Page 26 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

Teaching this woman to flirt was the last thing he wanted to do. If he did, she would use the lessons well. For some reason, Owen did not want her flirting with anyone but him.

“Let’s save that for another time,” he suggested. “I haven’t played chess in a good while and would like to do so. As long as you don’t mind being severely trounced, that is. I’ll tell you now, Louisa, I won’t go easy on you.”

Her brows arched again. “You think you will actually beat me?” A devilish smile appeared and she added, “Bring forth your best effort, Lord Danforth.”

“You seem quite sure of yourself,” he said.

“Oh, I am. I daresay I have played more matches of chess than you have. I know it is not a typical woman’s game but, then again, I am not your typical woman.”

No, you aren’t, Owen thought to himself.

He raised her legs and slipped from under them, freeing himself in order to cross the room. Retrieving the chessboard from the table where it usually sat, he returned with it.

“Where should we put it?” she asked, looking about.

“Hold it,” he ordered, handing her the board. Returning to the end of the settee, he lifted her legs again and settled them into his lap. “Put the board in your lap. We can both reach it if it is rests there and you won’t have to turn awkwardly since it is right in front of you.”

Color bloomed on her cheeks again, making her practically irresistible. Owen decided that he would kiss her. Just once. Perhaps when he was teaching her a bit about flirting. In fact, he might need to teach her something about kissing, as well. And whom not to kiss. There were plenty of rogues out there who might take advantage of her. At least they wouldn’t on his watch.

She held the chessboard high and wriggled a bit, settling herself, which made his heart pound, wishing she sat in his lap and that wriggling, rounded bottom–

“Owen?”

“Hmm?” he asked, glancing up.

“I asked if you would care to go first.”

He smiled. “No, ladies first.”

“But when I win, you will say it is because I was allowed the opening move.”

He chuckled. “You are almost as cocky as I am, Louisa.”

Mischief filled her eyes. “Is that a good thing?”

“We shall see. Go ahead. You may start.”

She lifted her piece and did so.

“Who do you play chess with?” he asked as he answered her move.

“Practically every man from the War Department that comes to our townhouse.” She moved another piece.

“Why do they come to see your father at home? I assume he has an office provided to him.” Owen moved a second time.

“Oh, he does. Papa is very conscious about spies, however. More than one was planted in the offices during the war. While Papa likes to believe the best of everyone, he is very hesitant to speak of sensitive information. Oftentimes, he would hold meetings at our home or even meet one-on-one with various colleagues, wanting to ensure privacy. At any given time, our house would be filled with workers from the War Office, busy completing reports, waiting to discuss strategies, or assembling in order to hear dispatches.”

She considered the board before moving another piece.

“Because of that, I wound up entertaining all sorts of gentlemen while they waited to meet with Papa or if they had arrived for one meeting or another. Sometimes, several meetings would be held and workers and diplomats would remain in order to wait for the next one. I would feed them. Give them tea. Listen to them. Talk with them. And yes, even play chess with them sometimes.”

Louisa smiled. “So you see, I have quite a lot of experience at chess, challenging some of the best players in England.”

He paused to study the board before making another move—and caught a smile which she quickly hid. Owen studied the board, trying to see what he might have done wrong and could find nothing amiss with his move.

Yet eleven moves later, she had not only checked him, but she had uttered, “Checkmate.” Not in a gloating manner.

But she did have a smile on her face when she claimed victory.

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