Page 56 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

“You are out of sorts,” Tessa said. “I don’t like to see you this way.”

“And I don’t like meddling wives.”

She frowned. “You think to hurt me when you are the one hurting. Come, Owen, I am one of the few present that you can speak with about this. Or would you rather me call Spencer or Everett over so you men can solve your little problem.”

“It’s not a little problem, Tessa,” he complained. “It shouldn’t be a problem at all.”

“But it is a very big one. Please, share it with me. I promise you our conversation will go no further. Not even to Louisa.”

He harumphed. “It’s just that Boxling is interested in her.”

Tessa glanced over to the viscount. “Yes, he is a most impressive man. I could tell last night he was interested in Louisa.”

“Well, he shouldn’t be,” growled Owen. “Actually, he should. I can’t for the life of me understand why more men haven’t been taken with her. But Boxling is not a good sort.”

“Spencer did tell me that Lord Boxling was quite the ladies’ man during your university days. He has spoken with the viscount, however, and believes with the death of his father, Lord Boxling has put aside his wandering ways. In fact, he disclosed to Spencer last night that he is very interested in finding a wife and the timing of this house party seemed like providence. Even at breakfast this morning, he was speaking fondly of his niece and nephew.”

“He damned well better not offer for Louisa.”

“Who should, Owen?” Tessa asked innocently.

“Hurley,” he sputtered. “The man seems steady as a rock.”

“I overheard Lord Hurley tell Louisa at breakfast that he is eager for a family. Perhaps he will offer for her by the end of the house party. Usually, an engagement or two occurs at the end of such affairs.”

“They do?”

Tessa nodded. “Very often. You would do well to look over the ladies in attendance, Owen. I think Miss Peterson would be an admirable choice if you are not interested in Louisa.”

“I am not interested in Miss Peterson or the idea of matrimony.”

“And yet it seems as if you would keep Louisa from it.”

“No, I don’t want to do that. Just that Lord Boxling is not right for her. And Hampton has no occupation nor a title. Lord Marksbury is—”

“You would be an ideal match for Louisa, Owen,” Tessa said quietly. “Spencer and I have talked it over. Everett and Adalyn also believe the two of you are well suited.”

Her words angered him. “It is so good to know that my dear friends have my entire life planned out for me, including the woman I should make my countess. Have the four of you discussed where the marriage should take place? How many children we should have? And which of you would comfort my wife when I decided to spend nights with my mistress?”

Tessa scowled at him. “You are being more stubborn than a donkey, Owen Hasbury. Go ahead and brood all you want. If you are the kind of man who would leave a wife such as Louisa for the arms of a mistress, then I don’t want you near my cousin. Don’t talk to her. Don’t flirt with her. And by God, don’t you dare offer for her.”

With that, Tessa stormed away, past several of the guests, who looked from her to him in confusion.

Spence, who had been talking with Marksbury and Ev, strode over to Owen, anger flashing in his eyes.

“Whatever you did or said to Tessa, you will apologize, Owen,” his friend said. “Give her a chance for her temper to cool but know this—I expect an apology.”

Spence turned away, leaving Owen standing alone. Here he thought if he didn’t become involved with Louisa in any manner that it would be for the best and help him keep his friendships with Ev and Spence. Now, he was alienating his friends and their wives.

And he still didn’t have Louisa.

“Bloody hell,” he said to himself.

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