Page 35 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

Chapter Eleven

As Owen movedabout the empty ballroom with Louisa in his arms, he was shocked at her earlier words.

It infuriated him that men of thetondid not recognize what a jewel Louisa Goulding was. He had seen the tears well in her eyes and knew the immense hurt she must feel being left out, pushed to the side to sit with wallflowers who received little to no attention from roguish bachelors.

As he began humming, he searched his mind, trying to think of a worthy, eligible husband for her. He had been gone far too long from society to know what his various schoolmates were up to and, frankly, he didn’t know if he could recommend any of them as a husband to her. Theton’sreaction to such a gem as Louisa only reaffirmed his poor opinion of Polite Society in general and made him not only wary but reluctant to join its ranks.

The only men he thought might be worthy of her were Win and Percy, though that would be a disservice to Louisa. While his two remaining single friends were of extremely good character and possessed both intelligence and dashing looks, the fact was they were, as second sons, committed to a lifetime in the military. As officers, both men would rarely be in London—or even England. While some officers actually brought their wives to war with them, Owen thought the practice incredibly self-serving on the man’s part. The battlefield and a life roaming during war was no life for any woman, much less one of Louisa’s worth. He hoped again that whomever Adalyn had invited to her house party would include men of character who would recognize Louisa’s value.

He continued humming, concentrating on their dance steps, a waltz. He had chosen it subconsciously but was glad that he now held her close in his arms. He enjoyed the feel of her, as well as that wonderful scent of lavender that wafted from her skin toward him.

“Might I take over the music?” she asked, mirth dancing in her eyes.

“If you wish,” he told her. “Am I truly that bad?”

She chuckled, low and throaty, causing him to tighten his hold on her.

“Much worse than you think you are,” she said. “You are perfectly awful. I know you think you are carrying a tune but I cannot discern one.”

A giggle escaped, endearing her to him even further.

“Then be my guest, Miss Goulding. Only let it continue to be a waltz.”

“Certainly, my lord.”

After only a few bars, Owen decided Louisa was infinitely better than he was. She more than kept a tune. She made humming incredibly sensual. He continued guiding her about the large space, wishing that other men could see what he saw in this woman. More than anything, she deserved to find the rich happiness her cousins had found.

She also deserved love.

She had downplayed the idea, telling him she merely wanted a good man who would be a decent father and spend time with their children. Owen now knew she needed much more than that.

And wished he could give it to her.

Granted, he was attracted to her. There was no getting around that anymore. But love? He didn’t know if he had such an emotion inside him, especially after all he had given of himself in the war. At times, he believed himself to be a dried husk, empty, devoid of all emotion. No, it wouldn’t be fair to either of them if he tried to pursue her. Delightful as she was, he knew he had a roving eye and no urge to became a father anytime soon. In the foreseeable future, he wanted to lose himself in drink and beautiful women without promising any kind of commitment. Louisa warranted more than what he had to give.

But he vowed he would help her find a decent, honorable man. If not at this upcoming house party, then next Season.

The music came to an end and she wet her lips, tempting him even further. The gesture reminded him of what they needed to do next.

“Come with me,” he said, releasing her but claiming her hand as he led her from the room.

Owen took her to the library again and had them sit on a small settee. Louisa frowned.

“We already saw your library. Did you forget that?”

“No. But I did remember we were going to have a few lessons in flirting. I have neglected those.”

“Oh!” Color bloomed on her cheeks.

“There are all kinds of way to flirt with your fan. I am certain Adalyn knows all about those and can show you. We will work on other things.”

She swallowed. “If you insist.”

“If you find yourself interested in a gentleman and he comes to call, invite him to sit with you a bit on a settee of this size. It is smaller than usual. Notice how close our bodies are. Not quite touching—but I can still feel your body heat. I can smell the lavender you used in your bathwater.”

Her face flamed. “Owen, this isn’t an appropriate conversation.”

He laughed. “Most of flirting isn’t. Here, stand again.”

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