Page 83 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

“I am glad you have received our news so well,” she told him.

“When might you wed?” the earl asked. “Will you be the first couple of the Season to marry at St. George’s?”

Spencer quickly said, “We will marry by special license next week.”

“I see,” said Lord Ellington. He smiled broadly again. “My congratulations on both your engagement and marriage.”

By now, the soprano had returned to the room and Tessa gave her attention to the opera singer. She had been so worried about Lord Ellington’s reaction and now realized she never should have been. She was merely one of many women the earl had paid attention to, not only this Season but in others Seasons. Something told her that he hadn’t been as interested in her as he claimed. Instead, he had only thrived on the competition between him and Spencer, brief as it was. Her feminine intuition told Tessa that Lord Ellington would quickly move on to other conquests.

The musicale ended and Lord Ellington bid them a good evening. She and Spencer met up with Adalyn and then her aunt and uncle and returned to the carriage.

As the others entered the vehicle, he quietly said, “I ask that you have nothing more to do with Lord Ellington. It is not jealousy on my part, Tessa, but instinct tells me that he is not to be trusted.”

Knowing his instincts had been keenly honed during his years of battle, she readily agreed. As she settled into the carriage, she promised herself to hold no more conversations with Lord Ellington in the days leading up to her wedding. In fact, she thought about skipping a few of the events she had already agreed to attend in order to have adequate time to prepare for her wedding day.

Tessa slipped her arm through Spencer’s and leaned her head against his shoulder as the horses carried them home, contentment filling her.

When the carriage arrived, she was reluctant to release him. An idea occurred to her, one so naughty that she probably shouldn’t voice it.

She decided to anyway.

As her aunt and uncle and Adalyn bid Spencer goodnight and moved toward the townhouse, Tessa held back.

“I want you,” she said breathlessly. “Tonight.”

Spencer’s look of confusion was priceless.

“Do you mean . . . what I think you mean?” he finally sputtered.

“Yes,” she said, her smile widening. “I want my earl to begin my education tonight.”

“I don’t see how—”

“I will sneak you up to my bedchamber,” she said casually, as if she did this sort of thing on a nightly basis. “Come to the window of Uncle Uxbridge’s study in half an hour. I will unlock it and grant you entrance.”

“But how—”

Tessa placed her gloved fingers against his lips. “No more worrying. Now, go,” she ordered.

He grinned at her, kissing her fingers. “At least let me walk you to the door. Hopefully, that will be the only time I see your footman tonight.”

He did so, pausing as the door swung open. “Goodnight, Tessa,” he said, brushing his lips against her cheek, and then making his farewell.

Tessa’s heart raced, knowing Spencer would soon be in her bed.

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