Page 40 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

“I will see you at supper, my lady,” he said and moved away.

Adalyn’s next partner claimed her for the upcoming, lively reel. She determined not to watch Ev tonight anymore and instead focus on the gentlemen she had agreed to dance with. She did occasionally glance about in order to find Louisa, who constantly wore a smile and seemed to be enjoying herself immensely.

The supper dance arrived and Lord Rosewell approached her. She found him most handsome and quite witty but knew how he had no intentions of settling down anytime soon. His own father, the previous earl, had not wed until he was close to sixty and was fortunate to have produced an heir before he died two years later. The son seemed to be following closely in his father’s footsteps, which meant Lord Rosewell wouldn’t think of wedding for almost three decades. If ever here was a rake, his name was Rosewell.

“Lady Adalyn, might I say how lovely you look this evening,” the earl said smoothly.

“Thank you, my lord,” she replied distractedly, knowing he was always full of false compliments. She glanced over his shoulder, wondering where her next partner was since couples were already moving onto the dance floor.

“If you are looking for your supper partner, he won’t be coming,” Lord Rosewell said.

That got her attention.

“Why would you say that?”

He grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Because I convinced him to allow me to partner with you instead.”

Before Adalyn could object, he placed her hand on his forearm and escorted her through the crowd until they stood in the center of the room. She would have objected but now too many couples surrounded them. She would have to see the dance through.

Unfortunately, it was the second waltz of the evening.

Lord Rosewell took her into his arms as the music commenced. He danced divinely, as only a rake could, so at least she would enjoy herself for the next few minutes.

Then Adalyn remembered she was supposed to ask her supper partner to dine with her family. Disappointment filled her. For some reason, she didn’t want Ev to think she was interested in this man.

At least he didn’t bother with conversation as they moved about the ballroom. He seemed content to merely stare into her eyes as they danced. That made her want to look anywhere but at him.

When the music ended, he possessively took her hand in his and proclaimed, “It was worth it.”

“What was?” she asked, curious as to the statement.

“I forgave your dance partner a small debt he owed me in order to claim this spot on your programme.” He gave her a wolfish smile. “Now, I have you all to myself at supper.”

She frowned. “I had already made arrangements to sup with my family, my lord.” Then keeping to her good manners, she added, “Naturally, I would extend that invitation to you.”

“Your family?”

“Yes, my two cousins. Lady Middlefield and Miss Goulding. We are as close as sisters and enjoy one another’s company immensely.”

As the swell of people moved toward the doors, Lord Rosewell said, “I would be delighted to dine with them. I have met Lord Middlefield but would like the opportunity to get to know him better. And Miss Goulding is quite the beauty. I certainly wish to spend time with her, as well.”

Adalyn needed to keep this rogue far from Louisa. She doubted Spencer would like Lord Rosewell.

And neither would Ev.

They headed toward the room designated for the midnight buffet and she spied Tessa and Spencer.

Lord Rosewell must also have seen them for he steered her in their direction. They arrived and she introduced him to Tessa since the two had never met. Spencer stared coldly into Lord Rosewell’s eyes as he shook his hand.

Then Louisa arrived with Ev, who looked relaxed as if he had been enjoying himself. The moment he saw Lord Rosewell, his features grew hard.

She indicated her partner. “Your Grace, may I introduce—”

“We’ve met,” Ev said succinctly.

“Yes, His Grace and I enjoyed a brief conversation at White’s last week,” Lord Rosewell revealed. “And you must be Miss Goulding.” He took Louisa’s hand.

“Come and sit,” Tessa said and everyone took a place at their table meant for six.

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