Page 42 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

Chapter Thirteen

“Do not takethat tone with me, Your Grace,” Adalyn told Ev.

“Why are you even dancing with that man in the first place?” he demanded.

“Not that it is any of your business, but I did not allow Lord Rosewell to sign my programme.”

She watched Ev’s brow crease.

“Then why did you dance with him?” His concern was obvious and it touched her.

“He took the place of my expected partner,” she said succinctly, not wanting to explain what the earl had told her about the debt owed him and the favor he had negotiated.

They reached the buffet table and he handed her a plate before taking two, one for himself and one for Louisa. She placed a few of her favorite foods on hers, thinking to add a couple of sweets for Lord Rosewell. Though Adalyn had a sweet tooth, she would abstain from sweets tonight and give those she selected to the earl.

They did not speak as they went through the buffet line, only to begin their conversation again once they crossed the room, with others not around them.

“Addie,” Ev said quietly, “I am asking you to stay away from Lord Rosewell. I met him the other day at White’s and while I know very little about him, he did something that made a poor impression upon me.”

“And you aren’t going to share that with me?” she asked.

His face hardened. “No, I am not.”

Adalyn saw something in his eyes that made her wonder exactly what Lord Rosewell had said or done to upset Ev so.

Before they reached their table, she said, “It was awkward to learn that Lord Rosewell took the place of the man on my dance card. I could not turn him away without causing a scene. I want to assure you, though, that you do not have to warn me about his reputation. It is black indeed and I will have nothing to do with him in the future.”

Ev’s features relaxed and he gave her a crooked smile. “Good.”

They reached the table and Lord Rosewell rose and seated her. Adalyn saw concern on both Louisa’s and Tessa’s faces and gave them a reassuring smile.

Ev placed Louisa’s plate in front of her and then put his own on the table as he took a seat opposite Adalyn. Spencer had also returned and brought food for both Tessa and him.

Adalyn could feel the tension at the table, obvious to everyone. Lord Rosewell seemed amused by it. It angered her that he was ruining not only her evening but that of her friends.

“What did you bring me, Lady Adalyn?” the earl asked her.

She pushed her plate so that it sat in front of him and said, “I do not have an appetite this evening, my lord. You may have everything I brought back.”

“Tsk-tsk,” he said, popping an olive into his mouth and smiling.

Finally, conversation began at the table, with Lord Rosewell inserting a comment every now and then, not bothering to hide his smile when it was ignored.

When supper was ending around them, he helped her rise and said, “Allow me to escort you to the ballroom, my lady.”

“That will not be necessary, my lord,” she told him. “I plan to visit the retiring room with my cousins.”

He cocked an eyebrow and said, “Speaking of visiting, might I call upon you tomorrow afternoon?”

Adalyn stared hard at him a moment and then replied, “You may not.”

She turned to go but he caught her elbow and pulled her back, making her incredibly uncomfortable.

Gazing into her eyes, he asked, “What is wrong, my lady? I have heard you are on the hunt for a husband this Season. Do you not think I am marriage material?”

She shrugged off his arm and said, “No. Not at all.”

He looked taken aback for a moment and then laughed heartily. “You are correct,” he agreed. “I have never thought myself being a man who would make for a good husband. Actually, any kind of husband at all. But I do know I will have to pass on my title someday and will need to wed.”

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