Page 11 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

The housekeeper left and Tessa said, “It is time for me to breakfast with my uncle. I will leave you in Bridget’s hands.”

Abra caught Tessa’s wrist. “Thank you ever so much, my lady. I won’t let you down.”

“I don’t expect you will. I am happy to have you as my maid, Abra.”

Tessa left the bedchamber and went downstairs. Her uncle was already seated and she dropped a kiss upon his head before a footman seated her.

“I hear you have a new lady’s maid,” he said.

“News travels fast. I suppose you heard it from Rainey.”

“Rainey got it from Mrs. Rainey,” her uncle said. “Mrs. Rainey is always the best source of information in our household.”

Her breakfast and tea were placed before her and Tessa dug into her food, always hungry after she had done her long walk.

“So I hear she’s a street urchin. An orphan.”

“She is. Her name is Abra. She’s bright and clever and under the guidance of Bridget now.”

“Egad, half the staff is afraid of Bridget and the other half in awe,” the earl noted. “I hope it won’t scare your Abra off.”

Tessa chuckled. “I doubt Abra is one who frightens easily.” As she buttered her toast point, she added, “I do need to ask you about how much I should pay her.”

He looked surprised. “Why would you do that?”

“Because I must compensate her, Uncle. Giving her a place to live and providing her with meals isn’t enough.”

“I will merely tell my secretary to add her to the household staff. He will take care of things.”

“But I have the money Papa left me. I can easily pay Abra from that.”

Uncle Uxbridge patted her hand. “It is not necessary, my dear. When you find a man worthy enough to be your husband, you can take Abra with you. Then he can pay her. Save your money for other things you truly wish for.”

“Thank you. You are so good to me.”

“At least you are looking for a husband. I don’t think Adalyn has any interest at all in one. Her mother encourages her in this.”

She knew her cousin’s unwed status bothered her uncle. “Adalyn hasn’t found the right man to wed, Uncle. She is merely enjoying herself. When the perfect gentleman catches her attention, he will have to run because she will pursue him with a passion as she does everything else.”

He barked a loud laugh. “Truer words have never been spoken. My daughter is strong-willed and does go after whatever she chooses. God bless the man who does draw her eye. His life will never be the same again.”

The butler entered and brought a silver tray laden with letters. “The morning post, your lordship.”

“Thank you, Rainey.”

A footman entered the room and rushed over. “This just arrived, my lord.” He handed it to Rainey, who set it atop the tray with the other letters.

“Set it down,” Uncle Uxbridge instructed, lifting the recent arrival. He studied it a moment and then broke the seal, perusing it. “Hmm.”

“What is it?” she asked.

“It seems that we have been invited to dine with the Earl of Middlefield tomorrow evening.”

“The one who declined your invitation?” she asked. “Without reason, if I recall correctly.”

“The very one.” He skimmed the note again. “The earl asks that all of my family members present in town be a part of the invitation, especially any family that might be guests in the household.”

A sick feeling washed over Tessa.

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