Page 67 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

She tried to clear her mind of such dangerous thoughts. She had decided he was not for her.

Hadn’t she?

Of course, she had. He was not good husband material.

Even if he did want an abundance of children. Children he said he would love and cherish. Children he would make certain got all the attention they deserved.

And a wife he would please.

She sensed her cheeks heating again.

I want you to come willingly to me, Tessa. To me—and my bed.

Thoughts of being in bed with him made her face burn. She wished she had a fan. She should have brought one. Adalyn had taught her a few ways to flirt with a fan. She would bring one next time. And flirt outrageously with a huge number of men.

Except for Spencer. No, drat it. Lord Middlefield.

Why had he told her his Christian name?

She glanced up at him as he led her across the supper room and saw that they were headed toward Adalyn and whom Tessa assumed to be Lord Huxley. He was blond, rather tall, and she guessed in his mid-twenties. As they joined the pair, Lord Huxley gave her a roguish smile.

“I already know you are Lady Tessa,” he said, his eyes sweeping over her admiringly.

She sensed Spencer tense and glanced up at him, seeing his green eyes glittering in animosity. Seeking to defuse the situation, Tessa squeezed her escort’s arm. His gaze met hers and he visibly relaxed.

She turned back to Lord Huxley. “Yes, I am Lady Tessa and this is the Earl of Middlefield.”

“Middlefield?” Lord Huxley said, suddenly losing all interest in Tessa. “The one who soundly beat Ellington at Gentleman Jack’s?” He offered his hand. “Why, it is an honor to meet you, my lord.”

She watched Spencer—no, Lord Middlefield—take the offered hand and shake it.

“Please, have a seat,” Adalyn said calmly.

As the four of them sat, Lord Huxley said, “Tell me about it. I have heard from others who were there.”

“There is nothing to tell, my lord. Lord Ellington is quite skilled. I merely had a good day and caught the earl off-guard.”

“Heard you broke his nose. That blood gushed everywhere,” Lord Huxley said enthusiastically.

Spencer glowered at the man, his look silencing Lord Huxley. She had thought him not only physically powerful but saw now how even a look from him could intimidate another.

Yet she had never felt intimidated by him in the least. He had never turned such a look upon her. Only ones of interest.

And desire.

She warmed, feeling his gaze upon her now.

“Shall I bring you something back from the buffet or would you rather accompany me, my lady?” he asked.

“I would like to go and see it. Remember, I have never been to a ball before, much less a supper. Louisa tells me the food looks stupendous and is overflowing.”

He took her hand and placed it upon his sleeve. “If you will excuse us, Lady Adalyn. My lord.”

“Certainly,” her cousin said. “By the time you return, I will have brought Lord Huxley to heel. He will be meek as a lamb and not bother you further, Lord Middlefield.”

“I would appreciate that.”

Spencer led Tessa toward the buffet. Tessa said, “Lord Huxley made you uncomfortable.”

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