The Lady and the Earl Read online

  The Lady

  and the Earl

  By Diedre Clark

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Epilogue

  Prologue

  “Please, Lord, grant him strength,” William Meredith prayed. He looked over at his brother not but a few feet away. Joseph, ah Joseph. I am sorry.

  Joseph Meredith slumped heavily over the saddle horn on his horse, breathing unsteadily. There was a bullet wound in his stomach, slowly etching his life away. William had hold of Joseph’s reigns, guiding the other man’s mount while he struggled to stay on it.

  “Hold on, Joe,” William said. Desperation overwhelmed him. They still had far too many miles to travel before they would be in the shelter of William’s camp. Please, Lord. Please, spare his life. It should not be him to die this night. It should be me. Please! He is innocent!

  Joseph had a family, a wife and two children. They were in London awaiting his return. Joseph was an honest, hard-working man, but he’d risked it all for William. William had been headed for the gallows on charges of piracy. He would have hung had Joseph not come for him. William’s younger brother had successfully freed him only to be shot as they were inches from safety. Now both men were on the run, and the innocent one might die.

  William pushed the horses faster. It was a bad night for travel. They were in the midst of a terrible thunderstorm, lightning flashing dangerously close far too often. But William had no choice. They needed to keep moving. Joseph was dying, and there was only one person William trusted to save his brother.

  A light in the distance brought hope as he realized he must be approaching Tananguard Manor. The forest where his camp lay was just beyond the border of Tananguard’s land, but would Joseph make it that far?

  “We’re almost there, Brother,” William whispered.

  The other man made no reply. His body slipped from his horse and fell to the ground.

  “Joseph!” William exclaimed, jumping from his own mount to the ground. He ran to his brother and rolled him over onto his back. Joseph coughed raggedly, spewing blood from his mouth. “No!” William’s heart sank.

  Joseph wasn’t going to make it to his camp. He needed help right then. William forced Joseph up onto his horse and followed up behind him. He kicked the horse to a dead sprint and headed toward the manor, Joseph’s horse following right behind.

  Lord Marcus Tananguard was a childhood friend. William’s father had worked for Marcus’s father, and both William and Joseph had grown up with Marcus. Both men could have stayed on at Tananguard had they wished. Farming was in their blood. However, the two brothers had chosen different paths and left Tananguard as young men. William would beg help from Marcus. Marcus would understand.

  William pushed the mounts hard toward the small light coming from the huge manor and proceeded toward the servants’ entrance. He stopped right outside the entrance and pulled his brother from his horse, dragging his limp body toward the door. William raised his fist to pound when the door slid open and a young boy slipped out and ran right into him.

  “Whoa, young one,” William said as he steadied the youth with one hand. The boy looked up quite startled, and William found himself looking into the face of a young girl with big green eyes. She opened her mouth and released an ear-piercing scream. Had he both arms available to him, William would have covered that mouth before the scream could erupt. Instead he was forced to try to quiet the girl with words.

  “Please, I’ll not harm you. You are safe. I need help. My brother is dying!” he finally shouted over the noise.

  The girl’s mouth shut suddenly, and she studied William curiously then his brother. She opened the back door and ushered him inside.

  “I’ll go retrieve my father,” she said to him. She darted away, but returned a short bit later with an armed Marcus Tananguard.

  Marcus was a tall, broad-shouldered man with dark hair and gray eyes. He could look quite intimidating if he wished, and right then he wore one of his fiercest scowls. William prayed he recognized him.

  Marcus tried to push the young girl behind him, but she kept slipping in front as if trying to explain something. “Allana, go back to Lilly. These men are…,” he trailed off as he truly looked at William. “Meredith?” Marcus asked as he lowered his pistol.

  William sighed in relief. “Aye. And Joseph, my friend.”

  Marcus took in the sight of the two men. “Oh no,” he said. In three strides, he was by William’s side, helping him support Joseph’s weight. “Lilly!” he called. “We have an injured man who needs help. Where do you want him?”

  A woman with flaming red hair appeared. She too had a pistol in hand as she came into view. She assessed the situation. “Are you certain, Marcus?” she asked first.

  “Yes. I know these men. They are good men,” he answered.

  “Then quickly into the kitchen.” She turned and pushed open a door on her right.

  William and Marcus carried Joseph to the kitchen and placed him on a bare, wooden table. “My wife is a skilled healer. I was trying to get him to her. She would be a great asset. Is there someone who might fetch her?” William asked. He needed his wife. She could fix Joseph. She’d saved his own life once. Surely, she could save Joseph’s.

  Tananguard grunted. He stared at the young girl who had followed them into the kitchen. Then he nodded to himself. “Allana, take his horses to the stable. Then I need you to bridle mine and ride to William’s camp.” He turned to William. “Which direction should she go?”

  William gaped. “A young girl, Marcus? Surely Dalon would be preferred.” Dalon had been the Tananguard gamekeeper since William was fifteen.

  “No, Allana can move more swiftly through the woods. She knows them better than anyone and can go bareback.”

  “But she’s just a child, Marcus,” the woman said. “She’s just ten.”

  “Yes, but she’s my child, and Connor and I have taught her well,” Tananguard argued. “My girl could shame most men. Now tell her where to go, William.”

  William shook his head. He should have guessed. This was Tananguard’s wayward daughter, a child with a reputation even he had heard about. She was a wild one with experience in horses that, as Marcus put it, would shame most men. The girl would do. He gave her specific instructions on how to get to his wife, and then he told her what to say to get her here. The girl nodded and dashed out the back door.

  William’s wife arrived with incredible speed. Yet even with her help, Joseph Meredith did not make it through the night. William knew he would never be able to repay the kindness and help the Tananguard’s had given him, har
boring and helping two fugitives. He did what small things he could and hoped that someday he would be able to repay them in full.

  Chapter 1

  The Davenhue Christmas Ball was the most coveted, anticipated party of the year. The district was full of gossip. Ladies emptied shops of the finer fabrics for new dresses. And maidens whispered names of single, well-to-do noblemen who might be in attendance. One name in particular spread like wildfire through their ranks: Lucas Hoffman, son of Lord Archibald Hoffman, returned home at last.

  Lucas Hoffman entered the Davenhue’s Manor looking as dashing as ever. He was blessed with height and broad shoulders, and he kept his physique well-worked and trim. The blonde hair and blue eyes were uniquely his. And his dimples swooned many a lady. He was almost too handsome for his own good, and he knew it.

  It had been eight years since he’d been home, and he was uncertain he was ready to be home again. Unfortunately, he hadn’t had a choice in the matter. If he had, he would still be in London enjoying the high life there. But circumstances as they were—namely the failing health of his father—forced his hand, and he had returned home.

  “Lucas. Such a pleasure to have you here,” Lady Isabel Davenhue said pleasantly as he entered the warm atmosphere of the festivities.

  “Thank you for inviting me. It is nice to have the opportunity to get away for an evening,” he replied, bowing slightly to his petite hostess.

  Yes, it definitely was nice to get away for an evening. Lucas had been forced into the position of Lord; and even though he had the ability and knowledge needed to run the manor’s affairs, he didn’t relish the burden. His father had fallen behind in his duties, far behind, and now Lucas was forced to bring all of their dealings and debts up to date. It was tedious, time consuming work. A Christmas party was definitely a good escape. It was a shame his good friend Connor Tananguard wasn’t here as well.

  “Our parties simply have not been the same since you and Connor left all those years ago,” Lady Davenhue replied, smiling at the memories.

  Connor and Lucas had always been the center of every party until they moved to London to attend university eight years ago. The young ladies, including Connor’s young sister, had adored both young men, swooning after them as they danced the nights away.

  Lucas smiled at the memories. His smile almost turned affectionate as he recalled the words tiny Allana Tananguard had said to him before he and Connor left to become men.

  “May I have a hug goodbye?” Lucas asked the small, ten-year-old girl. As always, she was wearing Connor’s old clothing instead of a proper dress.

  She rushed to Lucas immediately, hugging him tightly.

  “We won’t be away forever,” Lucas reassured as the child clung to him.

  She pulled away, turning her big, green, adoring eyes up at him. “Lucas?”

  “What is it, Lana?” It was the pet name he called his friend’s baby sister, a sister he considered his own since he was an only child.

  “When I’m older, will you marry me?” she asked innocently.

  Lucas laughed heartily. “When you’re older, you will be too beautiful and untamable for a mere lord. You’re meant for a king,” he jested. In reality, Lucas felt she was too ill-mannered and boyish for a man such as him. He was a man who sought curves, beauty, and elegance. Allana Tananguard would have none of those qualities. She was a scrawny, awkward tomboy, and Lucas couldn’t see how she could possibly change. The poor girl was doomed to be an old spinster, and Lucas pitied her.

  “Oh, you’re the only one for me,” Allana said dreamily.

  Lucas smiled dramatically. “Then I’m yours,” he replied, dipping down to a deep bow and kissing the young girl’s hand. She may never know a man’s touch, but at least he could give her hope.

  Lucas sighed from the memory. Would Allana be here tonight? She would be eighteen, nearing nineteen. He would have to dance with her if she was, for surely she would be left to the shadows to sulk for lack of dances. He almost laughed at the idea of Allana coming to this grand party and in a dress. He pictured her at home in a pair of trousers, hair pulled back in her typical braid, dirt under her nails and on her face. She would still be scrawny, but tall for a woman, very tall like her brother. No, she would not be here. It was not in her character.

  “Lucas, my boy, how is your father?” the burly Lord Derek Davenhue said coming up on his wife and Lucas.

  Lucas’s thoughts broke, his smile slipped and his countenance changed as a dark shadow seemed to engulf his being at mention of his father. “He’s as well as can be expected,” Lucas said, trying not to sound cold and callused. Lucas had never cared for his father. Lord Archibald Hoffman was a cold, calculating bastard.

  “It was such a shame to hear he’d taken ill so suddenly,” Davenhue replied, taking Lucas’s change in demeanor as a sign of mourning for his father.

  “Yes indeed,” Lucas said bitterly, wanting the subject changed. It wasn’t that Lucas’s father had grown ill so suddenly like everyone seemed to think, but that he had hidden it so well up until he could hide it no longer. Lucas resented the man for it. He could have at least told him a year ago that he was ill. Then Lucas would have been better prepared to take on the role as lord.

  “Please know you have our utmost sympathy and support. If you need anything, anything at all, do not hesitate to call on us,” Lady Davenhue intoned.

  “Thank you. You are both too kind. If you will excuse me, I think I will see if I can enjoy myself at your lovely party.” Lucas bowed politely to the couple, hoping they wouldn’t continue to press him with further sympathy. It was infuriating, especially when all he wanted was for the old man to die.

  “Of course. Don’t forget to dance with our lovely daughter, Carmon,” Lord Davenhue said pleasantly.

  “Derek, please,” Lady Davenhue scolded her husband as Lucas walked away toward the ballroom.

  “Does it hurt to encourage? After all, he would be quite a catch, do you not agree?”

  Lucas smiled to himself as he heard those words disappear behind him. Many unknowing fathers and mothers tried to match him with their daughters. If only they knew what he was truly like, he didn’t think they would push their girls at him so willingly.

  Lucas loved women, and women loved him. He was constantly moving from one to the next, unable to find one who could tame his wandering heart and never really wanting to. Women were like trophies. Why settle for one when there were so many to conquer and add to his collection? And just because he was home again did not mean he would give up his roguish ways either. One lucky lady was going home with him tonight whether she realized it or not. Just who that lucky lady would be, he knew not, but he would know her when he saw her.

  Casually, he strolled across the large ballroom, inspecting the beauties in the room as well as drawing attention to himself. He was always confident, sometimes overly, and it was that confidence that helped him wrap a woman around his finger by the end of a night. Tonight he wanted a challenge. Not just any pretty girl would do. The lady he would triumph over would be unique. She would be defiant, and in the end, a pleasurable conquest.

  There were several beauties in the room, but none who really caught his eye. They were all too eager to get his attention. Not only was he good-looking, but he was also of great fortune. These women knew who he was and what he was worth. They wanted him too badly.

  He nodded to a group who, he was certain, were speaking of him. They swooned when he nodded and began talking animatedly as he turned his attention away, confirming his belief he was indeed their topic of conversation. Before long, a small group of young, eligible ladies as well as a few married ones had surrounded him, listening eagerly to him talk while at the same time flirting relentlessly with him.

  It amused him to see them competing for his attention, but it irritated him as well. He could say anything, and they would simply laugh dreamily, not really hearing what he’d said. It was like this frequently. They swarmed him and paraded themselv
es with hopes to be the young woman he chose to fancy. It was rare when he had to truly pursue one, but those were the treasured prizes he usually sought out.

  Lucas was scanning the room for one such lady while pretending to listen to these young ones talk. A tall, auburn-haired beauty gracefully entered the ballroom wearing a lovely, deep-purple gown with white, dainty gloves that came just above her elbows. He was shocked at how tall and elegant she stood. She stood taller than all of the ladies in the room, yet shorter than most of the men. It made her stand out, or perhaps it was simply because she was absolutely stunning.

  He watched her casually, trying to decide if she was the lucky lady. She carried herself with grace and confidence, drawing him to her even more. She was blessed with a slender, attractive figure, and her face was soft with big eyes and full, pouty lips.

  Instantly, she caught the eyes of several young men like she had Lucas. They flocked to her as the young women were flocked around Lucas. She was flirting delicately with each one, keeping just enough distance and mystery about her to keep them enthralled. She was perfect. She was his equal in every way: looks, charm, and skill. It would be fascinating to seduce a girl who seemed almost as skilled as he. She might even prove to be challenging, but in the end Lucas knew he would win. He always did. There had not been a woman yet who could resist his charm.

  “Excuse me ladies,” he said as the orchestra began to play. “I believe there is a young woman across the room who I promised to dance with. But I shall be back to dance with each one of you as well,” he finished. He smiled charmingly to the group of disappointed, dreamy-eyed girls before sauntering over to his newest prey.

  Chapter 2

  Allana Tananguard was never one for formalities. She was an independent, carefree soul with far too much spirit and freedom, and most everyone knew as much. Thus, Allana left her father and stepmother chatting animatedly with the Davenhues to enter the ballroom without an escort.

  Immediately, she spotted Carmon Davenhue standing in a corner alone. The two were very close. They had been friends since youth and were very much opposites. Allana was tall while Carmon was petite. Allana was vibrant and outspoken while Carmon was shy and passive. Both were lovely in appearance. Yet Carmon’s timid, quiet ways caused the eligible men to frequently overlook her when Allana was present.