Page 86 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

He smiled ruefully. “I have seen how he looks at you, Miss Goulding.”

“He is a rake,” she said flatly. “He looks at all women that way.”

Lord Boxling shook his head. “I disagree. It is different with you.”

“I can’t speak to that, my lord. I will say that I have a bruised heart now and am not good company for anyone. I sincerely hoped that things might work out between us.”

“But your heart lies elsewhere,” he said softly.

“It does. It may always. I cannot say. I will not see you abused, though, by my indecision. I have never been fickle and do not plan to become so.” Louisa paused, meeting his gaze. “I would ask that you be kind to me but that you no longer pay any special attention to me.”

“You are saying there is no chance of a future for us?”

“Probably not. I would not want to keep your hopes up. You are a wonderful man, my lord. Any woman would be lucky to claim your attention.”

“I understand,” he said, defeat in his voice.

Louisa said, “I hate hurting you, my lord. I hate that I am ending any chance I have with you. I think it better though, that I remain alone than lead you on. I would not want us to wed and me never be able to give you my heart. You deserve more than that.”

He reached for her hand and squeezed it. “You are very special, Miss Goulding. I hope that your heart will heal and that one day you will find the happiness I believe you richly deserve.”

Picking up the oars, he said, “Shall we row back to shore? I think I should give another young lady a turn about the lake.”

“Thank you for understanding,” she told him.

The viscount used long, deep strokes and had them back to shore in no time.

As they reached it, he called out, “Any other takers? I am happy to bring someone else out on the water? What do you say, Lady Sara?”

The young woman stood. “I would enjoy that, my lord.”

Lord Boxling helped Louisa from the rowboat, their eyes meeting in understanding. He squeezed her hand and then released it.

“I will take your coat with me,” she told him. “You can claim it when you are finished.”

He nodded and then put on a bright smile, taking Lady Sara’s hand and assisting her into the boat.

Louisa returned to where the blankets were spread out. Analise and her nursemaid were about to leave.

“I think I will accompany you back to Cliffside,” she said. “I have a bit of a headache.”

“Oh, I am sorry to hear that,” Tessa said.

“Ask Bridget for one of my headache powders,” Adalyn suggested. “It will help you to sleep. Hopefully, you can join us for dinner.”

“I plan on it,” she said.

Louisa would definitely attend dinner. Because she needed to speak to Owen and make certain he understood that no betrothal would be announced.

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