Page 28 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

“Undoubtedly,” she said with firm conviction. “Just think of how the Rosetta Stone will unlock other historical mysteries.”

“You are quite knowledgeable about this stone. Are you certain you shouldn’t be the one giving today’s lecture?” he teased.

“A woman? Surely, you jest. I am not even allowed downstairs in the reading room to look at and study the various books and manuscripts. Papa did sometimes. He would make his request and a messenger would bring him his requested selection. Those were the times I would accompany Mr. Smithson on the tours he gave to others.”

“That doesn’t seem fair.”

“Life isn’t fair to females, my lord. Would I love to go to war as you did? Perhaps. But what I really would enjoy doing is traveling far and wide. I am fascinated by Egypt and wish I could view the pyramids in person. Feel the hot desert wind and sun on my cheeks.”

“You might someday,” he said encouragingly.

“No. That will never come to pass. I am an English lady. That means I am meant to wed and give birth to an heir and a spare, possibly a few daughters, as well. I will be subservient to my husband and support him in all he endeavors to do.”

Lord Middlefield frowned. “You can wed and bear children but surely you wouldn’t be subservient to your husband. You went about your father’s estate from the time you were at his knee. Surely you learned a great deal about estate management and people from him.”

“I did,” she agreed. “But husbands aren’t interested in their wives’ opinions, my lord.”

“Your father knew your worth. You are as intelligent as any man I have known. If you want to see the Egyptian pyramids, then go. With or without your husband.”

She shook her head. “That is ridiculous. You still have much to learn about Polite Society, my lord. I couldn’t go without a husband. Why, I even need a chaperone to go to a dress fitting or even to visit this museum.” She snorted. “Of course, my chaperone today is nowhere to be found.”

“You did tell her to follow her own interests. You should take your own advice and do the same, Tessa.”

“As if I could find a husband who would gallivant around the world with me.”

“Most women want to see Paris. Or perhaps Berlin,” he said. “You could start there if this blasted war would ever end. I am certain you could talk your husband into going to either of those great cities. From there, you could urge him to be more adventurous and think of India or Egypt.”

Tessa frowned. “Those seem like nice ideas, Lord Middlefield, but they will never come to pass. Even if I were to manage landing a husband who craved adventure as I do, why, he would merely find another adventurous male to accompany him and leave me at home with our growing brood of children.”

She sighed. “Not that I think giving birth isn’t a noble thing to do. It is. I am eager to wed and produce children of my own. Many, I hope. I despised being an only child. I know Mama could not help it. She tried for others. It just didn’t come to pass.”

Lord Middlefield’s gaze pinned her. “You need to find a husband who will be a partner to you. You should not be a slave to him. You need to do what is right—and that means you must follow your heart.”

Before Tessa could reply, he lowered his mouth to hers.

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