Adam shrugged. “I wanted to make sure all is well before I ask for a favor.”
The duke narrowed his eyes. “What sort of favor?”
“I’ve been away from home too long, and if I’m to stay until the wedding occurs, I’d like to send for my daughter to join me here.”
The duke’s brows rose high. “She’s always welcome to visit when you come. I should have thought to say so before.”
“Good. Ava’s had little to do with society, and it is high time she met your grandchildren. The wedding seems an opportune time for them all to become acquainted with her.”
The duke laughed softly. “And you miss her.”
“Indeed. As much as you will miss your daughters when they all leave you.”
“Well, there’s to be another child by winter, so I imagine I’ll never be alone again for the next twenty years.” The duke grinned. “The more the merrier, I always say.”
Pleased that Ava’s arrival wouldn’t be an imposition, he considered the upcoming house party. The Westfalls were a large family with many branches to be found in all corners of England and Ireland. Adam hadn’t met half of them yet, and he’d known the family at least twenty years or so now. “How many are coming to stay for the wedding?”
“A goodly number but none of the Irish lot, of course. They’d never arrive as fast as my daughter wishes to be married, but I’m sure they’ll understand.”
“But your heir is coming with his children?”
“Milo had better bring them this time. No doubt Samuel is coming with the twins, so unfortunately, Lady Ava will have the worst of my lot to contend with. I’m not sure about the other guests yet.”
Lord Samuel’s twins were said to be a handful, a pair of rebels in the making. “I’m sure she’ll manage.”
But Adam worried about his daughter a great deal anyway. She had no one but servants for guidance until he married again. His influence wasn’t the same as having a mother to advise her how to be a proper lady.
“It’s hard not to worry about your children, especially when they’re stubborn,” the duke admitted.
Adam considered that. “Ava isn’t stubborn. Not yet, anyway.”
“Give her time and appreciate these carefree days.” His grace chuckled. “It’s when she’s out in society and later that you’ll lose a great deal of sleep over her.”
“Was Lady Jessica so worrying for you?”
“They all worry me.”
Adam laughed softly and leaned a little to the side and hooked his finger into the collar of his discarded coat. “I suppose it is natural for fathers to worry, no matter their offspring’s ages.”
“What do you think you’re doing?” the duke demanded suddenly.
“What does it look like? I’m dressing.”
The duke took Adam’s coat from his fingers. “You’re not leaving this room.”
“I am. I owe my daughter a letter, but I’ve nothing to write it with here. I am going to the library, and then I think I might find
a comfortable chair to drink the night away.”
The duke unexpectedly helped Adam put on his coat as if he were a valet. “I know just the right room for you. Quiet, out of the way. I’d be happy to join you later.”
“Thank you, but that won’t be necessary.” It occurred to him suddenly that if he married again, his new wife might have been with him while he drank the pain away. Or maybe if he was married, he might not want to drink so much.
Adam collected the bottle of rum and tucked it under his arm. “Lead the way, your grace.”
Halfway down the stairs, they met the duchess, who was on the way to her own rooms. It was clear as day that the duke and duchess liked each other. When the duke promised to follow her once Adam was settled, and then watched her walk away, Adam stifled a laugh.
“How did you do it? Forget that once upon a time you had a life with someone else.”