Page 65 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

“She has spoken very highly of you,” Louisa said, not wanting to tell her new friend that Adalyn had actually considered Miss Peterson at one point to be Everett’s duchess.

“Who knows?” Miss Peterson asked. “I have heard that house parties often spark an engagement or two. Wouldn’t it be lovely if we each found our match here at Cliffside over the next week?”

They continued to the drawing room, where tea would be served, and entered the room. Immediately, Lord Boxling and Lord Marksbury joined them.

“Congratulations on your victory at lawn bowling today, Miss Goulding,” Lord Boxling said, his eyes taking her in with interest.

“Thank you, my lord. I do believe I experienced beginner’s luck. It was quite enjoyable, though, and I would be happy to participate in another contest if my cousin decides to hold one.”

“Then if that occurs, I am asking you to partner with me, Miss Goulding,” the viscount said. “I think as a team we would be unstoppable.”

Lord Marksbury looked to Miss Peterson. “Did you enjoy the lawn bowling?”

“I did, my lord,” Miss Peterson replied. “I find it invigorating to try new things.”

“Then, as Miss Goulding suggested, if there is a second match, I hope you would do me the honor of competing alongside me,” the earl said.

Louisa saw the faint blush that tinged Miss Peterson’s cheeks as she said, “I would be happy to do so, my lord.”

The teacarts arrived and Lord Boxling suggested they take a seat.

Viscount Hurley smiled broadly at her and said, “Come sit with me, Miss Goulding. I believe we have the place of honor, thanks to our resounding victory this afternoon.”

She joined him on the settee and said, “I am not quite sure I would call it resounding, my lord. It was most enjoyable, however. I am hoping to be able to bowl again before the house party ends.”

Adalyn looked pleased at the remark. “I will be happy to accommodate anyone who wishes for lawn bowling again,” she said. “We’ll have to think of a new prize to award, however. In the meantime, I have many other things planned. A picnic by the lake. Painting. More riding.”

“And I would hope for more musical evenings,” Owen interjected, smiling warmly at Louisa.

“Hear, hear!” said several present.

Owen added, “Performances last night were most enjoyable. I am sure the other young ladies present would like a chance to entertain us, as well as hearing encore performances from Lady Sara and Miss Goulding.”

“That is easy to arrange,” Everett said. “Tonight, however, I believe my wife has planned parlor games. Or was it card games, my love?” He smiled at Adalyn.

“It is card games this evening, Your Grace,” she said, returning his smile.

The rest of teatime passed swiftly. The one good thing about this house party was the many conversations. With such a large group, it was natural for people to break off into smaller groups and converse. She found herself in an interesting discussion with Mr. Hampton, Miss Rexford, and Lord Hurley. All the while, she sensed Owen’s gaze upon her and deliberately never looked once in his direction. As the old saying went, he had made his bed—and he could now lie in it. He had told her he was not interested in her or marriage while she’d shared she was looking for a husband. She would not let the handsome earl be a distraction to her.

The nursery governess slipped in with Analise, bringing her not to Tessa but Spencer. The proud papa took his daughter and placed her on his knee.

“See how well she is sitting up?” he asked no one in particular. “She is also crawling faster than I can walk. I can only imagine she will be walking and then running soon.”

“She is such a pretty baby,” Lady Sara said. “Might I hold her?”

Spencer grinned. “Only for a minute, my lady. I enjoy my time with my daughter.”

Lady Sara and then Miss Oxford held Analise for a few minutes each before returning her to Spencer.

When Tessa asked if Miss Rexford or Miss Peterson would like a turn, Miss Peterson declined politely, while Miss Rexford said, “I have yet to hold a child. I suppose one day I shall hold my own. I will wait until that time, if you don’t mind.”

Louisa thought it poor judgment on Miss Rexford’s part to make such an announcement, especially after she saw the look on Lord Boxling’s face. If Miss Rexford was interested in finding a husband, her declaration had not won any bachelor present to her side.

Spencer cradled Analise in his arms and as tea finished, he said, “I think we will take a walk, my two girls and I.”

Adalyn reminded her guests that dinner would be served at seven, adhering to country hours. She added, “We can gather here in the drawing room again at half-past six for a drink before dinner is served. Cook tells me tonight it will be roast mutton.”

Everyone rose and Lord Hurley looked at Louisa. “Are you ready to cut some flowers, Miss Goulding?”

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