Page 62 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

He gazed into the eyes of the woman he loved. The opinionated, spoiled, determined, mischievous woman who held his heart. Lowering his lips to hers, he gave her a brief, tender kiss.

The rest passed in a blur. The signing of the register. The congratulations from family and friends. For a moment, he wished Owen, Win, and Percy could have been here to share this with him but he knew the Second Sons were with him in spirit. They would certainly be surprised when he wrote to them, informing them he had wed as Spence had.

He escorted his bride outside, where his carriage awaited them, along with the other vehicles which would convey them to Spence’s townhouse a few blocks away. The day was cool but sunny, which he thought a good omen as he handed Addie into the coach and followed behind. Sitting beside her, he entwined his fingers through hers.

“We are wed,” he said.

“We are.”

He didn’t know what else to say. Usually so comfortable around her, he grew suddenly shy. They continued holding hands but neither spoke for the next few minutes.

When they arrived at Spence’s, he climbed from the carriage and helped her down the stairs, escorting her inside, where a large group of guests awaited. About half were friends of her parents and the other half were friends of Addie’s. For a minute, loneliness set in, knowing he only had Spence and Tessa here for him.

Joyous greetings occurred and he and Addie were seated at a table in the center of the ballroom, with dozens of other small tables surrounding them. Several courses appeared, one after another, while he and Addie circulated among their guests between them. It surprised him that she wasn’t more vibrant and enthusiastic. Instead, she was quieter, subdued, her bearing almost regal.

Then three enormous cakes were rolled out and he finally saw his bride with a smile. This one seemed genuine, the first of the day, and he tried to relax as servants cut each one and distributed them.

His duchess took a bite from each slice and told him, “You were right to have three cakes. I could not have decided between flavors. I like having some of each.”

He nodded, at a loss for words.

“Thank you for the daffodils,” she said shyly.

He glanced up from his plate. “You received them?”

“I did. It was very thoughtful of you, Ev.”

“I heard you mention they were your favorites. I didn’t know if you would see them or not.”

“Mama made certain I did. We both agreed it was a sweet gesture.”

“I am glad you liked them.”

Once they finished their cakes, Addie suggested they make the final rounds before they departed. They moved separately about the room and eventually met in the middle.

Spence approached and said, “Your carriage is waiting, Your Graces. And Her Grace’s trunks were already transported to your townhouse.”

Addie looked perplexed a moment and Everett realized she was being addressed as a duchess for the first time.

“Then Her Grace and I will now depart,” he said as Tessa stepped up. “Thank you for everything today, Tessa.” Everett kissed her cheek and Addie embraced her cousin.

Spence announced that the newlyweds were leaving and the guests followed them outside to the carriage, waving goodbye as it rolled away from the curb.

They were finally alone. It was quiet. He turned to Addie, ready to tell her he loved her.

“It was a lovely ceremony, don’t you think so?” she asked brightly. “And Tessa’s cook did a marvelous job preparing the wedding breakfast.”

She kept up a constant chatter until they arrived at his townhouse, where Bailey and Mrs. Bailey greeted them and led them inside. The entire staff was lined up to greet their new duchess.

Everett allowed Mrs. Bailey to guide them through the line as she introduced every servant to Addie, who took time to speak with each one. He was perplexed how she seemed to keep her distance even while she spoke with every member of the staff.

Once the introductions were complete, Mrs. Bailey said, “Her Grace’s trunks have been taken upstairs and her maid is waiting for her there. I also sent up a small meal to your sitting room, Your Grace.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Bailey,” he replied and then looked to Addie. “Would you care to go upstairs?”

“Yes.”

He took her to what had been his mother’s rooms and wondered how to address what was to occur next. Addie seemed to sense his hesitancy and placed a hand on his sleeve.

“Give me an hour and then you may come to me, Ev.”

One hour.

And then their marriage would truly begin.

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