Page 15 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

Again, Spence and Tessa immediately glanced at one another.

Tessa rose and said, “I will leave this conversation to you gentlemen. It was good to see you, Everett, as always. After your visit with Louisa today, please stop by here again. We only have a little more than a week before the Season begins and I must start your dance lessons in earnest if you are to be a success.”

She paused as she passed his chair and placed a gentle kiss upon his cheek, and then she left the breakfast room.

Spence flicked his wrist and the two footmen and butler followed Tessa from the room.

“I will only say this once, Ev,” Spence began. “I asked about your physical reaction to Louisa because a solid marriage is based upon two things. Desire and love.”

Everett moved uncomfortably in his chair. “I do not wish for you to lecture me about marriage, Spence. Especially about love. You are incredibly fortunate to have made a love match. Having met Tessa, I can see you with no other woman. But to expect the same for me, especially as withdrawn as I am, is asking too much. Yes, I know my duty is to sire an heir and I will do so. In fact, I hope I will arrange with my duchess to have several children.

“You must understand that I saw what it was like between my parents. Love never entered the picture. My mother did her duty by providing an heir and a spare and they went their separate ways. I know this is the way of thetonand expect to follow this pattern accordingly.”

“No,” Spence said flatly. “That is not good enough.”

“You can’t make me fall in love, Spence. Frankly, I doubt it exists. At least for me.”

“I want the best for you, Ev. I also know that Tessa and I want the best for Louisa. If you do not feel attracted to her, you should not pursue her.”

Everett countered with, “What if I like her? Isn’t that enough? What if we do actually wed? Become friends. We could fall in love, you know.”

Spence shook his head stubbornly. “No, that is unacceptable. You need a reaction within you. When you meet the right woman—the one you want to marry—your heart will know it. Your mind will know it. Your body and soul will know it.”

Everett felt the flush growing along his neck and was grateful his cravat hid it from his friend.

He had reacted strongly. Physically.

To Lady Adalyn.

She was totally wrong for him. Even she must be aware of that, as well. It would be madness to pursue any type of relationship with her, much less wed her.

He could be as stubborn as Spence if not more so and said, “I have always valued your advice, Spence, but you need to keep matters of the heart to yourself.”

“I see.” The set of Spence’s jaw let Everett know his friend was angry with him. It was not Spence’s way, though, to confront Everett with that anger. He would give Spence time to cool his heels and all would be right with them once again.

“Thank you for breakfast,” Everett said. “And most of all, for your friendship. I hope no matter who my bride is that you will support my choice.”

With that, Everett rose and took his leave.

*

Adalyn anxiously waitedfor word to arrive from Louisa the next morning. When it didn’t come, she composed a note and sent Bridget to deliver it.

“Be sure you put it in Louisa’s hand yourself,” she instructed the maid. “Do not leave it with the butler or even her personal maid.”

“Yes, my lady. I know what I’m doing,” Bridget said confidently.

She paced about her bedchamber for three-quarters of an hour until Bridget returned.

“Well?” she demanded.

The servant handed over a letter. Quickly, Adalyn broke the seal and skimmed the contents.

“Louisa wants me to come to her now before Camden visits her,” she murmured. Looking to Bridget, she asked, “Did she say anything?”

“No, my lady. She read your note and then took time to compose one of her own for me to bring to you.”

“Why did it take so long?”

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