Page 48 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

At least Ev had been completely honest with her. Given her no false hopes. He didn’t try to lead her on. She must accept that what he was looking for in a wife and what she was were as far apart as the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. She never should have put him on the spot and asked if he intended to make her his duchess. He had never given her that impression and it was wrong of her to even mention it. She hoped she hadn’t mucked things up between them beyond repair.

What she had to come to terms with was that a physical attraction existed between them. They had acted upon it a couple of times. She must make certain they never did again. It was already going to be hard enough to even think about kissing a man other than Ev, much less agreeing to wed him.

“There you go, my lady. You are all set to go,” Bridget declared.

Adalyn barely glanced into the mirror before she murmured a quiet thank you. Dismissing the maid, she crossed to Louisa’s bedchamber, making sure she smiled broadly as she entered the room. No one could know how down she felt. She would give no hint of her mood.

“As always, you do Madame Chevalier’s creation justice,” she said lightly.

“Do you think so?” Louisa asked, glancing back at her image in the mirror. “It’s a rather pretty gown.”

“And all the prettier because of the pretty girl who wears it.”

Her cousin snorted. “I don’t think I would call me a girl, Adalyn. I am three and twenty. Some would say I am already on the shelf.”

“Never,” Adalyn said, kissing Louisa’s cheek.

They arrived at the soiree, which was a much more intimate event than last night’s opening ball. Only about eighty guests were expected.

Including Ev.

Going through the receiving line, she greeted Lord and Lady Fowling and their daughter, Lady Gwenda, who had made her come-out last year. Adalyn didn’t care for any member of this family. It was a toss-up who was a bigger gossip, the earl or his countess. Lady Gwenda certainly followed in her parents’ footsteps, not only being prone to gossip but having a rather wide mean streak. Avoiding their company would be at the top of Adalyn’s list this evening.

Her parents went to join friends and she and Louisa took a turn about the drawing room. Immediately, Ev stood out in a group which included Lady Minceton. A mixture of sadness and jealousy overwhelmed Adalyn as she thought how the pair complemented one another. She could easily see Ev offering for Lady Minceton soon. The young widow would be a good catch, even if she came with a child.

Louisa said, “Your two viscounts are motioning us over.”

Sure enough, Lord Bayless and Lord Pierce waved and they joined the pair.

“Can we talk about last night before anyone joins us?” Lord Pierce asked, proceeding to tell Adalyn about the women he had danced with and those he preferred over others.

Lord Bayless did the same, mentioning two ladies in particular that Adalyn had thought would suit him.

“But what is your opinion?” he asked.

Her opinion had changed. Knowing Bayless—and most like Pierce—would be unfaithful to their spouses, she wasn’t certain she should meddle anymore, knowing these viscounts’ future wives would be in for heartache.

Before she could reply, however, Lady Gwenda and Lord Talflynn joined their circle. The viscount had supposedly been looking for a bride for a good three years now and had even offered for Adalyn. She had turned him down, knowing Lord Talflynn was not only a terrible rake but that he was also petty and small-minded. The way Lady Gwenda clung possessively to his arm, Adalyn thought Talflynn might finally be ready to settle down. The fact that Lady Gwenda’s dowry was rumored to be one of the largest among the unattached ladies of thetoncould be influencing the viscount’s decision.

Another couple joined them, as did Ev and Lady Minceton, which didn’t stop Lord Bayless at all once everyone had greeted the newcomers.

“So, what do you think, Lady Adalyn?” Lord Bayless inquired. “About my prospects?”

“Your prospects?” Lady Gwenda said, her curiosity obvious.

Lord Talflynn laughed and patted her hand. “I believe we interrupted a conversation about matchmaking, my lady.”

“Matchmaking?” Lady Gwenda looked from her to Lord Bayless. “Is Lady Adalyn supplying brides for bachelors now?” she asked and laughed a bit too loud.

“I have helped bring together a few couples during previous Seasons,” Adalyn replied.

“Lady Adalyn is being far too modest,” Lord Pierce said. “She has had more than her fair share of successes. She is hunting for brides for both Bayless and me. We need to get our heirs, you know.”

Lady Gwenda sniffed and gave Adalyn a withering look. “Perhaps you should turn your attentions to yourself—and your poor cousin—since neither of you have ever wed, Lady Adalyn. Both of you are getting rather long in the tooth, wouldn’t you say?”

She saw Ev about to speak, knowing he wanted to come to her rescue, but Adalyn had dealt with spiteful women ever since she had made her come-out.

Keeping her composure, she said, “Having had the good fortune of being out for some time, I do know many of the eligible bachelors in Polite Society, Lady Gwenda. I know that will help me make an informed choice in my husband. My cousin will also benefit from my knowledge.”

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