Page 8 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

He did believe being a duke was serious business. He had so many others he was responsible for. So many people’s lives in his hands. Investments to oversee. Holdings to manage. He supposed the time for joking was past.

Heading downstairs, he found Bailey hovering in the foyer.

“Your hat and walking stick, Your Grace,” the butler said, handing both over.

“Thank you, Bailey.”

“Are you certain you don’t wish for the carriage? I could send it later so that you might use it when you return home from Lord Middlefield’s.”

“That isn’t necessary. Good evening, Bailey.”

“Good evening, Your Grace.”

Everett stepped out the front door and found the March air brisk. He set out at a quick pace and arrived at Spencer’s residence in just over two minutes. It was nice to have his friend so close by.

Marsh greeted his knock and led Everett to the drawing room upstairs. As the butler announced him, he drew in a deep breath and stepped into the room.

The first thing he noticed was he was the last to arrive. Spence and Tessa stood near the fireplace with two women, whom he assumed to be the cousins invited to dinner this evening.

The second thing he observed was how beautiful the two women were.

As Everett approached, he took in each, assessing their looks quickly, a holdover from his army days.

The one directly across from Spence had hair so blond that it was almost white. Large sapphire eyes stood out in her elfin face. She might be a couple of inches over five feet and had ample breasts. She had beautiful posture and a maturity about her.

The other had eyes the color of a summer sky and rich, honeyed hair. She was a few inches taller than her companion and was on the thin side, with an average bosom. Her generous smile, though, spoke of mischief.

“Your Grace,” Tessa said, a smile crossing her lips. “How good of you to come.”

“Did you give me a choice?” he asked, taking her hand and kissing it.

“May I introduce my cousins to you?” she continued. “My mother had two brothers and they are the offspring of those brothers.” Tessa indicated the elfin blond. “This is Miss Goulding. Her father, Sir Edgar, serves in the War Office.”

He took her hand after she curtseyed to him. “Miss Goulding. I am enchanted.”

She studied him carefully and then smiled politely. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace.”

Yes, she had a maturity about her and seemed a bit reserved. He would have liked her for that alone but knowing she was Tessa’s cousin and how much Tessa thought of her, Everett found himself liking Miss Goulding quite a bit.

Releasing her hand, he turned to the second cousin, whose lips seemed to twitch in amusement.

“And this is Lady Adalyn Goulding, daughter of Lord and Lady Uxbridge,” Tessa continued.

The taller blond also curtseyed and Everett took her hand. “It is good to make your acquaintance, my lady.”

Lady Adalyn contained her mirth and said, “Oh, Your Grace, I am happy to meet you. Spencer and Tessa speak so highly of you.”

“Do I amuse you, my lady?”

Laughter spilled from her now. “You just are so very serious, Your Grace. I thought Spencer was quiet and grave but you make him seem rather outgoing.”

He released her hand, realizing he still held it. “I am a duke. Dukes are supposed to be solemn.”

“Says who?” Lady Adalyn challenged.

“Says . . . society,” he blurted out, feeling his neck grow hot under his cravat.

It wasn’t the only thing that heated.

---