Page 25 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

Entering the room, he spied her on a settee, engrossed in a book she held in her lap. Owen took the opportunity to study her for a moment. The white-blond hair was pulled away from her face, settled in a simple chignon, allowing a good glimpse of her elfin face. He watched a smile play about her lips, figuring that some passage amused her.

Then she chuckled softly and bit that full, bottom lip, causing a rush of desire to flood him.

He cleared his throat and made his way toward her, tamping down the deep yearning within him.

A genuine smile lit her face. Louisa was a woman who would never play games or make a pretense of her emotions. She deserved a good man. The love of a good man.

Owen knew he could never be that man.

“How is the invalid?” he asked, smiling down at her.

Her brows arched. “I am not an invalid. I told you yesterday it wasn’t even a true sprain. Just a few twinges of discomfort.”

“I’ll be the judge of that,” he said, boldly raising her legs and sitting on the settee before lowering her legs into his lap. Glancing at her, he saw her face flood with color and bit back a grin.

“Isn’t this a bit too... intimate?” she asked. “Even for friends?”

“Concerned friends want to make certain you are absolutely fine, especially since you refused having the doctor come and call,” he told her.

Owen raised the hem of her gown and forced his gaze from her face to the ankle in question. Gently, he probed it with his fingers, made easier because she wore no slippers.

“I don’t see any swelling,” he noted, his gaze returning to hers—even as his fingers remained on her ankle.

The color was high on her cheeks as she said, “It was only slightly swollen yesterday and only for a very short while. The poultice and then cold compresses made a difference. I kept to my bedchamber and made certain it stayed elevated. I even dined in my room last night. I did the same this morning for breakfast, requesting a tray, but I knew I must get up and move on it some,” she told him. “That is why I came downstairs to the library.”

“You walked all the way?” he asked sharply, wishing he had been here to carry her.

“I did,” she proclaimed, satisfaction in her voice. “I will practice a little more on it today and then by tomorrow, I will be fine. In fact, I am going to resume riding tomorrow. On Fancy. I think she and I suit each other quite well.”

“What time do you wish to ride tomorrow?”

Louisa shook her head and said, “No, Owen, you do not need to come. I can take a groom out with me.”

“Nonsense,” he said, stroking her ankle lightly, enjoying the intimacy of the gesture. “I had told you I would come daily to ride with you. I intend to keep that promise.”

Stubbornness set in both her mouth and chin. “You have far too much to do, Owen. I know that you are like Everett and Spencer, second sons, and not trained to the roles you now hold. It hasn’t been that long since your brother passed and I know you must concentrate on your estate and tenants, not squiring me about.”

Stroking her ankle, he said, “That is why I hired Painter’s cousin, Ronald White, as my steward. I met with him at length both yesterday and today. In fact, today we were out on the estate all morning, discussing the autumn harvest and beyond. You seem to forget, Louisa, that I was not only a soldier—but an officer—in His Majesty’s army. I am perfectly capable of handling several things in a single day, especially since it no longer involves being shot at on a regular basis.”

She chuckled at his words and a frisson of desire rippled through him.

By God, he still wanted to kiss her.

“Oh, all right,” she said. “We can ride for an hour each day. By the time the house party begins, I will be more comfortable in the saddle than ever before. On another note,” she added, “I did ask for Adalyn to share a list of the guests she has invited with us. I thought you and I could become familiar with their names. Perhaps Adalyn and Tessa could tell us a little bit about each of the guests before they arrive. Tessa and Spencer, along with Analise, are coming a few days before the house party begins so that we can all have a nice visit before the place is flooded with people.”

“That’s an excellent idea. Since we don’t have this list now, perhaps we could do something else. Something sedentary. Perhaps you could read to me from your book.”

“Actually, I am a bit tired of reading. I spent most of yesterday afternoon and evening doing so and the same today. Might I suggest we play a game of chess instead?”

“You play chess? I know Adalyn mentioned wanting to learn how and I told her I would help her do so.”

Louisa laughed aloud. “Adalyn is always full of ideas such as that but she does not have the patience. Chess is a complicated game and while Adalyn is quite bright, she is not one to stare at the playing pieces and map out the strategy necessary for victory.”

“And you are?” he asked, almost seductively.

Owen couldn’t help it.

Louisa laughed heartily. “Why, Owen, I do believe you are flirting with me,” she declared. “That reminds me that you were going to help me learn how to flirt.”

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