Page 46 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

Chapter Thirteen

Miss Allen slippedher arm into Tessa’s and they began a slow parade about the edges of the room.

“I hear that you are making your come-out this Season,” Miss Allen began. “Aren’t you a bit long in the tooth to be doing so?”

Ignoring the rude statement, Tessa said, “My come-out was delayed by the ill health of my parents. They are gone now and I have completed my mourning period. I believe it is time I joined Polite Society.”

“Are you looking for a husband?”

She demurred. “I think most women are. I would like to have children someday and that does involve marriage,” she said lightly.

“I was very popular during my come-out last Season,” Miss Allen boldly proclaimed.

“I am certain you were,” she said, wondering where this conversation might be headed.

“I had several offers of marriage but wasn’t quite ready to settle down. This Season will be different. I have found the man I am going to wed.”

“Does he know this yet?” Tessa couldn’t help but ask.

“No. But he will.”

They continued strolling and then Miss Allen abruptly asked, “Are you interested in Lord Middlefield?”

“Why do you ask?” she replied, already knowing what now lay ahead.

“I asked you a question, Lady Tessa,” Miss Allen said petulantly. “He seemed to pay special attention to you at dinner.”

Tessa didn’t believe that the case at all but decided this young woman saw her as a threat.

“Perhaps it is because I was one of the few present at the table that Lord Middlefield had previously met. My family accepted his dinner invitation last week and we also had him to tea. I am sure you heard him mention our trip which introduced him to the British Museum. My aunt placed me next to Lord Middlefield so that he would be comfortable. That is all.”

“So you have no designs upon him? You don’t wish to become Lady Middlefield?”

“Why would you ask such a thing, Miss Allen?” she countered. “Either Lord Middlefield and I will become better acquainted or we won’t. Either our acquaintance will lead to something or it won’t. It is no business of yours.”

Miss Allen stopped them and turned to her, anger sparking in her eyes. “It is, actually. The earl is titled, wealthy, and quite handsome. I have decided that he will do as my husband. We will be wed by Season’s end.”

“Should Lord Middlefield have something to say about it?” she asked, digging in.

“He will offer for me. Mark my words,” the woman said. “But I have to know that you are not interested in him.”

Tessa wasn’t—but she was not going to admit that to this harridan.

“I am merely eager to meet new people throughout the Season now that I am in London,” she said. “Lord Middlefield is quite interesting.”

She saw Miss Allen now fumed and began strolling again. The younger woman’s fingers tightened on Tessa’s arm.

“I won’t have you trying to steal him away from me, Lady Tessa.”

“I have never partaken in thievery, Miss Allen, and have no plans to do so now. Lord Middlefield is an intelligent man who can make up his own mind.”

Miss Allen huffed and released Tessa’s arm. Without a further word, she stormed across the room, rejoining her mother and two other women sipping sherry.

Immediately, Tessa found Louisa and Adalyn by her side.

“What is she in a snit about?” Louisa asked.

“She declared she was going to wed Lord Middlefield and believed I might be competition for her in that endeavor.”

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