Page 60 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

He shrugged. “I really don’t care, Tessa. Having been in the army several years, anything your cook makes will be an improvement. I swear, sometimes I thought we were eating boiled shoe leather that they pretended was meat.”

Addie placed a hand on his arm. “I am sorry to hear that. But you must have a few favorite dishes you enjoy that can be served.”

“What do you want?” he asked.

“Cake,” she said succinctly. “I have a fierce sweet tooth. I truly do not care what is served as long as there is plenty of cake.”

He burst out laughing and the others joined in.

Wiping his eyes, he told Tessa, “Make certain there are three kinds of cake for my bride. I want her to have her choice—and her fill.” He looked to Addie and said, “Chocolate, for one. Shall we say raspberry for another? And what about lemon?”

She nodded her approval. “I will be sampling some of all.”

They talked about how it would be only family at the wedding ceremony and the women discussed the types of flowers to use in decorating the church. He paid particular attention to what Addie wanted and learned that daffodils were her favorite blooms.

Talk moved to which gown she would wear and he asked Spence what he was supposed to show up wearing since he had no idea, having never attended a wedding before he went to his own.

“We will go to your tailor tomorrow,” his friend said. “I can help you there.”

“I am meeting Lord Uxbridge here tomorrow morning, along with our solicitors, so that we can arrange for the marriage settlements,” Everett shared. “Can we see the tailor late tomorrow afternoon?”

“I’ll send a note around tomorrow morning, telling him what is needed and that we will see him late afternoon,” Spence said.

By now, Addie was handing Analise to Louisa, who had begged for a turn to hold the babe.

Louisa settled Analise against her and asked, “What of a honeymoon? Will you embark upon one after the Season ends?”

He hadn’t thought of a honeymoon at all and glanced to Addie. “Is there somewhere in particular you would care for us to go?”

“What is your primary ducal estate?” she asked.

“Cliffside. In Kent.”

Addie turned to Louisa. “We will go to Cliffside the day after our wedding.”

Louisa frowned. “You won’t finish out the Season? I had hopes that you would continue to steer me through it.”

“No, I think that going to Kent is what we will do,” Addie said firmly. “I need to get to know about Ev’s country seat and learn about his tenants.”

“But you have always loved the Season,” Tessa said. “Surely, you can stay for it. Or if not for all of it, for another month or two.”

“No, I feel we should be at Cliffside,” Addie insisted.

He wondered why she was so adamant about leaving and wondered if she did not want to attend Season events with him in tow. Everett knew he lacked the polish and wit so many of her other friends had and hoped she was not ashamed of him.

“What if I do find a husband?” Louisa asked.

“Kent is not that far,” Addie said. “Ev and I will be happy to return to London for your wedding. In fact, we should plan on it because I know one of your suitors will offer for you.”

Louisa frowned. “I don’t know about that.”

“Don’t be so gloomy,” Addie admonished. “Tessa will be here to guide you. Mama, too.”

Analise began to stir and started whimpering, causing Spence to rise and say, “It is time for her feeding. We should be leaving.”

Tessa rose and took the baby from Louisa, kissing Analise’s brow and shushing her. Everett hoped that he would now have an opportunity to speak to Addie.

Instead, Addie told him she would see him at tonight’s ball and quickly left the room.

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