Page 24 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

She nodded. “Yes, usually once a week and sometimes more often when the Season begins and more people are in town. Those, too, are also free and open to the public. Last week, Adalyn and I heard one on Hinduism and Buddhism. They are Far Eastern religions. I found the topic fascinating.”

Spencer found her fascinating.

He asked about other things within the museum and she spoke knowledgeably, proving to be a good conversationalist and allowing him to see she was quite bright. He had liked her looks and her spirit before. Now, he liked her even more. Being wed to Lady Tessa would never be boring. He still would keep those thoughts to himself. Though she had opened up to him in the carriage since she spoke about a topic she was passionate about, he had noted how reluctant she was to even go with him today. She didn’t seem the type to be rushed. Though he was in a hurry to find a bride and marry, he realized Lady Tessa had never made her come-out. She would be curious about Polite Society and want to enjoy the various social events. He would let her. At least for a while.

Then he would speak to her and make his offer.

The carriage began slowing and Abra turned from the window. “I’ve never been in this part of town.”

“You will enjoy the artifacts in the museum,” Lady Tessa told her.

Abra frowned. “No, I won’t.”

“You must give it a chance,” her employer urged.

“No. I’m not one for book learning, my lady. Give me the streets and the people on them. I’m people smart,” the servant declared.

Before Lady Tessa could reply to that comment, Spencer interjected, “You might wish to walk about the area then while we are buried in antiquities and listening to the lecture.”

“Yes!” Abra exclaimed at the same time Lady Tessa said, “No.”

Both women looked at each other.

“You are to be my chaperone today, Abra. That means staying with me.”

“I know,” the girl said glumly. “Bridget told me I should walk several feet behind you and his lordship. But she also said nobody is here much before the Season begins. That last week when she came with you and Lady Adalyn, you didn’t see a single guest, only the people who work there.”

“That’s true,” Lady Tessa said. “Still, you could learn something.”

“Why don’t we let Abra come inside with us and she can go to the exhibits she finds interesting?” Spencer suggested.

“I can do that,” the girl said, nodding in agreement.

The door opened and he climbed from the carriage, helping Lady Tessa and then Abra from the carriage.

Quietly, he said, “And if you find nothing of interest, you could always leave and come back after the lecture.”

Abra grinned in response as if she knew he wished her to be out of sight.

Spencer stepped up and offered Lady Tessa his arm. Abra trailed behind them as they entered the building.

A portly man glanced up. “Ah, Lady Tessa. It is always good to see you.”

“Good morning, Mr. Casher.” She indicated Spencer. “This is Lord Middlefield. It is his first visit to the British Museum.”

“Ah, you are in for a rare treat then, my lord.” He chuckled. “Lady Tessa has been here so often she could serve as one of our guides. I think she knows more about the place than anyone on the staff does.”

“Are you the porter we give our name to?” he asked.

“No, it is not done like that anymore,” she said. “That was when I was coming with Papa. I learned on my first visit when I arrived in town a month ago that they have changed the process. No more giving of names and tickets with your entry spaced out.”

“What happens instead?” he asked.

The porter smiled broadly. “You merely present yourself to me on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday any time between ten and two. If I judge you to be of decent appearance, you immediately gain entrance.”

“Do I pass muster, Mr. Casher?” Spencer joked.

“I would say very much so, my lord. But I would have let you in even if you looked like a beggar, simply because you were with Lady Tessa. She is our favorite guest.”

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