Duke of Daring: Regency Romance (Lords of Scandal Book 1) Read online

  “Ah,” her mother answered. “I was going to say that I can see it on your face that you like him a great deal and, honestly, he likes you too.”

  Minnie dropped her chin. Somehow those words didn’t make her feel better. “He doesn’t want to marry, Mother, and I believe, even when he does eventually choose a bride, she will not have my…colorful personality.”

  “What’s wrong with a little personality,” her mother sniffed.

  That made Minnie smile, her hand stretching out to touch the back of her mother’s. “You hate that I am so loud. That I talk so much and offer my opinion so freely.”

  Her mother shrugged, but she squeezed her daughter’s fingers. “I don’t hate it, dear, I dislike that it makes your life so difficult. And just to be clear, he doesn’t hate it either. In fact, I think he quite likes your strength.” Her mother stood. “But I trust you to interpret his intentions. If he doesn’t want you as a wife, you’re right to leave him be and move on.”

  Minnie gave a nod. She closed her eyes and pictured the duke’s face as he looked up at her. The problem she supposed was that she wanted him to want her. But his only real concern was protecting his club.

  Her mouth twisted down into a frown. When had her feelings gotten involved? It was that kiss.

  There was nothing to do for it, she had to tell Tag that he needed to leave her be. The issue was that her mother was right, she did need to marry for Ada’s sake. She should have been married already.

  Lord Charleston had been about to propose. He’d been handsome and kind and she’d liked him immensely. She supposed, in retrospect, he didn’t make her feel the way Tag did, but still. She’d thought Charleston a good match. He was quiet, reserved, and often soothed her rougher edges.

  The problem had come when she’d met his mother, who’d taken an instant dislike to Minnie. They’d hosted mother and son for dinner and by the end of the evening, Minnie could not contain her annoyance with the constant barbs Lady Charleston had tossed her way. She’d snapped back. “I’m offensive? Have you listened to yourself?”

  The result had been a hasty finish to the dinner and a carefully penned note from Lord Charleston expressing his deepest affection but his absolute regret that their relationship could go no further.

  Minnie hadn’t cried. But inside, she’d died a bit. She’d always known that she was too blunt for some people. His rejection had hurt her deeply. She’d gone through the last season afraid to allow any man close again. Though, she no longer had a choice. And she supposed, Tag had helped her in one regard. He’d pushed right past the defenses she’d put up with his large shoulders and his secret club.

  She stood. She’d like to tell him that, actually. But she also needed to be clear. They’d made a bargain. He had to leave her be.

  Grabbing her dressing gown, she pulled it on and crept from the room. Stealing from shadow to shadow, she made her way to the guest wing.

  Minnie had no idea which room was his so she stationed herself in a dark corner to watch. It didn’t take long before one of the doors swung open. Minnie recognized the groom who’d helped Tag into the house. “Is that all, Your Grace?”

  “Yes, thank you. Tell the staff they need not return for the night,” Tag’s deep voice rumbled out the door.

  With a nod, the groom started down the hall. Minnie watched him until he disappeared and then headed for the door.

  It opened with a soft click and she slipped inside the dark interior, only firelight dancing in the grate cast light into the room.

  “Really, I’m fine. I don’t need—”

  “Tag,” she interrupted him. “It’s me.”

  “Minnie,” he said, his voice making her shiver and she turned toward the bed.

  She had the urge to hold his head in her lap again and without thinking, she crossed the room and sat next to him on the bed, reaching out her hand to brush the hair back from his forehead. “Are you all right?”

  “I’ll be fine. Now that the shoulder’s back in the socket, it already feels much better.” He captured her bare fingers in his and brought them to his lips, kissing each one before he placed his mouth in the center of her palm. “Thank you for helping me today.”

  She swallowed, her insides tingling with every touch. “You’re welcome.” She gently pulled her hand from his. “I’m glad you’re going to be all right.”

  He gave her a soft smile. “I am.”

  “I came here,” she started, taking a deep breath, “to actually thank you.”

  “Why?” he asked his brow scrunching.

  She shrugged. “I know that you’ve only been spending time with me because you were worried about your secret, but for me, this experience has helped me a great deal.”

  His eyebrows rose. “How so?”

  She nibbled her lip. “Well. I was courted by Lord Charleston and when it didn’t work out, I thought I might not be able to trust my affection to another man again but—” She stopped, realizing that she’d inadvertently admitted that she felt affection toward Tag.

  “But what, Minnie?”

  Was she trying to tell him that she was sweet on him?

  That should have filled him with dread. Instead, a nameless excitement pulsed through his veins. “But what, Minnie?” he asked again.

  “I…” Even in the dark he could see the flush of color staining her cheeks. He raised his hand and stroked his thumb along the warm flesh. “I enjoy your company.”

  His thumb reached her chin and began trailing down the delicate skin of her neck. “That is your big announcement? You came to my room in the dark of night, braving ruin to tell me that you enjoy my company?”

  Her lips pressed together and he thought for a moment that she was angry, but then her hand came up to cover her mouth. From between her fingers came a tiny squeak and then another. She dropped her hand and a full-on laugh escaped her lips. “That is ridiculous, isn’t it?”

  He found himself grinning back. “A bit.”

  Another giggle escaped her lips and then another as a full-on laughing fit threatened to overtake her. She dropped her face to his arm, burying her laughs into the blankets. He reached over and gently stroked her hair as her laughs subsided.

  “What happened with Charleston?” he asked, brushing a bit of her hair back from her face.

  She sighed and lifted her head a bit. “Nothing terrible. It just didn’t work out.”

  He gave her a gentle tug and she responded by stretching out next to him. He tried to remember the last time a woman had just lay next to him. Gathering her close to his side, he found he quite liked it. Her body fit against his in the most satisfying way. Part of him ached to run his hands over more of her, kiss her lips, but he ignored the desire. Instead he held her close. “If it wasn’t so terrible then why are you thanking me?”

  She sighed as she snuggled in closer. “He didn’t like how brash I was. How bold. It’s not that I don’t understand this about myself. I try to hold it in but it comes out anyhow and…” She paused, swallowing. “I wish I could change that about me and I suppose it hurt that he didn’t like it either.”

  The ache in his chest throbbed on her behalf. “Minnie,” he started, but stopped to turn his head and softly kiss her forehead. “Some man is going to love how strong you are.”

  She shook her head, rubbing her cheek on the crook of his shoulder. “I don’t have time to find that man. I’ve told you already.” She rested her hand on his chest.

  He closed his eyes. Part of him wanted to offer to be that man for her. Marry her, accept her for who she was. But memories of his own parents assaulted him. The way they’d constantly fought, each warring for control, often using him as a pawn in their battle. He’d thought he was different but Christina had taught him he wasn’t. When he’d tried at love, he’d failed just as miserably. “My father fell in love. Both of my parents were so strong-willed, that affection turned into a battleground. Perhaps, a marriage of convenience will suit you.”

  “Your p
arents were a love match?” she asked as she lifted her head.

  He nodded. “At least on my father’s part. But that affection turned to hate. They fought daily, their arguments often turning violent.”

  She curled her fingers into his chest. “Oh, that must have been awful.” She lay her head back down. “My mother can be difficult but generally speaking, she means well. She loves us, she just wants to help us in the most annoying way possible.”

  “Like insisting that you marry?”

  She shook her head then settled into the crook of his neck. “That is for Ada’s benefit and she’s right. It’s time I gave my sister the chance to enjoy society and find a husband of her own.”

  He could hear the love in her voice when she spoke of her mother and her sister. He gathered her closer as though he might glean a bit of it being next to her. “Very generous of you.”

  She sighed. “I wish I’d married already.” Then she tapped his chest. “What do you wish?”

  He wished his childhood had been different. More than that, he wished he’d never met Cristina. Maybe then his heart could be open. Open to having Minnie in his life. “I wish I hadn’t backed down those steps today.”

  She smiled against his neck, he felt the change in her face even if he couldn’t see it. “Does your shoulder hurt terribly?” She trailed her fingers up over his collarbone, lightly touching his wounded arm.

  He relaxed into the touch. “It feels much better now.” Tomorrow he’d leave and go home. There was no reason to see Minnie again. He ached a little thinking of their relationship drawing to a close. He looked over at her, staring at her full lips in the fire light, memories of the kiss they’d shared heating his flesh. It had been a light touch. Why had it affected him so deeply?

  She pushed up to a sitting position and he missed her heat. He almost pulled her back down but his fingers curled into the blankets. That would be a mistake.

  “I’m glad.” She slowly stood. “Thank you again, Your Grace.” She was putting space between them. Physically, of course, but emotionally too. “I’m glad to have met you.”

  Then she turned and left the room. He had the distinct impression that he’d made a terrible mistake in letting her go.

  Chapter Nine

  Two days later, Minnie stood between Cordelia and Grace watching a parade of dancers float by. She’d danced a few sets herself but was thankful to have a repose between partners.

  “What did Lord Knightly ask you while you danced?” Cordelia tucked her head to the side to keep her voice from travelling. “Tell me again. It’s too amusing to miss.”

  Minnie sighed. “He asked how I felt about Siamese cats. Apparently, he has ten of them.”

  “Siamese?” Grace crinkled her brow. “Aren’t they the howlers?”

  “Imagine living with ten howling cats?” Cordelia chuckled. “I’ll have to thank Lord Knightly. He has completely distracted me from worrying about Emily. At least for a few minutes.”

  Minnie’s mouth pinched down into a frown. They’d received no word from her cousin. Minnie thought she understood why they’d run off. They needed to marry on their terms without the interference of Jack’s friends or Emily’s family. But to not even send word? Something else must have happened.

  They’d only come tonight to cover her absence. As far as the rest of society knew they’d have the wedding as planned.

  She kept that to herself however, instead she regaled her cousins with stories about her dance partners.

  “Don’t even get me started on Lord Rakenburg. He insinuated I wasn’t a good candidate because I had a sister and four female cousins. Apparently, I am ill-fitted to making male heirs. We can add that to my list of negative attributes.”

  “We have loads of male cousins.” Cordelia raised a finger on one hand as she pushed her glasses up with the other.

  “You don’t need to convince me,” Minnie answered as she looked to the ceiling. “But I think Rakenburg could use a good lecture on the proper methods of choosing a bride.”

  “Drat,” Cordelia hissed spinning around so her back faced the crowd. “It’s him.”

  “Who?” Minnie craned her neck, Tag’s face jumping to the forefront of her thoughts.

  “I don’t know his actual name.” Cordelia pushed up her glasses. “He was the one that caught me in that silly club. I think they called him Malice.” Cordelia gave a shiver. “What sort of name is that for a man?”

  Minnie nibbled on her lip, it did sound rather dark. “Darlington is Daring, that’s—”

  “Daring is exciting and interesting,” Cordelia pressed her fingers to her cheeks. “Malice is just plain frightening.”

  “He was rather chivalrous. Catching you and all,” Minnie said the words but she didn’t feel them. She had a feeling that none of those men, save Jack, wanted to marry or live traditional lives. Even Jack had stolen her cousin away right before their wedding. Cordelia was likely right to fear Malice. “But if he makes you uncomfortable, then by all means, stay away.”

  “Excuse me.” A beautiful woman stopped next to Minnie. “What dreadful man are you ladies staying away from?”

  Minnie crinkled her brow, staring at the blonde’s icy visage. Minnie knew who she was but couldn’t quite place her. Something about the color of her hair was so familiar. “You’re mistaken, but thank you for your concern.”

  Grace tucked slightly behind Minnie, her small hand resting on Minnie’s shoulder, even as Cordelia spun back around.

  The woman gave them an odd look. Her smile indicated she was attempting to be friendly, but there was a hardness about her eyes that was anything but. “No need to lie to me. I have met loads of men that I find loathsome or downright dangerous. We women have to stay together to keep ourselves from harm.”

  Then she turned and looked about the crowd. “We wouldn’t be discussing the Marquess of Malicorn, would we?”

  Minnie pulled her chin back. Darlington was Daring at the club and Jack, as the Earl of Effington, had been called Effing. It was possible that Malice was Malicorn. “I couldn’t say, truthfully.”

  “Is he the one over there with the sharp features who is staring at us like a wolf watches sheep?”

  Minnie glanced over at Malice. That wasn’t a bad description. He was moving closer, his gaze unwavering. “Could be.”

  “I’ll dispose of him for you. Worry not.” Then she leaned in closer. “I’m having a soiree later this week. Watch for my invitation.”

  “Forgive me,” Minnie said as she stared at the woman. “But who will the invitation be from?”

  The other woman trilled a laugh. “How silly of me. I’m the Countess of Abernath. Pleased to meet you, Miss Minerva Chase.”

  Minnie sucked in her breath. Grace grabbed her shoulder and Cordelia took a step back. The countess had told Emily about the club to begin with. Minnie didn’t know why but she was sure this woman was set upon making trouble. “Forgive me, my lady, but I don’t know if we’ll be able to attend.”

  The countess quirked a brow. “Don’t be hasty. There will be a great many bachelors there. In fact, The Earl of Winston is most anxious to meet you.” She gave Minnie an encouraging smile. “A fine catch for a woman like yourself.”

  “Why are you helping her?” Cordelia squeaked out.

  Minnie frowned. She wasn’t sure it was help this woman was offering. She’d nearly destroyed Emily and Jack and she was certain the Countess’s actions had led to the couple eloping. Her eyes narrowed. The hair… Minnie remembered where she’d seen that distinctive shade of pale blonde. Her family’s garden party, which had been the last time Emily and Jack had been seen.

  “Like I said. We ladies must stick together, especially when it comes to men of ill intent.” Then the countess tucked her chin, moving closer and dropping her voice. “I once knew Darlington. Stay away from him, if you value your reputation at all. He’ll never offer for you, he’ll only set you to ruin.”

  Then the woman whisked off, straight toward M
alice.

  She stopped in front of him, intersecting his path toward them. Minnie couldn’t hear a word but she watched Malice’s face change. He went from his usual dark stare to his features turning absolutely black even as he straightened away from the countess. Then, without a word, he turned and headed for the door.

  The countess spun back toward them and sashayed to where they stood. “See ladies? I’ve taken care of that vexing problem for you.”

  “What did you say?” Grace squeaked out from behind Minnie.

  Minnie tried not to huff at her cousin. Grace had always been delicate.

  “I simply told him that I’d already warned you of his rakish tendencies and he needn’t bother to approach. You wouldn’t see him.”

  Minnie remained silent, but she doubted very much that’s what the countess had said. The only person to confirm or deny that, however, would be the Marquess of Malicorn. Somehow, finding out the countess’s motives would help her discover what had happened between Emily and Jack. She needed to find out what had been said and only one man could tell her where to find Malicorn. Tag…

  Tag sat in front of a roaring fire in his study, sipping a snifter of scotch. The burning liquid was doing little to extinguish the feeling he’d made a terrible mistake. He’d said goodbye to Minnie.

  Though the words had been the same as any other parting, they’d both understood that they had no reason to see each other again.

  Except, as the last two days had passed, he’d thought of a reason. He missed her. Truly and deeply he craved her company, the banter, the tension, the way wisps of her hair loosened from her coifs. He longed for the press of her lips when she was about to deliver one of her perfectly aimed barbs and the flush of her cheeks when she drew near him.

  Bloody hell, he raked his fingers through his hair, setting his glass down with so much force, liquid sloshed over his hand. He’d told himself for years now that he’d never marry a woman like his mother, or like Cristina. He’d find a docile miss and mold her into the wife he wanted.