Page 76 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

The next proved more difficult, with Adalyn and Everett proving to be the victors. The last game of the match was the closest of the night but she and the viscount claimed their second game and overall victory over their hosts.

“You are a wicked card player, Louisa,” Everett proclaimed. “No wonder Lord Boxling wished to ride your coattails.”

She merely smiled—until she saw that Miss Rexford and Owen were to be their final opponents. Though she longed to ask Owen if he had been the one to attack Lord Hurley, she agreed with Tessa that it was water under the bridge. Louisa did not want to show any interest, now or in the future, regarding Lord Hurley.

Owen called out, “Who are the leaders going into this final match?”

Everyone replied and it quickly became apparent that the yet to be named dessert was riding on the outcome of the rubber at their table.

Lord Boxling caught her attention. “Don’t worry, Miss Goulding. We will prevail. I guarantee it.”

“You are certainly sure of yourself—and your partner—my lord,” Miss Rexford said.

“Miss Goulding is a superb player, as I am, Miss Rexford,” the viscount said.

Owen frowned at the remark as he shuffled the cards and dealt, revealing the last card of his hand so the table would know which suit would trump. In this instance, it was diamonds.

Since she was sitting on his left, Louisa led, playing the king of spades, and play went clockwise. While the other tables conversed merrily, theirs remained silent. It was obvious the players seated here all wanted to win.

Owen and Miss Rexford took the first game but after claiming five tricks in a row, Louisa and Viscount Boxling won the second game. The winner of this round—and the evening itself—boiled down to this final game of the rubber.

Others had finished and came to stand and watch the play. Thank goodness she had played several games with Lord Boxling before they met these competitors because the two of them had connected. She could glance at him and know when she should pick up the trick or throw away a card and allow him to take it.

In the end, she and the viscount claimed the last game by the narrowest of margins, with those watching applauding their effort.

“What dessert will you choose?” Adalyn asked, smiling at Louisa and then Lord Boxling.

“I believe that should be up to Miss Goulding,” her partner said. “Never have I enjoyed whist more than playing with her. What say you, Miss Goulding?”

She thought a moment. “Since your cook is so talented, Your Grace, I believe I will ask her to make a flummery in the shape of a swan. With lots of cream and fruit.” She looked to Lord Boxling. “Would almonds in it be acceptable, my lord?”

“That sounds delightful,” he declared.

“Then with almonds and passionfruit if it is available. If not, raspberries will suffice.”

“I will go and tell her now,” Adalyn said. “Come along, Your Grace.”

She and Everett left, as did a few others. Owen and Miss Rexford excused themselves and Louisa remained conversing with Lord Boxling for a few minutes. They talked about how they had been in tune with their play.

Then Louisa noticed more than half the guests had already retired for the evening and started to tell her partner she was ready to do the same when Lord Boxling asked, “May I escort you to your bedchamber, Miss Goulding?”

Her heart fluttered in her chest, wondering if the viscount might kiss her again.

“Of course, my lord.”

They quit the room and took their time moving up the staircase.

“This is my door,” Louisa told him, her pulse beginning to pound.

Lord Boxling faced her, taking her hands in his. “It was a pleasure partnering with you in cards this evening, Miss Goulding. I hear there will be a picnic tomorrow by the lake. Would you do me the honor of dining with me and possibly going out on the lake with me, as well?”

Louisa smiled warmly at the viscount. “Thank you for asking me to do so, my lord. I would be delighted to spend more time in your company.”

He squeezed her hands and then lowered his lips to hers for a tender kiss. It was brief but very sweet.

Lord Boxling broke the kiss and released her hands. “Pleasant dreams, Miss Goulding.”

“The same to you,” she said.

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