Chapter Five
Giles led Suzanna on his arm to the inn. Lord Montford had already secured the private dining room where he and Lady Montford awaited them.
It had been his luck that he’d spotted their carriage coming to a stop just as he was passing the Bear and Beaver Inn. He hadn’t planned on stopping at that point, but nothing would dissuade him from the opportunity to spend time with Suzanna.
“What a pleasure to meet you on our way to Hawkins Manor, Mr. Templeton.” At least Lady Montford was happy to see him.
“And a pleasure to spend time with all of you, as well.” He grinned in Suzanna’s direction, enjoying the pique his appearance had caused her. Giles held out her chair and then took the seat across from her.
“How has your journey been so far, Miss Blake?”
“Enjoyable.” She smiled brightly. “Until now.”
“Suzanna!” her cousin chastised. Instead of appearing remorseful, Suzanna smirked at his scowl. One point for her team.
“Looks like some fine horseflesh you’re riding there, Templeton,” Lord Montford said, nodding thanks at the serving girl who placed a teapot, cream, sugar, and four cups on the table.
“Yes, sir. I purchased Gallant from Tattersalls two years ago. He was a bit difficult to control at the start, but now he has grown to understand that I command him and make the decisions.”
“How terribly cavalier of you, Mr. Templeton. Do you assume you can always control everyone in your world?” Suzanna’s eyes bored into him, her silent message clear.
“Of course. When I set my mind to something, I always win.”
“Always?”
“Always.”
“Most fortunate for you, Mr. Templeton. But you cannot always win.”
“I haven’t lost anything yet that meant something to me.”
“Perhaps it is time you did.” She hesitated, her finger on her lips as if in thought. “Maybe sometime soon, in fact.”
Lady Montford glanced back and forth between them, her eyebrows furrowed. She opened her mouth to speak just as the innkeeper’s wife and daughter appeared with trays of food. Time was taken up with passing the bowl of thick, rich stew, with fragrant bread and fresh butter, until everyone’s plates were full.
“Mr. Templeton, I understand you invested quite heavily in Lord Nichols’s recent venture.” Lord Montford broke a piece of warm, fragrant bread and dipped it into his stew.
“Yes, I did.” Giles regarded the man over his teacup. “It seemed a bit risky at first, but when I delved more into the scheme, the promised return was quite tempting.”
“And it worked out well for you?”
“Yes. I brought several of my friends into it, and they were quite pleased.” Giles smiled to himself, thinking of how happy Hawk and Cam had been at almost doubling their investment. They’d all shared a fine bottle of smuggled French brandy that night.
“Well done.” Lord Montford nodded. “I’ve heard tales around my club about your good instincts when it comes to these things. Next time, stop by and grant me the opportunity to get in on one of them, myself. I’m not too skilled at picking winners. Certainly not as well as you.”
“I do have a flair for picking winners.” He grinned and cast a glance at Suzanna. “In fact, I am involved in a plan right now—nothing involving money—that I am certain will also turn out in my favor.”
Suzanna’s lips tightened, and she narrowed her eyes at him. “I would not be so very sure of yourself, Mr. Templeton.”
When Lord Montford engaged Lady Montford in conversation, Giles leaned close to Suzanna’s ear. “Perhaps we should make a wager, my dear.”
“Do not be ridiculous; ladies do not gamble.”
He took a sip of his tea. “Interesting idea, though.”
Lord Montford drew out his timepiece and studied it. “We best get back on the road if we are to reach Hawkins Manor before nightfall.”
“If you would permit me, sir, I shall enjoy riding alongside your carriage the rest of the journey.”
“Good idea, Templeton. In fact, I will release my horse from the back of our carriage and join you. Never did like riding in carriages when there are sturdy horses to be had.”
“Excellent.” Giles stood and drew out Suzanna’s chair. Lord and Lady Montford walked to the doorway, and Giles touched Suzanna’s arm as she moved forward. “Lovely meal, wouldn’t you say? I thoroughly enjoyed the company.”
Suzanna waved her finger at him. “I know what you are up to. Fawning all over my cousins. Well, it won’t work.”
With raised eyebrows, he placed her hand on his arm. “Allow me to escort you. I would never allow a lady to come to harm.”
She huffed. “I doubt I would come to harm walking to the carriage from an inn.”
“One never knows, sweetheart.”
“Miss Blake,” she snapped.
Giles rather enjoyed Lord Montford’s company as they rode side by side next to the carriage for the remainder of the trip. Montford was an intelligent man, knew horseflesh, kept up with the goings on in Parliament, and loved his wife. That last, of course, was not said out loud, but it was obvious by the way the man spoke of Lady Montford.
The few times Giles glanced into the window of the carriage, Suzanna was conversing with her cousin or reading. He loved watching her when she didn’t know she was being observed. Her natural beauty stirred parts of him that made his ride uncomfortable, but it was worth it.
The sun was just edging its way to the horizon when they reached the long, winding pathway to Hawkins Manor. Another carriage was just pulling away from the front door when Montford’s carriage rolled to a stop.
Giles jumped from his horse just as Hawk and Cam came striding down the pebbled path. “About time you made it, Templeton.” Hawk slapped him on the back. “We thought you were going to leave us to dodge all the lovely debutantes ourselves.”
“Not at all.” Giles glanced over his shoulder as Lord Montford helped his wife down the small steps of the carriage. “I wouldn’t miss this event for anything.”
Giles left his two friends to assist Suzanna. “I hope your journey was pleasant,” he said to her.
“Frankly, I hate carriage rides almost as much as Lord Montford does. But ’tis a necessary evil, if one wishes to travel.” She offered him a slight smile, which he found encouraging, as she took his arm.
Hawk and Cam walked up to them and bowed. “Miss Blake, thank you for joining us.”
She dipped a graceful curtsy. “Lord Hawkins, Lord Campbell. ’Tis a pleasure to join the party.” She glanced around, most likely looking for their hostess.
Hawk spoke to her and Lord and Lady Montford, who had just walked up to join the group. “My mother offers her apologies, as she just brought the last guests inside. My sister is also assisting another guest. If you will follow me, I will direct you to a footman who will show you to your rooms.”
The group entered the house, the entrance hall being large enough to serve as a drawing room. Giles had been here many times over the years, and he was always taken by its elegance, good taste, and money well spent.
The sweeping oak staircase rose in front of them, with floor-to-ceiling windows lighting the path of those gathered. Numerous pots of flowers lined the wall and the steps, spaced strategically around the area, giving off a light floral scent.
An older couple Giles did not recognize ascended the stairs with Lady Hawkins. Voices rose from the second level drawing room where, no doubt, those guests who had already settled in, enjoyed refreshments after their trip.
Giles cleaned up in his bedchamber. His valet, Macon, who had arrived ahead of him in the carriage with his luggage, brushed the road dust from his clothes. Once Giles washed his hands and face, and combed his hair, he was ready to head down to the drawing room.
He joined Hawk and Cam who stood with their shoulders resting against the wall, sipping brandy.
“There you are.” Hawk pushed away from the wall. “We were just discussing retiring to the billiard room for a round or two before the bell to dress for dinner.”
Since Giles had no idea how long it would take Suzanna to join the others, or even if she planned on doing that, a few games of billiards sounded like just the thing.
They chose cues, and Hawk set up the balls.
“I take it from your arrival with the Montfords and Miss Blake that she is still in your sights?” Cam leaned on his cue as he watched Hawk take aim.
“Indeed, she is.”
Hawk looked up from where he lined up his next shot. “How is it going?”
“Slow. But that’s to be expected. I’m patient.” Giles winced as Hawk missed, a mumbled curse coming from his lips.
Cam bent over the table and viewed the position of the balls. “Word around Town is Miss Blake is a bit high in the instep and has voiced her intentions more than once that a titled man is whom she will marry.”
Giles’s stomach muscles tightened, but he refused to let Cam’s comment upset him. She’d felt the pull between them as much as he had. The two times they’d kissed, she had certainly not been a reluctant participant.
He waved his hand in dismissal. “No matter. I will win.”
Cam made a successful shot. “Not this game.” He looked up at the other two men and smirked.
“No, perhaps not. But this game is not important. My other game—as you put it—will be won.”
Hawk rubbed his cue stick with chalk and regarded him. “If you’re so sure of yourself, maybe a wager in the betting book at White’s would bring a lot of interest.”
“And some blunt,” Cam added.
Giles shook his head. “No, thank you. If Miss Blake heard of a wager in the betting book, I am sure my cause would take a definite step backward.”
Hawk and Giles watched as Cam shot a carom. “Frankly, I don’t understand this rush into marriage,” Hawk said. “First Alex, now you.” He turned to Giles, his face somber. “Since ’tis well-known where Miss Blake’s marriage interests lie, just be careful.”
Giles studied Hawk’s sudden somberness. “Is there something you would like to share with the group, Hawk? Someone who stomped on your heart to make you so wary of a woman’s intentions?”
“Never, my good man. I’m just offering a friendly warning.”
…
Suzanna decided to avoid the crowd gathered in the drawing room and instead took a short lie-in before the bell rang to alert the guests to dress for dinner. She and Lady Montford were sharing her maid, Bessie, who had ridden on ahead of them with Lord Montford’s valet.
“Oh, miss, this is such a lovely gown.” Bessie’s eyes lit up when Suzanna pointed out the gown she’d chosen to wear for dinner. The pale blue frock, shot through with silver, was one of her favorites. The neckline dipped a bit for interest but was still modest. A large deeper color blue satin ribbon circled the gown high on the waist. Light muslin capped sleeves covered the top of her arms.
“Thank you, Bessie. You’ve done a wonderful job of removing any wrinkles from the journey. I’ll wear my silver slippers and white gloves. Do you think you could do something different with my hair?”
She tried to tell herself she was not interested in catching the attention of that arrogant Mr. Templeton, but merely wanted to present herself well so she might bring an end to the Season by capturing a man of whom Father and Mother would approve.
A titled man to suit her parents and someone she could tolerate in her home—and bed—for the rest of her life. The last part had her shuddering. Until now the only man who’d made her heart thump was unacceptable.
Be a grown-up. You don’t need a husband who makes your heart thump. You need someone kind and considerate, who will hold you in his affection. Hopefully, he would not turn out to be a philanderer or spend his time at the gaming tables. If he kept a mistress, one hoped he would be discreet enough that she would not have to listen to gossip. Or watch as he allowed bored matrons to drape themselves all over him at events.
And of course, there would be children to pour one’s love into, if a husband did not appeal in that way. Suddenly depressed, she stood so Bessie could help her dress.
Suzanna loved her parents, truly she did, but she also resented that their desires should be a burden placed upon her shoulders.
What of me? Don’t I get to have what I want in a marriage?
Once she was gowned and coiffed, she pulled on her gloves and jewelry, then viewed herself in the mirror. Yes, she certainly looked like a woman who could turn the head of a man her parents considered suitable. Raising her chin, determined to do what was expected and stop her internal wailing at her fate, she left the bedchamber. She headed down one flight of stairs to the drawing room where the sound of conversation drew her.
About fifteen people had arrived before her, standing in clusters, sipping on glasses of sherry and brandy. She was pleased to see Lady Montford had already joined a group of ladies, and Lord Montford seemed to be engaged in a deep conversation with Lord Schneider.
Suzanna was about five steps from Lady Montford when a warm hand covered her elbow. She didn’t need to turn around to know it was Mr. Templeton. The air around her seemed to crackle; his already familiar scent of bergamot drifted toward her. She took in a deep breath and turned.
Oh great goodness, was it possible the man had grown more handsome since their meal at the Bear and Beaver Inn? He was dressed in all black except for a pure white cravat and a white silk waistcoat. Loose curls had escaped his combed-back chestnut brown hair to rest on his forehead, only a few inches from his light brown eyes with flecks of gold. Eyes that watched her with hunger.
His warm, rakish smile set her stomach fluttering and her heart thumping—again. Exactly what I don’t need. The tips of her nipples tingled, and she had this ridiculous urge to rub them against his chest. Why did her body react in such a way to this man?
This would not do. She was supposed to be discouraging his suit, and instead she must look like a besotted idiot. She tried regaining her dignity and controlling her body by taking another deep breath. Based on the heat in his eyes when he viewed her neckline as her chest rose, that was an even worse idea.
“Good evening, Mr. Templeton.” Wonderful. Now she sounded like she’d swallowed a mouse. She cleared her throat and raised her chin. “You are looking well.”
His boyish grin turned into a deep chuckle as he leaned forward, staring into her eyes until her knees almost melted. “Good evening to you, too, Suzanna.”
“Don’t call me that,” she breathed.
He pulled back and studied her for a moment, this time offering a very polite, solicitous smile. “May I fetch you a glass of sherry?”
How did he do that? She was still reeling from his closeness and the tumultuous feelings in her body, and he looked as cool as a crisp autumn day. Another reason to avoid the man.
“Yes, a bit of sherry would be nice.”
He inappropriately placed his warm hand on her lower back, and they made their way to the sideboard where bottles of various liquors and drinks had been set up. She might have been able to gain some strength in her wobbly legs but for the heat that radiated from his palm. She quelled the urge to ask him to remove his hand, knowing it would only give him satisfaction that his touch had so affected her.
“Good evening, Miss Blake. You are a vision of loveliness.” Lord Hawkins greeted her, with a slight nod toward Mr. Templeton.
“Good evening to you, my lord. I must say your home, from what I’ve seen so far, is lovely.”
Lord Hawkins nodded. “Thank you. My mother will certainly appreciate your kind words.”
Suzanna accepted a glass from Mr. Templeton. “I am most anxious to greet your mother, my lord.”
Hawkins waved his glass in the general direction of the door. “Mother likes to make a bit of a show at these things. I’m sure she will be here directly.”
Lord Hawkins’s sister, Lady Honora, joined the group. “Mother was almost ready to come down when I passed her room a minute ago.” She smiled at Suzanna. “Miss Blake, I am so glad you were able to join us.”
Lady Honora was one year Suzanna’s junior. They had come out the same year, and rumor had it that she had the attention of the Earl of Graymoor, who’d suddenly left London mid-Season and had not been heard from since. Now the young girl seemed to have a sense of melancholy about her, and Suzanna wondered if it had something to do with Graymoor.
“I am happy to be here, as well. It is always nice to get away from the frantic pace of the Season for a short respite in the country.” Suzanna took a sip of her drink, more in control of herself with others surrounding her. Mr. Templeton remained by her side, but with Hawkins, Campbell, and Lady Honora added to the group, her considerations were not so caught up by him.
“I agree, Miss Blake. Sometimes I find the round of balls and routs tiring.” She slipped her arm into Suzanna’s. “Mother and I have so many wonderful activities planned. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate.”
“What activities have you planned for the gentlemen, Hawk?” Cam asked.
“Right now, the plans include a few outdoor activities. We have boats for an excursion on the lake, and even though it’s not the season for it yet, we might try some shooting. The billiard room is always open, and I thought a trip into the village for a tour of the Roman ruins and lunch at the local pub might be interesting for both the ladies and gentlemen.”
“Well done, Hawk. You have actually given this some thought.” Cam grinned and slapped Hawk on the back. “You will become a decent host yet.”
Hawk regarded Cam with a lazy smile. “Please don’t let the word get out, or some darling debutante will attempt to convince me that besides an excellent host, I would also be the best of husbands.” He shuddered and took a sip of his drink.
“Hawk, that is not proper conversation in front of ladies,” his sister scolded. “What will Miss Blake think?”
“She will think I am not husband material and will allow her friends to know that.” He saluted her with his glass.
“I think you are in your cups, brother.”
“Not yet, little sister of mine, not yet.”
Suzanna considered Hawkins’s words. Not that she had any draw toward him—certainly not as she did toward Mr. Templeton—but if she were to obey her mother’s strict requirements, she could cross Lord Hawkins off her list. He appeared a tad bitter and derisive. She couldn’t help but wonder about that.
Mr. Templeton leaned in close. “You can forget Hawk if you’re looking for a title.”
She glared at him just as the butler announced dinner.