“Everyone knows the two of you were once engaged. It’s much more believable if it comes from another source.”
He stared at Minnie, another piece clicking into place. “And if she thought I was courting you, she’d want to end that relationship. It wouldn’t do to see me happy.”
Minnie looked back at him, the corners of her eyes crinkling. “Well the joke is on her, then. We were never, nor will we ever court.”
His own insides twisted. Which was ridiculous. He’d been the one to openly tell her he wasn’t interested. And he’d come here accusing Minnie of plotting against him. He couldn’t also be considering marriage. But something inside of him wanted to correct her. “I suppose I have no choice but to attend her party and confront her. This has to come to a stop before anyone else is hurt.”
Minnie looked down at her lap. “Good plan. I wish you luck.”
“Are you attending?” Somehow, he wanted to see Minnie and Cristina together. If he saw them, he’d know for certain that Minnie wasn’t involved.
She shook her head. “For several reasons, I don’t think that’s wise.”
“Thank the lord,” the chaperone said from the corner.
He
bent forward, dropping his voice to a whisper. “Not that I blame your chaperone, but she doesn’t like me much.”
Minnie raised her brows. “You did just accuse me of subterfuge.” Then she leaned closer too. “But in this case, it’s the countess she doesn’t care for.”
He rubbed his hands along his thighs. “If you come, we might be able to get more information on Emily and Jack.”
“Such as what?” Minnie said at the same moment the chaperone gasped.
“We could ask Cristina what she said to Emily that night.” He held his breath. It was a thin argument at best.
Minnie shook her head. “I don’t think so, Your Grace. “I know what the countess said. The answers I seek aren’t there.”
He dropped his voice so the chaperone couldn’t hear. “Please Minnie. I need your help.”
She threaded her fingers together. “Tag, people are already taking notice of how much we’re seen together.”
So that was the issue. “Bring your family and your chaperone. We’ll make certain we’re not seen together.”
She stopped, her face pulling taut as she smoothed her skirts. “All right, Tag. I’ll attend. I pray that I do not regret this.”
“Thank you,” he answered. Had he just won or played right into their hands?
Chapter Eleven
Minnie stood in her favorite ballgown of silk ivory staring at Tag across the room. Her mother, aunt, and cousins chatting behind her.
“Minnie.” Ada tapped her shoulder. “Another lord just passed and you didn’t even notice him.”
“So?” she asked still looking at Tag, he stared back from across the room.
“So?” Ada huffed. “So. He was looking at you, but you never made eye contact with him so he kept walking instead of asking you to dance.”
“Who?” She finally looked at her sister. She didn’t want to be distracted by Tag. First, he’d told her he wouldn’t marry her, and he’d accused her being in league with that she-devil, the Countess of Abernath. Then he’d had the audacity to ask for her help. Which she’d granted. Why had she done that?
And why was she staring at him instead of taking advantage of this opportunity? She should be using this night for her own gain not for his. She drew a breath as her gaze clashed with his again.
“For heaven’s sake, Minnie. Just go talk with him.” Ada looped her arm through hers. “You’re terribly dull when you’re not paying a bit of attention.”
“Who?” Minnie looked at her sister, worried Ada was dragging her off to some random man’s side.
“Stop asking ridiculous questions. It isn’t like you at all. We’re going to see Darlington, of course. The man you can’t keep your eyes off of.”