Page 27 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

“I suppose you will want a rematch,” she said. “Most men do when they lose to me the first time.”

“How did you know you would win? Or rather, when?”

She told him and he shook his head. “I don’t see how you knew that early.”

“You were concentrating more on our conversation than the playing board, Owen. Chess really requires a player’s full attention.”

“You were speaking with me and didn’t seem to have any trouble at all in winning,” he pointed out.

“I was listening to you, I’ll admit, but I also was thinking ahead. Papa taught me to play chess at a young age and his lasting words were to always think in advance. Two moves. Five. Ten or more. I try to play out various scenarios in my head. If Owen moves his knight, how might I counter the move? If he chooses his pawn instead, what should I do?”

Louisa shrugged. “I can see it clearly in my head. Actually, I prefer not conversing when I play.”

He began returning the pieces to their starting points. “Then we shall go at it again. No discussion allowed this time.”

She brightened. “Very well. I haven’t played since Papa left for Vienna so I’m happy to do so again.”

Owen liked the not talking part because it allowed him to watch Louisa as she focused on the board, her brow sometimes furrowed as she concentrated. She was growing prettier by the minute. He could understand in part now why she hadn’t wed. All the randy bachelors of thetonwould not have taken the time to get to know her. Louisa Goulding had depths to be mined and most men, even those looking for a bride, would not have taken the time to unravel the layers of this remarkable woman.

He finally quit looking at her so much and began concentrating on his own game. He had been the chess champion of his school three years running and even played on a team at university. Winning came handily to him. Yes, he usually did what Louisa did and mapped out several moves in advance.

She, however, did it far better than he.

The match lasted close to an hour but she took the game in the end.

“Checkmate,” she announced, giving him a sympathetic smile.

By now, Ev and Adalyn had slipped into the room. Owen had been aware of their presence but did not attribute that to his second loss. Instead, he knew it was because Louisa was the superior player.

“You have a fine mind, Louisa,” he praised.

“I had thought you could teach me chess, Owen,” Adalyn said. “Seeing you lose makes me reconsider that.”

Ev chuckled. “You would not like it, my love.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. “There is not enough activity for you. People stare at the board for minutes at a time before they make a move.”

Adalyn snorted. “Then it definitely is not for me. Are you two finished? If so, it is almost teatime. Owen, would you care to stay for tea?”

“I would be delighted,” he told her, happy to stay. “Will we take it in the drawing room?”

“It is such a pleasant day. I wish we could do so outside,” Louisa said. “I have been cooped up all day and would appreciate some fresh air.”

“I’ll let Arthur know,” Ev said, rising and bringing his wife to her feet with him. “We shall see you outside on the terrace.”

The couple left and Owen slipped from under Louisa’s legs and lifted the chessboard from her lap, returning it to its former place.

She swung her legs to the ground and said, “If you will help me to stand, I am a bit stiff after sitting for so long.”

“That won’t be necessary,” he told her, slipping his arms about her and scooping her into them.

“Owen! Please, put me down,” Louisa protested. “I can walk to tea. It would be good to test out my ankle.”

Reluctantly, he set her on her feet but kept one arm about her waist. Their bodies were close. The scent of lavender hung in the air, tempting him.

Temptation won—and he lowered his mouth to hers.

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