Page 43 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

He studied her for a long moment and said, “Are you certain you would not be interested in being the Countess of Rosewell?”

“I have no interest in being your countess, Lord Rosewell,” she said firmly, putting the issue to rest. “If you will excuse me.”

She moved away from him and joined Tessa and Louisa, who had waited for her a short distance away. The three women linked arms and exited the supper room. Once they were alone, Louisa said, “He scared me.”

“He does more than scare women,” Tessa observed. “He has a dreadful reputation, Adalyn. Why on earth did you agree to dance with him?”

“He took the place of my supper partner.” She explained briefly how Lord Rosewell had used a card debt to claim her for the supper dance.

Louisa shivered. “Please, Adalyn, do not have anything more to do with him.”

“I have no intention of doing so, Cousin,” she replied.

They entered the retiring room, which was packed with women conversing. Adalyn spied two of the young ladies she had asked Ev to dance with this evening and wondered what they thought of him. They were both making their come-outs this year and although he had said he didn’t think he was interested in women this young, she had heard good things about both of them and thought he should at least meet them and see for himself.

Making her way toward the pair, she smiled brightly. “Good evening, Lady Agatha. Lady Bertha.”

They both stared at her in awe. She knew of her reputation as being a leader of thetonand could understand why these two girls making their come-out might be taken aback by her approaching them. However, she needed to learn a bit about them in person, especially if one of them was meant to be Ev’s bride.

Even if the thought brought her hurt.

“How are you enjoying your first ball?” she inquired.

Both girls smiled and Lady Agatha said, “It is everything I dreamed of.”

“The same for me,” Lady Bertha said. “I have danced with a duke, a marquess, and two earls.”

“Why, that is wonderful,” Adalyn said, thinking up close both of them appeared to be quite pretty. “It seems as if you are getting off on the right foot in Polite Society.” She paused and then said, “I would like to invite you both to tea tomorrow afternoon.”

This would be the best way to speak with them at length and evaluate their potential as a future duchess.

Lady Agatha brightened. “I would be delighted to come, my lady.” She turned to her companion, and Lady Bertha nodded enthusiastically.

“You will certainly be entertaining callers tomorrow afternoon but I am happy you will make the time to come and see me. Four o’clock?” she asked.

The pair agreed to the time and Adalyn left them, giggling among themselves.

She rejoined Tessa and Louisa and they returned to the ballroom. She decided she might as well invite the other prospective brides for the same afternoon tea and excused herself, seeking out Lady Minceton and Miss Peterson, extending an invitation to both. They seemed thrilled at being invited and Adalyn thought tomorrow afternoon’s teatime would prove to be quite interesting.

The remainder of the ball went quickly and as she climbed into the carriage with Louisa and her parents to return home, Adalyn hoped that among tomorrow’s callers, there might be a gentleman who would become her husband.

*

Adalyn smiled asthe last of their callers left the drawing room, which was full of fragrant bouquets. Her mother left with them, saying she was exhausted and would return in an hour’s time when their guests for tea would arrive.

Turning to Louisa, she asked, “Well?”

Her cousin looked a bit lost. “I don’t know. If I am to be perfectly honest, I feel so overwhelmed. Having never had callers before—at least gentlemen callers who might serve as a suitor—I found it hard to keep up with everyone. And so many were here for you, Adalyn. Not me.”

“I did have my fair share but I think several of your bachelors are worth taking a second look at.”

She led Louisa to a settee and they sat discussing their prospects for several minutes.

“This was just the first day,” Adalyn reminded. “We have probably another fifty to sixty balls we will attend, not to mention all the other social events of the Season.”

“How do women decide whom they will wed?” Louisa asked and sighed. “So many gentlemen. And even though I spoke with many briefly last night and several called upon me this afternoon, I still don’t feel as if I truly know anything about any of them. Our conversations had no substance.”

“There is no rush,” she assured Louisa. “Many women do not wed after their first Season because of that very thing. In a way, this is almost like a new come-out for you.”

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