Page 19 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

“Will you be searching for a husband?” he asked.

She sensed the heat filling her cheeks. “That is a very personal question, my lord.”

He shrugged. “It seems my manners are a bit rough around the edges. Time at war will do that to a man. Forgive me if I overstepped. I will say that I am looking for a bride. I was told that was what the Season is all about. It is the only reason I referenced it, my lady.”

Her blush deepened. “The first rule of thetonis that everyone knows what is going on—and yet everyone talks around it,” she said lightly. “While unmarried ladies and gentlemen might be seeking a betrothed, it is not commonly referred to. And when it happens, everyone acts totally surprised.”

Middlefield laughed, rich and deep, causing her spine to tingle. “So, I am to look but pretend I amnotlooking for a wife. Do I have that correct?”

They all chuckled and Adalyn said, “That about sums it up, my lord.”

He smiled, the first time he had done so, and Tessa caught her breath. His smile was like a lantern piercing the dark, lighting up everything around it.

A smile like that could be very dangerous.

Tessa decided she should avoid the man—and his winsome smile.

The rest of the dinner passed quickly, with the talk lively. When it came time for the men to sip on their port, the earl said, “I know it is customary for the men to have at their port. I would hate to neglect you ladies, though, and suggest we all adjourn to the drawing room.”

“That is very thoughtful, my lord,” her aunt said, approval in her eyes. “Perhaps the young ladies might entertain us.”

“Not me,” Adalyn said firmly. “I haven’t touched the pianoforte’s keys in months. Tessa is the one who should play. She practices daily and plays divinely.”

They rose and Middlefield said, “Might I escort you to my pianoforte, Lady Tessa? I would enjoy hearing you play.” He offered her his arm.

Her pulse quickened. Her belly flip-flopped. “Certainly, my lord,” she said, hoping her words didn’t sound as breathless to him as they did to her as she placed her hand on his sleeve. A giddiness filled her, unlike any feeling she had known. She swallowed hard, wanting to tamp down whatever was rumbling within her.

As they left the dining room, he asked, “Why do you practice so much?”

“Because I couldn’t for many years,” she replied. “As my cousin mentioned, my mother fell ill and then my father did. I spent most of my days and a good many hours each night in their sickrooms. I had no time for frivolity. Though I love music, it was no longer a priority.”

“It is admirable for you to have nursed them as you did. Do you enjoy living with your aunt and uncle?”

“Very much so. Adalyn and I are more like sisters than cousins. Our other cousin, Louisa, is only a year younger than we are. We were extremely close growing up. Unfortunately, I did not get to see them for several years since I remained in the country. It is good to make up for lost time now.”

They reached the drawing room and he took her to the pianoforte. He looked around a moment and said, “I know there is some sheet music here somewhere.”

Before she could tell him she could play any number of pieces by heart, he said, “I am fond of Haydn and Beethoven. Perhaps you might play some of their work. Ah, here.” He held up several sheets. “I know there must be something of theirs here. I can turn the pages for you.”

Tessa sat on the bench and he joined her a moment later, placing the sheets in front of her. She had never sat so close to a man before who wasn’t a relative. She felt the brush of his dark wool coat against her bare upper arm. Smelled the spice of his shaving soap. Felt the warmth emanating from him as his side pressed against hers. It all made her grow dizzy. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply and blowing the breath out slowly to calm herself. It wouldn’t do to be thinking of the man sitting next to her and having her fingers trip over themselves, especially after Adalyn had praised her so highly.

“Is this selection one you are familiar with?” he asked.

She glanced at the opening measures and recognized Haydn’s work. “Yes, I can play this for you, my lord.”

“Good.” The one word was a rumble low in his chest, causing the blood to rush to her ears, pounding so loudly she thought she might go deaf.

Another deep breath. In. Out. She laced her fingers together and cracked the knuckles, knowing her aunt would wince.

“Must you, Tessa, dear?” her aunt asked.

“It does help,” she assured and then glanced at his lordship, whose lips turned up in a conspiratorial smile.

Placing her fingers on the keys, she began to play. It was a piece she knew by heart and she felt the music began to fill her soul. She was aware when the earl turned a page but it didn’t throw her. Instead, she reveled in his very nearness and played for him alone. When she finished and lifted her hands from the keys, she heard his quick intake of breath.

“That was marvelous,” he said, so low only she could hear. “You play beautifully.” He smiled wryly and looked over his shoulder. “Lady Tessa is most talented. I am sorry the pianoforte is so out of tune.”

Glancing back at her, he said, “I won’t ask you to play again until I have had someone in to tune the instrument. I suppose no one has played it in a very long time.”

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