Page 70 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

“Lord Middlefield has said a few things to me that make me believe he might be different from my first impression.”

“Well, he is as handsome as sin,” Abra declared, “and an earl, to boot. That would be enough for me. Do you know how much land he owns?” the maid asked. “Or anything about how much money he has?”

“I don’t. I don’t care to know any of that. I am more interested in his character.”

Abra nodded sagely. “You’re a special one, my lady,” the servant declared. “I doubt many women in society would think as you do.”

The servant moved toward the wardrobe. “I think today we should choose the pale yellow, don’t you?”

Tessa nodded absent-mindedly, her thoughts centering once again on Spencer. She continued thinking about him the rest of the morning. Adalyn came to Tessa’s bedchamber and encouraged her to come downstairs to the drawing room to see what was there.

The moment Tessa entered, her nostrils were invaded by the sweet smell emanating from the many bouquets scattered about the room.

“Some are for me,” Adalyn pointed out. “The large majority are for you, however,” her cousin stated. “It seems you made quite an impression on a good number of gentlemen.”

She walked about the room, looking at the various bouquets, seeing cards attached to them. She read each one, trying to picture the gentleman who had sent it as she did so. It did not surprise her that the largest arrangement came from Lord Ellington. While he interested her, she did not believe he had the depth that Spencer possessed. She also recalled Spencer’s warning of Lord Ellington being a rogue and found herself souring on him.

After viewing all the flowers in the room, she realized Spencer had not sent any. She tried to swallow the pang of disappointment. Then she realized he might not even know it was custom to send a bouquet to a lady in order to show his interest in her. He had no mother or sisters who could have spoken of the practice to him. He had never attended a singletonevent. All his friends were still away at war. Sympathy filled her, thinking how alone he truly was.

Their callers arrived in batches, some there to visit her while others came to see Adalyn. Before they arrived, Tessa had asked her cousin if any one gentleman stood out from the crowd last night. Adalyn had shaken her head and turned away. Tessa desperately hoped Adalyn could find happiness with the right man, hopefully this Season. For a moment, she questioned herself, once again thinking Adalyn might make a better match for Spencer than she did.

Spencer arrived at the tail end of calling hours. She had feared he wouldn’t come at all and instead wait until it was time to drive through Hyde Park together. After the butler announced his arrival, Tessa watched him enter the drawing room, his eyes sweeping over it. A dull flush settled on his cheeks as he realized the faux pas he had made. Quickly, he turned and exited the room.

Excusing herself, Tessa went after him. She hurried down the long corridor, trying to catch up to him, but his long stride had him reach the staircase long before she did. She bunched her skirts in her hands, raising them some, and began to run after him. She reached the staircase and hurried down the first flight, seeing him turn in front of her.

“Spencer!” she called out, aware she used his first name and not his title.

He paused on the landing, looking over his shoulder, and gave her a crooked smile. He waited as she scampered down the flight of stairs, pausing on the last step, looking him directly in the eyes.

“Why are you leaving?” she asked. “Please tell me it is not over some silly flower arrangement.”

His eyes darkened. “Or lack of a bouquet?” he asked. “I had no idea it was the expected practice to send flowers. I know now and was leaving to remedy that fact.”

Her heart quickened. His words revealed he had not called on any other woman that afternoon, else he would have seen bouquets when he had arrived there.

Boldly, she reached for his hand and took it. As always, being near and even touching him, flooded her with warmth.

“Please, return to the drawing room with me,” she begged. “I don’t need flowers from you.” She swallowed, her gaze direct. “I only need you,” she whispered, and then added, “your company, that is.”

He gave her one of his rare smiles, which always seemed to touch her heart.

“If you insist,” he said.

She turned to go but he held her hand tightly, pulling her back until she faced him.

“Thank you,” he said softly. “For coming after me. For pretending you aren’t disappointed that I was too ill-mannered to realize I was supposed to send you flowers.”

Tessa gazed into his eyes, losing herself in their green depths. “I meant what I said,” she said firmly. “Your company is more than enough for me.” She gave him a smile. “I look forward to our drive in the park this afternoon. I hope you will stay and take tea with us. It would be foolish for you to leave and return home, simply to return an hour later.”

His thumb stroked the underside of her wrist, causing Tessa to catch her breath. She felt her lips tingle, wanting to kiss him right here. It took all her self-discipline not to fling herself at him.

“Come along,” she said brightly, her voice trembling.

Spencer released her hand and accompanied her back to the drawing room. They joined the two gentlemen she had abandoned and she thanked Adalyn for keeping them entertained during her absence. At the moment, Tessa could not remember either of their names. All her thoughts centered on Spencer and what his touch did to her.

The two callers made their departure, leaving Spencer the only visitor in the drawing room. Tessa looked to her aunt, who had been sitting in a corner of the room with her needlework, acting as chaperone for both Adalyn and Tessa.

“I have asked Lord Middlefield to stay for tea if that is all right with you, Aunt,” she said. “We are to drive in the park afterward and I thought it would be convenient if he remained.”

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