Page 89 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

“Oh, it does seem you have it bad, my lady.”

She giggled, feeling girlish and lighthearted. “I do, don’t I? Come Abra, let’s go.”

They set off at a brisk pace toward Hyde Park, which was only blocks away. While she knew Spencer would arrive long before they did, she hoped to see him on his return from the park, if only for a few minutes.

They left the streets of London and entered the eastern side of the park. It looked incredibly different at this time of day, deserted as opposed to how congested it had been when she was last here with Spencer.

“Do you know where his lordship rides?” Abra asked.

“I believe Rotten Row. Do you know where that is, Abra?”

“I do, my lady. It’s along the south side.” A sheepish grin graced the maid’s face. “I might have even nicked a bob or two there.”

“Those days are far behind you, Abra,” Tessa proclaimed. “You are now an elegant lady’s maid, soon to be lady’s maid to the Countess of Middlefield.”

“That sounds so grand, my lady. Aren’t you glad I tried to rob you and Lord Middlefield came to your aid that morning?”

“I am,” Tessa admitted. “But no more brandishing of knives, please.”

When Abra looked guilty, Tessa asked, “Do you carry your knife with you now?”

Abra nodded. “I don’t carry it about the house, my lady, but when we go places, like these walks, I have it on me. It’s second nature, I suppose. I’d rather be safe than sorry.”

Tessa couldn’t blame Abra or fault her thinking. The girl had led a rough life and the streets of London proved dangerous to many, especially the downtrodden and unfortunate. She had the blessings of good birth with her father’s name, as would her children with Spencer.

Smiling brightly at the maid, Tessa said, “That is quite all right. I am glad you are prepared on both our behalves.”

She saw her words pleased the servant. They continued deeper into the deserted park, making good time. Soon, the broad track that was Rotten Row came into view.

She saw a carriage in the middle of the row, which seemed incredibly odd to her. Her heart began beating wildly as she saw two men holding another in the distance, while a third savagely beat the restrained man. Then the man stopped and spoke to the pair before he abruptly left, moving toward the carriage. Once he entered it, the vehicle quickly took off, leaving behind the two men to brutalize their captive.

Tessa wasn’t having any of it. She pulled on Abra’s arm and began trotting toward the danger, her heart telling her she must stop it. She even shrieked loudly, hoping that would warn off the men engaged in their criminal act. She glanced at Abra, who knelt quickly, then rose with her blade in hand.

“We must help that poor man,” she declared and Abra nodded, her face grave.

The two women closed the distance between them and the trio. As they drew closer, she noticed the riderless horse standing to the side. Tessa recognized it.

It was Spencer’s horse.

Uncontrollable rage filled her as she realized her beloved was the man who had been attacked. She grabbed Abra’s wrist, swiping the dagger from the servant’s hand, and charged toward the men.

She quickly took in the scene, seeing the two large brutes. One held Spencer, whose face had been beaten so severely that he was barely recognizable.

“Get away from him!” Tessa shouted.

The man who was about to strike Spencer lowered his fist. “Stay out of it, Woman,” he growled.

Then Abra spoke up. “You’re Horton,” she accused. Looking to the man holding Spencer, she cried, “And you’re Lewis.”

Surprise filled the first man’s face at being recognized as the second man who held Spencer appeared worried.

The first demanded, “What’s it to you?”

Tessa, anger swimming through her veins, brandished the knife at Horton and said, “Move away from him now. The man you attack is my betrothed. If you dare strike him again, I will use this knife to cut off your bollocks and cram them down your throat. Then I will slit your throat and yank them out and stomp on them.”

“She means it, Horton,” the one called Lewis said nervously.

She glared at Horton and said, “You have chosen the wrong person to cross. Leave at once. Leave London. Change your names. Run for your lives. My two uncles are powerful peers, one highly placed in the War Office. He has at his disposal dozens of men who will track you down and see you hang at Newgate if you don’t do as I say.”

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