Page 47 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

And he wished he could take back his remark, knowing it had cut her to the quick.

“You need a woman with a cool, steady hand as your duchess. One who is quiet and dignified. One who will manage your many households with ease and have a bit of an air of mystery about her within Polite Society. That is not me. I am lively and outgoing. Not nearly proper or sober enough to be a duchess.”

But it was her vivaciousness which drew him to her like a moth to a flame. She was so different from him.

“You will make for a wonderful wife, Addie,” he told her. “You are bright and beautiful. Spirited and effervescent. You will be a true asset to your husband.”

“I hope so. Just not you, Ev,” she said wistfully. Then she stood taller. “I will continue to advise you regarding a bride but insist we are always in the company of others when this takes place.” Addie paused. “We really cannot be alone together again. I hope you understand that. I want to remain your friend if that is possible.”

He didn’t want to be merely friends with her. He wanted to be her lover. Her everything. Somehow, though she seemed wrong for the role of duchess, she was right.

For him.

Everett was never supposed to be a duke. No one would have cast him in that role before he assumed the title through a fluke. Why couldn’t Addie be a duchess?

His duchess . . .

“Go home, Ev,” she urged. “Look at the list we composed together. Review the qualities you see on it. I am certain we will find a woman who fits your requirements.”

He didn’t need a bloody list anymore. But he felt Addie distancing herself from him.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

She looked taken aback. “You didn’t. I have discovered that we only truly hurt ourselves.”

With that, she opened the door and quickly hurried out.

When they reached the staircase, she paused and asked, “Can you see yourself out?”

He nodded, afraid to speak.

“Then I will see you at tonight’s soiree.”

She moved away from him and headed up the staircase while he descended to the bottom floor. When he reached the foyer, a footman saw him out.

Everett walked home slowly, contemplating what had occurred. Just because he was staid and earnest, he had thought that is the match he should make. That he should find a woman who was as serious about life as he was. Instead, he was drawn to a woman with a zest for life, one a bit irreverent and outspoken.

One he was attracted to, both in body and mind.

Was it too late to tell her he had changed his mind and that his list was at least partly wrong? That he was mistaken when he thought he needed someone entirely different from her as his duchess?

Everett didn’t know if Addie would believe him if he did so.

He realized he might want her but her wanting him was another story. Yes, she responded to his kiss but he was dull. Boring. Retiring. A woman who sparkled as Addie did needed a man who matched her brilliance. Her future husband needed to be as joyous and full of life as she was. If he pursued her, she would feel obligated to him. Knowing the importance Polite Society placed upon titles, even Addie’s parents would most likely pressure her to marry him if he offered for her.

No, it wouldn’t be right. Tying Addie to him would be like keeping a butterfly from emerging from its cocoon in all its beauty and glory. She should be admired and allowed to radiate that special light that came from within her. He could never be the man she could truly be happy with.

Much as it would hurt, Everett would need to let go of the idea of making Lady Adalyn Goulding his duchess. She deserved better than him. Even though they shared a mutual attraction, it would be for the best. Determination filled him. He needed to decide upon a bride quickly.

That way, Addie would have the freedom to make the choice right for her.

*

Adalyn was silentas Bridget chattered away, preparing her for this evening’s soiree hosted by Lord and Lady Fowling.

It stung that Ev had come out and told her she had no chance of becoming his duchess. Not that she ever thought she could or even should.

But she had fantasized about it all the same.

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