Earl of Exile (Lords of Scandal 3)

A tear slid down Emily’s cheek. “She somehow discovered that I was pregnant with Jack’s child. She threatened to expose the baby as a bastard. I know Jack would have married me anyway but we were worried Mum and Dad might cancel the wedding after they learned about Jack’s club.”

Diana stood, any irritation with Emily burning away at the fire in her belly over what Lady Abernath had done. “So you ran away before Mum and Dad could stop the wedding?”

Emily nodded. “Even if she ruined Jack, at least we’d be wed and the baby would be safe.”

Emily shook her head. “She knows something about Jack. Something that could send him to prison. We married and we transferred much of his funds into my name, anything not entailed, which is most of it because of the club.” She swallowed. “If Lady Abernath does strike against him, he wanted both me and the baby provided for.”

Diana stepped to Emily’s other side, her hand touching Emily’s arm. “So you ran before she had a chance to strike and you’ve returned now that he’s secured your future.”

Emily nodded, her hand rubbing her stomach. “I didn’t mean to make you all worry. I’m sorry. We just wanted to protect our child.”

Cordelia stepped in front of them, wrapping her arms about everyone. “Of course you did the right thing. Your child comes first.”

“Do you know what Jack wanted to discuss with all of them?” Ada asked, joining the hug.

Emily nodded. “I have an idea. Jack had an affair with Lady Abernath years ago.”

Minnie gasped. “Does Daring know that?”

Emily shook her head. “He’s wanted to tell Daring for years, but he’s afraid of the consequences. I love Jack, but his past is full of dark twists and turns and he isn’t always open about them.”

Ada gave a bright smile. “If anyone can help him to see straight, it’s you.”

Emily’s shoulders slumped. “I feel as though we should help him now. I’m worried how Daring will react to the news.”

Minnie winced. “Tag can have a temper. Perhaps the married among us should go to the club and intercede. Make sure the men don’t kill each other.”

Diana straightened. This was her chance to listen in. “I’m coming too.”

“You are not,” Minnie shook her head. “Your mother will never forgive us if you’re ruined.”

Diana made a face. She didn’t dare tell her sisters that her fall had already come to pass. Or that she may as well be the one to face Abernath because she had the darkest future of all the Chase women. Her chest ached. She’d miss having a child of her own but she’d do whatever was necessary to keep her sisters safe. “I’m unlikely to marry so it’s of no consequence.” She waved her hand. “I doubt any of you will be able to stop me, anyhow.”

“You are too much, Diana.” Cordelia shook her head.

Her head dipped in shame. Cordelia wasn’t wrong. She’d done a lot of things that had been too much and gone too far. It’s the main reason she wouldn’t marry. She doubted any man wanted her strong personality or her mistakes.

“Why do you say you won’t marry?” Minnie narrowed her gaze.

Diana shrugged. She wouldn’t burden any of them with her sins. “You know better than anyone how off-putting a strong woman is.”

Minnie frowned. “That doesn’t mean there isn’t a man for you.”

Diana didn’t want to argue the point. How did she tell her cousin that she’d allowed a known rogue to ruin her? “We should go before we’re too late. They could have murdered Jack already.”

“What?” Emily gasped, tugging on Minnie’s arm. “Let’s go.”

Diana fell in step behind Minnie and Cordelia. If only maneuvering Lady Abernath were so easy.

She drew in a deep breath. Where the countess was concerned, Diana needed a plan.

Chapter Four

“A toast to Jack’s marriage,” Vice called, raising his glass in the air. They all swallowed down their snifters of scotch. “May he be happier in the institution than I ever could.”

Exile sat with his empty glass in hand, his mind delightfully fuzzy. Dimly, he knew that they hadn’t actually accomplished much in terms of the countess. No plan had been made. But they had their friend Jack back and secrets had been revealed, ones that might have really damaged their group. But the men had weathered the storm.

Honestly, Exile thought Jack had been right to keep his affair with the countess quiet. Daring was now happily married. If Jack had shared this tidbit even a year ago, he might have fractured their whole friendship.