Page 22 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

Chapter Six

Spencer told Rigsby,“Make me shine today.”

The valet cocked one eyebrow and solemnly nodded. “Of course, my lord. Though I believe I do so every day.”

By the time he was ready, he wore a shirt whiter than snow with a pearl gray waistcoat and dark gray trousers and tailcoat. His cravat’s knot was the most intricate Rigsby had attempted. To his credit, Spencer held perfectly still until the valet had finished.

“I have never seen you more patient, my lord,” the valet praised. “Might this have anything to do with last night’s dinner?”

He shrugged. “Possibly.”

He probably should tell Rigsby about his plans because the servant was bound to learn through his vast network of sources.

“I am escorting Lady Tessa and Lady Adalyn to the British Museum today. To a lecture,” he said, thinking himself clever not to give away which lady he was interested in.

“Ah, Lady Tessa quite enjoys the lectures there,” Rigsby remarked.

Spencer’s jaw dropped. “How do you know everything about our neighbors?” he demanded.

Rigsby grinned. “I might be stepping out with a certain Bridget in the earl’s household.”

“I see. Well, what else do you know about Lady Tessa? You might as well tell me everything.”

The valet mentioned a few things Spencer already knew, such as the deaths of Lady Tessa’s parents and her coming to live with Lord and Lady Uxbridge. He did add that Lady Tessa had been a frequent visitor to the household during her youth, as well her cousin, a Miss Goulding.

“I do know Lady Tessa has hired a new lady’s maid. Bridget didn’t think she’d like the girl at all but says she is doing a credible job so far.”

He thought of the street urchin turned lady’s maid and thought the girl would be clever enough to pick up what she needed to know to stay in the household. He only hoped she wouldn’t rob the earl blind and then disappear.

“Lady Adalyn is not one for the museums,” Rigsby continued. “It is more to Lady Tessa and Miss Goulding’s taste.”

That was good to know. He had gathered Lady Adalyn wasn’t a bit interested from last night’s discussion but he didn’t know if she was merely saying that in order to give him more time with Lady Tessa. In fact, it was Lady Adalyn who had planned today’s outing. Lady Tessa had seemed reluctant to enter the conversation.

Spencer would need to change that reluctance.

He told himself not to gossip with the help anymore but he wouldn’t turn down any additional information Rigsby forwarded to him regarding the golden-haired beauty.

Going downstairs, he called for his carriage to be readied. It was shortly after ten. With the traffic, they would make it to the museum by eleven, according to Lady Adalyn, giving them plenty of time to see a few exhibits before the lecture began two hours later.

He told his coachman they were headed to the British Museum and asked if he knew its location.

“I do, my lord. In Bloomsbury.”

“Stop across the way at Lord Uxbridge’s townhouse first,” he instructed. “I will board the carriage there.”

Strolling across the square, he went to the front door and knocked. The Uxbridge butler answered the door.

“Ah, good morning, my lord. The ladies should be joining you momentarily.”

He heard them before he saw them, their voices carrying as they descended the staircase.

“You have to go, Adalyn. I cannot go alone with him,” the first said, which he recognized as Lady Tessa’s.

“You know it bores me to tears. I have absolutely no interest in going, Tessa. Besides, I sent for Abra. She can chaperone you. I have other things to do.”

“What things?” Lady Tessa demanded as they rounded the corner. She stopped, seeing him in the foyer and composed her features.

“Ah, Lord Middlefield,” Lady Adalyn said airily, continuing down the staircase. “How good to see you again. I was just telling my cousin that I had forgotten a prior engagement so I will not be able to accompany you to Montagu House today.”

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