Page 73 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

Louisa’s eyes flew to Tessa’s. Her cousin gave a small shrug, leaning in close and said, “It seems as if our problem has solved itself. I would like to think Lord Hurley realized he had been a cad and gracefully made his exit before his behavior was made public.”

Tessa moved away and Spencer claimed her arm to take her in to dinner. Mr. Hampton, who had been engaged in conversation with Spencer, asked, “Might I escort you to dinner, Miss Goulding?”

“Yes, thank you, Mr. Hampton.”

They arrived in the dining room and Louisa found Lord Marksbury to her left and Lord Boxling to her right. She had not spent much time with the earl and tried to divide her attention between the pair during dinner.

When it came time for the ladies to leave the men to their port, Lord Boxling helped her from her chair.

“I hear it’s card games tonight, Miss Goulding. Whist, in particular. Would it be presumptuous of me to ask you now to be my partner for the evening?”

Relief flooded Louisa, in part because she would not have to leave the house party and the rest happy that Lord Boxling had sought out her company.

“That would be most agreeable, my lord. I will see you in the drawing room.”

He smiled at her, a genuine smile, unlike so many social ones she had witnessed during the Season. She was growing to like Lord Boxling a great deal.

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