Page 33 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

Louisa nodded enthusiastically. “Madame wrote that she knew the day would come when I would be ready to fully enter society. She wanted to be ready when that day came. I particularly like several of these designs.”

They went through the stack slowly, talking about the cut of each gown and what colors and materials would best serve the dress.

“Will you come with me this afternoon, Adalyn? I could certainly use your opinion.”

“I am afraid I already have another engagement.” She hoped Louisa would not press her.

“Is it one of your matchmaking seekers?” her cousin asked.

“It is. In fact, I met with Lord Pierce and Lord Bayless yesterday for that very reason.”

Louisa’s snorted. “They are both so wild. I do not see how you are friends with them.”

“They are not exactly friends. We are friendly, though.”

“You should become friends with the Duke of Camden,” Louisa suggested.

Adalyn was glad they were not sipping tea for she would have spewed out a mouthful with that comment.

“Why do you say that?”

“I believe him to be a very kind man. He sent a note to me yesterday, asking to come around this morning.”

“You have already seen him today?”

“Yes. He felt we needed to clear the air between us. Now that we both know we are not meant to wed, I actually enjoyed sitting and talking with him.”

“Just the two of you?” When Louisa nodded, Adalyn added, “You mustn’t do so. Servants do talk, whether you believe that or not. You would not want to be tied to the duke against your will.”

Louisa flushed guiltily. “Yes. He also mentioned that very thing. I will start having my maid chaperone any visits I receive. Or your maid.” She paused. “Papa told me that he will be leaving soon for Vienna. Within a few days. He said I am to go to your parents while he is out of the country. I thought he might wish for me to travel with him to Austria but he said it was important that I stay in London and find what—or rather, who—I was looking for.”

“You are welcome to come anytime. Tell Tilly to start packing now. We can also inform Madame Chevalier that your gowns are to be delivered to my house instead of yours. I think you should move in tomorrow.”

“No, I would prefer to stay with Papa as long as he is in town. That should be another three days or so. Then I will be happy to live two doors down.”

Knowing that Louisa would come to stay so soon, Adalyn didn’t have a choice. She would need to tell her cousin about the duke.

“I am also going to look for a wife for Camden,” she confided.

Louisa’s eyes widened. “Truly? Why would a duke need such help? I think he is the only bachelor of that rank this Season. Every female will be focused on becoming his bride.”

“That is why I am to help him. He is a bit overwhelmed by the thought of entering Polite Society and how not only will men fawn over him but that every female will have one purpose—and that is to land a duke for themselves or their daughters. In fact, he is coming today to see me, which is why I cannot accompany you to the dressmaker’s. We are going to make a list, much as you and I have done.”

“What an excellent idea,” Louisa declared. “I really do like him. He is sweet. I don’t think once he weds he will spend much time in town. He seems more a type to enjoy country life. Keep that in mind when you manage to steer him toward a lady.”

While Adalyn had always enjoyed time spent in the country, she adored being in London. Louisa made a good point. It was another reason she should never consider wedding the Duke of Camden. Not that he wanted to wed her. She certainly didn’t want to wed him.

Now, kissing him would be quite another matter.

“I just wanted you to know that he will probably come around often, at least during the early weeks of the Season. He may even escort me to a few events, with Mama and Papa in attendance, of course.”

“I see.” Her cousin studied her thoughtfully. “What do you make of the duke, Adalyn?”

She worded her response carefully. “I do understand your concerns. He is quite a large, impressive man. He is also a bit different from most gentlemen in society. I believe our making this list will help me to learn more about him. After all, he is Spencer’s close friend and I want to see he is taken good care of.”

She rose. “I should be getting back home. I don’t want to be late for my appointment with him. And you need to leave soon to see Madame. I am so excited you are getting a full wardrobe. I cannot wait to see you in all of those creations.”

Louisa stood. “I will tell Tilly to start packing so that when Papa leaves, I can come straight to you.”

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