Page 61 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

“My lord, would you like to come in for tea?” she asked softly so that the others could not overhear the invitation.

Somehow, Tessa did, though, and flashed him a smile. Ignoring what Miss Allen said, Tessa said brightly, “Thank you again for accepting my uncle’s invitation to tea today, Lord Middlefield. I know Uncle is looking forward to just the two of you discussing crop rotation.”

He couldn’t help but smile at her quick thinking. “Yes, Lord Uxbridge has some very specific ideas that he wishes to share with me regarding not only crop rotation but a new method of harvesting.”

He glanced back to Miss Allen and said, “I am sorry. I have a prior engagement. Perhaps another time.”

Before she could name another time, putting him on the spot, Spencer added, “Lord Wethersby, would you escort Miss Allen back to her father’s house since I am to have tea with Lord Uxbridge now?”

Wethersby nodded agreeably. “It would be my privilege to do so, Miss Allen.”

The viscount said goodbye to the others and Spencer saw Miss Allen takes Wethersby’s arm. He thought she would be wearing a sour look on her face but, instead, she beamed at Lord Wethersby. Spencer supposed she thought to make him jealous. He hoped Wethersby was smart enough to stay far away from Miss Allen now—and in the future.

Lady Adalyn and Miss Goulding moved toward the townhouse, leaving Spencer alone with Tessa for a moment.

“Thank you for coming to my rescue, Tessa. Might I ask why you did so?”

She chuckled. “It was the least I could do, my lord. Miss Allen is simply awful to be around. It was bad enough that I wasn’t able to sit between the two of you during the lecture. I simply couldn’t have you suffer further by wasting an entire teatime in her presence.”

He felt his cheeks flush. “That was most uncomfortable,” he said gruffly, hoping that Tessa’s actions might be because she cared for him. At least a little bit. He added, “Am I really invited to tea—or will I walk into the foyer and walk back out a moment later?”

Tessa’s eyes danced with mischief. “We can’t have you doing that,” she proclaimed. “Your carriage needs to be in front of my uncle’s townhouse at least a good hour. Come along. You might as well be given tea while you wait.”

Spencer took her hand and tucked it through the crook of his arm. As they mounted the stairs to head to the drawing room, he decided it had been a very good day.

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