Page 12 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

He turned his attention once more to Miss Goulding, who began to sing again. She was incredibly talented and seemed to be a sensible type of woman. He would ask Spence about what it took to woo a woman and then Everett planned to make Miss Goulding his duchess.

When she finished singing, he rose and went to her.

“I was touched by your voice, Miss Goulding. Though I know little about music, I can tell you are most talented.”

“Thank you, Your Grace,” she said, demurely gazing down.

“Might I call on you tomorrow afternoon?” he asked spontaneously.

A blush stained her cheeks. “Why, certainly, Your Grace.” She provided him with her address.

He noticed Tessa beaming at him as the entire group returned to the area where Lady Adalyn sat, an amused look upon her face.

They conversed for another hour and Everett believed his decision to court Miss Goulding was a sound one. She was well spoken and entertaining yet she never sought too much attention.

If only he weren’t so aware of Lady Adalyn.

That woman was wrong for him in every possible way.

The evening ended and the hosts accompanied their guests downstairs, seeing them out. A carriage awaited the two women and he noticed a servant had joined them in the foyer and now waited to climb into the carriage. He supposed she would be considered a chaperone for the two women. Everett realized he had a lot to learn about this society he now joined and was expected to help lead.

“Goodnight, Your Grace,” Miss Goulding said and allowed a footman to aid her into the carriage.

“Goodnight, Miss Goulding,” he called after her.

Lady Adalyn turned to him. “It was an interesting evening, Your Grace. I can see you have decided upon Louisa. She will make for a wonderful duchess. She has experience in entertaining and is thoughtful and mature.” Pausing, she added, “Don’t be a dolt and offer for her right away. Louisa has waited a long time before considering to wed. She should be wooed and allowed to enjoy all the trappings of the Season. And then I expect you to cherish her when she becomes your wife. If you stray—if you cause her any kind of heartache—I will cut off your balls.”

With that, she gave him a beautiful smile and stepped into the carriage.

*

Adalyn knew shewas in deep trouble as she seated herself in the carriage. It boiled down to two things.

First, the tall, handsome, forbidding Duke of Camden had decided to make Louisa his duchess.

Second, she was utterly enamored by the duke.

This wouldn’t do at all. Not at all.

Looking to Louisa, she asked, “What did you think of Camden?”

Her cousin shrugged indifferently. “He seemed very nice.”

She snorted. “Come now, Louisa. Give me your true opinion.”

Louisa sighed. “He is quite handsome, with that black as coal hair and deep gray eyes. He is a little too physical for me, though. Too tall and a bit too muscular. I found that intimidating.”

“I will give you that he is handsome. But he is interested in you, Louisa, else he would not have asked to call upon you tomorrow.”

Louisa twisted her hands in her lap. “I didn’t want to agree to him coming to call but I didn’t know what else to say. How do you tell a duke no? You don’t.”

“Why would you not wish him to call?”

Louisa hesitated and then said, “As I said, he is most amiable. But I keep thinking about what Tessa said. How if I were truly interested in a man, I should allow him to kiss me.” Frowning, she added, “I just don’t see myself kissing His Grace. Ever.”

Adalyn had thought of nothingbutkissing the duke ever since he had appeared in the drawing room.

Why did he appeal to her so? It wasn’t because he was a duke. She had no interest in titles. And then there was his attitude toward her matchmaking. He had made it obvious he did not approve of that practice. Also, he seemed too sober and solemn for her taste. While he did appear intelligent—an item on her list—nothing else about him seemed right for her. Except those sensual lips. Every time he spoke, she found herself watching them, fascinated by them. Wanting to press hers against his and see if Tessa was right and there really was something about kissing.

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