Page 43 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

“Oh, great. A giggler. Just what we need,” said Owen sourly.

Adalyn ignored his comment. “The final guest is Miss Rexford.”

“Oh, I know who she is,” Louisa said. “We have never met but she has a bit of a reputation as a rule-breaker.”

Owen sniffed. “At least she sounds interesting compared to the others.”

Adalyn shot him a look. “She is also quite beautiful. Dark-haired with light blue eyes. I think you will enjoy getting to know her, Owen.”

He waved a hand in front of him. “We’re not here for me. Despite what Ev said.”

Adalyn’s brows arched. “And what did my husband say?”

“That you are a matchmaker and you will try to pair me up with someone.”

Adalyn shrugged. “I am merely bringing interesting people together. Make of it what you will.”

Owen leaned his forearms on his thighs. “Get on with it. You’ve told us about the female guests. Let’s hear about the men.”

Adalyn consulted her list. “Viscount Hurley is someone Ev knew in the army. He has recently returned from the war. Ev says that Hurley is lanky. Just over six feet. Blond and very intelligent.”

“Hmm,” Owen murmured. “I don’t know him. Go on.”

“Then there is the Earl of Marksbury, a school chum of Ev’s.”

“I know him,” Owen said. “A couple of inches under six feet. Stocky. Smart. Quiet.”

“Ev said he doesn’t go to manytonevents,” Adalyn added.

“Who else?” Tessa asked.

“Viscount Boxling,” Adalyn said.

Louisa thought a moment. “The name sounds familiar but I do not remember a Boxling from this past Season.”

“We know him,” Tessa said. “He is most likely six feet, with dark hair and eyes. Very funny and smart. I heard his father, the previous viscount, passed away last Christmas and Boxling skipped the Season because he was settling into his duties. Spencer knew him at university.”

“As did Ev and I,” Owen said cryptically.

“The last of the eligible men is a gentleman from our neighborhood. A Mr. Hampton. He is close to six feet and quite muscular. Lovely brown hair and eyes. He is the third of three boys. Once he graduated from university, he returned home and helped care for his father, who was very ill.”

“Was his father Viscount Loving?” Owen asked. When Adalyn confirmed that, he said, “He doesn’t have a title. The rest do.”

Louisa snorted. “If you think I am interested in a man solely because he holds a title, you are mistaken. Character is what is most important.”

“But Louisa, you need someone who will care for you. That includes a roof over your head and material goods.” He glanced at Adalyn. “What does Hampton do now that his father is gone?”

“I am not certain,” she revealed. “But he was available to come to the house party while his brother is not. The new Viscount Loving recently wed and is on his honeymoon.”

“I don’t know if any of these prospects will do for Louisa,” Owen said flatly.

“Why not?” Tessa asked.

“Call it gut instinct,” he said gruffly. “None of them sound good enough in my opinion.”

“I think it should be up to Louisa to decide if any of these men interest her or not,” Adalyn said. “I have told you a bit about them, knowing you’ll keep an open mind.”

“Yes, it will be up to me to see for myself,” she said. “I will not prejudge anyone. Rather, I hope to have time to get to know each of them.”

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