Page 76 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

“I love you, Addie,” he softly said.

Fighting the urge to slip into the bed beside her and hold her the entire night, he retreated to his own room. Sleep took its time coming.

He awoke, his eyes feeling gritty. A soft whine echoed in his head, telling him his lack of sleep would make for a difficult day.

After he rang for Roper, he mentally prepared himself for when he would tell Addie goodbye. He put on what he termed his army face, a look of stoicism he had acquired that he used when he addressed his men.

Roper prepared him for the day and Everett went downstairs to the breakfast room. He had only been there a few moments when Addie appeared, looking fresh and achingly lovely.

“Good morning,” he said brusquely and then added, “Are you packed?”

She took her seat and said, “Yes. Bridget handled everything. We are departing after breakfast.”

“That’s good to hear.”

They ate in silence. But even silence was full of noise to him. He tried to think of something to say to her. Nothing came.

He finished eating and said, “Have Arthur tell me when you are ready to leave and I will see you off.”

She nodded and took a sip of her tea.

Once again, he sat in his study, pondering the marriage he had made and how unhappy he had made the woman he loved. Everett had no idea how to fix things. If only Addie were a fence, he would know what to do in order to mend her and their relationship.

A knock sounded and Arthur appeared in the doorway. “Her Grace is about to depart.”

“Thank you.”

He went outside where the carriage awaited, noting only one stood there. Several trunks were atop it but not all of the ones she possessed. That small fact gave him hope that she was leaving part of her wardrobe behind. That she had plans to return to Cliffside.

To him.

Addie stepped from the house with Bridget, who went straight to the carriage and was handed up by a footman. Four footmen accompanied the driver. Everett had requested two extra ones accompany Addie for her safety.

She came toward him, her eyes clear, her gaze steady. Her beautiful mouth was set in a tight line.

“I hope you will have an uneventful trip,” he told her.

“When are you coming to town, Ev?”

“I am not certain,” he said evasively. “It depends upon how long my business takes.”

“Don’t . . . don’t be long,” she said, glancing away toward the carriage and then back at him.

He brushed his lips against her cheek in a perfunctory kiss, fighting the urge to gather her in his arms and give her a true kiss. If he did, though, he might never let her go.

Taking her hand, he led her to the carriage and handed her up.

“Give my best to your parents and cousins,” he said.

Sadness filled her eyes. “I will. Goodbye, Ev.”

“Goodbye, Adalyn.”

He closed the door and stepped back, then motioned the driver, who flicked his wrists. The horses started up and Everett watched the carriage rumble down the drive.

Needing to escape, he strode toward the stables and called for his horse. He didn’t care where he rode. He only needed to go.

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