Page 19 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

Understanding filled him. “Perhaps they were threatened by not only your beauty but your intelligence, Miss Goulding.”

She snorted. “Please, my lord, no false flattery. I am no great beauty like my two cousins and many of the women in Polite Society. I never was and never shall be. I do, however, refuse to hide the fact that I know a great deal about a good number of topics and am not afraid to hold opinions of my own. If that makes a man feel threatened, then what need have I of him anyway? Not that I expect to be friends with my husband. Or even be in love with him. I merely want a man who will treat me with kindness and respect and give me the children I desire. It seems as if that is too much to ask.”

Before Owen could reply, the groom appeared with their horses. He thanked and dismissed him.

“A horse is sensitive to its rider’s mood, Miss Goulding,” he said gently. “You are full of fire and brimstone now. I would advise that you take a few breaths and calm yourself before we begin.”

Fire flashed in her eyes at being told to do so and then she nodded, seeing the truth of the matter. She did as he suggested, taking three long, deep breaths and expelling them slowly.

“I am quite better, my lord. Thank you.”

“That is good. I want to say this, Miss Goulding. I am not judging you in any way. In fact, I can see why you would prefer the company of the men planning and executing England’s war strategy than a group of randy bachelors who only commit to marriage when forced to by their nagging mamas or forceful papas. I am sorry we seemed to have gotten off to a bad start. If I did anything to cause this rift, I apologize.”

She studied him a long moment and then said, “I still believe you to be a rake, my lord, but somewhere in there is a good man. Else you wouldn’t be such a close friend to Everett. I suppose you were also an excellent officer, as well. I apologize for being waspish with you. I feared that Everett and Adalyn might try to force us together, especially with this upcoming house party. Despite what Adalyn says, I know she is holding it to find me a husband.”

“Or me a wife,” he countered. “That’s what Ev thinks.”

The color rose on her cheeks, making her very appealing.

“I had not thought of that. It does make sense, though. Both Everett and Spencer are besotted with my cousins. They would want the same for you, as do Adalyn and Tessa for me.”

She laughed. “I am sorry that I have made this all about me. They are conspiring on both our behalves, I daresay.”

He grinned. “Then perhaps we should unite, Miss Goulding. It is true that I have no desire to enter a state of matrimony at this point. Why, I never thought to claim a title, much less the estate and the immense wealth that came with it. I already have my hands full as I try to figure out how to become a good landlord and peer. I have decided that a wife can wait until later down the road.

“Perhaps we can stick together during this house party.”

“How so?” she asked, her brow furrowed, making her very attractive.

“You can help shepherd away any young lady that might try to make a claim on me, while I will steer away any rogues that show an interest in you. As a man, I will be party to various conversations with those men invited to the house party. I will pass along to you if any of these guests are suitable husband material.”

Owen smiled charmingly. “And, of course, I will sing your praises to any that you find interesting.”

“Hmm.” She considered his proposition. “That might not be such a bad idea, my lord.”

“Owen. If we are to conspire together in this endeavor, I would like you to call me Owen.”

“Owen,” she tried out.

He found he very much liked the way she said his name.

“So, we would protect each other and our interests?” she asked.

“Yes, indeed. I do plan to flirt because that is what I do when women are around. I can’t seem to help myself. However, you could tell me who has set their cap for me and help me avoid being found in any kind of compromising position. I, on the other hand, will keep the rogues from you and only encourage those you might have an interest in.”

“Your proposal is intriguing, Owen.”

“It’s bloody smart if you ask me,” he quipped. “It could help protect us both. What do you say, Miss Goulding?”

She smiled brilliantly. “I say that you should call me Louisa.”

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