Page 23 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

She bit her lip. “If you think it best.”

Louisa didn’t think it was a good idea at all. Already, being this near to him had her heart palpitating and her palms sweating. If only he weren’t quite so good-looking.

Owen stood and secured Fancy to his horse and then returned for her. With an ease that surprised her, he lifted her as if she weighed next to nothing and carried her to Galahad.

“Hang on to him while I mount then I’ll lift you up.”

She did as told and he mounted, reaching down and lifting her into his lap. Oh, this wouldn’t do at all. He smelled absolutely divine, a mix of sandalwood soap and a bit of sweat from exerting himself during the ride. The lethal combination was utterly male and had her mouth going dry.

Then he shifted her and his arm went around her waist, drawing her into his chest.

“Lean into me,” he said. “I don’t want you bouncing about and having your ankle jarred more than necessary.”

She tried to use the lessons he had issued when she was atop her horse. Relax. Breathe. Show confidence.

As they returned to Cliffside, Louisa’s insides were aflutter. Her body came alive as never before. She dared not speak else she’d stammer like a schoolgirl in the presence of the king.

Once they rode into the yard, a groom met them.

“Bit of a mishap?” he asked worriedly.

“A pesky deer practically collided with Fancy,” Owen said. “It jarred Miss Goulding from her saddle. She’s slightly twisted her ankle. Rub the horses down and have someone fetch the doctor.”

“No!” she cried. “My lord, that is not necessary.”

“Are you certain?” he asked, leaning close, his lips almost grazing her ear.

“Quite,” she managed to squeak.

“All right. I will trust you in this matter.”

Owen swung from the saddle and then lifted her to the ground. Or at least that’s where she thought she was going. Instead, he somehow twisted her about and began carrying her.

“Put me down,” she hissed as he moved away from the stables.

“Why?”

“I am not truly injured.”

“You need to give it a day or so, Louisa, before you try to walk on it. Make sure no tendons were stretched. I will deliver you safely to the house.”

He carried her through the kitchens, where the scullery maids tittered, and told Cook that a poultice would be needed, along with some hot water, even instructing Cook what he wished to see in the poultice.

Leaving the kitchens, he asked, “Where is your bedchamber?”

She told him, her face now flaming as he carried her past servants. They passed Arthur and Owen informed the butler of her mishap and asked that the servant find Her Grace and have her come to attend Miss Goulding.

“At once, my lord,” Arthur said.

They reached her bedchamber and he carried her inside, placing her gently on the bed.

“Besides the ankle, you are going to be sore tomorrow from all the riding,” he reminded.

Louisa groaned. “I had forgotten that part.”

Adalyn arrived. “What’s this about you being hurt?” she asked as she rushed into the room.

Quickly, Owen explained what had happened, assuring Adalyn that Louisa was fine. Then the hot water and poultice arrived, courtesy of Mrs. Arthur, who said she would take over the ministrations. Still, Owen stayed, even supervising the housekeeper on what to do.

“I will be back to see you in the morning, Louisa,” Owen promised. “I’ll see myself out, Adalyn.”

He left with Mrs. Arthur.

As the door closed, Adalyn said with a gleam in her eye, “I see you are now on a first-name basis with Owen.”

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