Page 71 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

Her aunt set aside the needlepoint and rose, giving Spencer a warm smile. “We would be delighted to entertain you at tea, my lord. It should arrive any moment—as well as Uxbridge. I know he will be glad to see you.”

At that moment, her uncle entered the drawing room. He sniffed once in disgust and joined them.

Looking at Spencer, her uncle said, “I hide in my study afternoons during the Season,” he explained. “I dislike the smell of all these flowers and I dislike all these young bucks invading my home even more.”

Adalyn went and slipped her arm through her father’s. “Oh, Papa, you say this every year.”

“If you would wed, then all these visitors could be at your house with you and your husband,” he said gruffly. “And my home would be my own once more.”

“Wouldn’t you miss me, Papa?”

“You could always come visit. I hope you will do so often, my child, once you are wed and gone.”

Tessa saw the sadness on her cousin’s face and wanted to dispel it. Adalyn was one of the kindest people she knew. She couldn’t understand why Adalyn couldn’t seem to find a husband. Knowing her cousin wanted a love match and would settle for nothing less, she prayed it would happen soon.

The teacart arrived and her uncle pointed out all his favorites to Spencer, insisting that he try each one. It pleased Tessa that he humored Uncle Uxbridge, another point in Spencer’s favor. She somehow doubted Lord Ellington would be as patient with the older man.

“It is time the two of you leave,” her aunt said. “Else the park will be so full you won’t even be able to drive your carriage through it.”

“My phaeton, actually,” Spencer said.

“We are to ride in a phaeton?” Tessa asked.

He grinned. “I found that I actually owned one. Took it out yesterday to get a feel for it. If you are willing to place your hands in those of a novice, we can use it. If not, my curricle is available to us.”

She would never tell him he did everything well merely to keep his ego in check, believing he would handle the vehicle as superbly as he seemed to do everything else.

“If you experience any difficulties, I will take the reins,” she proclaimed.

Everyone laughed and Spencer rose, offering her his hand. She placed hers in his, her heart skipping a beat as she did so.

“Will we see you at tonight’s musicale, my lord?” Adalyn asked. “At Lord and Lady Rexford’s?”

Spencer looked down at her. “Are you planning to attend?”

Tessa nodded.

“I will be there,” he confirmed. “Shall we depart, Lady Tessa?”

Leading her downstairs, she saw Abra awaited with Tessa’s bonnet and reticule.

“I brought a shawl, my lady, but the afternoon’s warmed up and I don’t think you’ll need it.”

“I’ll take it all the same,” she told the maid. “I would better be prepared than cold.”

As she turned, she caught Spencer eyeing her and she grew warm all over.

“On second thought, you are right, Abra. I think I will leave the shawl behind.”

After all, she would be seated next to the earl, who seemed to radiate heat like a furnace.

Abra placed the bonnet on Tessa’s head and she tied the ribbons in place before accepting her reticule.

“Lead the way, my lord,” she told Spencer.

They left the townhouse and she saw the gleaming phaeton standing next to the pavement. An elegant pair of solid black horses were attached to it. It surprised her how large the wheels were and how very little of the actual carriage there was.

“This is rather grand,” she commented.

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