Earl of Exile (Lords of Scandal 3)

“How many can a man have?” she asked, but her point was ruined as she let out a loud hiccup.

“Just the one,” he answered, smoothing back loose wisps of her hair. “Fiona and I have mutually agreed that a marriage between us was never a good idea.”

“Is that why you didn’t want to marry me before? Because of her?”

“Yes,” he answered. “She was promised to Ewan when he died and my aunt felt I should honor the contract. I didnae even know her, Diana, and I certainly had no feelings for her beyond obligation. But my guilt over Ewan’s death made it difficult for me to consider another option.”

Diana gasped. “Oh. I see. I understand completely. You wanted to fill all his obligations and so you took up his bride as your own.”

“Well,” he grimaced. “I was dragging my feet. In five years, we never even met.”

Diana reached for his face, holding his cheeks in her gloved hands. “I did catch that part, though no woman wants to meet her man’s other woman.” She gave him a long look.

“Diana,” he answered, staring back. “Ye’re all the woman I will ever be able to handle.”

“Good,” she answered, swiping at her face. “Because Bad was correct. You do not want to make me angry.”

Callum laughed then, lifting her off the bench and into his arms. “Funny thing about ye, Diana. Ye may have the softest heart of all the Chases.”

She shook her head. “You know. I just might.”

“Now, let’s get ye cleaned up. We’ve got an engagement to make public.”

Diana shook her head. “My mother somehow knows already. Apparently, she was skeptical about allowing me to stay at Minnie’s the past few days, but now she’s convinced that Ada and Grace should also attend a dinner party thrown by Daring and Minnie. Thinks they’ll leave with husbands.”

Callum stopped, staring down at her. “Ye know. That isnae a bad plan.”

Diana shook her head. “It’s a dreadful plan. The worst.”

He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “As long as ye’re my wife, and yer family is all safe, I dinnae care how we go about it.”

She gave him a large smile. “I agree. Except that Vice and Bad need to keep their hands to themselves. I’ve spent time with the two of them. They’re the worst of the lot.”

“That they are,” he answered.

The door to the courtyard opened and Daring stepped out. “What the blazes is going on?” Daring yelled. “You’ve disappeared with an earl’s daughter. Have you lost your mind?”

“No. We’re coming,” Callum called. “But we might need you to stall for a few more minutes.”

“What has my life become?” Daring grouched as he turned back inside.

Callum leaned over. “Will you be at yer parents’ tonight?”

She looked up at him. “I will.”

“Is your window climbable?”

A little giggle escaped, her heart bursting with joy. “I’m on the second floor with a lovely trellis and balcony.”

He leaned down. “Leave yer balcony door open tonight.”

She caught her breath. “With pleasure.”

Chapter Nineteen

Diana stood by her open balcony door wearing nothing but a night rail. She’d shooed away her cousin and sister an hour prior, then had undone her hair. She wasn’t certain if Callum still wanted to wait to be completely intimate until the wedding, but she knew that she did not want to wait another moment.

In fact, she might burst if he didn’t arrive soon. Stepping out onto the balcony for the fourth time in as many minutes, she nearly screamed when a hand appeared on the railing.