Page 85 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

“Not the entire time. Spencer says it is too hot for her. Analise is so fair and he doesn’t wish for her to be burned. He told her nursery governess that she could bring her down for a few minutes.”

Louisa glanced around. “I suppose everyone is here?” she asked.

Everett surveyed the foyer. “It seems they are. Except for Owen. He returned to Danfield for the day but will be back with us by dinner tonight.”

At least that explained his absence. She felt a little miffed that he had gone without telling her. Not that she would have wanted him to explain his whereabouts every minute of the day if they had remained engaged. It would have been courteous, however, if he had at least left her a note as to why he was absent from the activities today. Just another reason she should be glad they would not wed. He only thought of himself and not others. She didn’t need a husband who would be so selfish and unthoughtful.

Everett got everyone’s attention. “There is a carriage if any of you would like it to take you down to the lake. Otherwise, we shall stroll there as a group and enjoy this wonderful weather.”

“I would rather ride,” Miss Rexford said. “Walking bores me.” She glanced to Lord Boxling. “Would you care to keep me company, my lord?”

“I am sorry, Miss Rexford, but I already promised Miss Goulding that I would escort her.” He glanced to his right. “Hampton? Why don’t you accompany Miss Rexford?”

“I would be happy to,” the young man replied.

They left the foyer and Lord Boxling swiftly came to her, offering his arm.

“I hope you don’t think me too bold, Miss Goulding, but I did not feel comfortable riding with Miss Rexford. She is a bit... forward.”

“Not at all, my lord. I am happy for your company.”

Louisa was. She truly was. At least she kept telling herself that. Lord Boxling had made a very favorable impression upon her, more so than any man from the past Season. She would give him every chance to continue to do so.

Despite her low spirits, the afternoon turned out well. The food tasted marvelous. The weather was splendid. Analise arrived after they had eaten and Louisa got a turn holding her before Spencer claimed his daughter.

Lord Boxling led her down to the rowboats and he and Everett carried one to the water, returning several times to bring more to the water’s edge. Then he took her hand and helped her into it.

“Have you ever ridden in a rowboat before?” he asked.

“No, I haven’t.”

“My best advice is to stay seated in the center. It will rock a bit from side to side but that is nothing for you to worry about.” He paused. “Do you mind if I discard my coat? It will be easier to row that way.”

“Be my guest.”

The viscount stripped off the coat and Louisa saw his large biceps. He started to place the coat on the ground and she told him that she would hold it. That seemed to please him. He helped her into the boat and she centered herself. Handing her the coat, she draped it over her lap.

Lord Boxling pushed the boat from the shore and jumped into it, picking up the oars and slipping them through a notch. Taking the handles, he began an easy motion, propelling them far from the shore. After a few minutes, he paused and lifted the oars, placing them back in the boat.

“I thought we could drift for a while,” he told her.

“This is nice,” she said. “I have never been out on water before.”

“Not even the Thames?”

“No. I am afraid I have devoted the last few years of my life to my father and his work. With him gone to Vienna, I decided it was time to enjoy life for myself.”

He gazed at her intensely. “I am enjoying the time in your company, Miss Goulding. Very much.”

Louisa couldn’t do this. It wasn’t fair to him. She couldn’t allow him to be a substitute for Owen. This man deserved a woman who would fully commit to him.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, picking up on her changing mood.

“Nothing—and everything,” she admitted to him. “I have found it to be most pleasant being in your company, my lord. You possess many of the traits that I am looking for in a husband.”

“But I am not Lord Danbury.”

His words startled her.

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