Page 22 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

He shook his head. “Perhaps that is why my brother was able to engage in despicable behavior. All because he was a duke.”

Sympathy filled her, remembering how wild Camden’s brother had been and how he was murdered. It had been the talk of thetonbut the previous duke was this man’s brother. Adalyn doubted the new Camden was anything like the old.

“I am sorry for your loss, Your Grace.”

His brows rose and he said with venom, “I despised my brother and everything he stood for. I have spent my entire life trying to be the opposite of Mervyn,” he declared. “Despite what just occurred between us, my lady, I view myself as an honorable man. I never asked to be a duke. I never wanted to be a duke. But I have promised myself to be the best man—and duke—that I can be. My behavior in your presence and society’s from this moment on will be above reproach. I will find my wife and Polite Society will have nothing more to gossip of regarding my family. I will treat my new duchess with kindness and respect and allow her to go her own way once she has given me children.”

His words surprised Adalyn. “You say children. Not an heir. And you mention separate ways.”

The duke nodded solemnly. “I know love matches are rare and I do not envy Spence and Tessa for having one. My own parents loathed the sight of one another but my mother did her duty and provided two sons to her husband. They lived separate lives after she did so. I expect to do the same but I do hope my future wife will want several children. I look forward to having both sons and daughters.”

For a moment, Adalyn felt pity for this man. A duke of the realm who had looks and wealth—and yet seemed so sad and alone.

“I have not meant to judge you harshly, Your Grace. I fear I was upset by the kiss but I did fully participate in it,” she admitted. “I am as guilty as you of an indiscretion. I hope that won’t color our future relationship.”

One eyebrow shot up again. “I thought moments ago you said that you would merely tolerate me in social situations.”

“I have changed my mind, Your Grace. I do see the good in you and I know how much Spencer trusts you. I also know you despise my matchmaking skills but I have been quite successful at it. If you do want help in finding your duchess, I will be more than happy to assist you in that endeavor.”

“I will give it some thought, Lady Adalyn, though you know I disapprove of the notion. For now, I must take my leave. Give my regards to Miss Goulding.”

It surprised her when Camden took her hand and tenderly kissed her knuckles.

He quit the drawing room and as Adalyn watched him go, she wondered what her true feelings were in regard to this man.

*

Everett left theGoulding townhouse, instructing his driver to proceed to White’s. He didn’t feel like going home and burying himself in the plethora of responsibilities that seemed to grow by the day. All he wanted was a little quiet time in order to think about what had just occurred.

And a brandy. Oh, how he needed a brandy! Even if he wasn’t much of an imbiber.

Spence had told him about White’s and Brooks’s, gentlemen’s clubs in which Everett held membership, and promised to take him to both. Everett decided he would investigate one of them now and asked his driver which club was closer.

“They’re across the street from one another, Your Grace. Your brother, His Grace, preferred Brooks’s.”

“Then take me to White’s,” he ordered, climbing into his carriage and deliberately keeping his mind a blank as he watched the passing scenery.

Once they arrived, he entered the establishment and was greeted quickly.

“I am Camden,” he said succinctly.

“Ah, Your Grace, I am delighted to welcome you to White’s. I am Mr. Orr. Might I take you on a brief tour of the club to familiarize you with what we offer?”

Everett nodded brusquely and was shown the morning rooms, along with additional rooms for billiards, coffee, and cards. His escort returned him downstairs.

“Might I bring you anything, Your Grace? Newspapers? A drink?”

He noticed a large book on a table. “What is that?”

“Oh, it is the famous—or might I say infamous—White’s betting book. Wagers of all sorts are placed within it, from anticipated births to the outcome of battles. You will also find numerous bets over trivial matters, as well. The men of Polite Society do find amusement in their bets.”

It appalled him to think gentlemen in London had placed bets on the result of a battle as he and his fellow soldiers had fought for their very lives, as well as their country.

“I would like to look at this for a few minutes if I may.”

“Certainly, Your Grace. I shall bring it to a table for you. Where would you like to be situated?”

“In the morning room to the left of the door.”

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