Page 52 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

Everett told the host where he could be found and moved to the room, greeting the few he knew by name. He made himself comfortable and, almost immediately, a servant brought him several of the daily newspapers, while another brought a tray with coffee. His preferences had obviously been noted because the brewed beverage included just the right amount of sugar. He made certain to stay for an hour, perusing the newspapers and speaking to those who passed.

Then the two young viscounts, Pierce and Bayless, appeared and asked if they could sit with him.

“Certainly, gentlemen,” he said graciously.

Coffee was brought to both men and then Everett asked the servant delivering it, “Would you please bring me the betting book?”

“At once, Your Grace.”

His companions’ eyes widened and Bayless asked, “Are you going to place a bet, Your Grace?” Then with a sly smile, he added, “Or looking to see the ones placed on Lady Adalyn?”

Everett did his best to stare down the young pup until he cringed and looked away. He returned to his newspaper, not focusing enough to read a word but pretending to do so all the same.

The servant returned with the betting book and placed it on the table. “Is there anything else you might need, Your Grace?”

“Not at the moment. Thank you.”

Everett made a great show of opening the book and looking at several pages until he stopped at the one reserved for Adalyn. It was actually more than one. Several new wagers had been placed since it seemed apparent she was intending to wed this Season.

He signaled the same servant and asked him to bring a quill and ink so that he might place a bet of his own.

“What are you going to place a wager on, Your Grace?” asked a subdued Pierce.

Everett smiled enigmatically.

When the servant returned with the requested items, Everett thanked him and then dipped the quill into the ink. He scribbled his wager into the book as the servant and now Mr. Orr himself stood nearby.

Placing the famous betting book on the table before him, he said, “Allow the ink to dry,” as he rose and sauntered away, knowing at least half those present in White’s were watching his every move.

Then he heard Bayless loudly proclaim, “Camden has bet that Lady Adalyn will be engaged by the end of today!”

As Everett passed others, they started asking if he had knowledge of something. He merely shrugged, hoping he looked mysterious, and heard the movement behind him. As he reached the doorway to the room, he glanced over his shoulder and saw the mad scramble to the betting book, knowing wagers would now be flying left and right.

Returning home, he dashed off a note to Lord Uxbridge, asking if he might accompany the Uxbridge family to tonight’s ball and escort Lady Adalyn inside. He even offered to retrieve them in his carriage, knowing the earl wouldn’t be able to resist arriving at a ball with a duke. Everett had a footman deliver the note and within an hour he had received a reply. Uxbridge wrote that he and Lady Uxbridge would be delighted to be in the duke’s company and he would inform his daughter of the plan.

Everett smiled.

At the appropriate time, he went to his coach and instructed his driver to first stop at the Uxbridge townhouse before proceeding to Lord Starfeld’s residence, where tonight’s ball would take place. He climbed from the carriage and went to the door, greeting Lord and Lady Uxbridge as Adalyn and Louisa looked on.

“I am delighted you could accompany me this evening,” he told the married couple.

“Anything for you, Your Grace,” Lady Uxbridge said with a smile before glancing at her daughter. “Uxbridge says you wish to escort our daughter into the ball.”

“With your permission, my lady,” he said gallantly.

“Come along, girls,” Uxbridge called out and then took his wife to the carriage.

Everett offered his arms to the two cousins and they followed. He handed up Louisa first and then gave Addie his hand.

She frowned. “Why are you doing this? No one saw me with Lord Rosewell.”

“We had talked about me escorting you to a few events in order to draw attention to you if you recall. You agreed to me doing so.”

“I do remember.” Reluctance filled her face.

“I know it is difficult to be in my company, Addie. But you aren’t to be embarrassed anymore over the betting book at White’s. I forbid it.”

She chuckled. “Because a duke says it, then I suppose I must fall in line.”

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