Page 14 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

“Well, you being new to the title and all, it would be a place for you to make friends.”

“You think I need friends?” he asked, anger simmering at the valet’s suggestion.

“People will start arriving in droves during the next few weeks. Getting to know a few gentlemen at White’s before the masses arrive might do you some good, my lord. I think it would be nice if going into a ballroom you could catch sight of a friendly face or two.”

He had to admit Rigsby’s advice was sound.

“I suppose I could do so now. Claim my membership. Where is White’s located?”

The valet told him and said, “Your father and brother enjoyed going there.”

“What on earth do you do at a club?” he wondered aloud.

“Read the newspapers. Talk politics. Drink coffee or tea if it’s early. Brandy or whisky if it’s later in the day. Some gentlemen even dine at their clubs on a regular basis.”

“Very well. There are no sessions in Parliament today. I will venture to White’s and see it for myself.”

While he had been fascinated by the arguments he heard in the House of Lords, he had kept himself apart from others, feeling a bit shy and out of sorts at having taken his seat there. He decided meeting a few people in a more social setting might help him come forward in the House and other places, as well. After all, he had no friends in London since those he was closest to were all still out of the country fighting Bonaparte.

Spencer called for his carriage and directed his coachman to travel to St. James’s Street. Once he descended from the carriage, he dismissed the driver, deciding he would walk back. Entering, he was greeted and explained it was his first time to visit the club. Immediately, he was thoroughly welcomed and given a tour of the place. He learned the table directly in front of the large bow window on the ground floor was reserved for the most socially influential members and that he should never sit there unless invited to do so.

What interested him most was a betting book, which he learned was quite famous in Polite Society. He was encouraged to peruse the entries and did so, seeing some of them involved sports but more revolved around political developments. Some were even social bets, where wagers were placed on which gentlemen would wed and to whom. He shuddered, hoping he would never see his name appear in regards to such a bet.

He did notice the name of one woman in the betting book. An Adalyn Goulding. Several pages were devoted to bets placed on whom and when she would wed. Unlike other entries, which were marked when a marriage occurred, it was obvious the lady in question still remained unwed. With such an unusual name, he guessed she must be the daughter of the Earl of Uxbridge and that he would meet her at dinner.

The place was only about a quarter full and he determined it was because of the Season not having started yet. He saw a group of chairs and decided to join the three men sitting there, hoping to introduce himself to at least a few people while here.

Approaching it, he saw one of the gentlemen intently reading a newspaper, while the other two were engaged in conversation.

“Might I join you?” he asked. “I am Lord Middlefield and I am new to White’s and my title.”

The pair halted their conversation and introduced themselves then immediately went back to speaking only to one another. Awkwardly, he sat and caught the third gentleman with graying temples looking at him intently.

Putting aside the newssheet, he said, “It is good to finally meet you, Lord Middlefield. I am your neighbor, Lord Uxbridge.”

Spencer leaned over and offered his hand. “It is most wonderful to meet you, my lord.”

The earl accepted it. “Thank you for your invitation to dine with you tomorrow evening.”

“I hope you will accept it, Lord Uxbridge. I regret having turned down your invitation to do the same when I first arrived in London.”

“We will be there. With no regrets.”

“I must apologize,” Spencer said. “I am new to all of this. A second son who knew from an early age I was destined for the military. I have come from the Continent, where I fought in a regiment associated with Wellington.” He paused. “Joining Polite Society has made me a bit uncomfortable. I wasn’t ready to do so when I received your invitation. I should have declined it with more grace.”

Uxbridge nodded in a fatherly fashion. “You are here now, Middlefield. That is what counts.”

“I first journeyed to Stoneridge, my father’s country estate. I found much to do there. Thankfully, I have a wonderful steward who was a superior tutor and I was able to come to town, knowing things were well in hand under his care.”

The two men talked of their tenants and various crops, along with discussing horses and dogs. Spencer grew more comfortable with the earl after an hour had passed and decided to ask him about his family although he already knew a bit about them from Rigsby.

“I came to town knowing no one but I hope we might become friends, my lord. I look forward to you and your family dining with me. Who might be coming?”

“My wife, naturally. Lady Uxbridge is charming and friendly. She is usually quiet but always seems to blossom whenever we come to town. She has many friends and looks forward to the Season each year. She knows absolutely everyone and is an excellent hostess. Perhaps we can host a small dinner party in your honor and allow you to meet a few others.”

“That would be delightful.”

“Adalyn, my daughter, will also be in attendance. She is our only child and probably a bit spoiled. I am prejudiced in her favor, naturally, but I think she is a beauty who is full of sparkling conversation.”

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