Page 6 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

If there was one thing that weakened him, it was seeing a woman in tears.

“Yes, of course,” he said hastily. “It will give me a good chance to catch up with Spence and meet Tessa.”

“And other members of theton,” Adalyn added.

“That, too. Most of my acquaintances are either still in the army or dead,” he said lightly.

“Thank you, Owen,” she said, rising. “I think I will give you two some time together while I start planning things.”

“Such as what?” he asked, curious.

“Who to invite. What activities to prepare. The kinds of food that will be served. Quite a bit goes into planning a house party.”

Adalyn said her goodbyes, leaving just the two of them together.

“She is definitely opinionated,” Owen said.

“By far the most opinionated woman I know,” Ev said cheerfully. “Also stubborn, strong-willed, and a bit spoiled. She was an only child and used to getting her own way.”

“I can see that.”

“Can you?” Ev asked.

“She certainly is a force of nature. Like a very spirited horse.”

“I shall never break her,” Ev said. “Instead, I will always celebrate her.”

“You have changed, Ev.”

“I have. I will never be comfortable claiming the center of attention but I am more comfortable in my own skin now, thanks to Addie. She is my very soul, Owen. The love between us is powerful.”

“I can see it. It is palpable,” he agreed.

“Spence and Tessa have the same kind of relationship. Not quite as volatile as mine and Addie’s can be.” He grinned. “But there is always the fun of making things right again between us.”

Owen burst into laughter. “I can tell that I will want to always be on Adalyn’s good side.”

“You are one of us,” his friend said. “Family. And Addie is fierce about family. She will defend you. Protect you.” He chuckled. “Plot for you.”

He frowned. “What do you mean?”

“And here I thought you to be so very clever, Lord Danbury.” Ev paused. “This house party is not merely to allow you time with Spencer and Tessa. Yes, it will allow that, as well as help introduce you to some influential people of theton.But the real reason Addie has decided to hold it?

“She is going to help find you a wife.”

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