Earl of Exile Read online

  Diana’s brows scrunched together. “I suppose it’s possible they are somehow connected, but even if they are, that doesn’t explain why you’re here.”

  He looked down at her, his mouth open. “Cordelia was snatched by a man right from yer home.”

  “Someone she was acquainted with did so during calling hours.” Diana appreciated his concern, but honestly, it wasn’t necessary. She took his hand from her cheek holding it in her own. She had to confess their skin clasped together felt nice. Very nice. She cleared her throat trying to collect her thoughts. “No one is going to be able to break into my bedroom at the Duke of Darlington’s house—”

  “I did,” he answered suddenly pulling her into his embrace.

  She looked up at him. “Exactly. You are well known to me and the duke, which is the only reason you have access to me at all.”

  “What the bloody hell is going on,” Darlington growled from the door. Diana looked up to see Bad and Vice just behind him, both grinning like idiots.

  “Are they still drunk?”

  Exile looked up at them. “It’s seven o’clock in the morning. Of course they are.”

  “We only just stopped drinking.” Vice grinned. “I’ll be pickled for hours.”

  Darlington, looking green, bent over. “You had better tell me why you’re in Diana’s bedroom, holding her in your arms, or I’m going to have to escort you down the aisle to the altar with my derringer.”

  “We were attacked in the alley,” Diana answered her voice both light and soft. “Lord Exmouth was worried the attack was somehow connected to Lady Abernath and that I was in immediate danger.”

  Daring lifted his head, his skin an alarming shade of green. “Why wasn’t I notified of the attack?”

  Minnie squeezed past Bad and Vice, her hair down, clad in a dressing gown. “Because you were out cold, you big blockhead.”

  Vice snorted a laugh while Bad chuckled. “The ladies are growing on me,” Bad said to no one in particular. “This is the most fun I’ve had in ages.”

  Darlington made a half-groan, half-growl. “I’m just going to shoot you and hope I have time to reload for Exile.”

  Minnie tsked. “No one is shooting anyone.” Then she clapped her hands together, rather loudly, and Darlington grabbed both sides of his head.

  Vice snorted a laugh while Bad grinned. Vice stepped up, peering at Darlington. “There’s no way he could shoot anyone in this state. Couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn.”

  Callum was still holding her close. She thought perhaps she should pull away, might make this conversation easier, but Callum’s grip was rather firm and he was honestly quite nice to be pressed up against. She closed her eyes, drawing in his masculine scent.

  Darlington straightened, his face pale, but his gaze more resolute. “Would you care to test that theory?”

  Vice took a half step back. “I was only teasing. There’s no need for that.”

  Darlington turned toward Callum, pointing his finger. “You made us all promise at the start of this that we’d behave or you yourself would see that we married the girl we’d compromised.”

  Exile swallowed; she actually felt the vibration. “I did.”

  “What are your intentions toward Diana?” Daring had not dropped his hand.

  Diana’s breath caught. He was holding her in his arms, in front of everyone. She was trying not to, but she’d begun to hope that he’d offer for her hand. But instead of pulling her closer, he took a half step back, his hands dropping to his side. “I intend to keep her safe.”

  The air around her was cold without his heat and she clutched the blankets closer even as she lifted her head high. “Is that all?”

  His eyes squinted. “Aye, lass.”

  She notched her chin higher. “I’m not your lass. Get out of my room.”

  Chapter Seven

  Exile ground his teeth together as he stared at her, as she held the blankets about her with her straight shoulders and her head high. But her eyes, they told a different story and that tale made him wince.

  They crinkled with hurt even as her mouth pinched into a frown.

  “Ye can’t just kick me out.” He held out his hands on either side of him. “I’m to keep ye safe in case—”

  “Get out!” she yelled so loudly that Daring clutched his head and Vice nearly fell over.

  Minnie stepped up to her cousin, blocking Exile’s view, and softy whispered something. Diana responded just as quietly.

  Then Minnie turned to Exile. “It’s time for you to leave.”

  “But…”

  Minnie held up her hand. “Come with me.” Then she started for the door. “You’re to go back to bed.” She patted Daring on the shoulder.

  “I’m never drinking again,” he mumbled, holding his head. “I think I shall die if I do.”

  Bad bent down to look Daring in the face. “The key is to drink more. Eventually, you’ll outrun the hangover.”

  Minnie stopped, assessing Vice and Bad. Then she pulled the cord next to the door. “You both need some breakfast.” Exile grimaced. So just he was in trouble. Not surprising the way he’d been holding Diana. Or perhaps the problem was what he’d done after.

  Vice grinned. “That’s the best idea I’ve heard so far. I like this woman.”

  Minnie raised a brow. “Then you will go home and sleep. Tomorrow at five sharp all three of you,” her gaze cut to Exile, “are to return here. We’ve some things to discuss.”

  Exile could have smiled if the situation weren’t so serious. Bad and Vice were in trouble too.

  Daring straightened. “Excellent idea, love.”

  “I don’t think so,” Bad grumbled, standing up and crossing his arms. “No woman tells me—”

  Daring growled, “Finish that sentence and I’ll cut you from the club. I still own the controlling shares.”

  Bad pressed his lips together. “I don’t need breakfast. Thank you very much.”

  “Fine,” Minnie answered. “Suit yourself.” She stepped up to Bad, staring into his face. “Plan on returning for dinner tomorrow.” Then she pointed at Exile. “You’re to follow me.”

  He did as he was told, giving Diana one last long look. She didn’t meet his gaze, instead staring at the far wall. Her chin was still high, but it trembled a bit and regret lanced through his chest.

  Did he tell her the truth? Somehow that seemed even worse. I want you, but I’m promised to another. What consolation was that really?

  Minnie walked in front of him, not waiting or turning toward him until they’d gone down the stairs and entered a sitting room. “How drunk are you?”

  “I beg yer pardon?” he asked, squinting at her as she pivoted in front of the fire to face him.

  “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.

  Diana stood next to Minnie, glaring at the side of her cousin’s head as they stood in the foyer waiting for Lord Exmouth, Lord Baderness, and Lord Viceroy.

  “If you continue to look at my wife with that expression, she may very well catch the plague.” Daring rumbled from Minnie’s other side.

  Minnie grinned. “I shan’t. I’ve weathered Diana’s ire before.”

  Diana made a loud and audible harrumph. “Not like this, you haven’t. Why am I having dinner with the man I already said goodbye to?”

  Minnie sighed. “You’ve already asked and I’ve already answered. He has to trade with Vice or Bad.”

  “I don’t need to be here for them to decide.” Diana crossed her arms. “And now that I think about it. Neither does he. Also, I resent you hinting to mother that this was an attempt to match me with a suitor.”

  Minnie raised a single brow. “You do have to be here. Both Bad and Vice picked a Chase woman with a far gentler…nature. We must decide which one of them is capable of keeping you safe.”

  “In check, you mean.” Diana stepped in front of Minnie. “And that still doesn’t explain why Lord Exmouth needs to be here.”

  Diana saw it then. A tiny flinch in Minnie’s gaze.

  “Ha!” she yelled pointing at her cousin. “You are up to something.”

  Minnie put her hands on her hips. “I am not.”

  “You are too.” Diana stepped closer tapping her chin. She stared at her cousin who began to blush. “You want to make him jealous. You think he’ll offer for me if he is.”

  Minnie went from blush to pale. “How did you know that?”

  “It worked with Daring. You think it will work again.”

  “Gads, Minnie,” Daring said from Minnie’s other side. “I thought you were the smartest woman I’d ever met but that was just frightening.”

  Diana looked over at her cousin’s husband. Daring still looked pale from his night of debauchery. “How’s your head? Still hurting?”

  He gave her a wary eye, narrowing his gaze. “If I tell you are you going to use that information against me?”

  Diana had to smile at that. “No. But I do want you to discuss with your wife that she need not play matchmaker. I don’t need her help.”

  “Everyone needs help sometimes, Diana. Even you.” Minnie touched Diana’s arm. “Please let me help you. A little.”

  Diana released a long breath she wasn’t even aware she’d held. “Minnie. You don’t understand everything that’s happened.”

  Minnie scrunched her brow. “Then tell me. What’s happened?”

  Carriage wheels and the clopping of hooves sounded outside the estate. Diana spun around to face the door, giving her back to Minnie, her shoulders hunching in relief that she didn’t have to answer her question. Minnie would surely think her terrible if she knew what she’d done with Charles.

  Minnie’s hand touched her shoulder, a gentle brush of her fingers. “You can tell me anything. You know that, right?”

  Not this, Minnie looked down at the floor. “I know you mean well,” she murmured.

  “Diana,” Minnie’s voice pleaded a bit. “I know you haven’t been yourself since we came back to London. What happened? Was it with Mr. Crusher?”

  Diana tensed, hunching away from Minnie’s touch. “Nothing happened.”

  Minnie paused and then wrapped a hand about Diana’s shoulder. “Since we were small girls balancing on your papa’s knee or mine, we’ve been best friends. You know that you can trust me with anything. I love you as much as I love Ada or my mother and you know that I am strong enough to carry whatever burden you’re facing. You don’t have to do it alone.”

  Minnie’s words pulled the air from her chest. But she didn’t respond as the butler swung open the door and four men stepped inside.

  Callum was at the front of the group. Her eyes were still on the floor, but she felt his entrance, like an invisible pull. She shifted her gaze to meet his and their eyes locked together. She held her breath, trying to remember how angry she was with him. Staring into his brown eyes made it so easy to forget.

  “My lord,” she said, curtseying quickly, heat filling her cheeks. She was glad to see him, she realized, and she honestly wished she didn’t feel this way. It was easier to be angry at him considering he’d never propose to her despite his interest in her.

  “My lady,” he replied, giving a tight bow.

  “And what other guests have you brought this evening?” Minnie asked from behind her, her voice coming up in short clipped tones.

  Vice stepped forward. “This is my cousin, the earl of Sinclair. He was hoping for an introduction with Your Grace.” Vice winked.

  Minnie stepped up next to her, tall and straight, her red hair shimmering in the evening light. “Her Grace does not remember inviting another guest.”

  Vice swallowed. “My apologies. I should have written.”

  “He’s here now,” Darlington answered, still behind her. “Welcome to our home, Lord Sinclair.”

  “Thank you, Your Grace,” he replied, then stepped to the front of the group.

  Diana blinked as she studied him
. Vice was the most classically handsome man she’d ever met but his cousin somehow managed to be even more beautiful.

  Rather than blond, he had dark hair and shimmering brown eyes set over a straight nose, full mouth, and a square jaw. He had broad shoulders and a tapered waist that might make a woman breathless.

  Diana preferred the thick muscles of a burly Scot. One with reddish brown hair and the strong features that somehow filled her with warmth as well as desire, but still, Lord Sinclair was like a well-painted portrait, simply beautiful to look at but she had no desire to touch.

  He looked at Minnie, giving a short bow. “Apologies, Your Grace, and thank you for your hospitality.” Then he turned to Diana. His gaze lingered on her features for what seemed an excessively long time before he said, “My lady.”

  She nodded her head in response as she realized that Callum was inching closer, his shoulder now blocking Sinclair’s view.

  “Shall we make our way to the music room?” Minnie asked. “We’ve much to discuss and dinner will be upon us before we know it.”

  Diana followed her cousin, her heart hammering in her chest. She wasn’t exactly sure what this evening was going to bring, but she had a feeling that whatever happened would change everything.

  Chapter Eight

  Exile stared at Diana’s back as she walked next to the Earl of Sinclair. Even from behind, they made the perfect couple. His fists clenched. That should make him happy. He had a marriage contract. One that he needed to honor.

  He closed his eyes. He didn’t want to go through with marriage to Fiona. He’d received a letter from her the other day, he’d yet to open it. Which made his chest ache with guilt. Like he needed another reminder that he wasn’t the man his cousin had been. Ewan would have never considered leaving the woman to whom he’d made a commitment. Honor and duty had always been his first concerns.

  But damn, seeing Diana next to Sin made everything in him ache to punch that man directly in the face and carry Diana off the way his Scot ancestors might have.

  He should be happy for her. She deserved a handsome, well-titled lord who could offer her the best sort of life. She was strong, kind, caring, and beautiful. She wasn’t the sort of woman who should be shoved away by society. Instead, Diana should be leading other women on how to be intelligent and independent, not shoved on a shelf as she assumed.