Page 26 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

“On the contrary, we are only getting started,” she informed him. “You caught on quickly today and there are several more dances to learn.”

“The waltz,” Spence said. “Remember, I told you it is the one dance you must master.” He grinned at his wife shamelessly. “I dance every waltz with Tessa.”

An ache filled Everett, knowing he would never have what his friends did. Still, there had to be some young lady in Polite Society who would make for a good partner.

They entered the drawing room and the teacart was already present. Tessa poured out and he filled his plate, hungry after all the dancing he had done.

He knew he should address the topic of Miss Goulding and so he said, “I wanted to let you know how my visit with your cousin went this morning.” He paused and then said, “While I find her to be a lovely woman, we have come to the conclusion that we would not suit enough to wed.”

Disappointment flashed across Tessa’s face but she quickly hid it. “That is a good thing, Everett. Hopefully, you and Louisa can remain friendly since I am certain you will see each other frequently in our home.”

“I anticipate no problems, Tessa. I have, though, decided to take up Lady Adalyn’s offer.”

“Oh, are you going to spend time with her and learn about the customs of theton?” Spencer asked.

“No. She has offered her matchmaking services to me,” he revealed. “Tessa herself has told me that her cousin knows everyone in Polite Society. Lady Adalyn also told me that she keeps a close watch on the new girls making their come-outs. She believes she can find the perfect duchess for me. I am going to place myself into her hands. We start tomorrow.”

Everett wished he could share with the pair that what they had spoken of—physical attraction—was present anytime he was in Lady Adalyn Goulding’s presence. He still felt her entirely wrong for him, though, and he would make certain he never acted rashly and inappropriately with her in the future.

Hoping to draw their attention from the topic, he said, “I visited White’s. I didn’t like it one whit.”

Spence burst out in laughter. “I doubt it was White’s you don’t like. The rooms are elegant. Well-furnished and comfortable. The help is superior and whatever you need appears almost before you can ask for it. I daresay it was the company that you found lacking. Am I correct?”

Everett nodded. “That’s true. I met an earl and two of his sycophants. Two viscounts still wet behind the ears, having just come into their titles.”

“Well,” Spence said, “I fear you’ll find many of the gentlemen of thetonnot up to our standards, Ev. Who were these men that left such a poor impression upon you?”

“The viscounts were Lord Pierce and Lord Bayless. The leader of their trio was Lord Rosewell.”

Tessa’s nose crinkled in disgust. “Lord Rosewell’s reputation is a nasty one. As for the other two, I think I danced with Bayless once last Season. That would have been before his father passed. If it is who I remember, he is quite good-looking and knew it. He was also most immature.”

“Yes,” Everett said. “That describes him perfectly.”

Spence said, “I have met a few good men and plan on introducing you to them, Ev. Why don’t we go to White’s together tomorrow afternoon? Of course, no one will be a Second Son, but I have made a few friends in London.”

“I can’t tomorrow afternoon,” he reminded. “I am meeting with Lady Adalyn.”

“Why don’t we go tomorrow morning then?” his friend asked. “Say, eleven o’clock?”

“I would like that.”

Everett finished his tea and wondered how his unscheduled meeting with Lady Adalyn would go.

*

Adalyn entered thedrawing room and saw her mother already present.

“Hello, dearest,” Lady Uxbridge said. “Rainey told me you were expecting Lord Bayless. I can chaperone you for an hour but if he stays longer, you will need to send for Bridget.”

“Do you have plans, Mama?”

“I am having tea with Lady Tealing.” Her mother’s eyebrows rose hopefully. “She does have two sons of marriageable age, you know.”

Adalyn did know. Both men were not to her taste but she refrained from telling Mama that. Her mother, even at her mature age, was the most naive person that Adalyn knew. She would be horrified if her daughter told her about the reputations of these two eligible men in question. Adalyn didn’t think them gentlemen at all and would never consent to a match with either.

She did owe it to her mother, however, to let her know of her intentions this Season.

“Mama, I do have news to share with you,” she began. “I have decided that I have enjoyed my time as an unattached female but I am finally ready to settle down.”

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