And Jack. He didn’t know anything about their plan. If he found out they were actively following his bride’s family…

“So you and Emily are back on good footing? I only ask because what happens with your matrimonial pursuits affects all of us.”

Jack glowered. “Even if she cancelled the wedding, she wouldn’t share your secrets. I picked a kind and honorable woman. It’s why she’s so damn offended we run a gaming hell called the Den of Sins.”

“She’s offended you’ve lied to her.” Tag fired back before he’d weighed the words.

Jack winced. “True. Anyway. Plans continue, but she is nervous. She seems to grow more so the longer we’re separated. It would be so much easier if I could just bring her here with me then I’m certain her fears will vanish.”

Tag rubbed the back of his neck. He needed the wedding to happen. For Jack’s sake, of course. But also for his own. He’d chosen Minnie to watch over. More because she deserved a good measure of humility and he intended to give it to her. She’d been openly rude to him the one occasion they’d met. In order to do that, however, he needed an opportunity to see her. “Anything I can do?”

A knock sounded at the door. The butler walked in carrying a tray with a letter upon it. “Forgive the interruption, my lord, but an urgent letter has arrived for you.”

Jack removed the letter from the tray and tore it open, then scanned the contents. “Thank you, Beasley.” He passed the letter to Tag. “There’s nothing I need. Unless you know how to calm restless women. Emily is feeling especially concerned after all that’s happened, and I’m afraid she’s causing the rest of the ladies to worry as well.”

Tag picked up the letter and read the lovely bold script, a smile threatening to break out on his face. This was his chance to observe Minnie. Make sure she kept their secret. If she’d penned the letter, she planned to attend the intimate dinner at their aunt’s home. “I can go with you. Keep an eye out for her sisters or cousins who attend while you calm your bride.”

Jack coughed. “Now I really am worried about you. You hate public functions.”

Tag stared back, attempting to look bored. “It’s a family function, first of all. And I just offered my help to my oldest ally. How could I refuse this opportunity?”

“You’re a good friend.” Jack rose and came around the desk, slapping Tag’s back. “Thank you.”

Tag gave a single jerk of his chin in acceptance. He’d committed a great many shady dealings in his day, but somehow, this one made his stomach turn. He did want to protect Minnie, but he also wanted to teach her a good lesson on how she should treat a duke.

Chapter Two

Minnie stood in the entry with Emily gripping her arm. Not only was her cousin digging marks into her skin but she was wrinkling her sleeve’s cuff. And Minnie loved this dress with its bright emerald silk and lace trim.

“Jack wrote you to confirm his attendance?” Emily asked, leaning close to her ear. She sounded near breathless.

Minnie looked up to the ceiling praying for some modicum of patience. She should have sent Diana or even Grace out with Emily. If only her parents weren’t forcing her to find a husband. “For the sixth time, Emily, he’s coming.”

Emily’s fingers dug in tighter. “Don’t be cross. You know that’s how this all started. He lied about where he was so that he didn’t have to attend a ball with me.”

Minnie sighed. “I know. I was there. And he’s explained why he wasn’t able to come all those times. Why he claimed to be in the country. He was engaged in a business that secured your futures.” Minnie didn’t like his behavior either. If that had been her fiancé she would have tossed him to the side without a glance ba

ck. He was a bad egg in her estimation along with his entire lot of friends. Especially that Duke. She rolled her eyes. The Duke of Darlington was his formal address but his friends had given him the nickname of Daring… The Duke of Daring. Ridiculous. She gave a small snort and one of her second cousins glared at her. She quickly cleared her throat. He was a grown man running around with a pretend name and operating an illicit club. A duke at that. She wrinkled her nose as they stood. He was supposed to be a guardian for the entire country.

Just outside, carriage wheels sounded on the gravel, the crunching noise punctuated by the beat of the horses’ hooves.

“He’s here,” Emily exclaimed finally letting go of Minnie’s arm.

Minnie shook her hand, pushing blood back down to her fingers. The door swung open and Jack stepped inside.

Instantly, Emily changed. All her worry vanished as a wide smile spread across her lips. Her body straightened and her neck lengthened. “Jack.”

He crossed the foyer, reaching for her hands. “I’m so glad you sent me a missive today. This is exactly what we need.”

“I’m glad you came. I…” Emily stopped stepping closer. “I’m scared.”

Jack leaned in so his nose was just an inch from Emily’s. “Don’t be, love. I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”

Emily’s grin broadened but Minnie’s shoulders sank. Somehow watching the couple made her ache just a little. She still didn’t like Jack or agree with what he’d done but…the couple’s bond was undeniable. Would she ever experience love? She’d thought she did once not very long ago. In fact, she’d nearly been engaged to a man she’d considered perfect until he’d ended their relationship. “Are we ready to go?”

Jack stepped back, tucking Emily’s hand into his elbow. “Of course.” He started for the door and Minnie fell in line behind them. Then he stopped and turned back toward her. “Minnie.” He smiled but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I should warn you that I’ve brought another guest.”

She stalled, scrunching her brows. “Another guest? Who would you…” But her voice tapered off because she knew it had to be one of his friends and which one would Jack feel the need to warn her about? “Daring.”

Tags: Tammy Andresen Lords of Scandal Historical
Source: readsnovelonline.net