Page 82 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

“He’s not going to be happy once the announcement is made,” her fiancé noted.

She glanced up at him and said, “I don’t care about Lord Ellington’s mood. I am interested in our happiness alone.” She gave Spencer a smile.

He returned it and led her to what had been designated as the supper room, leading her to the table where her uncle and aunt sat.

As Tessa took a seat, Uncle Uxbridge said, “I have spoken to Lord Rexford and he is more than happy to have me announce your betrothal at the end of supper this evening.”

Instead of the buffet from the previous night, footmen appeared and placed plates in front of them, with another footman coming by to fill their wine glasses. Tessa soon was caught up in the conversation at the table, though she ignored the stares of Lord Ellington. She sensed his eyes on her during the entire supper and did not want to draw attention to this fact, although she believed Spencer was more than aware of it.

Lord Rexford, who sat at the table next to theirs, stood, glass in hand, and tapped a spoon upon it. The sound signaled for those in the room to cease speaking.

Lord Rexford smiled broadly and said, “I am delighted to introduce to you my good friend, Lord Uxbridge. He has an announcement of importance to make.”

Tessa watched as her uncle rose, all eyes upon him.

“I am fortunate to have both a brother and a sister,” he began. “The three of us were always close. Though my beloved sister has passed away, I am blessed to have her only child, Lady Tessa Foster, as my niece. Tonight, I am delighted to announce Lady Tessa’s betrothal to the Earl of Middlefield.”

Uncle Uxbridge raised his glass and toasted, “To the happy couple!”

The entire room took up their wine glasses and echoed his words. She sensed every eye on her and Spencer as the room began buzzing.

Spencer leaned close and in her ear said, “We will be deluged with well-wishers now.”

His lips grazed her lobe as he spoke and she could only think of this being one of those many places she wanted him to kiss her.

“Shall we go and face the others, my love?” he asked, helping Tessa to her feet.

They moved about the supper room, greeted by all with happy wishes upon their betrothal. A few asked about the wedding and when it would be held. All she committed to was telling others that it would be soon. To her, their wedding would be a private affair, with no details for consumption by theton.

Lord Rexford began ushering his guests back to the ballroom for the last of the musicale and as they moved in that direction, their paths crossed with her uncle and his wife. Tessa recalled Lady Paxton’s last words to her and decided being polite but brief with this woman would have its advantages.

A brief silence ensued and then Lord Paxton said to Spencer, “I offer you my heartiest congratulations, Lord Middlefield. You, as well, dear Tessa.”

Tessa felt Spencer tense and he said quickly, “You are Lord and Lady Paxton?”

Her uncle nodded, while Lady Paxton oozed hostility.

Then Spencer said, “You wanted nothing to do with Tessa. You tossed her from her home. You did not care for her welfare. As far as I am concerned, you do not exist.”

He led Tessa away, but not before she saw the startedOformed by Lady Paxton’s mouth.

“I cannot believe you said that to them.”

Spencer looked down at her. “Are you upset by my actions/”

“On the contrary, I applaud them. You wanted to be my champion from the first moment we met—and I believe you will continue to champion me as long as I draw a breath.” She gazed at him lovingly. “And I adore you for it.”

He smiled sheepishly and then said, “If we were not in public, I would kiss you. Hard Frequently. And,” with a gleam in his eyes, “not always on the mouth.’

She shivered in delight. “I anticipate I will enjoy those kisses,” she said, batting her eyelashes seductively at him.

Spencer laughed heartily as he led her back to their original seats. It surprised her when Lord Ellington joined them again. She thought he might have had the decency to leave them in peace.

The earl took his seat next to her and gave them both a friendly smile. “You are a sly devil, Middlefield,” Lord Ellington said. “You moved rather quickly, taking the most eligible woman off the Marriage Mart. I suppose I have learned a valuable lesson in this.” He paused, gazing intently at Tessa. “And that is when I know I want something, I should move with all haste to possess it.”

Lord Ellington settled back into his chair and added, “I hope we can all remain friendly.”

Tessa had not been friends with him and Spencer certainly had not been friends with Lord Ellington but she was pleased that it seemed there was no animosity on his part.

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