Page 84 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

Chapter Twenty-Five

Louisa went downto breakfast, finding most of the guests already present at the table. Lord Boxling sat with Lord Marksbury, Lady Sara, and Miss Oxford.

She went through the buffet with Mr. Hampton and then joined him, sitting next to Miss Peterson and across from Miss Rexford. She said good morning to them and then focused on buttering her toast points, not thinking she could stand to look at Miss Rexford.

Owen was nowhere in sight.

Forcing herself to take a bite, she sipped on her tea, trying to get the toast down. Thankfully, no one was really looking at her. All attention was on Mr. Hampton, who was telling an amusing story from his university days.

Her gaze wandered about the room and she found Everett smiling broadly at her. She nodded politely to him, wondering what was on his mind. Probably sheer happiness because he was wed to Adalyn and she was expecting their first child. Once again, Louisa was grateful that she and Everett had quickly figured out they would not make for a good husband and wife, clearing the way for him to pursue Adalyn with a passion.

Mr. Hampton’s lengthy story came to an end and he dug into his plate. Miss Peterson excused herself to go change for riding.

Miss Rexford said, “How are you doing this morning, Miss Goulding? Anything exciting to report?”

She met the woman’s eyes and saw the mirth in them.

“Not a thing, Miss Rexford. All is as it was when I left our group last night.”

“Oh,” she said, sounding disappointment. “I felt for certain you might have news to share.”

Louisa shook her head and looked at her food, not thinking she could get down another bite. Had Owen told Miss Rexford of their betrothal? Was that why she asked what she did? It cut her to the quick that not only had Owen already cheated on her, but it seemed as if he had told Miss Rexford about their engagement. Oh, how Miss Rexford must be laughing at her now. Louisa only wished she could set the woman straight and tell her she could have Owen all to herself.

She wouldn’t do that, though. She would speak to him first and break off things with him. If he chose to discuss that with Miss Rexford, that was his business. Certainly not hers.

Once the others started leaving the table, Louisa left with them, heading down to the stables. She spent a few minutes currying Fancy and then summoned Georgie to saddle the horse.

“I’ll bring Fancy right out to you, Miss Goulding,” the young groom promised.

Wandering from the stables, she found Lord Boxling and Lord Marksbury outside, along with Miss Peterson and Miss Oxford.

Everett strode toward them and said, “This seems to be all in our party this morning. Her Grace, Lady Sara, and Miss Rexford said they all had letters to write. Mr. Hampton went to his brother’s house to check on things but he will return in time for the picnic.”

Everett didn’t mention Owen and Louisa wondered where he was. Since no one else asked, she decided to put thoughts of him from her mind and enjoy the ride.

Lord Boxling stepped up to her. “It is a fine day for a ride, as well as our planned picnic.”

“It is indeed a lovely day, my lord.”

“His Grace told me they have six rowboats stationed near the lake so there will be plenty to take out on the water.” He regarded her hopefully. “Do you still wish to go out with me?”

“I am looking most forward to it,” she told him, forcing herself to smile. This man had done nothing wrong. In fact, he had done everything right. He had paid attention to her. He had asked before he kissed her. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word.

Then why was she so miserable?

Louisa decided it was because her heartache was fresh. That she had opened her heart and loved Owen with everything she had. With time—and distance—she would recover. She would be wiser in affairs of the heart. For now, she must be open to the possibility of a future with Lord Boxling.

They rode for close to two hours and by the time they returned to Cliffside, she was ready for a little time to herself. She called for a bath and scrubbed herself clean, washing way any traces of Owen from her skin. Tilly dressed her in a gown of light blue and swept her hair away from her face.

“Be sure and take this bonnet, Miss Goulding,” her maid warned. “The summer sun is strong today. You want to protect yourself.”

The servant handed Louisa a parasol. “Take this, as well. You will be glad for its shade.”

She went downstairs and met the others in the foyer. Still, no Owen. Louisa made her way toward Everett, who chatted with Tessa and Spencer. She wouldn’t directly ask where Owen was but she might glean some information from his friends about his sudden disappearance.

“I do love a picnic,” Tessa said as Louisa joined them. “Adalyn has already gone ahead and is supervising the servants. She told me she is having them erect a tent and the food will be placed under it and out of the hot sun. There will also be blankets for us to sit on.”

“Is Analise coming?” she asked.

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