Page 44 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

“I don’t think I could go through this over and over. I truly want to find a husband this time around, with no delays.”

She took Louisa’s hand. “Your heart will tell you what you should do. What if you do find a husband? Will you wait for Uncle Edgar to return?”

“No. We discussed that very thing before he left. Papa said he would be in Vienna for many months if not a year or more. Those present will truly remake the map of Europe. It is important work. While I would love for Papa to see me wed, I also do not want to wait so long. He has given me permission to choose a husband of my liking since I am of age. I believe, though, that he discussed this with your father, who will act as my agent, along with our solicitor, regarding the marriage settlements.”

“Do you want Papa to have final approval?” Adalyn asked.

“No. My father said he trusted my judgment and I could wed or remain unattached. It would be up to me.”

“That is good to know.” She stood. “We should go and freshen up before our guests arrive for tea. Mama is probably sneaking in a short nap so she will be refreshed for both tea and this evening’s soiree.”

They went to their bedchambers and Adalyn returned first to the drawing room, thinking through everything she knew about their four guests. Mama and then Louisa joined her.

“Your father is taking tea in his study,” Mama informed them. “He said it is bad enough having too many men clog up his drawing room during the Season but that seven ladies would be infinitely worse.”

Rainey appeared and announced the four visitors and their guests streamed in. Adalyn introduced everyone to her mother and Louisa and they sat as servants pushed in two teacarts. Mama poured out for their guests from one pot while she did the same for the rest of them.

Their conversation centered on last night’s ball, which Adalyn knew was happening in drawing rooms across the city. Her mother took the lead, which Adalyn had expected. Mama had a genuine curiosity about others and was so sweet-natured that no one thought her questions imposing or too personal. Mama asked many of the things Adalyn herself would have.

She had an excellent memory and was able to keep the four women and their responses separate. As the hour progressed, she eliminated Lady Agatha from consideration. The blond was vapid and had little conversation. Lady Bertha was only slightly better but Adalyn kept her as a candidate. The petite brunette had a tendency to giggle, which would never do in a duchess. However, Adalyn decided it was due to the girl’s tender age. If she learned to control her emotions better, she might have a chance with Ev.

Adalyn much preferred the other two women. Miss Peterson comported herself well. She had lively blue eyes and light brown hair and was said to be quite choosy, which is why she supposedly had not wed after her first Season. Based upon her conversation, Adalyn thought Miss Peterson had a little bit of a bluestocking in her because she was well informed in many areas.

Her choice for Ev, though, would be Lady Minceton. The widow, who looked to be three or four years past twenty, displayed more maturity than most women. She was dark-haired and curvaceous and spoke fondly of her two-year-old daughter, the only child from her union with the much older Lord Minceton. Adalyn would need to speak with Ev soon and determine what he had thought of each of these women before seeking any new candidates out for him.

Tea was almost over when her father made an appearance. What surprised her was that Ev accompanied him.

“Oh, sorry to interrupt,” Papa said, not looking a bit sorry. “Are His Grace and I too late for tea?”

“Not at all,” Mama said, taking charge of the situation. “Do come in, Your Grace. Have you met our guests?”

Ev went to each of their visitors, greeting them by name, before he came to say hello to Louisa and Adalyn. Adalyn gave him a questioning look, which he proceeded to ignore. Then he sat next to Mama and they began talking like old friends.

Lady Agatha and Lady Bertha giggled into their handkerchiefs. Miss Peterson looked on with curiosity. And Lady Minceton didn’t look at Ev at all, rather focusing her attention on Adalyn’s father.

“It is good to see you again, my lord,” she said pleasantly.

“I could say the same, Lady Minceton. I was sorry to hear of your husband’s passing.”

“He did enjoy playing chess with you,” the widow said, dabbing the corner of her eye with a handkerchief.

The clock chimed a few minutes later and their guests all rose, looking to Adalyn. They thanked her for the invitation and her parents said they would see their guests out.

Louisa rose, as well, and as the others left said, “It is good to see you again, Everett. Will you be at tonight’s soiree?”

“I will. Though I haven’t the foggiest idea what a soiree is. Mr. Johnson, my secretary who keeps track of these things, told me he had accepted the invitation for me.”

“I am glad you will be there. It will be good to see a friendly face and actually remember the name attached to it. Excuse me,” Louisa said, leaving Adalyn alone with Ev.

He came and sat next to her. “I see you called together what you termed my best prospects. Were you reviewing their backgrounds and conduct and evaluating whether or not they would make for a good Duchess of Camden?”

“I was. I would like for you to also share your opinions about them. You did dance with all of them last night, I’m assuming.”

“I did. For all the good that did.” He scowled. “A ball is not the place to conduct a decent conversation. Tessa had warned me of that. The more lively dances only let you exchange snippets with your partner. I suppose having one of them accompany me into supper would have been better instead of escorting Louisa but I much preferred her company to any of theirs.”

“Oh, have you changed your mind about Louisa?”

He shook his head. “No. We are not meant to wed.”

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