Page 15 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

“Owen was a major in the war,” Ev said.

“How did you attain your rank, Lord Danbury?” she asked. “Did you come up the ranks through displaying leadership skills?”

He chuckled. “Sometimes, I think it was because too many officers above me were killed and they had no one else to promote.”

His honesty struck a nerve with her but she did her best to ignore it.

“Don’t let him fool you. Owen is one of the bravest men I have known. Although he was quite the daredevil while we were growing up.”

“You knew each other from boyhood?” Louisa asked politely, already knowing the answer to her question.

“We did. Our older brothers were the same age and good friends. Ev and I came as afterthoughts. Second sons. We bonded over the fact our fathers ignored us and our brothers despised us.”

Ev nodded. “That is true. But Owen did more for me. He helped draw me from my shell. He did the same for Spence when we met at school. Owen has always pushed us to be more outgoing and friendly.”

She looked at the earl coldly. “Sometimes, a shy person does not wish to be pushed. I know. I am one.”

Adalyn frowned. “Louisa can be a bit shy but she is quite the hostess. She has entertained for her father, my uncle, ever since my aunt’s death. Uncle works in the War Office.”

Lord Danbury cocked his head. “Does he now? Who might your father be?”

“Sir Edgar Goulding,” Louisa replied. “You would not know him. He is not really known outside of his colleagues but he has had a hand in many decisions regarding the war. In fact, he has gone ahead of the English delegation to help plan the congress being held at Vienna. It should be called into session very soon.”

Arthur announced dinner and the four of them rose. Lord Danbury offered her his arm and she placed her hand upon his sleeve. The contact caused those tingles to race through her again. Louisa had never experienced them and was upset that they now appeared. She fought to maintain control of her emotions as the earl led her into dinner.

Once seated, she contributed little to the conversation. Lord Danbury dominated it in a friendly way, telling stories both of his time at war and growing up at Danfield with Everett as a frequent visitor. She found herself growing resentful by how at ease he was, as if he lived here at Cliffside. She disliked men who were so smooth and comfortable and could see how women easily fell under his charm.

Well, she would not be one of those women.

They adjourned to the library, the men bringing their glasses of port instead of staying in the dining room. Everett poured Adalyn and her a sherry. Louisa sipped it carefully, wanting to keep her wits about her.

“Louisa used to come visit me at Conley Park,” Adalyn said. “As did Tessa before her mother passed and her father grew so ill. We enjoyed riding together but Louisa has not ridden in almost a decade now.” She glanced to her husband.

“Yes. We were thinking that it might be a good idea for Louisa to grow comfortable in the saddle again. We’ll probably ride daily during the house party,” Everett said. “You are the most skilled rider I know, Owen. Would you mind taking her under your wing and help familiarize her with horses again?”

“Just because I ride extremely well does not mean I am a good teacher,” Lord Danbury said.

Louisa felt her cheeks heat in embarrassment. “You do not need to concern yourself with it, my lord,” she said quickly. “I will get some practice in before the house party starts so that I will not embarrass myself.”

She glanced away but could feel his gaze on her. Reluctantly, she turned and met it.

“On the contrary, Miss Goulding, I would be delighted to reintroduce you to riding again. Might we start tomorrow morning?’

“If you insist,” she said, sounding churlish and not caring that she did.

Lord Danbury gave her a winning smile. “Then perhaps I could call for you at ten o’clock tomorrow morning?”

“That is awfully late. You have an estate to run, my lord. Shall we say eight o’clock instead? That way, we could ride for an hour and you could still return home at a decent hour.”

He nodded thoughtfully. “Then eight o’clock it is.”

“I shall meet you at the stables,” she told him.

The earl rose. “Since we are getting such an early start, I will bid you all good evening.”

“I will walk out with you,” Everett said and the pair left together.

Adalyn turned to Louisa, an odd look on her face. Before her cousin could question her, Louisa said, “I think I shall also say goodnight. I will see you in the morning, Adalyn.”

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