Page 47 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

“We have met previously. I hear he is part of the delegation England has sent to Vienna.”

Louisa nodded. “Papa has already been there several months and will remain until the map of Europe is redrawn. During his absence, I went to stay with my aunt and uncle, Lord and Lady Uxbridge, Her Grace’s parents. I accompanied them to most of the affairs this past Season so it was a very different spring for me.”

“I am sorry to have missed you,” he said. “Normally, I am at most events but after my father’s death, I found the estate and our financial affairs in disarray. My time was better spent at Boxwell Hall.”

“Is that your country estate, my lord?”

“Yes, it is in Sussex. The property is quite lovely. Fortunately, after several months, I have made sense of the ledgers and feel I have a good handle on the estate, which is why I was eager to accept Her Grace’s invitation for this house party. It is nice to be in the company of others again.” He paused. “Especially one as lovely as you, Miss Goulding.”

Louisa sensed the blush tinging her cheeks. “Thank you, my lord,” she said graciously.

The viscount glanced up. “I see the butler has arrived so it must be time to go in to dinner. Might I escort you to the dining room, Miss Goulding?”

Before she could reply, Owen appeared at her side. “I am afraid Miss Goulding has already promised me that honor,” he said smoothly. “Perhaps another time, Boxling.” He offered her his arm.

Louisa was dismayed at the interruption and the fact that Owen had lied. Though she took his arm, she looked at Lord Boxling and said, “I would be happy to continue our conversation after dinner, my lord.”

The viscount brightened. “That would be delightful, Miss Goulding. We might even take a stroll through His Grace’s gardens. I have heard they are lovely.”

“Excuse us,” Owen said brusquely and led her away as Arthur announced dinner.

“What was that all about?” she demanded.

“I wanted to warn you about Viscount Boxling.”

“Warn me? What has he done? Stolen the silverware? His lordship seemed to be quite nice.”

“I knew him at university,” Owen said.

“That was years ago. If he acted immaturely then, I am certain he has changed. I found him to be quite charming.”

“Oh, he is always charming. The ladies flock to him.”

Louisa frowned. “You seem jealous of him.”

Owen snorted. “Not in the least. I merely wanted to confirm he was the same man I remembered from university. Boxling was a womanizer then and I doubt he has changed. You don’t need to be strolling through any gardens with him, Louisa.”

They entered the dining room and she said, “I found Lord Boxling most agreeable. Remember, Owen, this is my time. If I choose to walk in the gardens with one of the guests, it is my business. Not yours.”

He led her to a chair, where a card displayed her name, and seated her. Leaning down, he said, “You said you would listen to me. My advice is to stay away from Boxling.”

“I will take your opinion under consideration. But for now, I plan to get to know Lord Boxling—and the other guests, of course. Go find your seat, Owen, and leave me be.”

He frowned at her and strode away to the far end of the table.

Mr. Hampton took a seat next to her. “It’s Miss Goulding, isn’t it? I’m trying to keep everyone’s name straight.”

Louisa smiled. “It is, indeed.”

As the rest of the company took their seats, she reined in her temper.

And hoped she wouldn’t have any more problems with Owen trying to ride roughshod over her.

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