Page 53 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

She stepped into the carriage and he followed.

They spoke of the garden party that afternoon, telling him about it since he had missed attending it.

“I had business that needed my attention,” he offered as an excuse.

As they exited the carriage and moved toward the Starfeld townhouse, he made certain Addie was on his arm and that Louisa was led in by her uncle and aunt.

“We will dance the opening number and the supper dance,” he informed her. “That should draw sufficient attention and see that your programme quickly fills. Though I know it does at every ball.”

She shrugged. “I enjoy dancing and try to dance every number.”

Addie would do more than dance to an orchestra this evening.

She would dance to his tune.

The opening number was a spirited country dance. By the time it finished and he escorted her to the sidelines, he saw the color in her cheeks and the sparkle was back in her eyes. He knew those eyes would be full of anger later this evening, anger directed at him. Still, it would be worth it. They would have a lifetime to make up.

“I will see you in a few hours,” Everett told her.

He danced a few times, knowing she would be watching. Deliberately, he did not sign Lady Minceton or Miss Peterson’s dance cards, not wanting to lead either woman on. They were both quite nice and if not for his love for Addie, he might have found happiness with one of them.

When the supper dance arrived, he was thrilled to learn it was a waltz. He was growing in confidence with the dance and enjoyed the minutes he was allowed to hold Addie close. She seemed to understand his wish for silence and they simply enjoyed the dance.

When he led her into supper, he took her to a table for two and seated her.

“We are drawing more attention than we should by sitting apart from others,” she said hesitantly.

“You don’t wish to be seen with me?”

“No, Ev. It is not that. Sitting alone together, though, will cause talk. I do not wish for it to hinder your efforts with other women. How are your pursuits going?”

He motioned for a servant and asked for him to go through the buffet for them. The footman readily agreed. Now, he truly had Addie to himself, far from the other guests.

“As I have told you, I have not committed to any of them. They are still strangers to me.”

“I noticed you did not dance with Lady Minceton.”

“Nor Miss Peterson,” he added.

“Why?” she asked.

“Can we talk about something else?” he pleaded.

She studied him. “I have found a few others who might suit you if you have decided against Lady Minceton or Miss Peterson. Perhaps you could come see me tomorrow and we might discuss them.”

Wanting to appease her—for now—he agreed.

Finally, they talked of other things. Addie really knew quite a bit about current events. Everett didn’t think she gave herself enough credit.

She seemed to be picking at her food and so he asked, “Would you care to take a brief stroll on the balcony before supper ends?” He tugged at his cravat. “It is rather warm in here.”

Always one to please others, something he had counted on, she said, “Of course.”

A few other couples were also leaving and Ev followed them, leading Addie back to the ballroom and exiting through the French doors onto the terrace. He had made certain as they left that he caught Lady Gwenda’s eye and nodded graciously to her and Lord Talflynn, her supper partner. He had learned the woman to be a gossip and had witnessed firsthand at last night’s soiree how she tried to cut Addie to the quick. Though he felt moderately guilty for what he was about to do, he was counting on Lady Gwenda’s innate curiosity to help see things through.

Only one other couple was outside and they looked guilty as Everett and Addie passed them. They quickly said hello and then ducked back inside the ballroom.

He strolled with her the length of the terrace and paused at the end, looking up at the bright moon.

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