Page 65 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

Chapter Eighteen

Spencer had waitedfor this moment all evening.

No. He had waited a lifetime.

He had been agreeable to Lord Uxbridge’s suggestion that they go together to the Healeys’ ball. Without asking, he knew Lady Adalyn had made the suggestion to her father.

It had been six days since he had seen Tessa. The last time had been at tea after their excursion to the British Museum. He had racked his brain, trying to come up with a way to approach her. Tried to think of somewhere he could invite her. Then he had received a note from Lady Adalyn. Not directly, of course. It came via Bridget, her lady’s maid, who had passed it along to Rigsby. His valet had handed it over.

In it, Lady Adalyn explained how busy Tessa would be in the days leading up to the Season, including the dance lessons she was taking in order to know how to waltz. Lady Adalyn wrote that she would continue to drop hints to Tessa, hoping her cousin would favor him with a dance at the opening ball. She begged him to be patient.

Patience had finally paid off.

He’d felt a slight warming from Tessa ever since the outing with Miss Allen and the others. How Tessa had been amused by Miss Allen’s pursuit of him. She had even rescued him from having to take tea with the younger woman.

Spencer had seen Miss Allen earlier this evening, a bevy of men surrounding her. She was all smiles. He knew, though, beneath her exterior lay a vengeful woman. He hoped Tessa would watch out for Miss Allen. In the meantime, he did what he could and avoided being anywhere near her.

He had done what was expected. Danced with half a dozen young debutantes. Thank goodness most of the dances were so physically demanding that they lent themselves to little—or no—conversation. The waltz, however, was quite different. It was thrilling, to be sure, but also intimate. He would be able to hold Tessa in his arms and even speak to her if he wished.

Hearing the musicians were about to commence, Spencer took Tessa’s right hand and clasped it in his left. He stepped closer and placed his right hand firmly on her back as she brought her free hand to rest on his shoulder. Her lavender scent invaded his senses as he felt the warmth of her body heat near him. It took every ounce of restraint he possessed not to yank her to him and kiss her in front of all Polite Society.

The music began and Spencer began leading Tessa. He had taken a few dance lessons when he’d arrived in London, knowing his skills were rusty and not knowing the steps of the waltz at all. The three-count had come easily to him and he liked how lightly he needed to step, rising on his toes and landing softly on the ball of his foot. Tessa, too, was light on her feet, landing softly and elegantly with each step.

They rose together with each count and fell between those counts, their steps confident as they smoothly glided about the ballroom. She was a dream to maneuver, and he began guiding her in the circular motion his dance master had recommended if Spencer managed to land a skilled partner. They turned effortlessly every third step, gliding fluidly across the ballroom floor.

He didn’t speak. He didn’t want to interrupt the flow of their dance. Besides, it was the supper dance and he would lead her into supper and remain with her during that break in the dancing. It would allow plenty of time to talk with her.

Spencer wanted to spend the rest of his life with this woman.

The dance came to its conclusion and he halted their steps, holding on to Tessa for a long moment after the music ceased. Her flushed cheeks made her even more attractive than usual and her bright, blue eyes sparkled.

Releasing her, he possessively captured her hand and placed it on his forearm as they shuffled along with the mass to the supper room.

“That was magical. Why, I felt as if we were floating across the room,” she said with unabashed enthusiasm.

“You are a graceful dancer,” he told her. “I could not imagine a more delightful partner for the waltz.”

Her cheeks turned even redder and she glanced away a moment before looking back at him.

“Adalyn said she is supping with a Lord Huxley tonight and said we were invited to join them.”

Concern for Lady Adalyn filled him. Spencer had encountered Huxley when he returned to Gentleman Jack’s academy two days after his bout with Ellington, overhearing part of a ribald conversation the viscount had with his sparring partner in the dressing room. Huxley was most definitely a scoundrel and might take advantage of Lady Adalyn.

“What’s wrong?” Tessa asked, reading his mood.

“I am acquainted with Lord Huxley’s reputation. If Lady Adalyn is looking for a husband, I can assure her that the viscount has no interest in being one at this point in his life. She should be warned about him”

“Oh, dear,” she said. “Adalyn is getting more serious about marriage. She told me she has had her fun and is ready to settle down.”

“Then it won’t be with Huxley,” he told her. “But Lady Adalyn is an excellent judge of character. She will discover this on her own.”

“You think her a good judge of character?

“I do. Why?”

She fought a smile. “Because she has recommended you to me the entire past week.”

He flashed her a smile. “You see? I told you so. Lady Adalyn is someone you should listen to wholeheartedly.”

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