Page 20 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

Chapter Seven

Louisa watched anappealing smile cross Owen’s face. Her heart skipped a beat.

At least they had cleared the air. She had known him to be a rake the moment they met, even if he hadn’t participated in Polite Society yet. He was extremely attractive and knew it. Confident. Sophisticated. Comfortable in any situation. Because of his looks, she was certain women had fallen at his feet from the time he had become aware of females. But he knew that she knew what he was—and she would use it to her advantage.

As a man’s man, other males would speak openly to Owen. Possibly even confide in him. If he could get to know the house party guests and only steer steadfast, kind men her way, then her qualms about this party might be calmed.

It didn’t hurt that he had been frank with her and let her know he wasn’t interested in wedding her or any other female Adalyn had invited to Cliffside. That he was willing to work with her spoke well for him. Perhaps they might even form a friendship, as she had with Everett to a large degree and Spencer to a smaller one, simply because she had not been around him as much.

She also wouldn’t have to worry about being attracted to him. He had said he would flirt with the other female guests in attendance. Naturally, he would do the same with her. She would take it in stride, knowing exactly who and what he was and knowing he was not one to be considered husband material.

Besides, it might actually be fun to flirt with him.

If she knew how to flirt.

Boldly, she said, “Besides teaching me to ride, would you consider also giving me a few pointers on how to flirt?”

His eyes lit with interest. “You don’t know how to flirt?”

“Not a bit,” she admitted cheerfully, beginning to relax in his company since he would never be a man she would consider as her future husband. “I made my come-out five years ago but only attended a handful of events that year. It’s been the same for subsequent Seasons. Papa had a greater need of me and so I have never experienced all that the other girls did. I think perhaps I should become acquainted with flirting. If you are willing to help me do so, Owen.”

He laughed, the sound rich and deep. “I would be happy to give you a few lessons in flirting, Louisa. For now, however, we need to concentrate on riding.”

“Very well.”

She turned to look at the horse the groom had brought out for her. A bit hesitantly, she reached out a hand and stroked the velvet nose.

“Ah, that’s nice.”

“A good first move,” Owen praised. “Horses are observant creatures. Always looking around at their surroundings. They especially are interested in those who climb upon their backs. Many believe a horse can read a person’s mood, which is why I wanted you to calm your anger before you got on Fancy’s back.”

“Fancy? Is that her name?”

“It is.”

“Hello, Fancy,” she cooed to the horse, stroking it again. “My, aren’t you a lovely thing?”

“Go ahead,” he encouraged. “Keep talking to her. Petting her.”

Louisa did as he suggested. “I am going to ride you in a few minutes, Fancy. Lord Danbury, who lives on the neighboring estate, will be riding the other horse.” She looked to Owen.

“Galahad,” he provided.

“This is Galahad,” she said, introducing the other mount. “And I am Louisa. My papa and I live in London, which is a great city. He is a very important man and I help him some in his work. Because of that, I haven’t ridden in years, not since I used to go to the country and visit my cousins, Adalyn and Tessa.”

“Tell her what you like to do. Any kind of conversation to put Fancy at ease,” Owen suggested.

Louisa stroked the horse’s side. “Well, I am quite fond of fruit tarts. I also enjoy reading and music. I play the pianoforte and sing a bit. Perhaps I will sing to you.”

“That’s good,” he encouraged. “Why don’t you sit atop Fancy now. Keep talking to her. Nice and easy.”

She nodded and, suddenly, his hands captured her waist. All the air seemed to go out of Louisa as her heart slammed against her ribcage. She grasped the saddle horn and hooked her leg about it, swallowing hard.

“Don’t tense your body,” Owen said. “You want to always stay relaxed. Horses sense anxiety. When we do start out, we’re going to go slowly. You’ll want to move with the horse. You need to project an easy air of confidence so that Fancy will also have confidence in you.”

“I hope I can remember all of this.”

“It will come back to you since you rode as a girl and young lady. The important thing is not to overthink things. Relax and the horse will relax with you. Fancy wants to be safe with you atop her, just as you wish to feel safe while riding her.”

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