Page 42 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

Chapter Twelve

Spencer was thoroughlyenjoying his discussion with Sir Edgar Goulding, brother of the Earl of Uxbridge. Both men favored one another in looks and were affable. He could tell, however, that Sir Edgar’s intellect far surpassed that of his brother’s.

Suddenly, his nape prickled with awareness. He knew Tessa had entered the room. He glanced over Sir Edgar’s shoulder and saw her, accompanied by her two cousins.

He had met Miss Goulding a quarter-hour ago and found her to be quite charming and beautiful. The same could be said for Lady Adalyn.

Yet it was Tessa who had claimed Spencer’s heart.

He hoped Lady Adalyn would prove to be the ally she said she would be. Spencer thought it would be smart to include Miss Goulding in his campaign for Tessa’s heart. He wondered if he should recruit her or if it would be better for Lady Adalyn to do so.

He caught Lady Adalyn’s eye and they nodded briefly at one another before he turned his attention back to Sir Edgar. Still, he tracked the trio’s progress, seeing they came toward him.

“Papa, are you talking Lord Middlefield’s ear off?” his daughter asked.

“Not at all, Louisa,” Sir Edgar said jovially. “Before he claimed his earldom, however, Lord Middlefield was Major Haddock. It is rare that I get to speak to someone with battlefield experience. It is imperative that the War Office understands exactly what is going on in the field.”

“Tell us about the war, my lord,” Lady Adalyn encouraged.

He cleared his throat. “I believe Sir Edgar and I have talked enough about war for now,” he said lightly.

“Was it hard being away from home? Missing your family?” Miss Goulding asked.

“Lord Middlefield had good friends from his childhood with him,” Tessa quickly said, saving Spencer from the embarrassment of having to say he missed no one and no one in his family had missed him during his time abroad.

“Oh, tell us about them,” Lady Adalyn said.

“Two of them, Everett Wayland and Owen Hasbury, have been friends since my earliest school days. The three of us met Winston Cutler and Percival Perry at Cambridge. We were fortunate to be placed in regiments under Wellington’s command so I saw all of them often. They are not just brothers-in-arms but brothers of my heart.”

His gaze met Tessa’s and she nodded encouraging at him.

“We are all second sons and knew from an early age that we were destined to enter the military. I have spent many hours in these men’s company.” He paused. “I hated leaving them—and my men—behind.”

“You did for your country on the battlefield, Lord Middlefield,” Sir Edgar said. “Now, you will continue to do the same as you sit in the House of Lords.”

Before Spencer could reply, the Uxbridge butler announced the first of the dinner party guests.

“You should come stand by Mama and Papa, Lord Middlefield,” Lady Adalyn said. “You are the guest of honor and they will want to introduce you to everyone upon first arrival.” She glanced to her cousin. “You, too, Tessa. Come join the family.”

“I am not truly a Goulding,” Tessa protested.

Lady Adalyn’s eyes narrowed and she took Tessa’s hand. “You are—and Mama wants you to meet everyone since you truly know no one in London. Except for us and Lord Middlefield, of course. Come along.”

Spencer followed the pair to where Lord and Lady Uxbridge stood. His host introduced him and Tessa to the first group which had entered and continued to do the same until all their guests had arrived. Footmen circulated with trays of drinks and he claimed one.

“You have met everyone invited, Lord Middlefield,” Lady Uxbridge said. “Why don’t you young people gather and speak before we go in to dinner?”

Lady Adalyn motioned and Spencer and Tessa followed her to where Miss Goulding stood with two men. One was blond and looked to be in his mid-twenties, while the other, with dark hair and eyes, appeared to be about thirty. He recalled the first was Lord Wethersby but couldn’t remember the other fellow’s name.

“Ah, here are my cousins and the guest of honor,” Miss Goulding said, welcoming them to the circle. “This is Lord Wethersby and Lord Ellington,” she continued, thoughtfully providing the men’s names again.

“I hear from Miss Goulding that you are making your come-out, Lady Tessa,” Lord Ellington said. “I think you will find London society to your liking.”

“I hope so,” Tessa said, looking poised.

Spencer had thought she might be a bit overwhelmed by meeting so many people but she wore an air of confidence which he thought would serve her well.

When she was his countess.

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