Vice let out a long breath. “That makes far more sense as to why you wouldn’t want her. Because otherwise, I was thinking a woman like Minnie would be perfect for you.”
He turned away from the window, glaring at his friend. “What the bloody hell does that mean?”
Vice shrugged. “You like a challenge. Always have. From games to women, you prefer a spirited match over the safe bet.”
“It’s too bad that the Countess of Abernath got to you first,” Bad added scrubbing his jaw.
“She wasn’t the countess back then, she was just Lady Cristina Hathaway.” His hands clenched at his sides.
“Either way the countess is a she-devil.” Malice said behind him. “If you ask me, you shouldn’t let a woman like that ruin your future.”
Tag frowned as he stared out the window. He wasn’t entirely certain he had a choice.
Minnie and Ada walked along the atrium path with their arms linked. Rain pattered on the roof as leaves brushed at their skirts. “I’m sorry I didn’t come to Auntie’s with you last night. The Duke of Darlington really stayed by your side all evening?”
“It’s all right and yes he did,” Minnie sighed. “But I’m afraid I must find another suitor quickly. He doesn’t like me at all so I have no idea why he spent the whole night with me other than to torture me. Once mother realizes the duke isn’t actually pursuing me, I’m not going to escape her notice.” That was an understatement. Her mother was going to parade her in front of every eligible lord until one showed the slightest bit of interest.
Ada winced. “I’m sure I can wait another season to come out so that you can have more time.”
Minnie squeezed her sister’s arm. Ada was a bit timid, but a sweeter soul had never been born. “That’s so kind of you but you don’t need to give up your chance for me, Ada. I’ve had three seasons already. I should have found a match by now.” Her mouth twisted into a frown. “I just can’t seem to help myself. My opinions come flying out when I really should keep them in. Men don’t like it, or if they do, their mothers seem to resent me all the more.”
Ada looked over at her sister. “I don’t care what anyone else says, that’s one of the things I like best about you. And Lord Charleston doesn’t know what he’s missing. He should never have ended your courtship, you were perfect for him.”
Minnie inwardly winced. She’d thought them well-suited too. He’d been so easy to spend time with and that had bloomed into a great deal of affection. Perhaps not love, but Minnie had been certain the emotion would grow in time. “Thank you, Ada. I appreciate you comforting me.”
“I am not just trying to make you feel better.” Ada stopped walking. “You’re honest and forthright. I never have to wonder where I stand.”
“That’s one way to look at it.” But Minnie didn’t consider that an actual asset. In fact, this conversation was more a reflection on how Ada was able to find the good in anyone.
“I’m serious. Some people lie, cheat, or steal. Not you. You’re strong but you never use that strength to hurt anyone.” Ada started walking again.
Minnie parted her lips to speak, but hesitated. She wondered what Darlington would say to that. She had a feeling he did not think of her as a kind soul.
“I’ll tell you something else. The world would trample me if not for you.” Ada rested her head on her sister’s shoulder. “I need you, Minnie.”
“Thank you,” she said leaning her head on her sister’s.
“Perhaps you should find a husband who needs your strength as well.” Ada lifted her head suddenly. “I know that didn’t work out with Charleston but surely there’s another lord like him whose mother has perhaps already moved on to a less-earthly place.”
Minnie pressed her lips together as she considered those words and her usually sweet sister. “Ada Lynne,” she said as she gave her sister a sideways glance. It wasn’t that Ada’s plan was bad, and she’d considered herself fortunate to find such a good match in the easy-going Charleston. But something had shifted and a man that hid behind her skirts made her wrinkle her nose in distaste. “I’m not that difficult to get on with.”
She liked a man who was strong and capable. A man whom she could spar with and who was her equal.
A man like…she didn’t want to think it. Not him. A shiver of awareness rolled down her spine. Not Darlington.
“Of course you aren’t.” Ada quickly patted her arm. “But think on it. Men who want to be in charge often find your questions…”
“Irritating,” another woman called from around the lavish shelf of orchids.
“Oh please, Diana.” Minnie broke into a smile. “Like you’re any better.” They had both inherited the Chase personality. Strong and sharp, their fathers were brothers and apparently they had fought horribly as children. Diana and Minnie, as cousins, however, had been two peas in a pod, often understanding each other more so than any of their sisters.
Diana came around the corner, grinning. “You’ll find a husband. If you don’t, we’ll just pick one on the street and beat him into submission.”
Minnie laughed. “Not a terrible plan if all else fails.”
Ada shuddered. “You wouldn’t actually hit a man, would you?” Then she stopped. “Never mind. I don’t want to know the answer.”
Both Diana and Minnie giggled.