Wagering for Miss Blake

by Callie Hutton

  His eyes grew wide at her confession, and something in his slow smile made her blush. Most likely, he was imagining her in trousers. As if to confirm her suspicions, he said, “Now that is something I would like to see. Not the jumping, although I’m sure that is impressive, but you outfitted in breeches.”

  Suzanna rolled her eyes. “You will never see me in breeches.” She took a deep breath, patted Demon’s neck, whispered a few words in the general direction of his ears, and snapped her crop against his side. The horse took off, and Suzanna leaned over his body, the familiar pounding of her heart and tightening in her stomach exhilarating. The wind whistled in her ears as she grew closer to the first jump.

  She and Demon flew over the barrier with ease. She took the second and third jump, landing as gracefully as a swan. She rode a short distance, then turned the horse, grinning widely. “Your turn,” she shouted in his direction.

  Mr. Templeton saluted her, then kicked the sides of his horse and took off. Just as easily as she’d done, he took the three jumps, riding past where she and Demon sat. He turned his horse and returned to her side, both he and the animal breathing hard.

  “Well done, sir. I love the competition of riding. When my cousin Patience and I rode at my grandparents’ estate, she never beat me at the jumps we set up. In fact, she never beat me at much of anything. I tend to have a competitive nature.”

  He bowed. “And you acquit yourself well, Suzanna.”

  She stuck her nose in the air. “Miss Blake.” After a few minutes of allowing the horses to rest, she said, “I find myself quite ready to break my fast.”

  “Agreed.” They both moved forward, taking a leisurely trot back to the stables.

  “I imagine you have spent quite a bit of time here.” Suzanna looked around at the beautiful gardens and the wild, free area they’d just raced through. “’Tis a glorious place, Hawkins Manor.”

  “It is and yes, I have. Campbell, Bedford, Hawkins, and I spent weeks here each summer when we were lads.”

  “Did you go to school together?”

  “We did. All four of us met our first year at Eton.”

  “I spent time at a boarding school, but the girls were quite snobbish, and with me being a ‘miss’ and most of them being ‘ladies’ I didn’t make many friends.”

  Mr. Templeton shook his head. “Boys are much less haughty, although there are always one or two who think much more of themselves than they ought.” He studied her for a moment. “Is that why you want to marry a man with a title? To even the score?”

  “Of course not.” She huffed.

  She held her breath waiting for him to ask why a title was so important to her, but they’d reached the stables, and the groom approached.

  He vaulted from his horse and strode over to her, placing his hands around her waist. “This time I’m giving you fair warning.” He lifted her, as if she were made of feathers, and placed her on the ground. “See. Was that so terrible?”

  She brushed off her skirts. “No, but unnecessary, since the groom could have assisted me.”

  Mr. Templeton leaned in close to her ear, his warm breath teasing her skin. “I will permit no other man to place his hands on you.”

  Well, then.

  …

  After cleaning up from his ride and changing out of his riding clothes, Giles descended the stairs to the breakfast room. Eight guests sat around the table, eating and conversing. The aroma coming from the table along the side wall drew him like a magnet. It held numerous dishes of fish, eggs, potted meat, fruits, ham, kidney pies, muffins, toast, and bacon.

  He was ravenous. Suzanna had not yet come down, so he made a plate for himself and took a seat near the end of the dining table, with empty chairs both across and next to him.

  “Feeling unsociable today, Templeton?” Giles was just finishing up when Cam entered the room and, tossing him a smile, strode to the food table. After loading his plate, he took the chair across from Giles.

  “No, not feeling unsociable, just leaving a place available for Miss Blake when she arrives.” He looked at his empty plate, then eyed the food table, considering whether he wanted another helping of kidney pie.

  “She might be one of those who sleep until noon.” Cam cut a piece of ham, closing his eyes in pleasure when he placed the meat in his mouth.

  “Not Miss Blake. She and I rode this morning. I expect her to join us shortly.” He hoped she would join them, since usually female guests opted for a tray in their room. On the other hand, from what he’d seen this morning, Suzanna did not necessarily follow all the rules for young ladies.

  “Interesting. Most ladies eschew early morning rides.”

  “I told you Miss Blake is one of a kind.” Indeed, she was. He had to admire not only how she’d sat a horse, but that she’d taken the jumps with ease. And on a sidesaddle! He’d love to see how a man would handle being so off-balance riding and jumping. So little credit was given to women, whom Society generally viewed weak as kittens, emotional as babies, and unable to think for themselves.

  And then, the image of her riding in breeches brought a tightening in his groin. How he’d love to see those lovely legs displayed in that fashion. Except he would not want any other man to witness her attire. Once they married, he would make sure she had an ample supply of breeches on hand to ride in the country. The thought made him smile.

  “So, I assume the pursuit continues?” Cam asked.

  “Nothing has happened to change my mind. In fact, every time I am with her, my determination strengthens.”

  Deciding against another helping, Giles pushed back his empty plate and pulled his coffee cup closer. “Like you and Hawk, I had planned not to marry for years. I never understood the hurry to do so, although m’mother seems to think I will drop in my tracks any day now, without providing her with grandchildren. But after spending time with Miss Blake, marriage seems like the right thing to do.”

  Cam studied him over his coffee cup. “Templeton, the girl insists she will marry only a title.”

  Giles waved his hand in dismissal. “Have you not ever heard of a woman changing her mind?”

  Cam snorted. “They do that all the time, then become huffy if you mention it. My sisters are a prime example. Can’t make up their minds to begin with, then two hours later they’re spouting something entirely different and will happily whack you over the head with their parasol if you dare to mention it. I shall never understand women.”

  “There you have it. Right now she thinks she wants only to marry a title, but I am changing her mind.”

  “Is it worth it, though? Miss Blake seems like a charming enough young lady, but if she feels you’re not worthy of her attention, and you do convince her, will she not resent you one day?”

  A knot formed in his stomach at Cam’s words. It was something he’d thought himself. But over the years, he’d seen a few mismatched couples who’d been besotted with each other. Once love came into the picture, the difference made no difference at all. He would just have to make sure she fell in love with him.

  “Good morning, Miss Blake.”

  Giles turned from Cam to see Suzanna enter the breakfast room. Even though it had not been directed at him, but at Lord Gulliver, her smile lit up his world.

  “You have it bad, my friend.” Cam shook his head and pushed his chair back to stand as Suzanna walked toward them. “You may have my seat, Miss Blake. I was merely keeping it warm for you.”

  “Oh, I don’t wish to impose. I can take another seat.”

  “Not at all, I am sure Mr. Templeton would much rather stare at your lovely face than mine. Not that my face isn’t lovely, of course, but Templeton’s been staring at it for years now.”

  Giles stood as Suzanna approached. “May I fill a plate for you?”

  Cam groaned. “You would make a fine footman, Templeton.”

  “Didn’t you say you had somewhere to be, Cam?” Giles glared at him.

  “Not that I remember but, since it appears
I am unwanted, I’m sure there is somewhere else I can be.” He bowed slightly in Suzanna’s direction and left the room.

  “That ride certainly worked up my appetite.” Once Suzanna had filled her plate, she took Cam’s vacated place. “Everything looks wonderful.” She placed her serviette on her lap. “I wonder what activities are planned for today? I do hope, with this lovely weather, there will be some outdoor ventures. I would love a stroll in the village, as Hawkins mentioned last evening.”

  “I shall prevail upon Hawk to set that up. You are correct, the weather is too fine to waste. I have been to the village a few times myself. There is a Roman wall still standing—in part, of course—that you might find interesting.”

  “Yes, I would like to see that. I have a penchant for history.”

  “While you finish up your meal, I will find Hawk and see to him making the arrangements.” With a quick bow, he left her to find his host.

  Chapter Seven

  Later that morning, Suzanna and Lord and Lady Montford joined the small group at the front of the estate, awaiting the arrival of the three carriages that would carry the ladies to the village for a visit. The gentlemen would ride horses from the Hawkins stable.

  “My dear Miss Blake, I feel as though I have been remiss in my hostess duties. We have spent little time together since the party began. I hope you are not feeling neglected.” Lady Hawkins slipped her arm through Suzanna’s and gave her a slight hug.

  “No, not at all, my lady. I know hostesses at these events are quite busy, although it looks to us as if everything is running smoothly.”

  Lady Hawkins laughed. “Yes, it is easy when you have a full staff, an amazing cook, attentive footmen, and hardworking maids.”

  “And a very adept hostess who keeps it all together,” Suzanna added with a smile.

  “Thank you. You are very kind. But now that I have your ear for a few minutes, are you enjoying yourself?”

  “Yes. It has been quite pleasant, and a nice break from the city and the frantic pace of the Season.” As she spoke, Suzanna caught sight of Mr. Templeton striding up to Hawk and Cam. His casual country clothes, tan breeches tucked into long Hessian boots, tan waistcoat, dark brown jacket, and loosely tied cravat fit him to perfection.

  Lady Hawkins leaned in. “My son is a wonderful man, Miss Blake. He would make some young lady a very devoted husband, despite his reputation.”

  When Suzanna looked at her in surprise, Lady Hawkins’s eyes sparkled with mirth. “I just thought I would mention that. You know how anxious mothers are to see their children settled. However, it does appear to me that you and Mr. Templeton have an attachment.”

  Suzanna glanced sideways at Lady Montford, but she was chatting with Miss Granger. “Oh no, my lady. We have barely met and are nothing more than acquaintances.”

  Lady Hawkins laughed, the deep, rich sound reaching several people in their vicinity, causing them to glance in their direction. “Don’t fool yourself, Miss Blake. I’ve seen the way Mr. Templeton watches you and how you watch him.”

  She shook her head. “No, my lady, you are mistaken.”

  Lady Hawkins raised her eyebrows. Heat climbed from Suzanna’s middle to her face. Thankfully, the first of the three carriages pulled up, the other two right behind it.

  Lady Hawkins patted Suzanna’s hand. “I hope you enjoy your visit to the village. If we go our separate ways, be sure to stop in the bookstore. Miss Andrews has a lovely shop and, for a small village, an impressive array of books on various subjects.”

  Happy to have the subject changed, Suzanna dipped. “Thank you, my lady, I will be certain to do that.”

  A footman in the red-and-black livery of Hawkins appeared and opened the door of the first carriage, and the ladies moved forward. Four settled into the first one, five in the second, and another three in the last vehicle. Suzanna found herself between Miss Granger and Lady Penrose, a young widow. Across from them Lady Honora and Miss Forester settled in. Suzanna had spoken to the other ladies several times at various ton events.

  “Did you see Mr. Templeton this morning?” Miss Granger addressed her remarks to Suzanna and Lady Penrose. “I think he is so very handsome.”

  Lady Penrose nodded furiously. “Yes, I think he is wonderful. I only hope I can catch his attention sometime this week.”

  “I wouldn’t bother,” Miss Forester chimed in. “He is a notorious rake and has eschewed marriage publicly many times. Mr. Templeton has never danced more than once with any young lady since I first came out.”

  “That was three years ago, wasn’t it, dear?” Lady Penrose’s sweet countenance hid the claws she was known to possess.

  Suzanna cast a glance at Miss Forester, whose cheeks were quite red. It was obvious she was grinding her teeth at the insult from Lady Penrose, but everyone knew one did not spar with Lady Penrose and come out the winner.

  “Personally, I think it would be a very clever lady to catch him.” Lady Penrose leaned in toward the rest of the girls. “He is immensely wealthy, you know, and I have heard he is known to have quite the skills in the bedchamber.”

  “Lady Penrose!” Miss Granger sucked in a breath. “That is not proper conversation.”

  She fiddled with her reticule. “Oh, hush. Everyone knows it.”

  “If not before, they do now,” Miss Forester added, casting a glance at Miss Granger, a known gossiper.

  Suzanna looked back and forth among the girls. “I thought you would all want to marry a man with a title.”

  “Not me,” Miss Granger said. “I’ve seen too many titled men who flaunt their mistresses or gamble their estates into the ground. I oftentimes think they consider their title a license to do what they please, without regard for their wife. Mr. Templeton is enough of a rake to draw attention, but from what my cousin tells me, he doesn’t gamble much or indulge in the other activities many of the titled lords do.”

  “I’m sure he keeps a mistress,” Miss Forester sniffed.

  “Don’t they all?” Lady Penrose rolled her eyes. Scandal had surrounded her last year, when her late husband had died in his mistress’s bed.

  Lady Honora joined in. “Not all, I’m sure. Among my brother’s friends, I’ve always thought Mr. Templeton was the best of the lot. From the time he began visiting, when we were merely children, he has been kind and considerate. One time when Bedford, Cam, and my brother tied me to a tree to keep me from following them, it was Mr. Templeton who came to my rescue. He snuck back after they’d all gone on their way and released me.” She sighed.

  “Such a gentleman,” Lady Penrose agreed. “Since I am out of mourning, I would certainly give Mr. Templeton a second look.”

  Miss Forester shook her head. “I doubt it would do any good. All I have heard this Season is that Lord Hawkins, Lord Campbell, and Mr. Templeton are definitely adept at dodging marriageable ladies.”

  “I can certainly say that about my brother,” Lady Honora added. “Even though Mother is most anxious to see him settled.”

  The ladies then switched to another topic, which gave Suzanna time to digest what they’d said. So, it was known that Mr. Templeton had no desire to marry? Yet, he had already made it plain that he intended to marry her. It appeared his lack of a title didn’t prevent these ladies from admiring him or wanting to bring themselves to his attention.

  But then, she knew how appealing the man was. Which was precisely why she’d been attempting to avoid him. However, she also found him insufferable in his arrogance, which she was certain these women were unaware of.

  A man with a title. The words had been drilled into her head for years. In fact, she was a bit uncomfortable to admit that until she’d met Mr. Templeton she’d never given it a second thought, always assuming she would marry someone of whom Mother would approve. Now a seed of rebellion grew within her. Perhaps she should not be so amenable. After all, she did defy her mother regarding riding breeches. She grinned to herself. Maybe that was a start.

  Since Mr. Templeton
had strolled across the Abbey’s drawing room at her cousin’s wedding, she’d been giving a great deal of thought to what she wanted in a husband. When she made up her own list—not Mother’s—a title was nowhere near the top. First, she wanted love. A man in love with his wife did not secure the services of a mistress. Next, she wanted kindness, consideration, and like-mindedness.

  She would prefer a man who did not waste his time and money on gambling or reckless investments, since her, and any future children’s, entire financial security depended on him. She preferred intelligence, lively debate, and conversation. Over the short time of their acquaintance she’d found his company very enjoyable—another plus. With that list in mind, Mr. Templeton rose to the top.

  However, his overconfidence and overbearing manner dropped him down a few points. Add in Mother’s requirement and he slid to the very bottom. So frustrating.

  It would be wise of her to not only discourage him this week, but to also encourage a few of the other gentlemen present. There must be someone Mother would approve of whom she could tolerate across the breakfast table for the rest of her life.

  Before long they were entering the main street of the village. They passed interesting shops, and she noted the bookstore. The door to the carriage opened, and Lady Penrose and Lady Honora stepped out.

  Suzanna stood and reached for the footman’s hand, which was quickly replaced by another man’s warm hand and matching smile. “Welcome to Twin Brooks Village, Miss Blake.”

  Her lips tightened, Suzanna accepted Mr. Templeton’s hand. He was not going to make this easy. But then, he’d said many times that when he wanted something, he always succeeded.

  …

  Earlier, while Giles had waited for the ladies’ carriages to arrive at the front door of Hawkins Manor, he’d had a hard time keeping his eyes off Suzanna. She’d changed into a cerulean blue walking gown with white lace at the hem and neckline—right above her breasts; her very tantalizing breasts that he would love to press his lips to. The blue straw bonnet framed her heart-shaped face with a few blond ringlets close to her cheeks.