Page 32 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

Chapter Ten

Louisa had notslept well and got up early, pacing about her bedchamber. She hadn’t bothered ringing for Tilly. Instead, she had dressed in her riding habit on her own and plaited her hair in a single braid before heading downstairs to breakfast.

Everett had been finishing his meal, saying that he was expecting his solicitor soon and they would be closeted for most of the day. She wished him well with his business and finished her tea and toast just as Adalyn arrived. She told her cousin she was going down to the stables to help curry Fancy and to tell Owen to meet her there.

Stopping in the kitchens, she snagged an apple for her horse. She had begun to think of Fancy as hers. When it was time to leave Cliffside, Louisa would be sad to leave the horse behind. At least she had been offered an extended invitation, which she was still considering. While she was thrilled of the possibility of spending the next several months with Adalyn as she increased, Louisa didn’t know if she should stay.

Because of Owen.

He had not kissed her during the past week, for which she waffled between being terribly grateful and horribly annoyed. He had respected the boundaries she had set and kept his lips and hands to himself, taking her out every day for a ride and a pleasant bit of conversation. While she liked being friends with him, especially because he was quick-witted and fun to be around, she had constant thoughts of his kiss in her head. They had begun to dominate her every waking thought.

It wouldn’t do.

Owen was not meant for her. She sensed the wildness in him. The sensuality. He would have a fine time moving through Polite Society, sampling the wares of willing women, before eventually settling down.

That was not the kind of husband she wanted. Louisa needed a gentle soul who would be patient at her lack of experience in the bedroom. One who would enjoy being around their children. If he did stray from his marital vows after giving her a few children, it would cut her to the quick. She expected it, though. Most men of thetondid so.

Especially men such as Owen.

He would seek out worldly widows and bored wives and give them pleasurable experiences. He would have to teach nothing to these women. Unlike her, who didn’t even know how to flirt. She had not brought up the flirting lessons since their kiss because she didn’t want to practice the art of flirtation on him or with him. Thank goodness he seemed to have forgotten all about the promised lessons.

Arriving at the stables, she asked a groom for a curry comb and went to Fancy’s stall. The horse nickered and came toward Louisa.

“You know I have something for you, my sweet girl, don’t you?” she asked, presenting the apple in her palm to the horse.

Fancy took it daintily, her lips grazing Louisa’s palm in a tickling fashion, and the horse ate her treat.

“There, my wonderful girl. That’s right.” She stroked the velvet nose. “Apples are good for you. So is brushing.”

Louisa had one of the grooms show her how to curry Fancy a few days ago. She now entered the stall and began to move the comb in a circular motion. The horse chuffed, making her smile. She continued, softly humming, her thoughts only on the steadying motion and nothing else.

“Someone has been hanging about the stables,” a familiar voice said.

Louisa leaned around and saw Owen standing in front of the stall, wondering how long he had been watching her.

“I had one of the grooms show me what to do the other day. I find it rather soothing to curry Fancy. Mama used to brush my hair for me when I was small. It was calming. Just as this is.”

A look crossed his face. One she couldn’t read.

“Are you at a stopping point?”

“I can stop at any time,” she assured him.

“I’ll fetch a groom to saddle Fancy.”

He left and Louisa wrapped her arms about the horse’s neck, giving her a kiss before exiting the stall. She returned outside and found Owen waiting for her.

“Where would you like to ride today?” she asked.

“How about Danfield? We have been all over Cliffside. It’s about time I was able to show off my own property. Mind you now, it belongs to a mere earl and not a lofty duke. It isn’t quite as grand.” He paused. “But it’s mine and I do take pride in it.”

“I would love to see your estate,” she told him.

A groom appeared with both their horses in hand and Owen placed her into the saddle. As always, when he touched her, a ripple of anticipation flared through her, wanting more from him. She ignored it and took up her reins.

“Lead the way,” she said.

He urged Galahad on and Fancy followed suit. Instead of taking the main road, they rode across an open field and then into a wooded area.

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