Earl of Exile (Lords of Scandal 3)

Exile raised his glass again. “Let’s drink to friendship!”

“To friendship,” the men called, all lifting their cups and toasting.

Daring slammed down his cup. “What are we to do about our shared problem?” He peered over at Jack, his head swaying a bit.

Exile stared at his cup. How many snifters had they drunk and why was the glass moving? Wasn’t it flat on the table? “What problem?” Had he just slurred? Was Daring discussing how Diana heated his blood even though he was engaged to another woman?

Daring reached for the bottle but seemed to miss. He stared at it for several seconds as he made another grab. “You know. The woman I was once engaged to, who is now stealing our women and threatening our…,” he tapered off, then squinting his eyes, looked at Exile. “What was I saying?”

Exile blinked, trying to remember.

“Well isn’t this a delightful scene?” a woman called from the door. Did she sound angry? Exile wasn’t certain, but then again, why should he care?

But Daring surged to his feet, then promptly sat down, his hands holding his head. “Minnie. I can explain.”

“I don’t require an explanation.” The statuesque, red-haired woman entered the room, head high. “Here I was thinking you might need my assistance and you’re falling-down drunk.”

Daring blinked. “I’m not.” Then he tried to stand again, pushing off the table and sliding sideways. “Maybe a bit.”

She huffed. “This is what I came out for?”

Another voice called from just behind her. “Don’t fret, Minnie. It won’t be the last time you peel your drunk husband from a chair.”

Diana. He knew that voice anywhere. He twisted about to have a look at her and then the entire room began to spin. “Ye came,” he slurred, slowly pushing out of his seat. “Were ye worried about me too?”

Vice harrumphed from the chair next to him. “Bloody idiot, it’s not too late for you. Run now while you have the chance.”

“Oh no, don’t run.” Diana crossed over to him, placing an arm about him to steady him. “I came just for you and I’m going to see you home, my lord.”

Well, wasn’t this a delightful surprise? “Where’s Diana and what have you done with her?”

Feminine laughter filled the room as Minnie and Emily covered their mouths to hide their mirth. “He’s got you there, Diana,” Emily called as she helped Jack up.

Minnie clucked her tongue. “You can’t see him home. I have to see you home.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. His Grace won’t survive the carriage ride. You need to get him straight back to your house.”

“But…” Minnie straightened. “I’ll leave him here.”

Diana tried not to curse but a small, “Damn,” slipped from her lips. She wanted to use the ride to extract some information from a very drunk man.

Minnie’s eyebrows rose. Emily teetered with a swaying Jack draped across her shoulders. “Are you sure, Diana? You’re not worried you’ll be ruined?”

“She thinks she won’t marry.” Minnie huffed but had to grab Daring as he started to topple over. “You swear you’ll be all right?”

“I’ll be fine.” Victory sang in Diana’s veins and a little excitement at being left alone with the earl. “In fact, I’ll come to your house directly after I’ve dropped him. Then mother will never be the wiser. You can substantiate my story.”

Minnie curled her fingers into fists. “I don’t like this plan one bit.”

But Daring gave a sick gurgle. “I haven’t been drinking much of late. I’m afraid I may have overdone it.”

Diana pressed her lips together, hiding a smile, as the man turned rather green. Minnie began pulling him toward the door. “You’d best be sick outside.”

Emily followed with Jack.

“Are you ready to be escorted home, my lord?” Diana wrapped her arms tighter about Exile.

He looked down at her, his eyes darkening. She shifted uncomfortably at the same time her blood heated. She shouldn’t want him. He was a rogue and this was a fact-finding endeavor. She needed to know exactly what his friends had told him about Lady Abernath.