Earl of Exile (Lords of Scandal 3)

“You heard me. I don’t want to have this conversation again. How drunk are you?”

He scratched the back of his neck. “I’m tired more than anything else.”

She nodded. “I don’t know how you feel about Diana.”

His chest tightened. “I like her a great deal,” he said. It was the truth.

Minnie let out a long breath, grasping the mantle. “But she’s far more fragile than she likes to admit and, lately, she hasn’t been herself.”

Charles…that was the reason and if he’d had the chance, he’d see the man suffered for what he’d done. “I see.”

“You’re hurting her,” Minnie said just loud enough to be heard. “Whether you mean to or not.”

His throat went dry. “I have no intention—”

Minnie stepped toward him. “I don’t give a heaping pile of dung about your intentions. You are causing her pain and that’s what I care about. I know you’re attracted to her, everyone knows it’s true.” She clasped her hands in front of her. “After Cordelia’s incident, I agree that a guard needs to be kept, but you should not be keeping watch over my cousin unless you’re considering marriage.”

He winced. “Diana would make an excellent wife but…”

“B

ut what?” she stepped closer.

He scrubbed his face. “My family has already arranged a match for me. I’ve never even met the lass.”

“Does Diana know this?”

“No.” he shook his head. “The end result is the same.”

“Never even met her?” Minnie rubbed her chin. “You must not have any feeling for her whatsoever.”

“What does that matter? It’s my duty.” He narrowed his gaze, trying to decide what she was thinking. He’d known the family long enough to know when a Chase woman was scheming. But her next words made him forget all about his suspicions.

“If we don’t find Abernath soon then you’ll have to pick one of the other men to trade with. If you truly can’t take her for a wife, and you can’t remain detached, it’s best for both of you.”

He straightened. One of the other men touching Diana? Escorting her about parties? His chest rumbled with jealousy and irritation. “Daring tried to trade. They won’t.” Her eyes widened at his words and he inwardly cursed. “He was worried about the feelings he was developing for you.”

“I’m sure they’ll switch. I’ll see to it.” Minnie looked back at the fire as though dismissing him.

He cocked his head, assessing her. “You and Diana are a great deal alike.”

“We are,” she answered with a pang of pride in her voice.

He rubbed his neck. “I ken ye’re determined but I dinnae see either of them switching. For some reason, each man seems attached to his assignment.” Like the Chase women put a spell on us, he thought to himself. He opened his mouth to share the joke with Minnie, but the glint of annoyance in her stare kept him from speaking.

Minnie’s gaze swung back to him. “If either Vice or Bad touches a hair on Ada or Grace’s neck I’ll cut off their—”

“That’s enough,” Diana called from the doorway. He pivoted around, both relieved and suddenly nervous about her company. “I’d ask what you’re discussing but I already know.”

Exile held up his hands. “I was telling Minnie that we’ve been searching for Abernath, but it’s difficult to find one woman in the sea of people who inhabit London. She’s no’ travelling in any of her normal circles.”

Diana gave a stiff nod. “Thank you for your efforts.” Then she turned to Minnie. “You can cease your interrogation. Lord Exmouth should return home and get some sleep.”

Diana’s hair was now braided and a dressing gown covered her lithe body. He wished he could hold the braid in his palm and allow his hand to trail over the silky hair. “O’ course. Thank ye.” He looked back at Minnie before he headed toward the door. Passing Diana, he pressed his hand to his side to keep from reaching for her. “I’ll see ye soon.”

She didn’t answer nor did she look at him. “Goodbye, Lord Exmouth.”

Inwardly, he cringed. He hated those words.