Page 56 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

“I was thinking—”

“A quick wedding,” Ev said, speaking over her. “I would prefer purchasing a special license but if Addie wants the banns read, I suppose I can wait the three weeks for us to be wed.”

He took her gloved hand and raised it to his lips, kissing her fingers tenderly.

“But we need time to prepare, Camden,” Mama insisted and then laughed. “Oh, what am I saying? To be young and in love. Of course, you want to wed soon. But I do hope it will be at St. George’s. I have always envisioned Adalyn wedding there.”

Ev held her gaze as well as her hand and asked, “If the chapel is available, how about a week from today?”

Adalyn felt as if she had lost all control of the situation.

It seemed he took her silence for consent and looked back at her parents. “A week it is, then. Lord Uxbridge, would you accompany me to St. George’s after breakfast tomorrow? We can confirm the date and then call at Doctors’ Commons and purchase the special license.”

“A sound plan, Camden,” Papa said.

Ev continued holding her hand the entire way home, with neither Mama nor Papa scolding him for doing so. She turned her head and stared out the window, too numb to say anything.

The carriage pulled up at their townhouse and Ev finally released her hand, climbing down first and helping the others before aiding her. He took her by the waist and swung her to the ground, his hands lingering.

“I hope you are happy, Addie.” He bent and brushed a quick kiss against her lips.

What was she to do? She could ruin her life and his by going through with the marriage. Or ruin Louisa’s because of the scandal that would follow once she broke her betrothal.

“Are you certain you would not prefer a longer engagement?” she asked hesitantly.

“That is the last thing I want,” he said. “We want to be wed quickly and put any gossip behind us. I do not trust Lady Gwenda nor Lord Talflynn, much less Lord and Lady Fowling.”

Ev was right. If they did not wed soon, who knew what those four might circulate through theton.

She took a deep breath knowing the die had been cast.

“Next week at St. George’s will be fine,” she said primly.

Her fiancé escorted her to the door. “After your father and I accomplish our errands, I will stop by to see you. If I may.”

He looked so boyish and eager that, for a moment, Adalyn forgot how this marriage would ruin both of their lives.

“Of course, you may call.”

He gave her a crooked grin. “It might be before noon,” he warned.

“I am sure Mama and I can overlook that,” she said, smiling weakly at his attempt at humor. “You are taking this quite well, being forced into marriage with me.”

Ev’s gaze was intense. “No one has forced me to do anything.”

Of course, he would say that. Above all, Ev was a gentleman.

“Goodnight,” she said crisply and turned away before he felt the need to bestow an obligatory kiss.

“Goodnight, Addie,” he called out as she entered the foyer.

Louisa waited for her and linked an arm with Adalyn as they mounted the stairs.

“So, Everett chose you.” Louisa’s eyes glimmered with tears. “I am so happy at this outcome. I think you will be perfect together.”

She didn’t reply, the knot in her throat growing.

They reached their rooms and her cousin told her goodnight. Adalyn opened the door to her bedchamber and found Bridget waiting for her.

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