Page 63 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

“Miss Goulding.”

“Yes, she is very nice,” he said neutrally, not wanting to stir a cat fight between the two women, especially not before he had a chance to get Louisa alone and explain things to her.

“You watch her a lot. She’s pretty but too opinionated. In my opinion.” She giggled.

Owen focused on his companion a moment. “You are not as witty as you believe, Miss Oxford. My advice to you is to never speak ill of anyone—because you never know if it will come back to haunt you.”

Her bottom lip stuck out in a pout. “I don’t have a chance with you, do I, my lord.”

“Not a one,” he assured her.

She appraised him. “Thank you for being so straightforward with me.” She slipped her hand from his arm.

He turned his attention back to the bowlers, having missed a couple of rolls. Watching the rest of the match play out, he could see that while Boxling and Hurley had been evenly matched, Louisa had outplayed Miss Peterson.

Ev completed the measurements and looked up, smiling. “It seems as if the victors are Lord Hurley and Miss Goulding!”

Polite applause filled the air, including that from Hampton and Miss Rexford, who had returned from their garden stroll.

“What is the prize, Your Grace?” asked Lady Uxbridge.

“It is a glass vase,” Adalyn replied, signaling a footman, who brought the vase to her. “I suggest after tea that our winners go to the gardens and select a few blooms to place in it.”

Lord Hurley stepped forward and claimed the vase and then handed it to Louisa. “You are the true winner today, Miss Goulding. You went from knowing nothing of the game to being quite dreadful to actually showing promise at lawn bowling. I believe you should claim this for your progress.”

Louisa laughed, the color high on her cheeks, making her very appealing. Owen swallowed, knowing he better speak to her soon.

Perhaps he would tag along when she went to the gardens with Lord Hurley.

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