Page 17 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

“Is he in a good mood?”

“He should be. Bonaparte has no standing any longer. Within a week, he should have abdicated his throne.”

“What will happen to him?” she asked, finding it hard to believe the day everyone in England had waited for had finally arrived.

“The forthcoming treaty structured by the Allies will decide that, my lady. You can trust that Lord Castlereagh will see things through for the British and maintain our best interests.”

“That is wonderful news.” She rose. “Do you think I dare venture in now?”

The man smiled. “I would hurry. Sir Edgar will probably be leaving soon for the War Office.”

He took his leave and Adalyn went to the door. She knocked briskly but didn’t wait for a reply. Stepping inside, she saw her uncle placing documents from his desk into a satchel.

Glancing up, he asked, “What is it, Adalyn?”

“Sit down, Uncle Edgar.”

“I don’t have the time,” he said gruffly, slipping some papers into a satchel.

“Then make it.”

He frowned but stopped what he was doing and took a seat at his desk. She stepped into the room and sat opposite him.

“I know you are in a hurry to leave for the War Office. Your visitor explained that Bonaparte will soon be history. I know you will have a lot to discuss with various officers and diplomats. But I must say something important—and you must listen, Uncle. Because you are a good man who is making a mistake.”

“Mistake?” he scoffed. “This must be about this nonsense of Louisa wanting to wed.”

Adalyn looked at him sternly. “It is not nonsense, Uncle. It is her life. You have your life. You had a life with your wife. Once she died, work consumed you. You drew Louisa into that work. I understand how important it was. It involved the security of our nation. Louisa has done her part, Uncle Edgar. She has supported you. Taken responsibility for many things in order to free you to go about the work of our government. But that is over now.”

“The work is just beginning,” her uncle complained. “I will be busier than ever with the aftermath. There will be the treaty to enforce. Lord Castlereagh has informed us that a congress will take place, most likely in Vienna. Diplomats from all across Europe will attend. I will need Louisa to go with me to it.”

“No,” Adalyn said flatly. “You will not. There will be women there who will look after your needs. You will be gone long hours at the negotiating table. Leaving Louisa in a hotel room by herself for hours and days on end is no life for her. She has sacrificed so much for you, Uncle Edgar. She loves you deeply. But this must stop. She is three and twenty now. Past the time when most women have wed. She deserves a life of her own. With a husband and children.”

She rose. “I am not pleading with you. I am telling you. Quit being so selfish. Release her. Let her remain in London while you go and represent Britain’s interests abroad. Let her find happiness. She had to grow up very quickly when her mother died suddenly. You have depended upon her for too long now. Keep loving her—but let her go.”

He gazed at her a long moment and then tears formed in his eyes.

“Have I really been that awful?”

Adalyn went around the desk and leaned down, wrapping her arms about his neck. “Not awful at all. Louisa loved helping you. She told me how close your work has brought the two of you. But it is your work, Uncle. It is time for her to begin her own work. She longs for a husband and children. You owe it to her.”

She kissed his cheek and stepped back. “You are one of the best men I know. You were a good husband and have been a wonderful father and uncle.”

“Are you flattering me, Adalyn?”

She grinned. “I am telling you the truth. But if it takes flattery to complete the job, I will be your chief sycophant.”

“You shame me, Niece. I feel terrible. I have been quite selfish, holding Louisa close to me the way I have.”

“But you love her enough to realize that, Uncle Edgar. And now you can release her from any kind of promise you have had her make to you. Go do the work of a dozen men now. I know you do that every day. Just leave Louisa here. She can come stay with us if you are worried about leaving her behind.”

“That would help ease my worries if I knew she was with you and your parents, Adalyn.”

He rose and embraced her. “It took courage to stand up to me and speak your mind.”

“I would do that for anyone I love. Especially Louisa.”

“I must depart immediately but I promise I will speak to my daughter when I return this evening.” He paused. “In the meantime, feel free to share the good news with her that her adoring papa wants her to enjoy the Season and find a good man to marry.”

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