Page 8 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

Why, oh why, does this man appeal to me so? She wanted very much to dismiss him, and his intentions, but the draw was simply too strong. Would it be fair to allow him to dance attendance on her when she knew there was no future for them?

She opened her mouth to decline his request—in a gentle tone, of course—then said, “If you wish to call upon me during Lady Montford’s calling hours, I don’t believe I can stop you.”

His eyes narrowed, then a smile touched his lips, giving him a look he had, no doubt, honed to perfection over the years. “I guess that is sufficient for now, but don’t believe for one minute I am accepting your halfhearted acquiescence.”

“Are you always so certain of yourself, then?” The man’s arrogance was beginning to chafe.

“My dear Miss Blake, I always prevail. Whether it is cards, racing, financial investments, or a young lady’s attention.”

Before she could come up with a snappy retort at his high-handedness, Lord Twinnings approached, his brow damp, and the few strands of hair remaining on his head plastered to his scalp, most likely from an energetic dance. “My dance, I believe?” He reached out for her, and before she took his hand, he delved into his pocket and withdrew a handkerchief that he used to pat his forehead. “Quite warm in here, eh?”

Mr. Templeton gave him a dismissive glance, then waved at her dance card. “I shall return for my dance.” With a slight bow, he turned and left her to make his way through the couples joining the que

ue.

For most of the dance with Lord Twinnings, she prayed the poor man would not collapse at her feet. He was a bit on the corpulent side and seemed to have trouble gaining his breath. His forehead continued to drip perspiration, and instead of reaching again for his handkerchief, he simply swiped his brow with the back of his hand.

Thank goodness for gloves.

After a few more dances, Suzanna was ready for a rest, but she noted on her card that Lord Benson was next. A waltz. If only she could find a way out of the dance and perhaps spend a few minutes in the fresh air.

Lady Montford had been absent most of the evening thus far. She was an avid card player, and Suzanna was certain that she’d found her evening’s entertainment in the card room. Suzanna was more than happy to not have her chaperone watching over her, even though Cousin Eunice was a wonderful woman.

The orchestra started up again, and she sighed, waiting for Lord Benson to claim her. “My dance, Miss Blake.” She shivered and turned quickly.

“Mr. Templeton?” She fumbled with her card and checked it. “This is Lord Benson’s dance.”

“Ah, he was affable enough to surrender this one to me.” He extended his elbow to her and, still confused at this sudden change, she placed her hand on his arm. “But, how did you know? I mean, how—”

“No need to worry. I asked him, and he agreed.” He turned her so they were facing each other. He placed his warm hand at her lower back, took her hand in his, and the music began.

“You are holding me too close, Mr. Templeton.” She stepped back, and to his credit, he softened his grip.

“My apologies.”

She noted his athletic grace as he guided her around the ballroom floor. His movements were fluid; his long legs brushed against hers as they turned. She spent the first few minutes staring at his cravat, then eventually looked up into his laughing eyes staring back at her. “Are you enjoying the ball, Miss Blake?”

“Yes. Lady Esther looks lovely, does she not?”

“Would you laugh out loud if I said I have eyes only for you?” Another twirl, and once again they brushed up against each other, but this time he did not release her.

She groaned. “That was terrible.” Then seeing his slight smile turn into a full grin, she joined him, and they both laughed.

“I see I am not impressing you with titillating conversation. Perhaps we can continue with our chat from your cousin’s wedding.”

She glanced away. “Hmm. I’d rather not, actually.”

He looked down at her and moved his lips so close to hers she was afraid he would kiss her right there on the dance floor, with the entire ton watching. Her heart sped up, but he stopped within inches of her lips. “As far as I am concerned, that conversation was unfinished.” His mint-scented breath wafted over her.

“And what was unfinished about it?”

“Admittedly, I do not know you very well—certainly not as well as I intend to.” His words brought gooseflesh to her skin, the deepness of his voice flowing over her in waves. He held her mesmerized, as if they were the only two people in the room, others’ voices fading as he continued. “I have spoken to Her Grace, and she had nothing but good things to say about her beloved cousin.”

His words broke the spell he’d had her under. Her back stiffened, and she drew herself away from him, as far as he would allow her to go, which wasn’t much. “I do not like that you have discussed me with other people.”

He shrugged as if it were no great matter to invade her privacy that way. “I was most anxious to learn more about you.”

Honestly, the man’s smugness was unparalleled. “Why?”