Page 22 of Made for the Marquess (Second Sons of London 4)

“No,” Win said firmly. “It cannot. I know you, Percy. I know how you are dreading all the social activities.” He glanced around. “You have a wonderful group of people here to support you. The Second Sons—and now their wives—are as family to all of us. By God, Percy, you are thirty years old. Don’t be like your brother and put off finding a wife and starting a family.”

He snorted. “You, too, are thirty, Cousin. And your brother was pushing forty and still hadn’t wed. You should feel that same obligation to marry and provide an heir to the dukedom.”

“I have a compromise,” Louisa said quietly and all eyes turned to her.

Percy sat forward, eager to hear her suggestion. Louisa was the quietest of the Three Cousins but sometimes had the greatest insight of the trio.

“Win should leave for Woodbridge as soon as possible. His obligation is to his tenants, both there and on his other estates. Of course, there is much to learn as the four of you discovered when you came into your own titles. As a compromise, I think Owen should return to Essex with Win for a week and begin guiding him through that process. Then Spencer and Everett could follow and each stay a week. Since there are three weeks before the Season begins, it would allow Win access to their experience and valuable advice, while at the same time making sure they wouldn’t miss any of the activities.”

Louisa looked at Percy with kindness. “You are just learning things yourself, Percy, and you know you would like to find a bride during the Season. Let the other Second Sons help Win along, while we Three Cousins make certain you are prepared for what lies ahead. Then after the Season, we will meet up at the house party Owen and I will hold.”

“We are hosting a house party?” her husband asked, a gleam in his eyes. “I seem to recall the last house party we all attended turned out very well.” He took Louisa’s hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it tenderly.

“My thoughts exactly,” she said. “If Win would like to consider the idea of marriage, a house party is much more informal than the Season.”

“And it gives ample opportunities to get to know people well in a short amount of time,” Adalyn added. “Once the Season begins, I can work on a list of eligible young ladies to invite, as well as young men you might wish to become acquainted with.”

Win guffawed. “I have heard about your matchmaking talents, Adalyn.”

Adalyn ignored his remark and turned to Percy. “I should have thought about this before. If the large events of the Season prove too uncomfortable and prevent you from getting to know the women you are interested in, a house party would be to your advantage, as well, Percy.”

It seemed as if the large boulder which had been pressing upon his chest, making him seem to fight for every breath of air, was suddenly lifted.

“That is a relief,” he admitted. “While I will go ahead and participate fully, this house party allows me the freedom not to rush to choose a bride by Season’s end.”

“Then it’s settled,” Tessa said. “We will help Percy during the Season and if he needs an additional boost, the house party will accommodate both Win and him.” She smiled broadly. “Oh, I do enjoy a good house party.”

“Thank goodness it is being given by close friends who will allow us to bring Analise and Adam along with us,” Spencer declared. “I want Win to meet our children.”

Win laughed. “I look forward to meeting the pair, as well as little Edwin and Margaret,” he told the group. He looked to Owen. “Would you like to wait until tomorrow morning to leave for Woodbridge?”

“Yes, that will give my valet time to pack and allow me to spend some time with Margaret. It would also allow us to stop by and visit a tailor since you are sorely in need of clothes. Do you have a carriage?”

“I came in Terrance’s. Or I suppose it is mine now.” Win shook his head. “This whole becoming a duke overnight will take some getting used to.”

Percy chuckled. “Oh, don’t worry. The Three Cousins will prepare you for the social aspects of the position, while the Second Sons will aid you in adjusting to all the many duties you now hold.” He thought a moment. “I suppose we are no longer Second Sons of London. All our lives have changed and the moniker no longer seems to fit. Perhaps we need a new one.”

“No,” Spence said firmly. “We might now all hold a title and lands and wealth—but we should never forget who we are and where we come from.”

He rose and thrust out a hand and the four other men did the same, placing their hands atop one another.

“To the Second Sons of London!” they called out.

As Percy looked to his cousin and friends, peace settled over him. With the five of them together again, all seemed right with his world. All that was left was to find his marchioness and produce an heir.

Easier said than done.

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