Page 39 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

“It is,” she assured him. “Women of all ages enjoy hearing compliments on our gowns.”

Tessa said, “I want both of you to dance with Everett this evening. I have discussed it with him and think that one of you should partner with him for the opening number and the other take the supper dance. Are you agreeable?”

Louisa said, “I am happy to do so. Do you have a preference, Your Grace?”

“I will leave that up to you, Miss Goulding,” Ev said.

Adalyn was torn. If she danced the supper dance with Ev, they would be able to spend supper together. She knew, though, that Lord Pauling always insisted the first number to be a waltz. To be in Ev’s arms, dancing so close, would be a dream come true.

Spencer settled the matter for them by saying, “Why don’t we all have supper together? Ev is comfortable in all of our company.” Then he added, “Dance the first number with Adalyn and the supper dance with Louisa.” Looking to Adalyn, Spencer added, “Ask your supper partner if he would not mind supping with our group.”

“I can do that,” she assured him, knowing now she would dance the first dance—a waltz—not only with a duke, but with Ev.

Eventually, they made it to where Lord and Lady Pauling received them and then their group entered the ballroom, where a footman handed them their dance cards. The women took turns attaching the programmes to each other’s wrists and then encouraged Ev to sign both in the agreed spots.

Tessa said, “As we discussed before, both of you dancing with a duke will only enhance your chances of being noticed early on. Everett is new to thetonand others will be curious about him and the choices he makes tonight. Spencer and I will take him around now and introduce him to a few people.”

Adalyn said, “I have four young ladies that I would like His Grace to dance with this evening.” She revealed the four names, two making their come-out this season, one having done so last Season, and the final one a widow.

“Commit those names to memory, Your Grace,” she instructed. Looking to Tessa, she said, “Be sure he signs each of their programmes.”

The trio moved away and Adalyn looked to Louisa. “Brace yourself,” she said, “because I see a hoard of young men making their way toward us.”

Quickly, she whispered two names to Louisa that she thought might suit her cousin and then greeted the group of bachelors arriving in front of them. Soon, both cousins’ dance cards were filled. The entire time, however, Adalyn’s gaze followed Ev as he circulated about the ballroom, meeting women and signing their programmes. She tried to tamp down the twinge of jealousy that rippled through her. She was determined to put aside her growing feelings for this man.

After this first waltz.

Ev made his way toward her as the musicians began tuning their instruments. Her heart sped up as he did so.

He reached her side and smiled. “My face already hurts from smiling so much,” he confessed.

“Smiling and the Season go hand-in-hand,” she told him, chuckling. “Are you ready to dance?”

He hesitated and then said, “I hope so. My greatest fear is that I will trample upon your toes during our waltz. I have still had trouble mastering its steps. The country dances and reels came much more easily to me.”

Surprise filled her. “There are very few steps in the waltz, Ev,” she said, catching herself and looking about quickly. “I mean, Your Grace.”

He shrugged. “Spence told me that I will need to feel the music. Tessa has hummed to me as we have practiced but even she said the orchestra playing will make a huge difference.”

The room grew silent and she saw the musicians taking up their instruments in a ready position. Couples began moving toward the center of the dance floor.

“This is it,” she said. “Come along, Your Grace. We will tackle this together and get you off to a good start.”

She felt the gaze of many as she took his arm and he led her onto the ballroom floor. They faced one another and he slipped her right hand into his left, causing goosebumps to appear on her arms. Then his palm pressed against her back, flooding her with warmth. The music began and he swept her away.

She could tell he was an inexperienced dancer by his hesitant moves and so she did not try to engage him in conversation. Gradually, though, she saw he began to feel the beat of the music and they began gliding across the floor as one.

Wonder broke out on his face as he said, “I am actually doing it, aren’t I?”

“You are, Ev,” she said softly, rewarding him with a smile.

That was all they said during the entire dance. It was enough.

When the last strains of the waltz sounded, the dancing ceased. Ev held her a moment longer before releasing her. He smiled, a radiant one that tugged at her heart.

“Lead me off the floor now, Your Grace,” she prodded and he did so, returning her to the same spot he had claimed her. Louisa’s partner had done the same and she saw her cousin’s cheeks flushed with color.

Ev took her hand and bowed to her, kissing her fingers. As he released her hand, Adalyn wanted to cry out for him to never let her go.

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