Page 43 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

He didn’t like the way either of these men looked at her, though. He knew he couldn’t make a public proclamation regarding her, especially when she was already incensed at him, but he would keep a watchful eye on both men.

Especially Ellington. His gut told him the earl was not to be trusted around Tessa.

They spoke of a few of the early events which they had received invitations for and then Wethersby asked Spencer about his time at war. He told a few stories, sanitized versions of what happened, knowing that people who asked for them truly didn’t want to hear about the atrocities of war.

“Are you interested in boxing, Middlefield?” Ellington asked. “I take lessons at Gentleman Jack’s.”

“I don’t see why men need to take lessons in order to learn how to punch another man in the face,” Miss Goulding said. “Boxing seems such a violent sport.”

“Some men come by it naturally,” Tessa remarked. “And need no lessons at all.”

Spencer knew she spoke of him and his striking Abra.

“Well, if you are interested, I’d be happy to show you around,” Ellington said.

“Do you know horses well?” Wethersby asked him.

“I know good horseflesh when I see it,” he replied confidently.

“I could use your advice then. I’m in the market for some new horses. Would you care to accompany me to Tattersalls next Monday when they are open?”

He had wanted to see the famed place and decided to take Wethersby up on the offer.

“I would very much like to go, my lord,” he told the viscount.

“What kind of horses?” Ellington inquired.

“Carriages horses,” Wethersby said.

“I recently bought new horses for my phaeton,” Ellington said. He turned to Tessa. “Have you ever ridden in a phaeton, Lady Tessa?”

“No. I am not certain exactly what that is,” she admitted.

Ellington smiled winningly at her, causing Spencer to seethe inwardly.

“Phaetons are light, open-air carriages with a sporty, high perch,” the earl explained. “No place for a coachman so they are driven by their owners. They travel quickly and take quite a bit of skill to handle. I would happy to introduce you to the vehicle, Lady Tessa. Perhaps I might call on you tomorrow afternoon at three and take you for a ride in Hyde Park if that is agreeable.”

Spencer watched the blush stain her cheeks, willing her to tell Ellington no, but helpless to say anything.

“That would be most interesting, Lord Ellington. Yes, I will go.” Tessa glanced to Lady Adalyn. “My cousin has encouraged me to get out more and try new things. I have spent many years in the country.”

Ellington beamed at her. “Then we certainly need to let you see all the attractions of London.”

The butler announced dinner.

Ellington said, “May I escort you in to dinner, Lady Tessa? I would love to tell you more about my phaeton.” He offered his arm and she took it.

Spencer wanted to slam his fist into Ellington’s perfect nose.

Instead, he turned to Miss Goulding. “May I escort you to dinner, my lady?”

“Yes, you may,” she said, taking his arm.

As they crossed the drawing room, she said, “I heard you accompanied Tessa to the British Museum. And that you had a most interesting time at the Rosetta Stone.”

He was taken aback for a moment, knowing exactly what she referred to.

“She told you about the kiss.”

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