Page 29 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

“Surely, Lady Uxbridge, you should see to your previous appointment,” the duke urged. “I would not want to prevent you from visiting with your friend.”

“I see Lady Tealing enough as it is,” Mama declared. “I would not want to miss out on this time with you, Your Grace.”

The duke smiled in delight at her mother, infuriating Adalyn.

Mama added, “Please let Lord Uxbridge and Cook know that we have a guest for tea today.”

“Of course, my lady,” the butler said and left the room.

Her mother brightened. “Now that those two have gone, we may all sit and visit. Won’t that be pleasant, Your Grace?”

“I am always delighted to be in the company of two beautiful women,” the duke said.

Adalyn wondered where this was coming from. When she had met Camden, she had been told he was shy. He had been rather reserved and eventually seemed to come out of his shell as the evening progressed at Tessa’s house. But this seemed to be a different man than the one she had previously met. He wasn’t shy at all. He seemed determined to charm her mother.

He would not charm her.

“So, Your Grace, why did you come to call upon us today?” Adalyn asked sweetly.

“I did not want to say anything in front of Bayless or Pierce but I believe I will avail myself of your services, Lady Adalyn.”

Mama looked confused. “Whatever do you mean, Your Grace?”

The duke focused his attention on her mother and said, “I am new to all of this, Lady Uxbridge. New to my title. New to Polite Society. Knowing only a handful of people, I am putting my trust in your daughter to help me find a bride this Season.”

Her mother’s cheeks blossomed with color. “Oh! But . . . you are a duke, Your Grace. You will have your choice of any available woman on the Marriage Mart. Why would you need Adalyn to help you in finding a bride?”

Then Mama’s eyes cut to her daughter and Adalyn shook her head, knowing instantly what Mama was thinking.

“Your niece assures me that Lady Adalyn knows everyone in Polite Society,” Camden continued. “I am merely a military man trying to find my way in the midst of a life I never expected to be living,” he said apologetically. “From what I have been told, I understand dukes are powerful, influential members of theton. That means my choice in a wife must be impeccable. I need a tremendous amount of help navigating not only the waters of Polite Society but how to choose the woman who will become my duchess. I trust Spence and Tessa implicitly—and they have complete faith in Lady Adalyn’s ability to find my match. I am putting myself—and my future—in her hands.”

Adalyn had thought she wanted to help this lonely man find a bride. Unexpectedly, misery filled her.

Shewanted to be that woman.

But it seemed the duke and she had a contentious relationship. The fact that he was placing himself in her hands in order to help him find a wife was surprising as it was.

“So, how are we to go about this?” His Grace asked.

Rainey entered the drawing room and apologized for the interruption. “I am sorry, my lady, but Mrs. Rainey needs your assistance in a delicate matter.”

Lady Uxbridge rose, as did the duke, who told her, “Please see to the crisis, my lady. Perhaps by the time you have solved it, your husband will have joined us and we can become better acquainted over tea.”

Flustered, Mama said, “Thank you for understanding, Your Grace. Household matters can be so inconvenient.”

Mama left with the butler and the duke seated himself again.

This time, next to Adalyn.

She understood what Louisa had meant when her cousin said she was overwhelmed by the sheer size of Camden. He took up a good part of the settee. He was close enough for her to catch the spice of his cologne, as well as feel the warmth of his thigh pressed against hers.

“Why are you really here?” she demanded, not bothering to hide her exasperation when she knew he disapproved of her matchmaking between couples of theton.

His face guileless, he replied, “For the exact reason I told your lovely mother. I am totally lacking in experience as far as Polite Society goes and realize marriage is likely the most important decision I will undertake. I must choose wisely from the eligible women among theton.”

“I don’t believe you,” she said flatly. “You have seemed so opposed to what I’m certain you would deem my interference. Why now?”

Camden grew thoughtful. “I told you of my desire to have several children. From what I gather, that is not necessarily something wives of thetonenjoy doing. Providing an heir and possibly a spare seems to be the extent of their duty. I need help in finding a woman who not only will give me children but enjoy doing so.”

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