Page 30 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

“So, you want her to be happy in this endeavor? If she is to be happy and your children, as well, it would be wise to proceed as a family and live together. You had told me that you would want to go your separate way from your wife.”

“Not necessarily,” he said. “I had thought that merely because of the hostile relationship between my parents. While I do not expect to find love as Spence and Tessa have, I believe now that if I am guided to the right woman, I may be able to find a suitable partner who would remain faithful to our vows and wish to live with me and our family.”

“You had thought before that your wife would leave you with the children?” she asked, astonished at the idea.

“Yes,” he insisted. “My children will always be my priority. I just assumed my wife would do as she pleased once she had them.”

“Not many marriages in thetonare loving ones,” Adalyn admitted. “But there are more than a few where the husbands and wives come to grow fond of one another. They have a mutual respect—even admiration—for one another and live quite happily as a family couple.”

The duke nodded thoughtfully. “Then that is what we will seek,” he told her, determination filling his handsome face. “I do not think I am interested in the new group of young ladies who will parade themselves on the Marriage Mart. Not that I would rule any of them out but a girl fresh from the schoolroom does not appeal to me. I understand that there will be ladies who did not wed after their come-out Season.” He paused and added, “You, my lady, are a perfect example of that.”

“I am an exception,” she stated stiffly. “I did not wed because I chose not to wed. I have had my share of offers but let it be known I wasn’t ready to entertain additional ones.”

“But you are now,” he pointed out. “Perhaps we might be able to help one another, Lady Adalyn. You wish to wed this Season. So do I. I don’t think it would hurt if eligible bachelors of thetonsaw a duke escort you to a few events. If I show a bit of interest in you, others may want to throw themselves back into the fray and court you, as well.

“At the same time that you are leading me through society, you can help me in finding the woman who will become the next Duchess of Camden,” he concluded.

He was right in thinking she would gain her fair share of attention if in his company. After all, he was a duke and new to society. If the Duke of Camden showed an interest in her, it would be a way to let the eligible bachelors in Polite Society know she was circulating with a purpose, with the intention this time of wedding by Season’s end.

“I find it interesting you don’t want to wed a girl fresh on the Marriage Mart,” she said.

“I want to raise my children. Not to also have to raise a wife at the same time. Just as a duke, a duchess has much influence and responsibility. A more mature woman would suit me better. I am not opposed to even wedding a widow,” he mentioned. “I heard that many gentlemen of thetonmarry later in life, leaving young widows behind.”

A thought occurred to her. “You are telling me already you want a mature woman and even possibly a widow. Why don’t we compose a list of the attributes you seek in a wife? It would give me a better idea as to which woman would be your ideal match.”

“An excellent idea,” he said. “When should we start this list?”

“I would say now but Mama and Papa will be here any moment. Perhaps we could take this up again tomorrow if you are free,” she suggested.

A pleased look crossed his face. “Shall I call again at two o’clock tomorrow afternoon? Unless you are otherwise engaged.”

“I will be available at two o’clock, Your Grace.”

“If we are to spend time with each other in this endeavor, we should not be so formal. It is hard for me to think of myself as Your Grace, much less hear you calling me that constantly.”

“Then I will call you Camden,” she told him.

He shook his head. “No, I am not happy with that either. I do feel as if we are family. After all, your cousin is wed to a man I consider my brother.” He paused. “Would you consider addressing me as Everett?”

Horror filled her. “I cannot! It would be most inappropriate. Why, even couples who have wed rarely use their Christian names with one another. I have never even heard Mama or Papa address one other by their given names.”

“Seriously?” He smiled at her, causing her belly to explode with fluttering butterflies. “Then if you must, call me Camden in public. When we are with Spence and Tessa—or when we are working on finding my future duchess—I insist that you call me Everett.

“And I shall call you Addie.”

“What? Why on earth would you do such a thing?” It appalled her that he would even suggest it. “My name is Adalyn. I despise any attempt at shortening it to some silly nickname.”

The slow smile spreading across his face told her she had made a mistake in revealing that.

“Addie, it is,” he proclaimed. “I will take pleasure knowing I am the only one who calls you that.”

“You willnotcall me that, Your Grace,” she ground out, anger boiling within her.

“Everett. Or Ev if you prefer. It’s what the Second Sons call me.”

“You don’t want to know what I really wish to call you at this moment. I prefer you to leave now, Your Grace,” she told him, her temper soaring.

Unfortunately, her parents strolled through the door at that very moment, smiles on their faces, obviously pleased to be entertaining a duke. The way Mama looked from her to Camden let Adalyn know that her mother had high hopes the duke would one day become her son-in-law.

That would be the last thing Adalyn ever wanted.

Camden moved toward her parents, introducing himself to her father and escorting her mother to a seat as the teacart was rolled into the drawing room by two maids.

As Mama poured out for them, she watched the duke raise his cup to his lips, mischief in his once solemn gray eyes.

Adalyn felt as if she were Pandora and somehow had unleashed everything within the Duke of Camden out into the world.

Her world.

And she would have to live with the consequences.

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