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Adelaide stared at her friend. "The primary topic of conversation?"

"Entirely. The ambitious hostesses are furious. Their daughters were presented at every assembly, yet none secured Ravensmere's attention. Instead, he chose a lady who was not even attending London balls—a lady who was, by all reports, studying botany in Kent."

"I was cataloging scientific specimens."

"It amounts to the same thing in the eyes of society." Charlotte's eyes brightened with amusement. "Lady Calliwell is in absolute despair; she positioned her niece at every gathering where Ravensmere was expected, wasting three months of effort, only for him to marry a lady she has never even met."

A cold stillness settled in Adelaide's stomach. "Does society care so deeply?"

"Society cares for little else at present. You are the sensation of the Season—the quiet gentlewoman from Kent who secured the duke."

Adelaide placed her teacup onto the tray, keeping her hands perfectly steady. "I always anticipated my life would remain quiet and orderly," she reflected softly. "I envisioned Ashwood, the gardens, my botanical indexes, and perhaps a quiet life of management."

"That sounds terribly solitary."

"It sounds like the life I have long known."

"Precisely." Charlotte turned to face her fully. "Adelaide, you have spent thirty years limiting yourself to fit an existence that was never large enough for your intellect. You are thirty years of age, brilliant, and about to become a duchess, yet you sit here speaking of a quiet life."

"I desire stability."

"Or do you desire a quiet life because you fear the risk of finding something greater?"

The question struck Adelaide deeply. She looked at her friend, recognizing the unflinching honesty behind Charlotte's words.

"I cannot say with certainty," Adelaide said softly.

"That is an honest admission."

"I strive to remain honest."

Charlotte squeezed her hand again. "Listen to me, Adelaide. Do not become overwhelmed with doubt before your wedding day. You are marrying a man who respects your intellect, values your mind, and brought you to London because you alone can fulfill the work he requires. That is a foundation of great worth."

"Yes," Adelaide agreed softly. "That holds true."

"Then look forward to the future—to the marriage, the archive, and the life ahead. You have spent thirty years looking backward."

Adelaide remained silent, recalling Julian standing in his library with his blue-gray eyes fixed upon hers, his voice low as he uttered her name. She thought of the unspoken burden he carried and the vulnerability he had shown when presenting Thomas's journal.

Charlotte offered a gentle smile. "A duke of Julian's rank and fortune could have chosen any young debutante in London."

Adelaide met her friend's gaze as Charlotte's tone turned quiet and certain.

"Instead," Charlotte said softly, "he chose you."

Silence descended over the morning room, broken only by the quiet crackle of the hearth and the distant rumble of carriages along the street.

Instead, he chose you.

Adelaide sat motionless as Charlotte's words echoed in her thoughts.

Why did he choose me?

The question remained before her, confounding as ever.

CHAPTER 10

The watch clicked rhythmically against Julian's knuckles, smooth and familiar as a heartbeat he had learned to ignore.