Page 60 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

Then she asked him about burial customs and the differences in items carved upon tombs when it came to men and women. She referenced several instances, one from a previous lecture he had given and others in regard to various antiquities on display in the British Museum itself.

Spencer was surprised at the depth of Tessa’s knowledge but he shouldn’t have been. She had proven herself to be bright and inquisitive. He actually was a bit proud of her as gentlemen throughout the room murmured, discussing her question amongst themselves as Pilson took a moment to collect his thoughts.

Then the scholar answered her at length and concluded with, “I am used to questions, my lady, but not one so thoughtful. I would like to speak to you when this session concludes.”

“Of course, Mr. Pilson,” Tessa said brightly.

Only two other gentlemen asked a question afterward and, soon, Mr. Smithson appeared again, thanking both the speaker and the audience for their time, encouraging everyone to visit the Roman wing of the British Museum and see examples of the objects Mr. Pilson had discussed with them.

Applause erupted again and Pilson nodded bashfully. Then audience members rose and began making their way from the lecture hall.

Lady Adalyn leaned out and said, “Tessa, a remarkable question. It even interested me and you know I find everything in this museum to be dull.”

“I am just glad that you were able to make the lecture,” Tessa told her cousin. “I was worried you would not arrive in time.”

Tessa rose, as did Adalyn, and the others followed suit, all filing from the row in which that sat.

“How did the dress fitting go?” asked Tessa.

Lady Adalyn said, “I am very pleased and the remainder of my gowns will be delivered by tomorrow. Not only mine but the last of yours, as well. I am glad we will have received our entire wardrobe before the Season begins.”

Miss Allen said, “What? You haveeverygown you have commissioned?”

Lady Adalyn gave the younger woman a superior smile. “Yes, of course. Louisa and I always have all our gowns readied by Season’s start. It took a bit longer this year simply because Tessa was also part of the order of Madame Chevalier.”

“Madame Chevalier!” Miss Allen exclaimed. “Why, she is the most sought after modiste in all of London.” She turned to Tessa. “How did you, a nobody from the country, wind up becoming one of Madame Chevalier’s exclusive clients?”

The chit’s words riled Spencer but he decided this was a battle Tessa could fight adequately with both hands tied behind her back.

As expected, Tessa smiled sweetly and said, “It was nothing of my doing. My mother was a client of Madame Chevalier’s, going back to her own come-out. Madame was more than happy to take me on because she had enjoyed working so much with Mama all those years ago and throughout her marriage. Until her passing.” She paused. “I did need a good amount of everything, especially since I had no gowns created for me for several years. My wardrobe was sadly lacking.”

Miss Allen had no response and merely huffed her displeasure. She looked to Spencer and said, “It is time we leave, my lord,” and possessively slipped her arm through his.

“We must wait first for Lady Tessa to have a word with Mr. Pilson as he requested.”

The group spoke of the upcoming ball hosted by Lord and Lady Healey, which would open the Season, and then Mr. Pilson appeared.

“Might I know your name, my lady?” he asked.

“I am Lady Tessa Foster. My father was Lord Paxton and he brought me to the British Museum from the time I was quite young.”

“Ah, that tells me why you were so interested in Roman antiquities and displayed a vast knowledge of them. I used to correspond with Lord Paxton for several years regarding archeological artifacts.” The scholar frowned. “He never answered my final letter and I heard that he had suffered an attack of apoplexy. Is he still with us, my lady?”

Tessa shook her head sadly. “No, Mr. Pilson. He has gone to join my mother in Heaven.”

“My sympathies, Lady Tessa. Perhaps you and I could take up where your father and I left off and continue the discussions.”

Tessa smiled warmly at the man. “I would be happy to correspond with you, Mr. Pilson. It will be an honor. In fact, why don’t you come to tea tomorrow? You can meet my aunt and uncle and we can talk about how you knew my father.”

“I would be delighted to do so, my lady.”

Tessa gave the scholar Lord Uxbridge’s address in Mayfair and Spencer, who had done his best to keep from squirming uncomfortably because of Miss Allen glued to his side, now offered Tessa his arm.

“Shall we return to my carriage?” he asked.

“Thank you,” she said, taking his arm.

The group returned to Spencer’s coach and everyone but Miss Allen contributed to the conversation on their way home. His carriage pulled up in front of Lord Uxbridge’s townhouse and they began spilling from it. Miss Allen was the last to depart the vehicle and she smiled up at Spencer.

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