Page 64 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

Once her programme was filled, she and Adalyn continued speaking to several people. Louisa joined them, looking wonderful in a pale pink gown. Adalyn kept them moving and they visited two different groups of women. Louisa even told Tessa it would be good for her to make female friends beyond her cousins.

Though the names blurred, Tessa did like a few of the women she met and hoped to pursue a friendship with some of them.

The musicians began tuning their instruments, signaling the ball was about to open. Adalyn’s partner came to claim her and her cousin told Tessa to have fun tonight. Moments later, Lord Ellington joined her. The earl’s nose looked slightly swollen and the shadow of a fading bruise rested along his jaw. Otherwise, he appeared as handsome as ever.

“Ah, Lady Tessa,” he said, his gaze sweeping across her admiringly. “You are a vision in this blue. I am the luckiest man at the ball to be able to claim you for this first dance. I assume you kept it open for me.”

“You asked and I did so, my lord,” she told him, suddenly disappointed in him for offering to spar with Lord Middlefield without informing the earl what a talented boxer he was. Though Ellington was handsome, what did that say about his character? She had told Adalyn that is what she was interested in yet had been dazzled by Lord Ellington’s good looks.

His eyes gleamed and he said, “I suppose you have no other vacancies on your programme.”

“I do not,” Tessa told him, glad that her programme had been filled since Louisa had shared that dancing with a man more than once in a single evening allowed thetonto know you considered that gentleman to be a serious suitor.

“I suppose that is Lady Adalyn’s doing. She is certainly looking after you,” Lord Ellington noted. “Here, let me escort you to the dance floor.”

He offered his arm and they moved toward where the lines were forming for the first dance. Relief filled her, knowing it would be a country dance. She wondered when the waltz would be played this evening and who her partner might be for that number.

As they made their way toward the middle, Lord Ellington said, “I do apologize for missing our trip to the park. Pressing business, you know,” he added.

Tessa knew the earl fibbed to her but she never would have called him out on it. She supposed he had been humiliated enough by his defeat at the hands of Lord Middlefield. She had heard talk of the bout at different places they had gone during the past week and even seen an item in the newspaper regarding the incident. She was certain Lord Ellington had not missed seeing it, especially being holed up while his bruises healed.

Tessa lost herself in the dance, feeling the utter freedom it brought. The long years of being in the sickroom and her mourning period melted away as she went from partner to partner, enjoying herself immensely. Each time, her partner returned her to Adalyn and Louisa. Tessa supposed Adalyn had instructed them to do so and after every dance, Adalyn asked, “How was it? How was he?”

Tessa had repeatedly said it was hard to judge a man while dancing, moving about the floor so quickly, conversation almost impossible. However, several had asked to call upon her tomorrow, including Lord Ellington. At first, the earl had pressed for her to go driving with him in his phaeton tomorrow afternoon. Tessa knew not to accept his invitation, however. Adalyn had drilled into her that the day after a ball was when suitors came calling and she must always be home and available for those set hours. If a man asked her to drive in the park, she should only agree to do so after tea since the fashionable hour to be seen was from five to six.

Disappointingly, Lord Ellington had not asked for them to drive then but rather go at two o’clock. Tessa had refused him without giving a reason. At least he had asked to call tomorrow afternoon. She was interested in getting to know him a bit better, not wanting to judge him too quickly. She also wouldn’t mind furthering her acquaintance with Lord Wethersby. He had been most pleasant, both at the dinner honoring Lord Middlefield and during their outing to the British Museum. They would dance the final number of the evening.

As she returned to her cousins after the most recent dance, Adalyn informed her, “This next time is the supper dance and you know after you dance it, your partner will be your companion for the supper itself. Would you care to dine with me? Lord Huxley has asked me to be his partner and he is always immense fun.” A shadow crossed her face. “Even though I don’t think he will settle down until his father passes on and the title is his.”

Tessa said, “I will be happy to tell my next partner of your invitation.” She glanced down at her card and her heart stopped.

Lord Middlefield was her next partner.

Tessa glanced up and saw him coming through the crowd, looking distinguished and by far the most handsome man in the ballroom tonight.

He reached her and said, “I hope you have enjoyed yourself this evening, my lady. Shall we?”

With that, he led her onto the dance floor. This time, no lines or squares formed. Fear struck her.

This was to be a waltz. She would be waltzing with Lord Middlefield. In his arms. Next to him.

Her mouth grew dry. Jitters overwhelmed her and she trembled.

“Is something wrong?” he asked, concern knitting his brows. “If you are overtired, we can sit out the dance and allow you to rest.”

Tessa shook her head. She was not going to be a coward. She was going to dance the waltz. Despite who her partner was.

Something told her he would dance splendidly.

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