Page 35 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

“How was it, my lady? The lecture?”

“Fine,” she said tersely, giving her hand to the waiting footman, who helped her into the carriage.

Abra followed and sat beside her, followed by the earl.

“I actually did like some of them things,” Abra said. “The animals and the rocks. But I also walked about the neighborhood. Don’t think I was trying to rob anyone, my lady. I’m proud to be your lady’s maid. I’ve left that life behind.”

“I need for you to do better at your position, Abra,” Tessa said. “In the future when you are my chaperone, you are to remain in sight. No more traipsing off on your own. It isn’t proper for me to be seen with Lord Middlefield—or any male—without you accompanying us. Do I make myself clear?” she asked sharply.

Abra’s eyes grew larger. “Yes, my lady. I’m sorry.” She glanced over to the earl and back to Tessa. “He didn’t try anything, did he? Because if he did, I’ll make him pay. He thinks he knows how to throw a punch?” She puffed up. “His lordship ain’t seen nothing. Why, I’ll box his ears and then slam my fist—”

“Enough, Abra,” she said. “Lord Middlefield did nothing untoward,” she lied. “I merely know that I should have had my chaperone with me at all times for propriety’s sake. Is that understood?”

Her maid looked contrite. “Yes, my lady. Don’t you worry. I will stick closer to you than you ever dreamed possible. As if someone glued me to you. You won’t be able to sneeze without me knowing.”

“Thank you,” she said, turning her gaze out the window, not bothering to converse further with either Abra or Lord Middlefield.

They arrived in Mayfair and the earl exited the carriage, helping her and then Abra down.

She turned and said, “Thank you for escorting us to the lecture, my lord.”

“It was my pleasure to have both your company and see the British Museum for the first time. I will plan on making regular visits to it now and in the coming years.”

He offered his arm and she accepted it, allowing him to walk her to the door. It opened before she even knocked, Rainey himself ushering them inside. Tessa turned to tell the earl goodbye, ready to see him gone.

Then the butler said, “Lady Adalyn told me you were expected for tea, my lord. If you will follow me?”

Rainey started up the staircase. Tessa recalled her cousin inviting Lord Middlefield to tea this morning and gritted her teeth.

“Not rid of me yet, I see,” he murmured so softly only she could hear.

“Bloody hell,” she repeated back.

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