“And what are you smiling at?” Allana asked suspiciously. “Did I say something amusing?”
“No, not at all,” Lucas replied still smiling.
“Then why are you smiling like that?”
“I would tell you, but that would ruin my fun of watching you wonder,” he replied, giving her a wink.
“Lucas,” she said, frowning slightly. “Tell me.”
He simply held his smile and led her the rest of the way to the carriage.
“Here we are,” he said as he assisted her inside. Once she was inside, he instructed the driver to take them to Tananguard Manor before climbing in himself.
“Allana, tell me more of this getting out of the way business. You must elaborate,” Lucas said as he situated himself in the seat across from Allana.
Her eyes lit up in delight. “I have you quite curious, don’t I?”
He laughed. “Yes, actually.”
“Good. Here is what happened,” and she told him the entire event.
Her story was definitely different than the rumors being spread. However, the end result was still the same. Edmund was officially out of the game, and Allana was free to pursue.
Lucas laughed, shaking his head. “Well then, that made my job easier. It’s almost disappointing.”
“Easier? What do you mean?” Allana asked curiously.
Lucas shook his head. “Perhaps later I will elaborate, but for now, I wish to hear all about you. It’s been a very long time since I last saw you.”
“It has at that. But will you not tell me about London first. What was it like? What did you do there?” she asked with excitement.
Lucas smiled. He would have to take her there someday. Until then, he would tell her all she wished to know.
They talked without pause through the ride to Tananguard. They laughed and teased, and Lucas noticed more than once Allana’s hand reaching out and playfully tapping his knee as she laughed at something he had said. It was so natural to be with her. He’d never felt such a thing with any other woman. But this was Allana. She understood him. Even as a child she understood him. There was no need for pretense with her. There was no need to be someone he was not. He found her company quite refreshing…and her mannerism quite captivating.
Finally, as they were nearing Tananguard, a lull settled over the two. They simply stared at each other for a moment. She batted her eyes gently and looked away. Lucas’s heart ached to hold her in his arms and kiss her. She was beautiful. When did this happen? What had caused it?
“When did you stop wearing Connor’s trousers?” Lucas simply asked.
Allana’s eyes widened in surprise and her cheeks reddened.
Lucas shook his head. “I must admit, I never thought I would see the day when Little Lana wore a dress.”
She laughed uneasily, but answered his question still. “I was fourteen, and I simply decided it was time I grew up.”
“I see. No reason in particular?” he asked. Carmon’s assumption was on his mind. Had Allana changed for him? Had she finally realized she needed to change in order to catch his attention? If so, it had definitely worked.
Allana laughed again, but Lucas could hear the tension behind it. She was uncomfortable. Curious.
“Well, I suppose I simply realized no man would ever want a woman in trousers…or a woman with such refined manners as I had.” She shook her head at the thought. “I knew I didn’t want to become an old maid. So I asked Lilly to help me change my ways.” She shrugged her shoulders.
Even her shrug was dainty. Allana truly was quite elegant. Where had that awkward youth gone? He shook the thought off.
“I am certain you would have caught some man’s eye. You are quite stunning,” he admitted. Even in trousers this woman would be beautiful, but would she have the poise and elegance she’d gained over the past four years had she not decided to make the change? Lucas doubted it. And he doubted he would want her if she lacked any of the elegance she had right then.
* * *
Allana could feel her cheeks redden. The man was full of flattery tonight. Did he truly mean it? Why wouldn’t he?
“Thank you, Lucas, but I doubt I would have caught the…er…caught a respectable gentleman.” Allana had almost given Lucas too much information. She was about to say she wouldn’t have caught the man she wanted, but Lucas could assume far too much with that comment. Besides, it wasn’t necessarily Lucas who came to mind.
“We’ll never know, now, will we?” he asked. “So why are you not spoken for? Edmund was obviously a mistake, but surely there have been other suitors.”
Goodness, this man did not dither, did he? “Why are you not wed?” she asked in return. She was actually quite curious to know the answer to that one.
He smiled at her, his eyes twinkling in amusement. “I haven’t met the right woman. Now your turn.”
“I haven’t met the right man,” she answered. She smiled smugly.
He laughed. “Truly? Or are you waiting for someone?”
It was her turn to laugh. Yes, it was a bit forced considering his question and how accurate it was, but it was still a laugh. “And who would I be waiting for?”
“Why, me of course.” He leaned forward and grasped her hand. “You do still want me, don’t you, Allana?” he asked, but there was too much knowledge in those eyes.
He knew! But how…how could he know she’d rejected suitor after suitor because of him? She knew her cheeks were red, betraying her, but she did her best to brush aside his comment. “Want you? Why Lucas, what is a lady to say to such a question?” She batted her eyelashes delicately, glancing down as shyly as she could perform.
“The truth. We’ve known each other far too long for there to be games.”
“The truth? And what would the truth be?” she asked carefully.
“You still wish my hand in marriage,” he stated. He grinned playfully at her.
She stared at him as his words sank in. Hand in marriage? Oh no. He was recalling that horrible moment she’d proposed to him. She shook her head in embarrassment as she laughed. “You are a terrible tease. But to answer your question, no, I do not. However, if you choose to court me and ask for my hand in the future, I might accept.”
“Well then. Allana Tananguard, I wish to court you. Do you accept?” he asked.
She stared at him, looking for that teasing light in his eyes or anything that might indicate he was playing with her. He looked far too genuine. “Are you serious?” she asked in doubt.
“Quite.”
“Really?”
“Are you truly surprised?” he asked.
“I am, actually. I thought it would take more convincing,” she said truthfully.
“Ah-ha! So you have been waiting for me.” He gleamed in triumph, smiling broadly.
Allana’s eyes widened in horror. He was goading her! She’d fallen right into his trap. He didn’t truly want to court her. He was just trying to discover if she was still infatuated with him.
“How could I have fallen for that…,” she trailed off, shaking her head. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat. Color stained her cheeks red, causing her to look down at her lap and brush at an invisible wrinkle. She tried to recover from the humiliation this caused. She tried to smile, but it would not come. She tried to think of something clever and tease him in turn, but her quick tongue failed her at that moment. Where was Tananguard Manor when she needed it? Surely they were almost there.
He leaned toward her and touched her cheek, forcing her to look at him. “Allana, I see doubt in your eyes. I was quite serious when I said I wanted to court you. Will you permit me, or are you too upset with me for discovering your secret?”
“I am upset. Must you always try to embarrass me?” she asked.
He smiled. “You are beautiful when you blush. What better way to make you do so than to tease? Permit me to court you,” he repeated. “If you do not, I will force it upon you.”
“Force it upon me? Honestly Lucas, sto
p teasing.”
“I’m not. Should I show up on your doorstep each day to prove I truly wish to court you?”
“Yes,” she laughed. “After duping me twice within moments of each other, that will be the only way to convince me.”
“Then it shall be done. Each day, or as often as I can, I shall be by to court you and woo you with gifts and beautiful words,” he said dramatically.
She laughed again. “I suppose we shall see, won’t we.”
The carriage stopped, and the door opened. “Tananguard Manor, my Lord,” the footman said.
“Damnation. It appears we are here.” Lucas looked disappointed. Perhaps he was more serious about wanting to court her than Allana realized.
He climbed out of the carriage, offering his hand to her. She took it and allowed him to help her out. He escorted her up the grand stairway and to the front doors.
“Well, Allana. I have had an enjoyable evening.”
“As have I. Thank you,” she replied. She sighed. She had to ask him. “Lucas.”
“Yes.”
“Will I really see you again?” she asked skeptically.
He laughed quietly. “Yes, Allana, if you will permit me.”
She rolled her eyes. “Of course I will. You already know I want you to court me, but I simply cannot tell if you are serious.”
“Allana, I am serious. You will see me again tomorrow. That I promise,” he said.
Allana nodded in acceptance. She truly didn’t know what to think. Should she believe him? Should she look at everything he said to her in the future with doubt? No, she was not capable. She would enjoy his company while she could, and simply hope time would sort out the truth.
* * *
Lucas stood outside Tananguard Manor in wonder. He had bid Allana an innocent goodnight. The entire night had been innocent, yet he could already feel something different with her. His heart actually ached at having to watch her disappear inside the manor. He was never one to become emotionally attached to his trophies. But hadn’t he already decided Allana would be different? That did not mean he wanted to fall in love with her. Love was erratic. He’d seen it wreck too many lives, and he would not allow it to ruin his as well.
Chapter 5
Connor Tananguard approached Tananguard Manor with unease. It had been six years since he’d been home, and he’d hardly written in his absence. Like Lucas, he too was unsure he was ready to be home. He would still be in London working if Lucas’s father hadn’t been so ill and on the verge of dying. Connor received word from his own father a week ago that Lord Hoffman was expected to pass any day now, which was why he chose to finally come home. He needed to be there for his friend, for Lucas would have been there for him. Lucas would have come back with Connor two months ago if their roles had been reversed. However, Connor had devised several good reasons why he needed to stay in London, keeping him from returning with Lucas. He should have come home then, but his heart would not let him. He loved London, and Tananguard seemed so drab compared to it. Besides, he knew Allana would be furious with him for being away for so long, and he hadn’t been prepared to face her. He still wasn’t ready to face her, but he could not stay away forever. Thus, still feeling uneasy and reluctant to be home, Connor walked sullenly to the front doors of Tananguard Manor and pushed them open.
It was all as he remembered: large, elaborate, and surprisingly warm. The entrance hall opened into a grand, open room whose ceiling rose to the height of the manor. The walls were adorned with paintings and intricate wall hangings. The familiar chandelier hung directly from the middle of the ceiling, shedding welcoming light to visitors and displaying the artwork decorating the walls. A large gold-framed mirror ornamented the center of the left wall just before the manor’s entrance. The floor was adorned with a stylish deep red rug with gold trim that had matching runners flowing up the stairs and down all the hallways in the manor. Near the back of the room stood a magnificent, wide staircase which ascended fifteen steps and parted ways on the middle landing. One side of the staircase led up to the east wing and the other side led up to the west wing and his old bedchambers. Connor’s eyes swept past the stairs as he examined the area in nostalgia, but his eyes quickly turned back as he noticed movement floating down them.
A beautiful, young woman was gracefully gliding down the stairs from the east wing toward the middle landing. Who…? Connor’s jaw dropped open in shock. “Allana?” he whispered. It was barely audible, but apparently she’d heard him. She paused on the middle landing, startled to see someone standing by the front doors.
Recognition set in, and her startled expression changed to one of delight. “Connor!” she cried.
His mouth still hung open in shock as he stared at the beautiful, young lady he knew must be his sister. She was tall and elegant. Her skin was flawless against her slender, lovely face. She had soft full lips, a natural blush to her cheeks, and the most stunning big, green eyes with long, dark lashes. The lovely blue dress she was wearing accentuated her features and flowed down her curvy, soft body. Connor was fairly certain he did not like what he was seeing. What had happened to the innocent tomboy who used to be his baby sister? And when had she acquired such curves? It was just wrong to see them on his sister, and a sister who was now eligible for marriage. That thought alarmed him even more. Why had he been gone for so long? He should have been here, monitoring who was allowed to court Little Lana!
* * *
Allana descended the stairs with grace and speed, throwing herself at Connor once reaching him. She began sobbing. He was eight years her senior, yet somehow he had always been her best friend and idol in every way. As a young girl, she wanted to be just like him and had tried to do everything akin to her brother, including dressing like him, speaking like him, and acting like him. She followed him and Lucas everywhere, doting on Connor’s every move.
Then he left her for London. She was crushed. He’d left her alone with only her father and her new step-mother to care for her, a woman Allana refused to be near. At the age of ten Allana thought Lilly was snobbish and conceited and only interested in teaching her the proper ways to be a lady. It wasn’t until later that Allana realized Lilly was anything but these things. She’d only wanted Allana’s happiness and had never tried to force her to be anything but what she wanted to be. However, to a young girl who wanted to run free, climb trees, and ride horses like the men, Lilly was the enemy. Lilly was a woman, and all the women Allana knew wanted her to change. Allana refused. She would not be cooped up inside, and being a proper lady meant that would happen. She would also be expected to act properly, stay clean, and wear dresses—all of the things Allana detested then.
Connor had left Allana to that. She almost hated her brother for it. Yet the love she held for him was too powerful. Eventually, she forgave him. And now he was finally home.
Joy followed by anger filled her being. She pushed herself away from him and slapped him across the face. “Where have you been?” she cried, looking at him angrily through her tears.
“Was that necessary?” Connor asked, rubbing his cheek.
“Yes, it was. Your last visit was six years ago, Connor. How could you stay away so long?” she asked heatedly.
“And to think I was hoping you would be so excited to see me you would forget how much time had passed,” Connor said sarcastically.
“Very funny, Connor,” Allana said, staring darkly at her brother and crossing her arms dangerously. She wanted to pretend she wasn’t angry at his absence, but she was furious. Furious he hadn’t bothered coming home a few more times than once in eight years! It hurt her. “And you hardly wrote at all. You promised!” She jabbed him hard in the shoulder.
“Ouch.”
“Ooh. I should be happy you’re home, but I’m furious,” she cried. He stood in silence watching her as if not knowing what to say. “Well? What do you have to say for yourself?”
“Have I told you how wonderful you look?” he tried, receiving another sharp
jab to the shoulder. “Stop that,” he growled. “It hurt when you were ten, and it still hurts this day.”
“You cannot change the subject. I demand answers.” She glared darkly, waiting for some response, and then her countenance changed to one of desperation. She looked pleadingly at him. “I just have to know, Connor. Was it because of me? Because of the way I used to be? Is that why you stayed away?” she asked quietly.
* * *
Connor stared at his sister, astounded by her sudden change. Where had it come from? “What? No, of course not. Where would you get an idea like that?” He placed his hands on her shoulders gently and looked into her innocent eyes. The ten-year-old girl he’d left eight years ago stared sadly back at him. “It had nothing to do with you. You were the only reason for me to stay.”
“Then why?” she cried.
He sighed, releasing his hands from her shoulders in order to run one through his curly, unmanageable hair. “Because I wasn’t ready to face my responsibilities as the eldest son—well, only son. If I came home, I would have been expected to stay home and learn my place as Father’s heir. Personally, Allana, you would be much better suited for it than I, but we both know that’s not possible. And since it’s not, I couldn’t bring myself to come home and give up my freedom.”
“Your freedom?” Allana questioned.
Connor laughed lightly. “What? Father does not control everything you do?”
“No,” came her innocent response.
“Well, he did me, but mainly, I think he did it to ensure you would always be looked after. He was concerned if anything ever happened to him, we would be left helpless. In order to prevent that, he started shaping my future the moment Mother died. I left to get away from his control, and while I was away, I found I had potential outside of Father’s home. I honestly did not plan on being away for so long, but the freedom and the pleasure I felt while in London were too hard to give up so easily. I got involved in politics. I made good investments, and I learned so much more there than I ever would have staying here. And in the end, when it really came down to it, I was afraid to leave. I was afraid of getting stuck here and losing who I was. And that is the whole of it,” he finished. Shame filled his being. He was so selfish.
The Lady and the Earl Page 4