She shook her head. “No. Emily hadn’t wed until recently, so this will be my first.”
“Your sisters both made excellent matches.” Sin leaned out so that he might look at her, his chest nearly touching his knees.
Her head cocked to the side and Callum bent close to her ear and muttered, “He’s already counting yer dowry.”
She blinked, looking at her large, surly Scot.
“I beg your pardon?” Sinclair straightened. “What did you say?”
Callum didn’t respond, instead he pressed closer to her. “There is more room next to Lord Baderness.”
Sinclair narrowed his eyes. “Really? There seems to be plenty of room over here.”
Diana drew in a deep breath, trying to remember how she’d kept her dogs from hurting each other all those years ago. “I do believe you’re right. There is more room over there.” Without another word, she stood and crossed the room, taking the seat next to Bad.
Bad looked over at her with one brow scrunched low. She shrugged. “Those two have decided they must puff their chests and…”
Bad gave her a smile. It wasn’t the smile like he’d had when he was drunk. This one was nice, lighting his whole face. It softened him, made him actually approachable. “Acting like a couple of cocks in a henhouse, are they?”
She let out a little giggle, “In my head, I thought they were like two hounds I had once who would disagree over the stew bone.”
Bad nodded. “That’s a good one.” Then he scratched his chin. “I see it, they’re over there locking horns still like a couple of old goats.”
She giggled all the more. “I didn’t realize you were funny, my lord. Thank you for the bit of humor. It was lovely.”
He jerked his chin down in a quick nod. “I could say the same for you. Can I ask you why your other cousin and sister aren’t here?”
“Ada and Grace?” She straightened. “Minnie and I made them stay home. It’s safer.”
“But aren’t you in danger?” He squinted his eyes, studying her.
She shrugged. “I’ll be fine. They need to be protected. In different ways, they are softer, gentler women. Whatever will happen, it’s happening to me, not them.”
Bad stared at her. “I begin to understand why Exile likes you so much.” Then he turned to Lord Darlington. “Daring. I shall look out for Lady Diana.”
“Excellent.” Darlington slapped his hands together. “That was easier than I thought it might be.”
“The hell it was,” Exile boomed. “I’ve changed my mind, I’m up to the task myself.”
He is acting like a child, Diana thought as she turned to him. “You are not,” she replied, straightening her spine.
He stood. “I am.”
“Fear not.” Lord Sinclair straightened too. “I can help with this situation.”
“The only help we want from ye is to watch ye leave.” Exile turned to Sinclair, his nose dropping within an inch of the other man’s.
“Cocks,” Bad said again.
“What’s that?” Vice asked.
“You two.” Daring pointed at Exile and Sinclair. “Follow me to my study.”
“I’m fine here,” Exile rumbled, crossing his hands over his chest.
“I’m not asking. Now,” Daring said as he turned and began to march toward the door. “Or the back we’ll be watching will be yours.”
Exile stomped across the room, as he did, he looked at her. “I need to speak with ye tonight.”
She raised her brow. “I’d worry about the angry duke first.” But a niggle of hope wriggled about her stomach. Had Minnie been right after all? Did she have a chance for a love match with Exile?
Chapter Ten
Exile stormed down the hall. He’d been to Spain once when they’d run with the bulls. The matadors would wave a red flag in front of the bull, inciting its anger. That’s how he felt now. Like the bull, he wanted to thrust his horn into any man who got between him and Diana.
Daring turned into an open door and Exile followed, Sin just behind him. Daring took a seat behind his desk. “Sit,” he told both of them.
Exile considered refusing but then took a seat. Sin sat just to his right. The man lowered himself in the chair, and Exile noticed a stiffness in his movements. “Do ye box?” he asked.
Sin frowned. “Why? Are you hoping to challenge me in the ring?” He settled his back into the plush leather. “The answer is no.”
“Do ye ride? Or did ye suffer from a fall?”
The man’s face paled. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Never mind.” Daring waved his hand. “Sin, is that what they’re calling you?”
Sinclair nodded. “It is.”
“I give you more trust than most since you’re family to Vice but with all due respect, we don’t know you. There is no chance we will leave Diana’s safety in your hands.”
Exile relaxed back into his chair.
“As for the club, please return here tomorrow for us to discuss the possibility of you purchasing a share.” Darlington leaned back, crossing one ankle over his knee.
Exile rubbed the back of his neck. “Why did I have to be here for ye to say that?”
Daring gave him a long look then turned back toward Sinclair. “Diana would be most protected if she were married. If you are interested, I will see that she is returned to her home tomorrow in time for her normal calling hours.”
Exile shot forward in his chair. “You dirty piece of—”
“Lord Exile has been clear that he doesn’t wish to propose.” Daring gave his friend an angelic grin.
“That isnae what I said and ye had offered up a suggestion to untangle my situation.” He gripped the arms of his chair.
Daring shook his head. “We don’t have forever for you to decide. Unless, of course, we can find Lady Abernath. I’ve gotten some reports of her being sighted near St. James Square. With any luck, I’ll find her and then you’re free to take as long as you wish.”
Exile slapped his hands on the leather. “Ye’re no’ free to just meddle like this in someone else’s affairs.”
“I am.” Daring tented his fingers in front of his chin. “In fact, Diana is my family now. I’ve far more right than you.”
The frustrating part was that Daring was correct.
Sinclair drummed his fingers on the armchair. “You’ve seen her by Saint James Square?” Sin asked. “How long ago?” The man’s attention had become keen. Exile wrinkled his brow, wondering why.
“Yesterday.” Daring sat straighter. “Why?”
That was what Exile wanted to know as well.
Sin’s eyes widened. “No reason.” He gave a tight smile. “So I am free to court Lady Diana if I wish?”
“Yes,” Daring answered.
At the same moment, Exile growled, “No.” Thinking of Diana made him forget all about Abernath.
Sin pointed a finger at Exile. “His Grace just told you that the decision is his, not yours.”