Page 14 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

Louisa did notwant to go down to the drawing room. Her sweating palms and roiling belly told her this was a mistake.

Meeting Lord Danbury would be a mistake.

Oh, eventually, she knew she would have to meet him. After all, he was Everett’s closest friend and his nearest neighbor. What she didn’t want was to meet him with... expectations. At least on the part of Adalyn and Everett.

Her cousin had spent most of yesterday singing Lord Danbury’s praises. Owen, she called him. That was Adalyn for you. Already on a first-name basis with the man since he had arrived back from war. Louisa didn’t begrudge Adalyn for being that way. Her cousin was so open and friendly. And Lord Danbury was Everett’s lifelong friend. But she resented Adalyn thinking she could simply match Louisa to this man without even asking her if it was acceptable to her or not.

In this case, it certainly was a resounding no.

She didn’t see herself with a military man, one hardened by war. This Owen was also supposedly a bit of a rogue if she read comments that Everett had made correctly. That was two strikes against the man and she was certain to come up with more. If Louisa ever did find a husband, it would be a gentle kind of man. More scholarly and humble. Lord Danbury did not fit this description in the slightest.

Tilly finished dressing Louisa’s hair. “There you go, Miss Goulding. What do you think?”

She had asked for something simple yet elegant and her lady’s maid had come through. The image in the mirror spoke well of Louisa. It emphasized her swanlike neck, with a few wisps of hair framing her face. Her gown was the palest shade of blue, emphasizing her sapphire eyes. At least she was garbed appropriately. The gown and new hairstyle gave her confidence. She would look this earl in the eyes and then smile politely, letting him know that she had no interest in him at all. He would be one of several gentlemen who attended the upcoming house party. This way, she would claim an acquaintance with him and move on, hoping that others would be more to her liking.

“Thank you, Tilly. It is exactly what I wished for.”

Louisa rose and dismissed the maid, pacing the large bedchamber for a few minutes, trying to calm her nerves. She told herself Lord Danbury was not the husband she sought. She would get through this evening and then make her feelings known to Adalyn. Discreetly, of course. She would never tell her cousin she had already taken a disliking to the man when she had yet to even meet him. But Louisa knew Lord Danbury was not the one for her.

Making her way downstairs, she entered the drawing room and paused.

Lord Danbury had already arrived.

“Louisa!” cried Adalyn. “Come and meet Lord Danbury.”

She took a calming breath and moved across the room, feeling the earl’s eyes upon her the entire time. She finally looked at him as she arrived.

And almost had the breath knocked from her.

He looked to be an even six feet and was lean yet muscular, based upon the way he filled out his clothes, which lacked in style, looking to be several years old. His hair was a medium brown and his eyes were the color of melted chocolate. He smiled at her, a smile so winning and charming that she found herself tongue-tied.

Lord Danbury had to be the most devastatingly handsome man she had ever seen.

Louisa steeled herself. Her resolve strengthened. This was the kind of man who never gave her a second glance in the ballrooms of London. He had an energy brimming about him, a vitality that fairly hummed. A man this good-looking would want nothing to do with her. Oh, he would be polite because it was what was expected.

But she doubted he would speak two words to her at the house party.

Knowing that, she relaxed. Her years of entertaining her father’s guests took over and confidence filled her.

“How do you do, my lord?” she asked, her voice low and modulated.

He took her hand, which she wished was gloved, because his warm fingers sent tingles up and down her spine.

“I am very well, Miss Goulding. Ev and Adalyn have spoken so fondly of you.”

“They would, wouldn’t they?” she asked, tugging gently so that he released her hand. She kept her gaze even and added, “They have also said many kind things about you, my lord.”

He chuckled. “Kind might be stretching it. Ev knows all my sins. He is simply being tactful in not revealing them to you. And I have been on my best behavior around Adalyn so she doesn’t know any better.”

“Then you are telling me you are a rogue,” she said, not surprised at his candor.

“I will admit to being mischievous as a boy and enjoying the company of females as an adult,” he said lightly.

“Owen, quit trying to scare off Louisa,” Adalyn admonished. “He is much better behaved usually.”

“Or showing his true colors,” Louisa said.

Arthur appeared with a tray of drinks and they each took one. Adalyn ushered them to a grouping of chairs and Louisa found herself seated next to Lord Danbury on a small settee. She could feel the heat radiating from him and swallowed, maintaining her poise. It wouldn’t do for him to realize his effect on her. She had no plans to be one of his conquests. That is, if he attempted to make her one. She doubted he would.

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