Earl of Exile (Lords of Scandal 3)

Emily wrapped her arms about her. “I’m so sorry. Why didn’t you tell us? You must have been so frightened.”

A silly tear threatened to run down her cheek. “You had your own worries and I…I was ashamed. I thought it made me less of a person.”

“It doesn’t,” Emily insisted. “Don’t ever think that.”

Diana nodded. “Can I just say that Jack and Tag’s mistakes don’t make them less either.”

Emily let go of her neck while Minnie squeezed her fingers all the harder. “I know you’re right. But I’m still angry.”

Emily dipped her chin. “I’m not certain in my case you are correct. I’ve caught Jack in a few lies now and—”

Diana held up her hand. “All the lies begin with his relationship with Lady Abernath and it’s because he’s ashamed. Trust me. It’s something I understand.”

“What about the club? He lied about that?” Emily sat straighter.

Diana patted her sister’s hand. “Because Lady Abernath left him with a monstrous debt that he was trying to repay to marry you.”

Emily chewed her lip. “Even if you’re right, he should spend some time thinking about what he’s done.”

Diana looked at Minnie, who was smiling softly too. “Make sure he grovels when you do forgive him.”

“Same to you,” Emily whispered as Daring appeared in the door. His face was ashen and his hair a mess.

Minnie stood. “I’m still angry.”

“I know.” His eyes travelled to Diana. “But I am hoping we can make amends before half past three today?”

Minnie crossed her arms over her chest. “That’s being rather specific.”

Diana’s heart jumped in her chest. “He invited you.”

“What?” Emily asked. “What did he invite whom to?”

Daring lifted a piece of paper he was holding in his hand. “Exile is proposing to Diana today and we’re all invited.”

He hadn’t been lying after all. Her eyes drifted closed. Half past three could not arrive soon enough.

Chapter Eighteen

Exile looked at the clock for the fourth time in the past two minutes. It was still half past three. Why hadn’t they arrived yet?

Then he shook his head. Because they’d arrive fashionably late and not on time.

He stood then, intent upon doing something to pass the time when the butler appeared in the doorway. “My lord, a lady is here to see you.”

Diana. “Send her in,” he said, clasping his hands behind his back. He’d left in the wee hours of the morning, not wanting to be caught. But he’d missed her all day.

The door creaked as it opened wider and Exile spun about. Diana did not stand in the door and for a moment, his brow crinkled in confusion. A red-haired woman stood in front of him, her brown eyes wide and her lip trembled as she stared back. “Lord Exmouth?”

“Yes?” he answered, not sure what to do.

“Pleased to meet ye,” she gave a quick curtsey.

He bowed. “And ye as well. May I ask who ye are, precisely.”

She worked her fingers along the edge of her satchel. “I’ve waited a verra long time to meet ye, ye see, and now that I am here, I am not quite sure what to say.”

His insides began to twist into knots as dread made his limbs heavy. “Yer name?”