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.
As much as he’d wanted to stroll up to her, she’d been conversing with Lady Hawkins and, rather than interrupt them, he’d decided to wait until they arrived at the village, at which time he planned to stake his claim.
And stake it he did. He withheld his grin when she scowled as she took his hand and stepped from the carriage. It was obvious she was going to attempt to thwart him, but he would not allow that.
“The Roman wall is a short walk from here.”
Suzanna glanced at the crowd, as they broke up into clusters of three or four. “Perhaps we should stay with the rest of the group.”
“No. I think everyone has different interests. Hawk has asked us all to gather around four o’clock for tea at The Rose and the Crown Inn.”
As he spoke, the various groups wandered in different directions, leaving the two of them standing alone together. Perfect.
“I do wish to see the wall, but I think I prefer to start at the bookstore. Lady Hawkins mentioned that it had a fine selection for such a small village.”
He bowed slightly and extended his arm. “The bookstore it is, then.”
“We should not be going off by ourselves. It is not proper. Lady Montford has joined the group headed to the old church.”
As much as he wanted her to himself, he knew she was right. It would not do her reputation any good if others knew they’d spent the afternoon alone. “I bow to your concerns, Suzanna—”
“—Miss Blake.”
“—you are correct. If we hurry, we can catch the group headed toward the gardens.”
They turned the opposite direction to follow Lady Penrose, Cam, and Lady Honora. Giles slowed his steps to accommodate her. “Perhaps when the tour of the gardens is over, we can persuade them to join us at the bookstore.”
“Yes. That is an excellent idea.” She looked up at him. “Do you read much, Mr. Templeton?”
“Giles.”
Her raised eyebrows brought a smile to his face. “I won’t give up, you know. But to answer your question, yes, I do read. A great deal, in fact.”
“What sort of books?”
“I read everything, and my library at my estate has more than a thousand books. Many of them were there when my grandparents deeded the estate to me, but I have purchased hundreds myself. I have books on science, poetry, farming, history, war, just about anything you could think of.”
“Novels?”
“Oh, yes. My decadent pleasure. You might be surprised to know I enjoy all of Miss Austen’s works.”
“Truly?”
“Indeed. Hadn’t you guessed by now that I’m a romantic at heart?”
Suzanna rolled her eyes, and they continued on their way, joining the others headed to the gardens. The pleasant weather made for an equally pleasant stroll. Spring had arrived in full force, with a warmer sun on their backs. The ladies all whipped their parasols over their heads to keep their creamy English skin freckle-free.
Lady Honora, being very familiar with the village, gave the tour, pointing out flora unique to the area. As interesting as Giles found the tour, he was much more taken with the lovely woman on his arm. Her soft scent wafted to his nose every time a light breeze blew in his direction.
The time passed quickly, with Giles thoroughly enjoying the time with Suzanna by his side.
“These are truly lovely gardens, Lady Honora. Thank you so much for the interesting tour.” Suzanna looked at the rest in the group. “I was hoping to visit the bookstore before we have to meet the others at The Rose and the Crown Inn.”
“Oh, dear,” Lady Penrose said. “I had hoped to make a stop at that lovely church two streets down.” She grinned at the group. “I have a morbid interest in cemeteries, and there is a very old one attached to the church.”
“I love old cemeteries,” said Lady Honora. “And that is a fascinating one. Since I can visit the bookstore another time, I believe I will go with Lady Penrose.” She turned to Cam. “Well, Lord Campbell, it appears we are splitting in two. Would you prefer the church or the bookstore?”
“Cam loves cemeteries, and takes every opportunity to visit them, don’t you, Cam?” If his friend was as smart as Giles thought he was, he would pick up the hint.
“Ah, yes. Cemeteries. My favorite new thing to view.” He held his arms out to Lady Honora and Lady Penrose. “Lead the way, ladies.” He looked over his shoulder at Giles and Suzanna. “Enjoy the bookstore.”
Suzanna stared after the group as they continued down the street. “Well, now we are left alone again.”
“But we are headed directly to the bookstore and will meet the rest of the group in a short time at the inn for tea.”
“This is not a good idea.”
“Please, Suzanna, do you really think I plan to ravish you behind the bookshelves?”
She raised her chin. “It is all in how it appears, Mr. Templeton. You know that.”
“Giles,” he returned. “No one in the group seemed to think there was anything wrong with leaving us by ourselves. You are making far too much of this.” He placed her arm in his. “Come. The bookstore awaits.”
…
Although concerned about being left alone with Mr. Templeton, his observation was correct. No one seemed surprised at leaving them alone to go to the bookstore, and he could not very well do anything improper with other patrons there, coming and going.
A slight jangle from a small bell over the door frame greeted them as they entered Twin Brooks Village Bookstore. A rosy-cheeked middle-aged woman, as round as she was tall, greeted them with a bright smile. “Mr. Templeton! We haven’t seen you in a while.”
“Good afternoon, Miss Andrews. It is wonderful to visit your fine store again. How is your sister, Miss Eloise?”
“Not too well. I’m afraid. Thank you for asking. The doctor thinks a trip to Bath for the healing waters might do her good. Our brother plans to take a trip there with his family and will bring Miss Eloise along.”
“I’ve heard many people have been helped by the waters—if one can stand the smell, that is. Please give her my regards, and I wish her well.” He pulled Suzanna forward. “Miss Blake, may I make known to you Miss Andrews.” He turned to the store owner. “Miss Blake is a guest at Hawkins Manor this week.”
Miss Andrews made a slight dip. “Good afternoon, Miss Blake. Thank you for choosing our store to visit. I hope you find it to your liking.”
Suzanna immediately liked the woman. Her demeanor was quite pleasant, and she reminded her a bit of Cook at her family’s estate. “I am sure I will, Miss Andrews. I love books and I am looking forward to browsing your shelves.”
The woman’s cheeks grew even rosier at Suzanna’s words.
After Miss Andrews described how the bookstore was laid out and where they could find various subjects that might be of interest to them, Suzanna and Giles went their separate ways as they began to examine the numerous shelves. She was in her glory with all the books around her. There were so many subjects to choose from, she didn’t know where to start.
No more than five minutes later, she looked up to see Giles heading toward her. “Here is another Jane Austen novel.” He held out a book to her. Persuasion.
“I thought Miss Austen died?”
“Yes, she has passed. However, oftentimes a publisher will release a book posthumously if an author had written it before her death.”
Suzanna took the book from his hand and opened it, turning the first few pages. “I will definitely buy this one. I’ve loved her other novels.” Before the words were barely out of her mouth, Mr. Templeton bestowed her with a lazy smile and rested his shoulder on the bookshelf, crossing his arms over his chest. His warmth and clean linen scent drifted toward her. She was taken again with the gold flecks in his light brown eyes. His nearness had her heart thumping and her mouth drying up. Of course, he would not kiss her right here in the bookstore, but the look in his eyes was wreaking havoc with her mental state. She raised her chin. “What?”
“Nothing, I just enjoy watching you.”
“I doubt there is anything about me to garner such interest.” A slight tingling between her legs made her uneasy and she shifted. She attempted to move away from him but was blocked by the wall behind her and a very large and most tempting Mr. Templeton in front.
“Ah, not so, Miss Blake. I find everything about you of great interest.”
She sniffed. “At least you’ve remembered my proper name.” Although she tried for the words to come out with strength and conviction, she sounded like a tired squeaky mouse.
“I would never forget your name, Suzanna. ’Tis something I think of all the time.”
He was blocking all her air—that had to be the explanation for the rapid rise and fall of her chest. All she could see, hear, and smell was him. She had to get away or she would likely swoon like some foolish debutante. “Sir. I believe I have found the book I wish to purchase. If you will allow me to pass, I shall proceed to the front of the store.”
He grinned. “Well done, Suzanna.”
“Miss Blake. And you are much too close. Are you daft? Someone might come by, and how would it look?”
He reached out and touched her cheek, running his long finger down until it stopped right above where her bodice met her skin. “Yes, daft. You make me daft.” He slowly, oh so slowly, ran his fingertip along her neckline. “So lovely. One day I will view with a great deal of pleasure all the beauty that hides beneath your clothes.”
Aghast, she dropped the book and stepped aside, making a quick escape around him. Turning, she stopped and smoothed her gown. “I can assure you that will never happen, Mr. Templeton.” Still a bit unstable, she stumbled away from him.
From temptation.
From possible scandal.
From her mother’s wrath.