Wagering for Miss Blake

by Callie Hutton

  “I’d rather have you waltzing with her than any other man. Just keep your hands where I can see them.”

  With a bark of laughter, Cam left them.

  Giles sat with Hawk and played a hand of whist while they waited for Cam to return.

  “The deed is done,” Cam said as he reached their table. “I must say the mother is definitely a shrew. I was waiting for her to demand to see the family bible with my name recorded. Are you certain you want her for a mother-in-law?”

  “Yes. However, I intend to bury us at my country estate.” He grinned. “Which I shall not give her the direction to.” He rose and offered his seat to Cam. “Thank you for that. Which dance did you request?”

  “The fourth set. Now go on and stare at your lady, so I can play a few hands before I have to do your bidding.”

  The crowd in the room had increased in the short time Giles had been in the card room. He searched the ballroom, lit by hundreds of candles, the light from them reflecting off the mirrors on one wall. It took him some time, but eventually, he saw Suzanna dancing a cotillion with Lord Meyers.

  Giles’ stomach muscles tightened as he watched the way Meyers kept touching Suzanna unnecessarily. He wandered the room, sipping on another glass of champagne, all the time his eyes drifting back to Suzanna.

  The dance ended, and Meyers returned her to her mother. Mrs. Blake clung to Suzanna like a baby monkey to its mama. It was apparent the woman had no intention of joining the other matrons for a bit of social chat. She offered a smile to Meyers that never reached her eyes as Suzanna’s next partner arrived, whom she eyed with intensity, and Meyers bowed and took his leave.

  For all intents and purposes, Suzanna was a prisoner in the midst of more than a hundred people.

  …

  I am a prisoner right here in the middle of the Robinsons’ ballroom.

  Suzanna took Lord Bensonfield’s arm as he led her to the dance floor. She would have loved more than anything to have a break between sets, to have a drink, or possibly even a stroll in the cool evening air. But Mother was having none of it.

  Numerous times she had spotted Giles leaning his shoulder against the wall, sipping a drink as he watched her whirl across the dance floor, trying her best to smile and be pleasant. Not one single man had caught her interest, most of them anxious to speak about their horses, hounds, and wardrobe.

  None had anything of consequence to say, and she’d found herself drifting off as they’d babbled on. The one surprise she had received was when Lord Campbell had come up to her and requested a waltz.

  Mother did not seem to know that Campbell was a close friend of Giles, although the way she interrogated him was downright embarrassing. She wondered what Giles would think of her waltzing with Campbell.

  Finally, the country dance set was over, and Bensonfield escorted her back to her mother.

  “I am quite parched, Mother. I think I will take a short trip to the ladies’ retiring room, and then have a glass of lemonade.”

  Her mother viewed her with narrowed eyes. “Lord Campbell’s dance is next. See that you are back in plenty of time. I think he would be an excellent husband for you.”

  “Mother, for heaven’s sake. He only requested a dance. Please don’t start planning the wedding.”

  Mother waved her hand. “Never mind, miss. If I left it up to you, my son-in-law would probably be a tradesman. Remember your goal, Suzanna. You want the highest title you can possibly secure.”

  Suzanna felt the blood rush to her head. “No, Mother. You have it all wrong. I am not the one with the goal of the highest title. That is your desire,” she snapped.

  She flinched when Mother grabbed the soft skin under her arm with two fingers and twisted, something she hadn’t done since Suzanna had been a child. “Do not speak to me so. And if you think for one minute that man who called on your father today will be allowed anywhere near you when I am about, you are sadly mistaken. It is my duty as your mother to protect you from yourself.”

  Tears gathered in her eyes at the pain of Mother’s pinch as well as the hopelessness of her situation. “You are hurting me.”

  Her mother released her arm, and Suzanna scurried off, rubbing her skin. If only she could head to the front door and ask for her carriage to be brought around. To what end, however? She would only be dragged out again the next night, and every night thereafter, until Mother had her way.

  She spent her time in the retiring room bathing her face with a cool cloth and resting her feet. One of the maids brought her a lemonade, and after about ten minutes, she felt better. Also, it was nearing time for Lord Campbell’s dance.

  The musicians were just beginning the waltz when Suzanna reached the bottom of the stairs. Lord Campbell walked up to her, with a glint in his eyes, and extended his arm. He was truly a handsome man, well-built, and with enough charm to keep several women giggling. But he was not Giles.

  “Cheer up, my dear. I guarantee you will enjoy this dance.”

  “Of course.” Good manners must always be displayed.

  With a smirk, he drew her into his arms, and waltzed them away from where her mother stood smiling brightly at the two of them. As Suzanna watched, Lord Hawkins walked up to Mother and engaged her in conversation.

  Campbell whirled her around, until she was dizzy, and with a few well-maneuvered steps, he swung her into Giles’ arms. “What?”

  He grinned down at her. “A little bit of trickery on our part.”

  Suzanna shook her head. “That is why Lord Hawkins has engaged her in conversation.”

  “Yes. One can always count on friends.” He danced them over to the side of the room that practically made them invisible to the guests standing on the side where her mother continued to speak with Hawkins. Mother would have to have excellent vision to see past all the twirling dancers to her and Giles.

  Suzanna grinned at the devilish look in his eyes. How she missed him. His smile, his humor, his kisses. Oh, my. Definitely his kisses.

  “I spoke with your father today.”

  “I know. He hasn’t said anything to me about it, but Mother made sure I knew that he had turned down your request to court me.” She glanced sideways, happy to see Lord Hawkins still speaking with her mother.

  “Look at me, Suzanna.”

  She turned her head and gazed into Giles’s eyes. She was lost. Although annoying, his arrogance no longer frightened her, because she believed with all her heart he would never treat her like her mother did. She loved him, and her parents would never allow her to marry him. If she could not have him, she wanted no one, and intended to tell her father that very thing once they returned from the ball this evening.

  “I am not giving up,” Giles said. “You are mine, and no one else shall claim you. I have no idea how this will be resolved, but know this: I will take whatever steps I need to in order to make you my wife.”

  He ducked his head so he could see her face. “I shall not lose my wager, sweeting. I always bet to win. And this is, by far, the most important wager of my life.”

  She thrilled at his words, but a small lump formed in her middle at the same time. He had no idea how determined her mother was.

  Unfortunately, Suzanna knew.

  …

  Giles could not believe how wonderful it felt to hold Suzanna. He’d held his breath waiting for Cam to claim her and waltz her over to him. Had she snubbed him, he would have known her parents had won. But her eyes had lit up when she found herself in his arms.

  The light floral scent that always surrounded her, the softness of her body as his large hand covered her lower back, and the way she looked at him, assured him nothing had changed between them. That was the important matter. Despite this setback with her father, no other man would take what was his.

  “I’m afraid you have no idea how stubborn my mother can be. I might have a good chance of convincing my father to allow your address, but he will never do anything against Mother’s wishes.”

  “You mu
st understand this is my problem to solve. You are not to worry about it. I have connections and resources I can call upon to help. As long as I know you want this as much as I do, nothing will deter me from marrying you.”

  “I hate that you think me so lily-livered that you must ‘rescue’ me. I have never stood up to my mother, but perhaps ’tis time I did.” She gave him a saucy look. “Except you would then win the wager, wouldn’t you? Perhaps I should reconsider.”

  He studied her from under heavy eyelids, his demeanor serious. “Wager aside, you do want to marry me, do you not?”

  Suzanna smiled and tossed her head, the small curls alongside her face bouncing, then grew serious. “Yes, Giles. Yes, I do want to marry you. However, I fear my wishes and yours are hopeless.”

  His heart soared at finally hearing those words from her lips. “Shall I give you an improper kiss to seal the proposal?”

  She sucked in a breath. “No!” She glanced around, but no one was near enough to have heard him. “I hope you are joking.”

  His knuckle touched her chin, and he tilted her head up. “I will do nothing to jeopardize your reputation. Ever. It is my desire to love you, provide for you, and give you children.”

  The last part brought a delightful blush to her face. “Giles! What if someone overhears you?”

  He pulled her closer than he should have, but he could not resist. He wanted more than anything to take her to the dark garden. To the darkest part of the garden, kiss her senseless, and impress upon her that she was his—always.

  “No one can hear us, sweeting. Let us just enjoy the dance.”

  He guided them around the room, making sure he stayed clear of where Hawk and Mrs. Blake were still conversing heavily. He made good use of the darkened corners in the room, as well as shadows that hid him and Suzanna quite successfully.

  …

  A week had gone by since the Robinsons’ ball. Giles had seen Suzanna at two other events during that time, but never had the opportunity to speak with her. Mrs. Blake watched over her better than the Regent’s guards.

  His frustration grew, and more than once he pondered climbing into her bedchamber one night and whisking her off to Gretna Green. ’Twould be a scandal, of course, but he had run out of ideas.

  Luckily, Lady Montford sympathized with his situation and accepted notes from him at various events to pass along to Suzanna. It left him feeling like a smitten youth, a truly uncomfortable feeling for a man his age.

  Cam and Hawk had offered advice and support, but even they had tried of late to convince him to forget Suzanna. Rumors had begun that her father was in negotiations with Lord Pemberton, an earl about ten years her senior, whose mother had been haranguing him to marry for some time.

  He’d spotted her outside Gunter’s, taking the ices, accompanied by her mother and other ladies, all chatting merrily, Suzanna twisting her spoon, sighing, and generally looking forlorn. He had to do something, and soon, or he would go completely out of his mind. They were at a stalemate, and the idea of absconding with her greatly appealed to him.

  Late one afternoon, he sat in a comfortable chair in White’s, enjoying a brandy with Bedford, who had recently learned his wife was carrying their heir. Their marriage had started out rocky, but it appeared all was well now, and Bedford was playing the proud papa-to-be.

  Bedford’s wife was cousin to Suzanna, and it occurred to Giles that he might garner some assistance from Her Grace.

  “Well, look who has arrived back in town. I thought you and your charming new wife would remain buried in the country for the rest of the Season.” Hawk joined them, dropped into a chair across from Bedford, and signaled a footman to bring a bottle of brandy.

  “Patience wished to spend some time at a few ton events before she was forced into confinement.” The smirk on Bedford’s face told it all.

  “Congratulations, my man. May Her Grace have a healthy and successful birth.” Hawk raised his glass in a salute.

  The three men all downed their drinks.

  Hawk spoke to Giles as he refilled their glasses. “It looks as though your financial acumen has worked again.” Once he finished, he raised his glass. “Here is to the golden boy who seems to have the Midas touch. I just had a meeting with my man of business, and the investment you suggested has paid off quite handsomely.”

  Giles grinned. “I am happy it worked well for you.”

  Hawk grew serious and placed his empty glass on the table. “I’m afraid I don’t have happy news for you now, though.”

  Giles’s heart thumped at the look on Hawk’s face. “What?”

  Hawk unrolled a newspaper. Spreading it out, he handed it to Giles, and tapped a section on the second half of the page facing him. It was the society column.

  This columnist has been told in the utmost confidence that Mr. B- will soon announce a betrothal between his lovely daughter, Miss S- and Lord P- who has been dancing attendance on the lovely miss. Mrs. B- is said to be already planning the wedding.

  “Bloody hell!” Giles crushed the paper in his hands and stood. “Excuse me, gentlemen. I have business to attend to.”

  Hawk grabbed his arm as he moved past him. “Keep your head, man. Don’t do anything rash.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Suzanna lay on her bed, a soggy handkerchief clutched in her fingers. The past week had been a nightmare.

  Mother had not seen her dance with Giles when Lord Campbell had claimed his dance at the Robinson ball, but she did catch Giles kissing her hand as she left him to return to her mother’s side. The look on her face as Suzanna walked up to her was all she needed to know—disaster had struck.

  Her mother had called for their carriage shortly afterward, and Suzanna had been subjected to a tongue-lashing all the way home.

  “You have defied me, and I shall not allow it. Since your birth, it has always been my desire to see you wedded to a man of consequence. Mr. Templeton does not possess a title, and any children of his will suffer the lack.”

  She had continued in that vein all the way home. Suzanna had suppressed the desire to cover her ears. She had never seen Mother so angered and almost on the cusp of derangement. Her behavior finally convinced her that her mother would never be dissuaded from her quest.

  The railing at her on the ride home must have exhausted Mother, because instead of continuing her tirade, she’d swept past Suzanna and hurried up the stairs to her bedchamber without so much as a fare-thee-well.

  They’d attended no more events, and three days later, she had been summoned to Lord Montford’s library to be told by her parents that Father had granted the Viscount Pemberton leave to court her. Suzanna hadn’t spoken to Lord Pemberton and wasn’t even certain what he looked like.

  Tears and recriminations had not worked, nor had begging. Father was adamant. After seeing her at a rout, Lord Pemberton had approached him with his request, and he accepted. She was to meet him at dinner that very evening.

  Mother’s smug look told her how the entire fiasco had come about. Suzanna would not be surprised to learn Mother had stood on a corner in Bond Street and accosted every gentleman who came by to offer her daughter up like a prize horse at Tattersalls.

  Lord Pemberton had turned out to be a pleasant enough man. He had never married, and his overbearing mother, who had attended the dinner also, was determined to see the man wed.

  Suzanna and Lord Pemberton had been allowed time alone for a walk in the garden. He was shy and had spoken only a few words the entire time. No matter how hard she’d tried, she could not imagine life with the man, and prayed that he would not offer for her.

  No doubt he would never abuse her, and the few words he did utter were to assure her that, should they come to an agreement, he would provide well for her every need, not force his attentions on her unnecessarily—this said with a great deal of stammering—but would also never embarrass her by cavorting with his mistress in public.

  She had almost choked to death at his last words, not sure
who was more embarrassed—her or him. After suffering through that walk, they’d returned to the library, where the three parents viewed them with looks similar to those cast upon small children when they recited their lessons perfectly.

  Once Lord Pemberton and his mother had departed, Suzanna had returned to her bedchamber and cried herself to sleep.

  She rose from her bed and moved to the window, pushing the drape aside. This newest round of tears came from the realization that Mother was determined to see this potential betrothal to the end.

  Giles, where are you? Have you conceded the wager? I thought you never gave up?

  Soon word would spread among the ton that Lord Pemberton was paying her his addresses. Would Giles be the knight in shining armor she’d dreamed of as a young girl, and climb the building to sweep her away?

  She studied the side of the townhouse. If he tried to climb that, he would most likely fall and break both his legs. Perhaps she could convince her parents to allow her to stay in her room for years. Her hair would grow long enough to dangle out the window and allow Giles to climb up to her, like in the fairy tale.

  Ouch. She rubbed her head.

  She sighed at her ridiculousness. Of course, by then they would both be so old, it wouldn’t matter. A tap on her door drew her attention from the window. “Yes?”

  Mother entered, a bright smile on her face. “Good morning, daughter. You must have Eunice’s lady’s maid attend you. We are going to the dressmakers to have a few new gowns made.”

  The knot in her stomach grew heavier. “New gowns?”

  “Yes. Of course, Father and I want you to look your best now that Lord Pemberton is courting you.”

  “Mother, I must ask one more time for you not to do this to me. I do not want to marry Lord Pemberton. He seems like a nice enough man, but I don’t want to be his wife. I don’t love him, and I see very little about him that would encourage me to feel anything more than apathy toward him.”

  For a moment, Mother’s face softened, and Suzanna held her breath. Was she actually going to consider her request?

  Her mother walked up to her and pushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I know you think we are bullying you into marriage with a titled gentleman—”