Page 41 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

Bounding down the steps, Spencer thrust Analise at Owen. “Hold her,” he commanded and turned, reaching out his hand to Tessa and assisting her down the stairs. Adalyn and Everett went to greet the couple.

Louisa’s eyes were fastened on Owen, who wore a perplexed look as he cradled Analise in his arms. He looked down at the infant—and smiled. Louisa heard Analise coo at him.

“She likes me,” Owen said to no one in particular.

“She’s only seven months. She likes everyone,” Spencer pointed out, releasing his wife’s hand and reclaiming his daughter from his friend.

“Louisa!” Tessa cried and stepped forward so they could embrace. “I am delighted you are already here.”

“I came a bit early. The Season seemed to drag once you and Adalyn left for the country.”

Tessa linked her arm through Louisa’s. “Well, a house party is always something exciting.” She glanced over her shoulder. “You are coming to it, aren’t you, Owen?”

He joined them as everyone moved toward the house. “I have been invited but will most likely remain at Danfield and ride over each day.”

“No, that won’t do,” Tessa scolded. “I insist you pack up and come to Cliffside.”

“You are sounding as bossy as Adalyn,” Owen observed.

“No one is as bossy as Adalyn,” Tessa said, chuckling.

They entered the foyer and Adalyn said she and Ev would escort the couple to their bedchamber, as well as look over the nursery with their nursemaid.

“Would you keep Owen entertained while I do so?” she asked Louisa. “We’ll have tea once they get settled.”

“Of course. Come along, my lord,” she said jauntily, trying to quell the nerves that rose within her as Owen came to her side and she got a whiff of him.

They went to the drawing room. Louisa took a seat in a chair and Owen went to stand in front of the fireplace, leaning his arm against the mantel. He cut a picture of the perfect gentleman, with tight fawn breeches, a snow-white shirt, and a coat of deep brown, making his hair and eyes look even darker than usual.

“How have you been?” she asked brightly, hoping that she didn’t sound too eager for his reply.

“I have been busy. Spending time with White, my steward. I also went to London to visit with my tailor. I had several things made up since I had been neglecting to do so. Ev urged me to update my wardrobe. I came home with nothing but my uniform and had scrounged and found a few things at Danfield and purchased a few more from the local tailor. With the house party approaching, however, Ev said that I looked like a ragamuffin and needed the proper attire so as not to embarrass myself.”

It was funny but Louisa had never noticed what Owen had worn in the past. Only him.

“Well, your tailor did a fine job. You look fashionable and dashing.”

A silence fell between them. She had no idea what to say. They had never been awkward in one another’s company and she could only think of that day in his library. The feel of his mouth on her breast. The taste of his kiss. His fingers driving her wild.

“Have you been riding?” he asked suddenly.

She thought that a safe topic and elaborated for a few minutes on where she had been riding over the last week, a groom escorting her.

“And have you played any chess?” Owen asked as the others joined them.

“Did I hear chess?” Spencer asked.

“If you decide to play against Louisa, be forewarned,” Owen cautioned. “I have lost to her twice.”

“You lost?” Spencer said, astounded. “Why, Owen, you were a champion chess master back in school.”

“I know—which tells you just how good Louisa is,” Owen praised. “Don’t think it is a case of me being gallant and allowing her to win. I’m afraid our Louisa is quite cutthroat and most competitive.”

Spencer laughed. “Still, I would like a go at you, Louisa. I haven’t played in a good while but always enjoyed it. I will make certain Analise is on my lap when we play. It is never too soon to start children at games.”

Tessa shook her head. “She won’t understand a thing about it, Spencer. The most she will do is swipe a piece off the playing board and jam it into her mouth.”

“She does that with everything,” the proud papa bragged. “Dogs sniff their way about the world. Our Analise sees it by holding and tasting everything.”

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