Page 55 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

Chapter Sixteen

Misery flooded Adalynas Ev escorted her from the terrace to the ballroom. She made certain not to show it, however. When they came through the door, she had a smile on her face.

Even if she had no plans to become the Duchess of Camden.

Adalyn knew she was not the woman Ev envisioned as his wife. She knew because of what was on his list. Not to mention he had specifically told her he would not make her his duchess.

She planned to keep to that.

As she saw Spencer and Tessa approaching them, she knew word had already begun to spread, thanks to the gossiping Fowlings and their mean-spirited daughter. Lord Talflynn, too. She had turned him down before and now he was gleeful in making known the awkward situation she had found herself in.

It didn’t matter. She had no plans to wed Ev. He was too much a gentleman to ever beg off their supposed betrothal. She, however, was enough of a lady to make sure he would not be bound to her for the next several decades. Of course, breaking their engagement would leave her reputation in tatters. It was ironic that if a man severed an engagement, his former fiancée suffered society’s wrath. If she ended the betrothal, she was ostracized. Women couldn’t seem to be treated fairly no matter what the situation. But she would not see through a marriage with Ev. Though she did love him, she would not tie him to her because she couldn’t bear to see how unhappy he would become.

When the moment was right, she would break it off with him. She might have to wait a bit or else it would reflect poorly upon Louisa. A woman’s actions, especially a broken engagement, caused gossip to run rampant about her and her entire family. She couldn’t risk Louisa’s chances at happiness. She thought Ev and she could be engaged throughout the Season. By the end, hopefully Louisa would have found a husband. While others were away from London, Adalyn would break her own engagement and ensure Louisa had her wedding. Next Season, some gossip would abound once it was made known that she and Ev had not followed through with their plans. By then, Louisa would be safely wed.

And Adalyn would deal with being excluded from most of Polite Society.

“Is it true?” Tessa asked, reaching them. “Are you betrothed?” Hope filled her eyes.

“Yes,” Ev said. “We are. Addie was right in front of me all this time and I was wise enough to finally realize it.”

“Addie?” Tessa said, frowning at the nickname.

Spencer offered Ev his hand and shook it, then threw an arm about him. “You sly fox. Sitting in the henhouse, you plucked a bride. I knew it was nonsense, all this having Adalyn find you a bride. You were perfectly capable of doing so yourself.”

“Addie?” Tessa repeated.

Ev smiled. “It is my name for her. Mine alone—so don’t steal it from me, Tessa.” He glanced to her. “We should go find your parents. Hopefully, our good news hasn’t reached them yet and we can share it in person.”

“Excuse us,” she said stiffly, allowing Ev to lead her from the ballroom.

They came across her parents and Louisa. Mama beamed at her. Louisa smiled shyly. Papa looked pleased.

“I see I am welcoming a son into the family,” Papa said. “So, you are betrothed.”

“Only if you and Lady Uxbridge give us your permission, my lord,” Ev said. “It seems I am doing things a bit backward and should have sought your permission first.”

Papa smiled. “I cannot think of a finer son-in-law. But Adalyn knows her own mind. She is of age. You do not need our permission as long as you have hers.” He looked to her and she gave him a weak smile.

“Are you all right, Adalyn?” Mama asked. “You look a bit pale. I am sure this was quite a surprise to you but it certainly isn’t to Uxbridge or me. Why, I told him after the first time His Grace came to tea with us that I simply knew the two of you were made for each other.”

Dread filled Adalyn, hearing those words. She had known her mother had hopes of an engagement with the duke. She wanted to shout at everyone to stop talking and tell them all the marriage would never take place. She kept quiet, though. For Louisa’s sake.

Louisa took her hand. “I am so happy for you, Adalyn.” She looked up to Ev. “And to you also, Your Grace. Now, I have two brothers, in you and Spencer.”

“Everett,” he corrected. “We are going to be family.”

“Everett,” Louisa repeated, smiling at him.

After that, they were flooded with good wishes by the entireton. Adalyn hoped her dance partners forgave her because she didn’t dance one number the rest of the night, being busy receiving congratulations from everyone. Lord and Lady Starfeld seemed the most pleased by the announcement.

“To think that the first betrothal of the Season occurred at our ball,” Lady Starfeld said in awe. “And a duke’s proposal, no less. Why, our ball will be the talk of thetonfor weeks to come.”

The final number ended and they joined the crush of those leaving the ball. Every eye remained on them and Adalyn smiled until her cheeks ached.

They arrived at Ev’s carriage and he handed her up, with the others joining her.

“We must talk about the wedding tomorrow,” Mama said. “I would venture Tessa will want to hold the wedding breakfast. You will need to tell her all your favorite foods, Your Grace. And Uxbridge, you must go with His Grace and see about booking St. George’s for the wedding.” Mama looked at Adalyn. “Do you have a date in mind, dear?”

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