Page 50 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

“I was still itching for the title, however, and returned six years into my retirement. That is the title bout that made me famous.”

“Ellington told me of this fight with Daniel Mendoza.”

“Mendoza was a good chap. He was the first English Jew to hold the boxing title. I decided I had met my goals and could only get hurt worse as time progressed so I called it quits again the next year and retired. That meant giving up my title. Thomas Owen was the champion who followed me. I settled in here. I have rooms above the boxing academy. Now, I charge an enormous amount of money to teach men of thetonhow to box.”

Jackson finished windingthe long strips of leather around Spencer’s hands as he finished speaking.

“You’re set to go, my lord.”

Lord Ellington entered the dressing room. “Good morning, Jack,” he said breezily. “I see you are taking good care of my friend.”

“Yes, Lord Middlefield is ready to warm up his muscles. I’ll take him out on the floor and you can join us when you’re ready, my lord.”

As they left and returned to the academy, Jackson said, “He’ll want the gloves to come off after you’ve sparred a bit. Only do so if you know you can take him, Lord Middlefield. Ellington is a clever man and a talented boxer. Do not underestimate him. And remember—bareknuckle boxing is all about the power of the punch.”

“I understand.”

They went to a punching bag and Spencer threw several punches at it. Jackson had him roll his shoulders, rotating them both forward and backward. He also had him stretch, touching his toes and pulling on Spencer’s arms before allowing him back at the bag. As he struck it, he pictured Ellington’s face.

“That’s enough,” Jackson said. “You don’t want to waste all your efforts on a bag which can’t fight back. Your acquaintance looks as if he’s ready.”

The two moved toward Lord Ellington, who danced from one foot to the other.

“Ready, Middlefield?”

“I am if you are,” he said.

They went to one of the empty squares and when a man whom Spencer assumed was employed as an instructor or umpire came toward them, Gentleman Jack waved him off.

“I’ll handle this,” he said.

Spencer stepped into the designated area, along with Ellington. Several bystanders drifted their way in order to watch the two men spar. Gentleman Jack laid down a few basic rules and backed away, allowing the men to begin.

Immediately, Ellington assumed the guard position he had spoken of, his fists coming up, one arm slightly in front of the other. Then he began dancing about. It was obvious the earl had good balance and was comfortable. Spencer decided to make him more so.

By pretending his right hand was his dominant one.

It was a bit underhanded but by no means illegal. Spencer put up his hands as well, moving about in a similar fashion to Ellington. He had never used as much footwork before in his limited brawls and decided perhaps a few lessons with Jackson in the future might be wise.

They sparred for a good ten minutes, Ellington getting in more punches to Spencer than he would have liked. His opponent had good speed and used his hands well. Spencer thought his timing was better, though, and would be even more so once he lulled Ellington into complacency and then began using his dominant hand.

After another five minutes, Gentleman Jack called for a break. Each man, with help, guzzled down a mug of cider. Spencer wiped his mouth with his forearm since the boxing gloves prevented him from doing anything else.

“Would you consider taking off the gloves for a bit, Middlefield?” Lord Ellington asked affably.

“Why not?”

As Gentleman Jack unwound Spencer’s gloves, more men began moving toward them, and he heard a few begin to call out wagers. One gentleman signaled to one of the academy’s employees and a pencil and paper were produced. Bets were quickly written down.

“From the buzz, I gather it is not my name which is preferred,” he said with a wry smile.

“No, “Jackson agreed. “Everyone here has seen Lord Ellington box, both with and without his gloves. I told you, my lord, that Ellington is most capable.”

Spencer met the man’s gaze. “You also told me not to remove my gloves unless I thought I could take him.” Determination filled him. “I can. And will.”

“Just don’t think of that pretty lady that has caused the animosity between you,” the former boxer warned. “Visions of her dancing in your head will lead to a good bruising and possibly being knocked out.”

“I have a trick up my sleeve,” he promised. When he saw Jackson’s look of consternation, he said, “Nothing illegal, I assure you. Your academy’s reputation will remain spotless. Lord Ellington, however, will pay the price for underestimating me.”

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