deep breath. His eyes were immediately drawn to her breasts and then down her body.

Her fine muslin white nightgown, with pink roses embroidered along the neckline and hem, was practically transparent as she stood in front of the burning fireplace. His cock came to immediate attention.

He made his way across the room and placed his hands on her shoulders. “You are so beautiful, Suzanna, you take my breath away.” Bending his head slowly, he placed his lips on her warm, plush ones. He opened his eyes, and she gazed back at him with such love it filled him with warmth. Which soon turned to a burning desire to make love to her, make her his in every way.

“Come.” He held out his arm, and she placed her small, delicate hand in his large one, still staring at him. Once they reached her bed, he kissed her. Again, she stared directly at him.

“Would you care for a small drink before bed?”

She nodded her head so fiercely, he feared it would fly off her shoulders. It appeared despite their earlier intimacy and her enthusiasm at the time, she now viewed their coming activity with trepidation.

“I will be right back.” He had been foolish. He should have arranged for them to have wine or champagne in their rooms. Grabbing two glasses and the bottle of brandy from the sideboard in his bedchamber, he returned. She still stood in the spot he’d left her. He waved toward the settee, in front of the fireplace. “Let’s make ourselves comfortable there.”

Suzanna settled herself, sitting on the edge of the settee as if she intended to leap up and run for her life. He poured two glasses and handed her one. “Here’s to a long and happy marriage.”

His breath caught when she cast a bright smile in his direction. She was such a beautiful woman, he could scarcely believe she was truly and finally his.

He watched her closely as she took the tiniest sip and placed the glass on the low table in front of the settee. He picked the glass back up and held it out. “Drink more, sweeting. You need to relax.”

“I am relaxed.” Her fingers twisted enough to turn her poor tortured knuckles white.

“Darling, I have seen a more relaxed animal facing a double-barreled flintlock during hunting season.” He took her hands, separated them, then placed the glass in her hand. “Trust me. This will help you be at ease.”

Thinking a bit of conversation might help, he leaned back and rested his foot on his bent knee. “This might be a good time to tell you about my surprise.”

That got Suzanna’s attention. “What surprise?”

“I know you didn’t win our wager, but I still want you to have what I offered if I lost.”