Her mother opened the door, gently closing it behind her. “Are you feeling all right?” she asked as she crossed the room where Minnie had been staying at her aunt and uncle’s. She supposed now that Emily had run away, she should return home.
“I’m fine. Just thinking.” Minnie stood and crossed to her mother, kissing her cheek.
“I’ve just been to visit His Grace. They’ve reset his shoulder and he should be fine to return home in the morning.” Her mother reached for her hand and then led her toward the bed.
“Thank you for the update, Mother.” She let her mother pull her along, relief making her a little weak.
“I want to discuss your relationship with him,” her mother said when they reached the bed.
Minnie inwardly groaned. “Not tonight, Mother. I’m tired.”
Her mother shook her head. “Today I won’t remind you that you need to find a husband. That Ada has to have a season. You made it clear at the party that you weren’t interested in the duke.”
Minnie shrugged. Something was raw inside her and she couldn’t lie. “That isn’t what I was trying to say. There is no future with the duke.”
“Ah,” her mother answered. “I was going to say that I can see it on your face that you like him a great deal and, honestly, he likes you too.”
Minnie dropped her chin. Somehow those words didn’t make her feel better. “He doesn’t want to marry, Mother, and I believe, even when he does eventually choose a bride, she will not have my…colorful personality.”
“What’s wrong with a little personality,” her mother sniffed.
That made Minnie smile, her hand stretching out to touch the back of her mother’s. “You hate that I am so loud. That I talk so much and offer my opinion so freely.”
Her mother shrugged, but she squeezed her daughter’s fingers. “I don’t hate it, dear, I dislike that it makes your life so difficult. And just to be clear, he doesn’t hate it either. In fact, I think he quite likes your strength.” Her mother stood. “But I trust you to interpret his intentions. If he doesn’t want you as a wife, you’re right to leave him be and move on.”
Minnie gave a nod. She closed her eyes and pictured the duke’s face as he looked up at her. The problem she supposed was that she wanted him to want her. But his only real concern was protecting his club.
Her mouth twisted down into a frown. When had her feelings gotten involved? It was that kiss.
There was nothing to do for it, she had to tell Tag that he needed to leave her be. The issue was that her mother was right, she did need to marry for Ada’s sake. She should have been married already.
Lord Charleston had been about to propose. He’d been handsome and kind and she’d liked him immensely. She supposed, in retrospect, he didn’t make her feel the way Tag did, but still. She’d thought Charleston a good match. He was quiet, reserved, and often soothed her rougher edges.
The problem had come when she’d met his mother, who’d taken an instant dislike to Minnie. They’d hosted mother and son for dinner and by the end of the evening, Minnie could not contain her annoyance with the constant barbs Lady Charleston had tossed her way. She’d snapped back. “I’m offensive? Have you listened to yourself?”
The result had been a hasty finish to the dinner and a carefully penned note from Lord Charleston expressing his deepest affection but his absolute regret that their relationship could go no further.
Minnie hadn’t cried. But inside, she’d died a bit. She’d always known that she was too blunt for some people. His rejection had hurt her deeply. She’d gone through the last season afraid to allow any man close again. Though, she no longer had a choice. And she supposed, Tag had helped her in one regard. He’d pushed right past the defenses she’d put up with his large shoulders and his secret club.
She stood. She’d like to tell him that, actually. But she also needed to be clear. They’d made a bargain. He had to leave her be.
Grabbing her dressing gown, she pulled it on and crept from the room. Stealing from shadow to shadow, she made her way to the guest wing.
Minnie had no idea which room was his so she stationed herself in a dark corner to watch. It didn’t take long before one of the doors swung open. Minnie recognized the groom who’d helped Tag into the house. “Is that all, Your Grace?”
“Yes, thank you. Tell the staff they need not return for the night,” Tag’s deep voice rumbled out the door.
With a nod, the groom started down the hall. Minnie watched him until he disappeared and then headed for the door.
It opened with a soft click and she slipped inside the dark interior, only firelight dancing in the grate cast light into the room.
“Really, I’m fine. I don’t need—”
“Tag,” she interrupted him. “It’s me.”
“Minnie,” he said, his voice making her shiver and she turned toward the bed.
She had the urge to hold his head in her lap again and without thinking, she crossed the room and sat next to him on the bed, reaching out her hand to brush the hair back from his forehead. “Are you all right?”