Page 9 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

Chapter Four

Cliffside, Kent

Louisa watched thepassing countryside, the lush green of Kent in full summer bloom. It had been far too long since she had been in the country. She used to go regularly, visiting her cousins, especially when her mother was still alive. Once Mama died, though, when Louisa was fifteen, her father had clung to her. He insisted she run the household. Give him advice. Plan meals for the many occasions when he invited colleagues from the War Office to their townhouse. Gradually, Louisa had been drawn further and further away from her cousins and Polite Society in general.

At least her aunt and uncle had come regularly to town for the Season, bringing Adalyn with them. It was convenient for her cousin to only be a few doors down. Tessa, though, had quit coming to London once her mama passed and her papa grew quite ill. Because of that, it had been years since Louisa had seen Tessa, until recently. At least Tessa had finally been able to come for a Season and gained a husband from it. Spencer was an excellent match for Tessa, just as Everett was a perfect complement to Adalyn.

If only she could be fortunate enough to find a husband as her cousins had. Perhaps one of Adalyn’s neighbors might do. Louisa did not have to wed a member of theton. She would be quite happy with a country doctor or gentleman. Titles meant nothing to her. Only finding happiness did.

The carriage slowed a bit and turned down a lane. They must have reached Cliffside. Anticipation filled her. She was eager to see where Adalyn now lived and knew it would be grand since Everett was a duke.

Nothing could have prepared her, though, once the vehicle came to a halt. Tilly, who had been dozing ever since they had stopped and changed horses, now became alert.

“We’re here?” the servant asked, glancing out the window.

“We most certainly are,” Louisa said, her eyes wide as she took in the grandest house she had ever seen.

A footman opened the door and handed her down. Immediately, Adalyn rushed toward her and the two women embraced.

“Oh, I have been anxiously awaiting your arrival,” her cousin said. “I am so glad you came, Louisa. Ev wanted to be here to meet you but he had some business to attend to. He’ll join us this afternoon for tea.”

“I appreciate your invitation,” she said, gazing at the house. “I do believe you now live in a palace!”

“Oh, I cannot wait to show you around Cliffside,” Adalyn said. She turned. “Bridget, come help Tilly and the footmen.”

Adalyn’s maid hurried to meet Tilly and the group of footmen who were busy unloading Louisa’s trunks.

“I know it looks as if I have brought everything I own. I almost have. Do not think I am moving in permanently, though.”

“I would be happy if you did,” Adalyn told her, linking an arm through Louisa’s and bringing her inside.

“Your mama suggested that once the Season ends, she and Uncle Uxbridge will come here to Cliffside for me and we will return to Conley Park from here. So I brought everything from London with me that was at their house. Only a few of things remained behind at Papa’s townhouse.”

“I was going to write to Mama and ask her and Papa to come to Cliffside so they might see it. But you—and they—will need to stay for a while. You see, I am going to hold a house party.”

Adalyn led her up the stairs as she spoke. Immediately, dread filled Louisa.

“Are you doing this because I did not land a husband?” she asked warily.

“No. I am doing this so my friends can see Cliffside and enjoy a respite after a very long Season. Of course, I will invite some eligible bachelors to attend. All hostesses do.” Adalyn paused on the landing. “A house party is a wonderful way to get to know people, Louisa. The Season is not. Why, women become betrothed after dancing a handful of times with a gentleman—and they don’t even know the first thing about him. A house party, on the other hand, allows people to gather in small groups. True conversations can take place.”

“I have never attended one,” Louisa admitted. “I have been curious about what goes on at them.”

Adalyn tugged and they continued up the stairs. “I didn’t think you had. It will be so much fun. Why don’t I show you your bedchamber and allow you to freshen up? Then we can have some tea and discuss the guest list and activities. You will have to help me plan everything because you have such a good eye for detail.”

They arrived at a lovely bedchamber, far larger than hers in London. Adalyn introduced Mrs. Arthur, the housekeeper, who told Louisa hot water would be up soon. Her trunks began arriving and Bridget offered to assist Tilly with the unpacking. Once the hot water came, Louisa had Tilly remove her gown so she could wash up. The carriage had grown hot and dusty and it felt good to change from her traveling clothes into another gown.

Mrs. Arthur returned and escorted Louisa downstairs to a lovely sitting room done in shades of peach and mint green. Adalyn explained this was her retreat, one of her favorite rooms in the house, as she poured Louisa a cup of tea.

“Naturally, Tessa and Spencer will be invited,” her cousin said, handing over the saucer. “I have already written to them to let them know. Let’s talk about activities.”

She chuckled. “Since I have never been to a country house party, I haven’t the faintest clue what it involves.”

“Then it is a good thing I have been to a few in my time,” Adalyn joked. “Walking and riding are two activities both the men and women will participate in.”

Louisa bit her lip. “I haven’t ridden in quite a while. The only time I ever have was visiting you or Tessa in the country and it has been many years since I did that. I have not been on a horse in all that time.”

“Then we will definitely get you on one during the next three weeks before our guests arrive. By that time, you should be comfortable in the saddle again.”

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