Page 45 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

Chapter Thirteen

Owen climbed intohis carriage and tapped on the ceiling. The driver started the vehicle and he settled back against the cushions. As they made their way toward Cliffside, he contemplated the four men Adalyn had announced were her upcoming houseguests. That one was a former military man was a good thing, even if Owen did not know Hurley. The military instilled leadership and discipline within a man, honing his character. Of the four candidates, Owen already had a favorable opinion of Viscount Hurley.

As far as the Earl of Marksbury was concerned, he had been a classmate of theirs at school, a few years behind them. Owen had neither a favorable nor unfavorable impression of Marksbury. To the contrary, he had no impression at all. He vaguely recalled a solemn, sturdy lad who spoke little. It would be interesting to see the man Marksbury had become.

He did remember Viscount Boxling from university days and hoped that Louisa would immediately dismiss the man once she met him. From what Owen recalled, Boxling had been a wild one, charming his professors and fellow classmates while he made his way through every woman in Cambridge, single or married. Hopefully, Boxling would show his stripes quickly so that Louisa might eliminate him from her pool of potential suitors.

He wondered about this Mr. Hampton, the neighbor. Owen had known Viscount Loving, Hampton’s older brother, and thought him bland. He had no recollection of this younger Hampton brother. He supposed it did speak good of the man for having tended to his dying father, the old viscount. But at the same time, Owen wanted more for Louisa. She might not consider a title important or necessary but he certainly did. It was funny how his thinking had changed since he himself had gained a title but he wanted that for Louisa.

He wanted the world for Louisa.

He wanted Louisa... for himself.

Owen shoved that thought into the far recesses of his mind. No, he did not want Louisa Goulding. He didn’t want a wife, period. He was merely acting on her behalf, as a concerned friend, and hoped that she would be able to find her future husband among the house party guests. He still found it hard to believe that a woman of Louisa’s distinctive qualities had not been snapped up by an eligible bachelor of thetonbut he did know what insensitive oafs most men could be. Even if a diamond of the first water were placed in their paths, they rarely recognized her. Louisa was the brightest of diamonds as far as Owen was concerned and he would make certain that she had the best husband possible. If she was happy, he would be happy.

He ignored the fact that he was lying to himself.

When had he changed? He had returned from the war depleted, so many years spent in battle and surrounded by death all his adult life. Though he had been reluctant to leave the military, wanting to see the conclusion of the fighting and Bonaparte knocked off the pedestal he had placed himself upon, Owen now found that he liked a life away from the army. He had thought he would be bored in the country and hadn’t been. The many challenges on his estate kept him busy and thriving. Yes, he would go to town eventually, taking his seat in the House of Lords, and enjoying the finer things London had to offer. But he now understood the value of a quiet life in the country. He was fortunate to have Ev next door and Spence less than twenty miles from Danfield.

What he did need was to find a husband for Louisa and make certain that she was happy with him—and that they did not live anywhere in this area. Jealousy already seeped through his bones and he would not want to watch her on a regular basis, seeing her happiness in her marriage or the times she would be increasing, glowing with the prospect of being a mother. Anger filled him thinking of another man’s child growing in her belly. That alone made Owen know Mr. Hampton would not be a suitable candidate for her hand, especially if he remained in the area with his brother, Viscount Loving.

His carriage rolled up the drive and stopped in front of the house. Owen climbed down and looked up as his valet did the same from where he had ridden next to the driver.

“See to my trunk, Strunk.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Owen then turned to the groom who had followed them over on Galahad. “Take my horse to the stables and you may return in the carriage.”

The groom nodded and turned Galahad toward the stables. Owen then made his way to the front door. He had brought the carriage as much for his trunk as himself, not wanting to be ruffled and mussed. Though it was but a short ride from Danfield to Cliffside, he did not want to smell of the sweat of a horse as the other guests arrived. He wouldn’t need the carriage, however, which was why he was sending it home. This also allowed him use of Galahad during the house party.

Arthur greeted him at the door. “Good morning, Lord Danbury. We were not expecting you quite this early.”

Owen grinned. “Is that your way of saying that I am too early, Arthur?”

“Never, my lord,” the butler said smoothly. “Your bedchamber is ready and His Grace is breakfasting if you wish to join him.”

“What a splendid idea,” he said and strode toward the breakfast room.

Entering, he looked about and was surprised to find only Ev dining there.

“What the devil are you doing here?” his friend asked. “I thought our invited guests would be arriving from mid-morning on. Addie and Louisa both had a tray sent to their rooms since they thought it would be quicker. Spence and Tessa have already eaten and are out taking a walk with Analise.”

Owen took a seat as a footman poured coffee for him.

“I thought I would come a bit early and help you greet your guests,” he said, taking a sip from his cup.

Ev studied him a moment. “You came early so that you would be able to see every guest who arrived,” his friend surmised. “Might you actually be looking for your countess among them?” Ev paused. “Or are you playing scout and looking over the men for Louisa?”

“The latter, of course. You know of my intentions to wait on marriage. I have a good five years or more before I will even consider leg shackles.”

Ev shook his head. “Keep saying that. One day, you might actually believe it.”

“What do you mean?” Owen asked, not bothering to hide his irritation.

“I think—whether you know it or not—that you will be wed sooner than later. And to Louisa.”

Owen shook his head, vehemently denying it. “No, Ev, you are wrong. I merely feel solicitous toward her. She has no father or brother here to look after her interests.”

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