Page 49 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

“The sooner, the better,” Hurley confided. “I never thought I would have the opportunity to be a family man. Now that I am a viscount, I can dedicate myself to my wife and children.” He chuckled. “Of course, I will need to get said wife first.”

As they entered the drawing room, the viscount said, “I know Their Graces didn’t ask me to this house party merely for my sparkling company. There are five unattached females here. I plan to leave this gathering engaged to one of them.”

His bluntness surprised Owen. “You do?”

“I have no qualms about offering for a woman. Her Grace seems to be a good judge of character. She has brought us here for a reason.” Hurley gazed about the room. “They all seem nice but I find myself drawn to Miss Goulding, in particular. She has a grace and maturity about her that the others do not possess.”

Of all the bachelors present, Owen knew Hurley would be the best choice for Louisa. With a heavy heart, he said, “Miss Goulding is a wonderful woman. Charming and intelligent. I wish you luck with your endeavor.”

Owen excused himself and retreated to a corner of the room. Unfortunately, Miss Rexford motioned for him to come closer. He did, claiming the empty seat next to her.

“No need for you to hide in the corner, Lord Danbury,” she said, her eyes sparkling with interest. “This will give us a chance to visit.”

“I thought it was polite to keep silent while others performed,” he said lightly.

Miss Rexford grinned. “I am afraid I am terrible at obeying conventional rules, my lord. If there is an atrocious singer, I will whisper so in your ear. I will wager that I might possibly even make you laugh.”

This one was a spitfire. He would need to stay as far away from her as possible.

He gazed about the room and saw that Louisa was sitting with Miss Peterson. Both Hurley and Boxling stood behind the two women. A flare of jealousy rushed through him as Boxling placed his hand on Louisa’s shoulder for a moment, leaning down to say something to her.

Adalyn claimed everyone’s attention, saying, “I know many of you traveled a good distance to be here and so we won’t make this first night a late one. I have a full slate of activities for us tomorrow. I thought, though, that it would be nice to hear a little music this evening to calm us before we adjourned for the night.”

She smiled at Lady Sara. “Would you grace us with a song? I have heard that you have a lovely voice and that Miss Oxford often accompanies you.”

The young woman rose. “I would be happy to, Your Grace.” Looking to her friend, she said, “Come on, you.”

Miss Oxford stood, her hand covering her mouth as she tried—and failed—to stifle a giggle.

“This is going to be a long night,” Miss Rexford murmured behind her fan. “Even if Her Grace promised it would be short.”

Owen grunted in agreement.

Fortunately, Miss Oxford played quite well and Lady Sara had a sweet soprano voice. She sang two numbers and then thanked everyone for their attention before returning to her seat.

“I think one more pair should perform and then we might retire,” Adalyn said. “Cousins? Would you mind?”

Owen had heard Tessa play when he visited her and Spence. Even as a mother and countess, Tessa practiced a good hour a day. She had remarked to Owen that playing kept her happy. When Spence had given his wife a lascivious look and said that he thought he kept her happy, Tessa smugly told her husband, “You kept me satisfied.”

Owen thought the room might go up in flames as the married pair exchanged a heated glance and they soon excused themselves to attend to household business.

He knew exactly what that business had entailed.

Tessa rose, as did Louisa, and they met at the pianoforte. Tessa seated herself and they spoke briefly. He assumed they discussed what song they would use to entertain the group. He wondered if Louisa’s voice was as high and clear as Lady Sara’s had been.

From the first note that came from her mouth, it was apparent it was the complete opposite. Louisa’s voice was low, rich, and sultry. It made Owen think of the many decadent things he wanted to do with her. The ways he would touch her. The little cries she would make. He relived the memory of having intimately touched her, his fingers feeling her juices as her orgasm spilled from her. He had deliberately avoided recalling any part of that moment.

Until now.

By God, he wanted her. All of her. For those kinds of moments and so many others he wished to create between them.

The last note sounded and a hush filled the room. Then enthusiastic applause broke out.

Miss Rexford leaned close and said in his ear, “Remind me never to follow Miss Goulding in song.”

“She is quite gifted,” he said neutrally. “And the countess plays beautifully.”

“Please, Miss Goulding, you must sing something else for us,” Lord Marksbury enthused. “Your voice is simply breathtaking.”

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