Page 47 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

Adalyn snorted. “Miss Allen is deluded. Lord Middlefield is far too intelligent to become entangled with the likes of her.”

“I agree,” Louisa said. “In fact, I would venture to guess that is why he invited us to go along with them to the lecture. He couldn’t publicly tell her he didn’t want to accompany her. This way, there will be a buffer between them with the three of us.”

“You don’t mind going?” Tessa asked. “I know we hadn’t planned on it.”

“I am all for going,” Adalyn declared. “I didn’t like Miss Allen before and I certainly don’t now.”

“I thought her a tease during her come-out,” Louisa added. “I don’t think she has many friends though she does seem popular with the bachelors.”

The men began joining them and Tessa saw Lord Middlefield entered the room. He made his way directly toward them. Tessa kept her face a blank though she wanted to gloat a bit.

“Since I am the guest of honor, I wonder if you might consider playing the pianoforte for us, Lady Tessa,” the earl said. “I have also heard from Sir Edgar that Miss Goulding has quite the voice.”

Louisa laughed. “Papa brags on me when he can. Singing is one of my few social accomplishments. Tessa usually plays for me.” Her cousin turned toward her. “Would you do so now?”

“I would be happy to.”

“And I will turn the pages for you,” the earl said.

The trio headed toward the pianoforte and Tessa took a seat. Louisa reached into the basket containing sheet music and flipped through it, handing a few pages to Tessa.

“If I may have your attention?” Lord Middlefield called out. Conversation ceased and he said, “Miss Goulding has graciously offered to sing for us tonight and her cousin, Lady Tessa, will accompany her. My expertise involves page turning, no easy skill.”

The guests chuckled as Lord Middlefield took a seat on the bench next to Tessa. Once again, she didn’t truly need him turning the pages. The piece was one she had frequently played for Louisa.

But she wasn’t going to ask him to get up and leave. Not when she glanced up and saw Miss Allen glaring daggers at her.

Turning to the earl, she smiled sweetly. “Thank you for offering to turn the pages.”

He gave her a knowing look. “I didn’t think you needed my services but I thought to offer since I think if I weren’t seated here, I might be stalked.”

“Ah, so you are aware of Miss Allen’s interest in you, my lord?”

His lips twitched in amusement. “You better start playing, Tessa.”

This time, she didn’t correct him using her name. She glanced at Louisa, who nodded, and Tessa struck the first chord.

With pleasure.

*

Spencer looked forwardto rearranging Lord Ellington’s pretty nose on his pretty face.

Sparring in a boxing ring would be the perfect excuse.

He thought the earl far too good-looking and much too confident. Especially when it came to Tessa. Not only had Ellington asked Tessa to drive with him in the park today but Spencer had watched him linger over her hand when Ellington said his goodbyes last night. As the honored guest, he had remained with the family and saw everyone off. Lord Ellington had held Tessa’s hand far too long before lowering his lips to it and kissing her fingers.

He would think of that gesture when he smashed his fist into Ellington’s face.

“I assume last night’s dinner party was a success,” said Rigsby.

“I believe so,” he replied. “I met my neighbors who have arrived on the square and will be visiting Tattersalls next week with Lord Wethersby.”

“And Lady Tessa?” inquired the valet.

“She was present. Looking lovely in midnight blue.”

“Any plans today, my lord?”

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