Page 10 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

She laughed nervously. “I don’t know if I was ever comfortable in the saddle. Your groom always made certain I had a horse with a good temperament and a tough mouth. Even then, I have never felt at ease atop one.”

Adalyn thought a moment and then said, “I believe I know the perfect person to help you. But as to other activities, the men can shoot and ride. We ladies will visit and write our usual letters. As a group, we can also picnic and play lawn games.”

“Lawn games? Oh, I will probably be dreadful at those.”

Her cousin smiled. “Then the gentlemen present will have to help you.”

A queasiness filled her at the thought of Adalyn trying to force a match. “Just because you are happy with Everett does not mean I will find the same.”

“There is no reason you shouldn’t find a good match, Louisa. Remember, I am good at putting people together,” Adalyn reminded her. “I already have a couple of gentlemen in mind. But back to the house party. The evenings will be full of entertainment. Singing and dancing. Card games. Parlor games. I think I will also hold a ball at the end of things. I will open that up to the entire neighborhood. It will allow me to meet our neighbors.”

“It sounds as if we will be quite busy.”

“Only as busy as you wish to be. I want this time to be relaxing for you. I know the whirl of the Season can exhaust even the most energetic.”

Adalyn squeezed Louisa’s hand. “Oh, I am so glad you came.”

“I will admit I had tired of the activities—and the company—in town. Coming to Cliffside will be the perfect respite.”

“You know you are welcome to stay after the house party ends.”

“Oh, I think not, Adalyn. You and Ev are newlyweds. You deserve time to yourselves. I will go home with your parents. I believe I will be with them a good year, based upon what Papa has written to me. The conference won’t start until late autumn. He believes it will be months of hammering out agreements and trying to settle the map of Europe to all the delegates’ satisfaction. That means I will return with your parents to town next spring and start the Season anew. Hopefully, Papa will make his way back to England before it is over.”

“I still would rather have you with me than having you go to Conley Park with my parents.” Adalyn’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Besides, I have a greater need for you.” She beamed. “We are going to have a baby.”

“A baby? Oh, Adalyn, that is wonderful news.” Louisa hugged her cousin tightly. “When might this little bundle of joy be expected?”

Adalyn’s palm touched her belly. “Most likely the middle of next February. I believe I am about eight weeks along now.”

“Are you ill as Tessa was in her early months?”

Her cousin laughed. “Not a bit. I know the nausea could possibly come but I am hoping to hold it at bay.”

“Everett must be ecstatic.”

“Oh, he is. I remember watching him the first time he held Analise. Spencer thrust the babe at Ev and the look of panic on his face was priceless. Ev took to her, though, and I believe he will make for an excellent father.”

“You will both be wonderful parents,” Louisa said, tamping down the slight bit of jealousy, knowing both Tessa and now Adalyn would have children while she remained a spinster.

Or perhaps Adalyn was correct and this house party might make a difference. The events during the Season were chaotic, with so many in attendance. Conversations were all too brief and usually of no consequence. With a smaller group at a house party, however, the same people would be in contact with one another for many days in a row. She would be able to have time to speak to gentlemen invited at length.

Hope filled Louisa that Adalyn’s plan might actually bring about a betrothal. Louisa had heard talk of how many house parties ended with more than one engagement announced. She would anticipate a happy ending but prepare herself in case no offers were extended. Even if no gentleman found her worthy, Louisa hoped to make a friend or two with the females in attendance.

The cousins talked for another hour and then Arthur slipped into the room.

“His Grace has returned, Your Grace. He is waiting in the library for you and Miss Goulding.”

“Thank you, Arthur. Please have tea brought at once,” Adalyn said.

They left the sitting room and went to the library, an imposing room with books lining three of the four walls from floor to ceiling and a giant ladder that could be used to retrieve those on the highest shelves.

Everett strode toward them, first greeting his wife and then taking Louisa’s hands in his.

“It is good to see you again, Louisa.” He kissed her cheek. “I hope Addie has told you that you are to stay as long as you wish. Even if it is until next Season.” He paused, his eyes gleaming. “Has she shared the good news?”

“She has. Congratulations, Everett.”

“I am hoping for a girl,” he revealed as they sat. “One with Addie’s azure eyes and honeyed hair. One I can spoil almost as much as her mother.”

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