Page 96 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

Her uncle frowned in concentration and then said, “I don’t know if that is a possibility but Edgar and I will go to the Archbishop of Canterbury himself tomorrow. Edgar has known the archbishop for many years. If it is legal for us to obtain it for Lord Middlefield, we will do so.”

As Tessa climbed from the carriage, she decided a wedding and its breakfast were no longer important. Only Spencer was. She wanted to be his wife—and in case she carried his child now—she wanted that child to be legitimate, especially if an heir.

They entered the townhouse and joined the receiving line, where she received congratulations on her betrothal from those nearby. When they reached their host and hostess, they, too, were effusive in giving their best wishes to her and Spencer’s upcoming nuptials.

“And where is Lord Middlefield this evening?” Lord Blasingame asked.

She smiled politely. “My betrothed was unable to attend, my lord. He sends his regrets.”

Entering the ballroom with her aunt and uncle, the butler announced their arrival. Immediately, she spied Adalyn and Louisa and made her way toward her cousins.

Adalyn said, “It has all been arranged. We have called in every favor we could.”

Tessa said, “I can’t thank you enough, Adalyn.”

Louisa asked, “How is Lord Middlefield now?”

“Dr. Presley saw some improvement this afternoon,” she shared. “I have asked your father and Uncle Edgar to explore the possibility of receiving a special license, even though Spencer cannot apply for it himself. I wish us to wed immediately.”

Adalyn nodded. “I agree. It will not be the wedding you had anticipated but you will have a lifetime with the man of your dreams.” She gazed intently at Tessa and said, “Youwillhave that a lifetime with him, Tessa. I promise.”

Though Tessa knew her cousin could not make promises like that, it still reassured her.

Louisa said, “Please excuse me. I see someone else I must speak with who can help in tonight’s endeavor.”

“I want you to wait over here,” Adalyn told Tessa as Louisa left, leading Tessa near the entrance where Lord Ellington would appear. “Stand here,” her cousin ordered, “so you will be partially hidden by the potted plant. Once Ellington makes his way through the ballroom, follow him. Revel in what you see. If you wish, confront him in front of the crowd. That would be most effective if the truth came from your lips in front of everyone present.”

Tessa nodded. “Thank you again.”

Adalyn left her side and Tessa’s eyes went to the doorway. A good two dozen parties were announced and the ballroom swelled to full capacity before she spied Lord Ellington in the entrance.

The butler announced him and the buzz of conversation, which had filled the room, immediately ceased. All eyes fastened upon the earl as he stepped inside, a jovial smile upon his lips. He started to stop at the first group he encountered, only to find the entire circle of people look him up and down and quickly turn their backs upon him.

Frowning, he continued deeper into the room, only to have everyone whose path he crossed do the same.

By now, Tessa had fallen into step behind him and continued being his shadow until he stopped and gazed across the room.

“Lord Ellington,” she called out loudly and the earl wheeled to face her.

The little conversation which had begun again now halted. The ballroom was as silent as a tomb. Every eye in Polite Society watched as she confronted the villain who had almost taken Spencer’s life.

“My lady?” Lord Ellington said, his face drained of color.

“I am not and never will be your lady, Lord Ellington,” her voice ringing out across the ballroom. “You thought to court me but lost out to a much better man. A man whose boots you are not fit to even lick.”

She stepped toward him, her anger controlled but now erupting.

“You have enjoyed an easy, charmed life. You move throughout Polite Society, having friends and wooing beautiful women. You have a reputation as a master pugilist. But you are a sore loser.”

“Why, I—”

“Silence!” she commanded, glaring at him. “You pretended to befriend Lord Middlefield and instead wished to see him suffer at your hands during a so-called, friendly sparring match. My fiancé surprised you that day, my lord, and soundly defeated you in front of many gentlemen of theton. You did not handle your loss with grace and aplomb as a gentleman should.”

Tessa paused, her eyes narrowing. “Instead, you sought retribution of the worst kind. You hired two criminals to attack Lord Middlefield in Rotten Row. Then you proceeded to have those men restrain him while you rained down blows upon him. He was helpless to defend himself. And then after savagely beating him in such a horrendous manner, you instructed them to complete the job you refused to do.

“You ordered them to beat him to death.”

Gasps filled the ballroom. The very air charged with anger, all directed at Lord Ellington.

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