Page 88 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

The earl finally rose, a bit unsteady on his feet. Then he launched himself at Spencer, delivering a series of blows everywhere. Jabs to his face. Cross punches. Uppercuts. He tried to turn his face when he could and stiffen his chest but Ellington managed a good deal of damage. Spencer knew a few ribs had to be broken, along with his nose, blood pouring down his front. He ached mightily.

Ellington withdrew, shaking his hands. Even with the protection of the gloves, the man’s hands had to be hurting from the punishing blows he had used to connect to Spencer’s face and torso.

All the fight had gone out of Spencer. He dangled from the men’s hold on him, barely able to lift his head as Ellington came near again. When it fell, Ellington grabbed a fistful of Spencer’s hair and raised his head.

Ellington’s fury was evident as he spoke, spittle flying from his mouth.

“You are a no one. You had no right to swoop in and claim Lady Tessa. She will be mine. Not yours.Mine.”

With that declaration, Ellington smashed his fist into Spencer’s face, anger delivering the blow. His sight grew dim and he collapsed totally, only held up by the two ruffians on either side of him. Spencer fought to remain conscious, worried what might happen if he passed out.

“Finish him off,” Ellington commanded. “I want him beaten to death. Make him feel every blow. Do it quickly, though. Daylight will break soon.”

“Can we have his horse?”

“Yes. And anything he carries on him. You know where to meet tonight. You will receive the remainder of your payment then.”

With that, Ellington stalked off, climbing into his carriage.

One man released Spencer and he wanted to fight back but the other captor pinned his arms behind his back. Blows rained down upon him and he grew weak, even as he heard a shriek in the distance.

His head dropped. He gasped, taking a breath from his mouth, his nose too clogged with blood to allow air through.

His last conscious thought was of Tessa.

*

Tessa awoke, abit sore but feeling more alive than she ever had.

All because of Spencer.

She decided if being wanton meant she pleased her husband-to-be, then she would remain wanton for all time. She rose, stretching her hands high over her head, her thoughts turning to wicked things she wished to try with him tonight.

Or not. Another ball was scheduled to take place this evening. If it were anything like the last one, they wouldn’t even dine until midnight and then the dancing would continue afterward. Last time, it had been after three when she had arrived home. Perhaps she could claim a headache and skip the event altogether, spending hours with Spencer in her bed.

Grinning, she dressed quickly, wanting to walk since she had missed doing so yesterday. Just before she left her bedchamber, Abra appeared, shaking her head.

“I thought you’d get it into your head to get up and walk this morning, my lady. It’s a good thing I came to check on you else you would’ve left without me.”

The maid paused, studying her a moment. “You seem in awfully good spirits.”

Guilt caused Tessa’s cheeks to flush. “Why do you say that? I haven’t even said a word until now.”

Abra took a step forward and sniffed. “You’ve been kissing Lord Middlefield.” The servant paused. “Or doing more than kissing him. I can smell him on you.”

“Can you truly?” she asked worriedly.

“A bit. We’ll have you wash up before your breakfast. Lord Uxbridge won’t suspect a thing. Never you worry, my lady. Come, let us get in the walk you are so insistent upon taking.”

The two went down the stairs and out the front door, greeting the footman still on duty from last night. As they stepped onto the pavement, Tessa heard the echo of hooves sounding and quickly looked to her right, catching sight of Spencer riding from the square.

“I hate that I missed him,” she said and then brightened. “We can go to Hyde Park. I am certain that is where he’s gone to ride. We might catch him there or even on his way back.”

“And what might you wish to do if we do catch up to his lordship?” Abra asked, a sly smile turning up the corners of her mouth.

“Why, kiss him, of course!”

Tessa began laughing and Abra joined in.

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