Page 10 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

Spence grinned at him. “Ev is a beast when it comes to war. You wouldn’t recognize the quiet, refined duke if you saw him on a battlefield.”

“I was never a duke on the battlefield,” he pointed out.

“But you are one now,” Spence said. “And you will be a good one. I know it.”

“Shall we leave the men to their port?” Tessa asked and rose, as did her cousins.

Spence glanced to him. “Shall we skip the port and cigars and head straight to the drawing room?”

“Yes.”

Everett had never cared much for cigars. He had also found the conversation stimulating and would prefer to remain in the ladies’ company.

Louisa linked arms with Tessa. “Perhaps we can entertain His Grace with a few songs. What should we perform?” she asked and the two women left the room, Spencer trailing after them.

That left him with Lady Adalyn.

She gave him that mischievous smile, as if she knew he were uncomfortable at that thought. “Are you willing to escort me to the drawing room, Your Grace?”

“Of course,” he said stiffly.

She placed her hand on his sleeve and they left the dining room. They reached the drawing room and found Tessa already seated at the piano, her husband by her side, ready to turn the pages of music for her.

Everett led Lady Adalyn to a settee and took a seat beside her. Tessa played an introduction and then Miss Goulding began to sing.

“She is remarkable,” he told his companion after the first song concluded.

“Louisa has all the vocal talent in the family. And Tessa plays beautifully.”

“What of you, my lady? Do you sing or play?”

She snorted. “Frogs sing better than I do, Your Grace. If I practiced my pianoforte, I might—just might—be passable. Barely.”

“You don’t practice?”

She grinned cheekily. “Not if I can help it.”

Miss Goulding was consulting with Tessa on what to sing next so his companion said, “You will need to exhibit courage when you hit the ballrooms, Your Grace. The same as when you led your troops onto the battlefield.”

“What do you mean?” he asked, his brow furrowing at her odd statement.

“Only that you are an incredibly eligible bachelor. The rare duke who will be perusing the Marriage Mart. All those eager mamas will be thrusting their darling daughters into your path. If you don’t stand up for yourself, you will be crushed by their ambitions.”

Everett shuddered. “You are saying they seek a title for their daughters who are of marriageable age.”

“Exactly. The higher, the better. At least, that is the usual attitude. Land a gentleman with the loftiest title. The most wealth. The largest number of estates. And don’t look back—unless you are gloating.”

“You make it sound so . . . repulsive.”

“It can be. It can also be wonderful.” She closed her eyes and a dreamy expression crossed her face. “There is the dancing. The music. The wonderful food and company.” Her eyes slowly opened. “Spencer will help you navigate things. So will Tessa. If you have taken a liking to Louisa, I can assure you she would make for a perfect duchess.”

He wondered why she left herself out of that equation.” And what of you, Lady Adalyn? Are you willing to help me swim through the shark-infested waters of theton?”

She studied him a moment thoughtfully. “I could do that. I can even help you find a bride, Your Grace. You see, my hobby is matchmaking. I help bring couples of thetontogether.”

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