Owen watched Louisa flush at the compliment. “One more and then we should bring an end to this night,” she said.
After conferring with Tessa again, Louisa began to sing. Once more, her voice brought stirrings to Owen that he should not be feeling. While he thought Hampton and Marksbury not quite good enough for her and Boxling wildly inappropriate, he decided that Hurley would be the best for Louisa. He vowed to help the younger man press his suit.
Louisa ended the song, the last note rich and tender. His gaze met hers and he nodded at her in approval. She returned his nod and then smiled at the room.
“I suppose most men here just fell in love with Miss Goulding,” Miss Rexford observed. She casually placed a hand on his arm. “Would that include you, my lord?”
“I don’t believe in love,” Owen told her. “Besides, Miss Goulding is like family to me. I am not one to lust after a little sister.”
Miss Rexford’s eyes lit with interest. “That is good to know, Lord Danbury. Very good to know.”
Owen realized he now had a tiger by the tail—and hoped it wouldn’t be his undoing.