The Lady and the Earl Read online

  Allana glided over to join her friend.

  “Allana,” Carmon said, embracing Allana in a friendly hug. “I’m so pleased you are here. Maybe now these young fools will leave me alone, and I will have a chance with some of the older, more refined men who always ask you to dance,” she finished in exasperation.

  “Perhaps if you weren’t so pleasant to the younger men and you flirted a little more with the older ones, things might be different. I would be the one dancing with the—how did you put it—the young fools instead of you,” Allana replied smartly, flashing a mischievous smile.

  Allana hadn’t always been the one the men sought after. It wasn’t even until the past year that any of them really began noticing her at all. She’d been rather wild as a child after all. Well, perhaps more than wild. She’d never been interested in the ways of women, dressing as boys did and acting the part as well. She was raised by her father and older brother, neither of which had ever thought it necessary to have a woman present in Allana’s life. When Allana was ten, her father remarried a woman from America, Lilly Sheridan, and even she encouraged Allana not to be anything she didn’t want to be. It wasn’t until the age of fourteen that Allana realized she did not want to be a boy anymore, and all because of a man. But not just any man, Declan Cunningham, the Earl of Westbrook, the most striking man she’d ever laid eyes on. His image haunted her thoughts even to this day.

  “You’re pleasant to the younger ones too, and I do not see them flocking to you,” Carmon said with a pout.

  “That’s because Edmund is always around,” Allana said dryly.

  Edmund Russell was Allana’s recent suitor and three years her senior. It had taken him some time to forget her boyish ways and see her for the beauty she truly was. Of course, it hadn’t helped her cause that she’d hit him in the nose when she was fourteen. He’d brought it on himself, though, for teasing Carmon.

  Carmon had never judged Allana for her uncouth ways. She had simply accepted her just as she was, and Allana had done the same for Carmon. When Edmund’s teasing began, Carmon was too timid to defend herself against it; thus, Allana had done it for her, punching Edmund being the end result.

  “And what is wrong with Edmund? I would die to have him courting me,” Carmon practically exclaimed.

  Allana cringed inside with those words. It should have been Carmon he was courting. It was Carmon’s home he’d come to visit, Carmon herself whom he’d asked to walk with, but Allana he’d asked to see again.

  Carmon had frozen in the man’s presence, so Allana stepped in to save Carmon from embarrassment, charming Edmund in the process. Only after Edmund asked to see Allana again, did she noticed the hurt, jealous look on her best friend’s face. Carmon fancied Edmund! Had Allana only known, she would have stepped aside, possibly even excused herself so Carmon and Edmund could be alone, forcing Carmon to have speech with him. But she hadn’t known and had used all of her best skills on him simply to prove no man could resist her. Now he was courting her, and if she didn’t do something soon, he would probably ask for her hand in marriage.

  She sighed inwardly. She needed to find a way to amend the situation and turn Edmund back to Carmon.

  “Very well, then this is what you shall do the next time he is around. Play confident. Simply smile at him and bat your eyes,” Allana said as she demonstrated. “He won’t be able to resist you.”

  Carmon giggled. “He won’t even notice me next to you. He never does.”

  “He has to at least acknowledge you. It is his gentlemanly duty. And when he does—”

  “Ladies,” a voice said from behind.

  Allana whirled around to come face-to-face with none other than Edmund himself.

  * * *

  Edmund Russell bowed respectfully to Allana Tananguard and Carmon Davenhue. He’d been courting Allana for some time now, yet he could not put his heart into it; and it had nothing to do with their past differences either. She was stunning. She was entertaining to be with, and she seemed quite besotted with him. She would be a good choice for a wife.

  She graced him with a lovely smile when she turned to him, curtsying in return. Even with that smile added to her other fine qualities, he was not truly interested in her. The woman he wanted was standing right next to Allana, ignoring him as she always did.

  Edmund glanced briefly at Carmon, who curtsied dutifully before quickly looking away from him as if bored. He sighed inwardly, forcing his attention back to Allana.

  “You look lovelier than ever.” Again he glanced at Carmon, and found her eying him and Allana from beneath her lashes. Out of spite, he pulled Allana’s hand to his lips and kissed the back lightly. Carmon’s cheeks turned a dark shade of red. She was beautiful.

  “Thank you, Edmund,” Allana said.

  “Might I reserve your first dance?” Edmund asked. He wanted to ask Carmon, but she’d made it perfectly clear months ago she was not interested.

  “That would be lovely,” Allana replied sweetly.

  Guilt swept over Edmund. The woman obviously had strong feelings for him. Yet his feelings lay at her friend’s feet. Courting Allana also meant spending time with Carmon. She was their chaperone most days. She avoided conversation with him, but he’d been around her enough to see her kindness, hear her sweet laugh, and even witness a small bit of her sense of humor. He lost himself to her a bit each time he saw her. But to be near her meant courting Allana.

  “I will be back, then, when the orchestra begins. Ladies,” he finished, yet he forced his eyes to stay on Allana. He bowed slightly, flashing Allana his most charming smile, before confidently walking away.

  * * *

  “Oh, Allana. You are so lucky,” Carmon said dreamily.

  “Well, you may have him,” Allana said irritably. Edmund was meant for Carmon, and he wasn’t Lord Cunn—no Lucas. He wasn’t Lucas. Allana scolded herself for thinking of Lord Cunningham over Lucas. Cunningham didn’t even know she existed. Lucas was the man for her. She needed to stop her fanciful thoughts of Lord Declan Cunningham. He was a dream, nothing more. He would never want one such as her. He was an earl and far too socially acceptable and refined. She had an ill-mannered, uncouth, and much too wild past for one such as him. And she was still too free-willed and independent. He would want someone agreeable and sophisticated.

  She was accepted as a lady in these parts because most of the young men had none others to compare her to. The more practical young ladies traveled to London to enter society and many stayed. Allana did not wish to go to London. She preferred the country and the freedom she had here.

  It had taken four years to rid herself of the tomboy she’d been. She was able to act the part of lady at social gatherings and such, but her heart still craved the wild, untamed world she grew up with. She wanted the wind in her hair as she rode her horse at high speeds through the countryside of Tananguard. She wanted to laugh, and not the simple laugh of a lady, but a true, heart-warming laugh. And she wanted freedom, the freedom she’d always known here. The freedom to be herself. Cunningham was a gentleman. He knew true ladies and would see her for what she was beneath the outside appearance, a country bumpkin with too much spirit. No, he would never want her. Thus, she would settle for second best. That was Lucas Hoffman. After all, she had been besotted with him up until her run-in with the Earl, so why should that change?

  “I do not understand, Allana. You could have him, or any man for that matter. What are you waiting for?” Carmon asked in exasperation.

  “I don’t know, Carmon. He is simply not for—”

  “Miss Allana, how are you this evening?” another gentleman asked, interrupting Allana.

  “I am well. Thank you, Peter,” Allana replied.

  “I was hoping I might reserve a dance with you.”

  “Of course you may. I promised Edmund the first, but after, I would love to dance with you,” Allana said with charm.

  * * *

  Carmon sighed as streams of men approached Allana and ignore
d her. She stood back in the corner and waited for the line to stop coming, feeling slightly jealous of her beautiful friend. Allana probably wouldn’t receive a break the entire night, while she, herself, would sit from the side watching it all, dancing once in a while with the young men who were barely old enough to even be in attendance.

  Her eyes circled the room out of habit in search of Edmond. Her heart scolded her for the act. Would she not stop torturing it by keeping hope? He would marry Allana, and that was that. Yet she could not stop. She continued her search.

  When she finally spied him, she discovered he was watching her. She inhaled sharply, her eyes widened, and her cheeks flared hot. She wanted to look away. No! Not this time! She forced herself to look at him and smile. His eyebrows rose in surprise, but he composed himself quickly. He bowed his head slightly without taking his eyes from her. Nodding, he gave her a gentle smile.

  Carmon knew she was breathing rapidly. She couldn’t look away. What was she to do next?

  “I believe I shan’t have a moment to rest tonight,” Allana said with enthusiasm.

  Carmon jumped and pulled her attention to Allana. They were alone once again.

  * * *

  Allana stared at Carmon. The girl was completely red and obviously startled. “Carmon, what is it?”

  Carmon shook herself. “Nothing. It was nothing. What were you saying?”

  Allana laughed. “I was simply saying—”

  “Excuse me, ladies, but I couldn’t help noticing two stunning beauties, such as the two of you, from across the room,” a smooth, sultry voice began from behind Allana.

  Allana recognized that voice. Could it really be? She spun around in astonishment to find Lucas Hoffman smiling his beautiful, charming smile back at her, and finally, Declan Cunningham slipped from her thoughts.

  “Lucas?” she asked in surprise, interrupting whatever it was he was saying. She threw her arms around him instinctively, even though it surely wasn’t proper for her to do so, then pulled back to look at him. “Lucas Hoffman! What on earth are you doing here?”

  Lucas’s smile slipped as he stared at her, a slight bit of panic replacing it.

  Allana giggled. He did not recognize her! “Lucas, it’s me, Allana.”

  His eyes widened. “Allana?” he practically croaked. His mouth dropped open in shock. “I cannot believe…I didn’t even recognize you,” he admitted.

  “What? Did you think I would stay a child forever?” she asked teasingly, flashing him a playful smile.

  His eyebrows rose, and he eyed her in a manner that actually made her blush. “Well, no. It’s simply been a very long time.”

  She batted her eyes unintentionally, her stomach fluttering. “Yes, it has been a long time.”

  They stood looking at each other. Allana’s heart pounded rapidly. This was by far the most fantastic reaction she’d had toward a man since she stumbled upon Lord Cunningham those four years ago! A little jab in the back brought her from her elation.

  “Ouch,” Allana said, glaring at Carmon who in turn blushed crimson. “Oh, Carmon. I am sorry. Where are my manners? Lucas, this is my very good friend, Carmon Davenhue. Carmon, this is Lucas Hoffman. He is an old friend of the family.”

  Lucas bowed politely to Carmon, receiving a curtsy and a shy smile in return. “It’s a pleasure,” Lucas said.

  The orchestra began to play, and before Allana could say anything further to Lucas, Edmund was there.

  “Miss Allana, I believe I have this dance reserved,” he said, eyeing Lucas with a frown.

  “Edmund, of course,” Allana replied pleasantly. Inside she was devastated. Lucas was here, and she was stuck dancing with everyone except him. If only she’d known. She would have saved all of her dances for him, or at least as many as were acceptable.

  Edmund was offering her his arm, but he was staring from Lucas to Carmon in alarm. If she hadn’t been so caught up in her own self-pity over the situation, Allana may have noticed Edmund’s reluctance to leave Carmon in Lucas’s company. Yet, she did not and forced herself to take his arm. She had to take it. There was nothing else she could do. She sighed inwardly. Wait, there was one thing she could do. She turned to Lucas.

  “It was good to see you again, Lucas.” And with those words she gave him her most elegant smile before allowing Edmund to lead her to the dance floor.

  * * *

  Lucas watched Allana go in silence. He was shocked! That woman was little Lana? She was absolutely beautiful, and that smile! It was stirring the most inappropriate desires within. How wrong he’d been in his assumption that Allana would be homely and uncouth. She was the most stunning, delectable creature he had ever laid eyes on. His mind wandered deviously as he watched her. Stop, she’s Connor’s little sister. She’s Allana, he scolded himself. But he couldn’t help it. The more he examined her, the less he cared who she was. He had to have her. She would make the most glorious trophy yet.

  A small sigh followed by, “She is beautiful, isn’t she,” pulled Lucas’s attention away from Allana. He glanced curiously at the young lady next to him.

  Carmon was a petite, young thing with a tiny waist that was accented by the soft curves of her body. She had a delicate, heart-shaped face with rosy, red lips and big blue eyes that looked almost sad. Lucas could not bear seeing such a beautiful woman looking so helpless and lonely. Allana must steal all the young men, leaving this lovely one to fend for herself.

  “Yes, she is. But so are you, my Lady. I was actually hoping you would grace me with a dance,” he said, giving Carmon his best smile. The least he could do was give her some confidence. Dancing with him would make every girl jealous as well as draw the attention of the other young men. Then maybe she would be seen for the stunning creature she was instead of being hidden behind Allana.

  “Me?” Carmon choked in surprise.

  Lucas smiled and nodded.

  “I…I would love to dance with you,” Carmon stuttered, blushing afterward.

  Lucas offered her his arm. She took it tentatively and let him guide her to the dance floor.

  As they danced, his eyes sought the dark purple gown Allana was wearing. It was still hard to believe she was the same girl who had followed Connor and him around all those years ago. Their eyes met for a brief moment where he received a soft smile from her as though thanking him for dancing with Carmon. Even the simplest of smiles caught him off guard. It was just plain alluring! Yes, she was definitely the one he would win. It would have to be different though. He could not simply woo her to his bed in one night. He would have to court her. And perhaps once he bedded her, he really would marry her. The thought, for once, didn’t cause panic within. Yes, marriage to Allana was…acceptable. He smiled and turned his attention back to his dance partner.

  Carmon simply flowed with him. He barely had to guide. She was like a part of him in this dance, moving with him with such grace and elegance. He twirled her and received a beaming smile in return, a smile that forced his own smile. The woman was quite dazzling. If not for Allana, he might have chosen Carmon for his prey instead. After all, shy women were usually quite challenging and rewarding, and from the looks of this sweet young thing, she would be both.

  When the dance was over, Lucas led Carmon back to the side of the room. “Thank you, Carmon. Perhaps later, if you have another open slot, you might grace me with another?”

  “That would be lovely,” she replied breathlessly.

  He smiled at her reaction before sweeping her hand into his and kissing it gently. “Until later, then,” he said. Her cheeks turned a healthy color as she smiled shyly in return.

  Damnation! She really was tempting to pursue as well. He couldn’t have both Allana and Carmon, could he? He shook his head.

  As he turned to seek out Allana, he was aware of the crowd of girls that encircled Carmon. Perfect. If he danced with her a few more times, she would be the most sought after girl instead of Allana. Then he could have Allana all to himself.

  He sear
ched the area for Allana and found her being led back out onto the dance floor by yet another young fool. Lucas thought about finding himself a partner as well, but decided to wait this one out. Then perhaps he could catch her before another suitor snatched her back out to dance. As he waited and watched, his eyes unwillingly sought out Carmon this time, finding her still surrounded by other ladies. She truly was a beautiful creature, so innocent looking. Maybe if he played his cards right, he could have both ladies. No, if he wanted Allana, he could not play his usual games, especially if they involved her best friend.

  The song ended, but before Lucas could reach Allana, once again she was led back to the dance floor. This routine continued for the next few dances. Would she ever receive a break? Every song she had a young man escorting her back out onto the floor, and more than once he saw that Edmund character guiding her across the room. Lucas’s patience was growing thin as he waited for a break, not receiving one. He began dancing himself after waiting out a few, picking new partners while waiting for his chance to catch Allana. He even danced with Carmon twice more. But he was growing frustrated with each passing moment. He wanted Allana. He wanted to corner her and guide her away from this crowd of people so he could spend time alone with her, but it seemed his chance would never come.

  Finally, the orchestra stopped for a short break. Now maybe he could find her. He spotted her across the room, but before he had a chance to reach her, Edmund Russell was by her side, guiding her out of the ballroom. Irritation surged through Lucas as he ground his teeth in frustration. He was losing the battle tonight. He hated losing. A light blue gown caught his attention from a few feet away. Perhaps tonight he would have to settle for second best.

  “Carmon, would you care to walk with me?” he asked the unsuspecting young woman.