Duke of Daring (Lords of Scandal 1)

He stood straighter. “Cristina, I’ve already suffered at your hand. More than I could ever say.” Pointing his finger, he paused, adding weight to his words. “But you’ll not hurt Minnie. I’ll see to that.”

She let out a loud, cold laugh. “You won’t. When it comes to your feelings, you’re a complete coward.”

Tag clenched his fists. Of all the words Cristina had thrown at him, those hit the mark. He hadn’t been a coward with her. He’d given Cristina his whole heart. But with Minnie, he hadn’t been brave at all. What did he intend to do about it?

First, he needed to find Minnie and make sure she was all right. He pushed through the crowd, to the spot her family had carved out earlier but they were already gone.

Not wasting a moment, he called for his carriage but he didn’t return home. It was a bold move, but he made his way straight for the Chase residence. A man did not arrive at a woman’s home late in the evening if he didn’t have intentions, but he didn’t care.

His carriage rumbled up to the door and he didn’t even bother to wait for the footmen. He dashed out of the carriage and up the steps, banging the knocker several times.

The butler opened the door and ushered him inside. “Your Grace.” He gestured to the drawing room. “How can I be of service?”

Tag stopped. He hadn’t thought this through at all. “I would like to speak with—”

“Your Grace,” Mrs. Chase called from the top of the stairs. “Is that you?”

“Yes,” he answered relieved. “I was delayed and when I returned to your party, you were gone. I was concerned for Miss Chase. I…” He didn’t know what else to say.

Mrs. Chase started down the stairs, smiling indulgently. “Of course you were worried. I told her we shouldn’t leave, but she didn’t feel well. Sudden headache.” Mrs. Chase reached the bottom of the stairs. “I do hope she’ll be well enough to sit through her calling hours tomorrow.”

Tag nodded. “I’ll be certain to come.” He desperately needed to speak with Minnie.

Chapter Thirteen

Minnie sat by her window, her hands wrapped about her stomach, Ada and Diana splayed across her bed.

“Why did you agree to fall on your sword for him?” Diana asked, her voice rising with each word.

Minnie shook her head, her hands tightening on her waist. “We were both going to be ruined. It was the only thing I could think of that would save one of us.” She turned back to them. “But you’re all in danger. The countess knows all of us were at the Den of Sins.”

Her words were met with silence, but out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ada and Diana slowly rise to sitting. “She knows.”

Minnie looked over at them. “She must have followed us. She said she knew that we would go to the club. She was playing us the entire time.” Minnie felt like such a fool. Why had she not realized that the night they’d stormed from the ball and went headlong into a seedy part of London to a club no respectable woman should be at?

“What are we going to do?” Ada whispered.

“Marry. Quickly.” Minnie answered. “Or don’t and prepare yourself for spinsterhood as I am.” She stood then. “I’ve already amended myself to my fate. And if I can, I’ll take the fall for all of us. I’m still thinking. But you won’t change my mind about Lord Darlington so don’t try.”

Diana let out a short laugh that held little humor. “I wouldn’t dream of changing your path. I know better than that.” Diana stood too and crossed to Minnie. “You make a habit of tossing yourself in harm’s way to help those you love but are you sure you want to do this for him?”

“Of course, she does,” Ada answered. “She’s fallen in love.”

“Ada,” Minnie huffed. “Would you stop announcing that?”

“Tell me it isn’t true.” She stood too, placing her hands on her hips. “You’re my sister. I know you and I know when you deeply care about someone.”

Minnie’s shoulders fell. “It’s true.” Her head dipped down. “But I need you to know he’s been nothing but clear that he doesn’t want to marry. He hasn’t misled me in any way.” She looked out the window again into the dark night. She couldn’t blame him at all. It was her own foolish heart that had gotten her into this situation and she doubted she’d be able to extract herself from it.

“Do you think he’ll change his mind? Knowing that you were willing to sacrifice yourself?” Diana touched her arm.

Minnie shook her head. “I can’t explain it, but he’s not the marrying kind. Lady Abernath knows it too. She said nearly those words.” Minnie spun then, and grabbed Diana pulling her in for a hug. She knew what she had to do and she was prepared to do it, she just needed a little comfort first. “Diana, I need you to help me puzzle out how we’re going to keep Grace, Cordelia, and Ada safe. My head isn’t as sharp as it normally is and…” She buried her face in her cousin’s shoulder.

Diana wrapped her in a tight hug. “Of course, we’re going to keep them safe. Nothing’s happened yet. What you need is some sleep. Tomorrow, all the answers are going to come to us.”

Minnie nodded and Diana let her go, rubbing Minnie’s arms as she backed away.

Suddenly, Minnie’s door banged open. “You won’t believe it.” Her mother rushed in, her cheeks a dark shade of pink. “The Duke of Darlington just stopped by to make sure you were all right.”