Page 35 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

Chapter Eleven

Everett sat withLord and Lady Uxbridge, enjoying their company immensely. He envied Addie for having such kind, interesting parents. From what Tessa had said, she also had wonderful parents and regretted that Analise would never know them.

The door opened and Addie entered the room. Immediately, he could see her hackles were up. He assumed it was because he had arrived earlier than his appointed time and not found her at home.

He rose as she came toward them, as did her the earl.

“I am surprised to find you here, Your Grace,” she said, fire in her eyes.

“I had gone to White’s this morning with Spence, my lady,” he explained. “We met your father there and he was kind enough to introduce me to several of his friends who were present.”

Lord Uxbridge chortled. “Everyone wants to meet a duke. You made a favorable impression on everyone there,” he praised.

“Since I was to call upon you this afternoon, Lord Uxbridge suggested after we engaged in a game of chess—where I was soundly beaten—that I should return home with him.”

“Come and have a seat, Adalyn,” Lady Uxbridge said.

The way the seating was arranged, Everett knew Addie would have to come and sit next to him. She did so, sitting stiffly.

“If you have other things to do before our meeting, Lady Adalyn, I am happy to spend that time in your parents’ company,” he offered.

She glanced to him. “You are already here, Your Grace. I think we should get about our business.”

Lady Uxbridge clucked her tongue. “Please, Adalyn, do not refer to it asbusiness. It sounds so pedestrian. You are merely aiding His Grace.”

“Whatever we call it, Mama, we do need to address several issues at length.”

She rose and Everett followed suit as she said, “I will take His Grace to my sitting room.” Looking at him, she added, “I will send for Bridget, my lady’s maid. She is used to chaperoning me when I have guests and my parents are unavailable.”

“How long will this take, Adalyn?” Lady Uxbridge asked. Then she looked to him. “If you are still here at teatime, Your Grace, we would be happy for you to join us.”

He sensed that was the last thing Addie wanted him to do and so he said, “I would enjoy that, my lady. Thank you for your gracious invitation.”

Everett watched Addie ring for a servant and Rainey, the butler, appeared.

“Please have Bridget come to my sitting room,” she instructed.

“At once, my lady.”

“Come along, Your Grace,” she said brusquely and motioned for him to follow her.

She took him to a small but sunny room, indicating exactly where he should sit.

Not beside her.

“Before we even talk about the qualities you seek in a wife, we must discuss your manners.”

“You find them lacking?” he asked.

She frowned and then bit her lower lip, causing a frisson of desire to ripple through him. He had thought about doing that very thing.

Repeatedly.

“It is not exactly your lack of manners, Your Grace, but rather your lack of knowledge regarding rules of theton.”

“Addie, you know you are to call me Everett. Or Ev.”

He watched the fire flash in her eyes. “Quit calling me Addie,” she demanded. “You know I do not like it.”

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