Page 5 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

“What is he like?” Louisa asked.

“He is friendly once you get to know him,” Tessa said, “but I believe in society he will be quite shy.”

Adalyn chuckled. “He will need to overcome his shyness or else. With a new duke in town, the Marriage Mart will be thrown into a frenzy.”

“I was hoping that the two of you might come to dinner tomorrow evening and meet him,” Tessa said. “Neither of you have yet to wed and I believe one of you could be his future wife.” She looked at Louisa, who had grown still. “You told me last Season that Uncle did not want you to wed because he needed you as his hostess, especially with the war going on. That war is almost over now. It is well past time for you to look for a husband, Louisa. Holding Analise, you look so natural. You need to fulfill your destiny as a wife and mother.”

Louisa stood and brought the baby to Adalyn, handing her over. Adalyn gazed down at the infant, who stared up at her with large, blue eyes, studying her intently.

Louisa seated herself. “I would like to wed,” she said quietly. “I have yet to discuss this with Papa but I agree with you, Tessa. Now that the never-ending war is all but over, I hope to participate in more of the Season’s activities than in the past and entertain any offers of marriage which come my way.”

“That is good to know,” Tessa said. Looking to Adalyn, she asked, “And what of you? I have wed. Louisa intends to. What about you, Adalyn?”

“I have never hidden from you what is in my heart,” she began. “You are my sisters. I have reached a point in my life where I am ready to settle down.” She swallowed and then admitted, “I want what you have, Tessa. Holding Analise only confirms that.”

Tessa clapped her hands in delight. “Then I hope to see both my cousins wed this year,” she proclaimed. “And possibly one of you might end up with Everett.”

“Is that Camden’s Christian name?” Louisa asked.

Tessa nodded. “It is. Just as the two of you have adopted Spencer as your brother, I have done the same with Everett. I hope one of you might grow to love him. He is a fine man.”

“Well, I hope Adalyn and I don’t wind up fighting over him,” Louisa joked.

“It won’t come to that, “Adalyn said. “If you find you have feelings for this duke, you are more than welcome to have him.”

“Then will you come to dinner tomorrow night and meet him?” Tessa asked. “Even if neither of you finds him to your liking, then between the three of us, we should be able to help bring him together with an appropriate woman.”

“That is Adalyn’s specialty,” Louisa said brightly.

Tessa frowned. “What are you talking about?”

“I thought I had told you I have a bit of a reputation as a matchmaker,” she said. “I have successfully brought together several couples over the last few years.”

“If I knew this, I have forgotten it,” Tessa said. “So, you are a matchmaker? A matchmaker who now needs to make her own match.”

“Now that you mention it, I thought to ask the both of you for your advice,” she began. “I have thought I should compose a list of the qualities I might seek in a husband.”

Tessa burst out laughing.

“What is so funny?” Adalyn asked, surprised by the outburst.

“Love isn’t like that,” her cousin said. “You can make all the lists you want but your heart will loudly proclaim to be heard. I know mine did. You know I didn’t even like Spencer when we first met.”

“That’s true,” she said. “But Louisa and I did like him. So did Abra, who was responsible for the two of you meeting. We could all see the earl was mad for you and agreed to support him in his efforts to win you over.” She paused. “I said I wanted what you have, Tessa, but I am not certain that includes love.”

“Why else would you wed then?” her cousin asked, perplexed.

“Because I want children,” she explained. “And companionship. Rarely does anyone in thetonmake a love match. You are an exception. Please, help me with my list.”

Doubt filled Tessa’s eyes. “I will help with this list but I hope that Cupid’s arrow strikes your heart.”

“I am more practical,” Louisa announced. “I don’t expect love at all. But I, too, would like to compose a list. It will help me evaluate any suitors that come to call upon me.”

Adalyn knew that Louisa had put off suitors long ago because of her father’s wish for her to remain by his side. She was delighted her cousin would now pursue what was best for her and not allow her father to cling to her as he had ever since Louisa’s mother passed.

“I think our lists will have much in common, Louisa,” she said. “But we should each write out our own so we will have a copy for ourselves. We might wish to add to it—or even strike through some of it—as the Season unfolds.”

Analise began to fuss. “It is time for her feeding and nap. Come up to the nursery and see it and then we will work on your lists together.”

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