Page 81 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

Knowing it was almost time for Tessa and Spencer to arrive, she left her bedchamber and decided to wait in the sitting room on the ground floor that was designated as the duchess’ place to take quiet time to herself or to entertain a small group of visitors, as she had received Tessa there this afternoon.

When she turned the corner, however, she paused on the landing.

Ev paced in the foyer, his hands behind his back.

Her heart slammed against her ribs and a small gasp came out, causing him to glance up quickly. Their gazes met.

She had no idea what he was thinking.

“Good evening,” he said as she somehow managed to put one foot in front of the other and descend the remaining stairs.

“Good evening,” she answered, noting he was dressed in his evening clothes. “Are you planning upon attending Lord and Lady Martindale’s ball tonight?”

“Only if you are going,” he replied cryptically.

“When did you arrive in town?” she asked, her mouth as dry as cotton batting.

“An hour ago. Would you mind if I accompany you to the ball? Bailey says you have not been out since your arrival.”

She wouldn’t mind at all. She would be thrilled to be on his arm. But she needed to know why he had ordered her to London while he stayed behind.

And the thought of asking him—and learning the truth—terrified her.

“I decided to take a little time to myself,” she told him, surprised her voice sounded even and calm. “Tessa came by this afternoon, though, and encouraged me to attend this evening’s affair. She and Spencer will be here soon in their carriage.”

“Would you come to my study before they arrive?” he asked, his voice sounding strained.

“Of course.”

Adalyn followed him the short distance from the foyer to his study. Guilt rippled through her as they entered and she glanced at the chair behind his desk. She had sat in it yesterday, wanting to be close to him. She thought she could smell the faint tang of his cologne as she did and had cried for an hour.

Ev closed the door and went to the desk, retrieving a black velvet box, square in shape.

“I had meant to give this to you earlier. It is a wedding present.”

She tensed. “You did not have to give me anything, Ev. We married rather quickly. And I have nothing for you.”

“I wanted you to have this.” He handed her the box, looking apprehensive as he did so.

Adalyn swallowed and opened the lid. Inside against the black velvet lay a stunning sapphire necklace and bracelet.

“They are magnificent,” she whispered.

“I am glad you are wearing blue tonight. Would you . . . that is, might you wish to wear them?”

“Yes, I would.”

Ev took the box from her and set it on the desk. Stripping off his gloves, he removed the bracelet and opened the clasp, then placed the bracelet against her wrist and fastened it. The stones glittered brightly.

Gazing at it, she said, “I have never owned anything so lovely. You were already quite generous in the marriage contracts, Ev. You did not need to give me something so grand.”

His gaze pinned her. “No. I wanted you to have them. They are not a part of the estate. I bought them because I wanted you to have something all to yourself. And because I thought they would bring out the blue in your eyes.”

His words pulled at her heart.

He reached for the necklace and Adalyn turned so her back was to him. He lifted the necklace over her head and she inhaled the spice of his cologne. His hands rested gently against her bare shoulders as he fastened the clasp, his hot fingers brushing her nape, causing her to shiver.

For a moment, she thought she sensed him bending toward her and she longed for his lips to caress her neck. The moment passed, though, and she turned to face him.

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