Page 17 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

Chapter Six

Owen was damnedintrigued by Miss Louisa Goulding.

She hadn’t said much at dinner last night but he had felt her presence, nonetheless. When Spence suggested that Owen help her become reacquainted with horses, he had expressed that he didn’t have the patience to teach, even though Adalyn had mentioned that her cousin already knew how to ride.

It was the blush that had stained Miss Goulding’s cheeks after his comment that made him change his mind. He had thought her pretty before. Not a raving beauty as Adalyn and Tessa were, but a very pretty woman with her white-blond hair and large, sapphire eyes in an elfin face. Her bosom was ample and her bottom nicely rounded. She also smelled of lavender.

Owen couldn’t resist that scent. Especially on a pretty woman.

Suddenly, her embarrassment made him want to help her. It was obvious to him that with Miss Goulding being unwed that this house party Adalyn was giving was to help her cousin find a husband. He wondered why she didn’t already have one. Physically, she was attractive. The little conversation they’d had let him know she was no simpering miss. If being a competent rider would increase her chances of finding a suitable spouse, he decided it was the least he could do for Ev and Adalyn.

As long as they remembered he was not in the market for a wife himself.

He remembered to ring for Strunk, who helped him dress, and then Owen went downstairs and informed Croft that he would be breakfasting with his neighbor. He also looked in on Ronald White, his new steward, whom Croft informed him had already eaten and was in his office. Owen informed the steward that they would meet at eleven. That would give him two hours with Miss Goulding and plenty of time to return to examine the ledgers and get White’s opinions on them.

In the stables, a groom saddled Galahad for him. The horse had become his favorite in the small stable and he’d taken to riding him regularly. He set out for Cliffside at a trot and arrived a quarter-hour later, handing the mount to a groom.

“I will be taking Miss Goulding out riding after breakfast,” he told the man. “Has she ridden since she’s been in the country?”

“No, my lord.”

“She hasn’t been on horseback in a good while. She’ll need a horse with a calm temperament.”

The groom grinned. “That would be Fancy, my lord. Sweet as the day is long.”

“Good. Then have Fancy ready when we return.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Owen headed to the house, cutting through the kitchens and causing a bit of a stir by doing so. He greeted Cook, who had sneaked sweets to Ev and him when they were boys, and then made for the breakfast room.

“Good morning, Ev,” he said brightly as he entered. “Room for another at your table?”

His friend smiled. “You are always welcome, Owen.”

As he went to the buffet and began perusing it, he heard Ev say, “Good morning, my love. Louisa.”

They greeted Ev and joined Owen at the buffet. Adalyn welcomed him warmly. Miss Goulding’s hello was lukewarm at best. He wondered what he had done to make her dislike him because he now felt she certainly did. And here he was, trying to do his part and help her!

The three returned with their plates to the table and footmen brought coffee and tea for them. Owen mentioned his upcoming meeting with White.

“Isn’t he Painter’s cousin?” asked Adalyn.

“Yes. White was looking for a new position. The timing could not have been more perfect. Already, I am very pleased with him. He has experience at large country estates but this will be his first time to be totally in charge at one.”

Trying to be polite, he looked to Miss Goulding so that she could also be included in their conversation.

“It seems as if you have not been in the country in a while, Miss Goulding. Are you enjoying your respite from town?”

She gazed at him evenly. “I grew up in town and have lived there all my life but, yes, I do enjoy time spent in the country. I am grateful Everett and Adalyn invited me to visit a few weeks at Cliffside before I return with my aunt and uncle to Conley Park.”

She returned her attention to her plate and Adalyn said, “Louisa came to stay with my parents in London when her father left for Vienna. I am trying to change her mind and have her remain at Cliffside, though.”

Adalyn looked intently at Ev, who said, “We aren’t revealing this to everyone right away but Addie is with child.”

Owen smiled. “My congratulations to you both. Little Analise will have a playmate.”

“I am hoping Louisa will be with me until after the baby is born,” Adalyn revealed. “Having her here would make me happy.”

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