Allana twisted mid-air, trying to find a better landing spot than her back. But the ground was coming at her fast. She was going to land mostly on her left side. She tried to brace herself for the impact by reaching out with her left arm. Her elbow was not locked. Had it been, it probably would have hyper-extended and broken with the force of the impact. Instead, her left wrist took the brunt of the fall before painfully giving way. Her body then rolled the rest of the way to her stomach as it slammed into the lake of mud. Cold, wet mud splashed up into her face and hair and seeped through her clothes.
“Oh!” she exclaimed as she lay there, trying to gather her senses. Slowly, she picked herself up out of the mud. She looked down at her clothes as she shook her arms to try to fling some of the mud from her. Her left wrist throbbed slightly from the movement, but it didn’t feel as badly as she thought it might. Her mud-covered clothes clung to her slender frame. She stood as though trying to keep the cold from touching her body, but not succeeding. Anger filled her being as she looked up to see Cherry dancing near the edge of the lake of mud.
“Cherry, you…,” a stream of foul curses followed, curses sailors used, not the curses of a well bred lady…if there even were such curses. “Get back here!” Allana shouted. The horse stared, amusement seemingly upon her face. “Damn you, Cherry, come!” Allana was furious. She was covered in mud. It was dripping from her clothes, her hair, and her arms. She could even feel it drying on her face. And she injured her wrist to add to it. That good for nothing—
“My Lady, are you injured? Do you need help?” a male voice asked from behind.
Allana froze. She recognized the voice. It may have been four years since she’d last heard it, but she recognized that voice. Unwillingly, she turned to find the Earl of Westbrook staring at her, looking as dashing as she remembered. She flushed crimson, but luckily the mud covering her face hid it. Or was that so lucky?
“Of course you need help.” He jumped from his horse down into the mud and trudged over to her.
Allana watched in awe as his tall, strong form made its way over to her. He was clean-shaven this time and still sporting the long sideburns she remembered from her first encounter with him. His hair was slightly long, with dark waves through it. And his beautiful blue eyes were looking at her with concern this time instead of anger as he came toward her. He was stunning! She wanted to turn and run, but the tall hunting boots he wore made it too easy for him to make his way through the mud and to her side.
This cannot be happening! Allana thought in horror. I am officially meeting my Earl, and I’m covered in mud. She wanted to laugh at the irony of it. It wouldn’t have been a normal laugh, but a laugh of a woman near hysterics.
“Here, take my arm,” he ordered her.
“No, I am able,” Allana blurted out. She tried to take a step away from him and toward the edge of the mud and slipped. She felt strong arms catch her, preventing her from going down.
“Hold on. I have you,” he said as he steadied her.
His touch was warm on her cold, muddied body. Butterflies filled her stomach and her heart gave a leap. How can I be feeling this during such a humiliating moment? she wondered.
He guided her to the edge of the mud and to a laughing Cherry. Allana glared sourly at the horse. Blasted beast. This was her fault.
“There you are,” the Earl said as he helped Allana out of the mud.
“Thank you,” Allana said awkwardly as she tried to clean mud from her face, hands, hair, and dress all at the same time. She was a mess, and once again standing in front of the Earl looking like she’d just crawled out of a pigsty. At least this time he hadn’t called her a boy.
“Here,” he said as he pulled a white handkerchief from his pocket and began cleaning her face.
“Please don’t. You will soil your handkerchief,” Allana protested as she brushed his hand aside.
“Stop fussing, and allow me help you. It is the least I can do,” he said as he wiped her face clean.
She felt like a fool and a child with the way he was cleaning her, but she didn’t resist further.
“Now let me look at you to make sure you are unharmed.”
“I am well, truly,” Allana said, ignoring the throbbing in her wrist. Again she brushed aside his welcoming touch. She took a step backward toward Cherry.
“Are you certain?” he asked with concern. “That was quite the tumble you took.”
“You…you saw it?” Allana croaked, feelings of embarrassment surfacing all over again.
He nodded, the concern still on his face.
Oh no! she groaned within. If he’d seen the fall, he would have heard all the nasty things she’d called Cherry. He most likely thought she was some ill-bred bar maid. She pushed aside her embarrassment, determined now to get as far from him as possible to prevent any further humiliation. “Well, I am fine. I’m not hurt. I’m fine,” she said curtly.
He studied her uncertainly. “I don’t know. If you were injured, it would be very poor of me to allow you to go home without help. Perhaps I should escort you.”
“No!” she yelped. “I mean, no. I’m perfectly capable…I…you needn’t worry…I…,” she sighed. He looked as if he was trying to hide a smile. She must sound like a fool. “Thank you for your concern, but I really am injured—I mean, uninjured,” she finally finished, the heat in her cheeks flaring yet again.
His eyebrows rose, and he shrugged his shoulders. “Very well, it was a pleasure to assist you,” he said politely.
“Thank you for your assistance,” she replied, blushing yet again. Could she not think of something cleverer to say? This was turning into a terrible day. The best thing for her to do was to stop gawking at the man and simply leave. So without saying anything further, she curtsied to him and reached for Cherry. It was awkward because she should have reached with her left hand. Instead, she turned a half circle just so she could grasp the reigns with her right. The horse backed away from her, turned, and sprinted away into the distance toward home. Allana watched in despair as her ride disappeared from sight. Now what?
“It looks as if you are out a mount,” said an amused voice from behind her.
Allana looked up at the sky desperately. Why was this happening to her? She would never be able to face the Earl again after this day. Not that she’d ever been able to in the past, but now things were worse.
“Can I offer you a ride?”
“No, I can walk. I mean…I enjoy walking. I prefer it in fact,” she said stubbornly with her back still to him. She couldn’t let him take her home. Then he would find out who she was…and…and…Oh, what did it matter anymore? All dignity was already lost. Who cares if he learns who I am? Perhaps it would be better if he knew, she thought.
“You’re going to walk home?” he asked her skeptically.
“Yes,” she stated, still not looking at him. If he knew who she was, then she could put him behind her once and for all!
He laughed in disbelief. “If I’m not mistaken, that was Lilly Tananguard’s horse. Correct?” he asked casually.
Allana turned sharply and stared at him in surprise. He knew that much? That would mean he…he…wait. Hadn’t she just decided it didn’t matter if he found out who she was? “Yes, it was,” she replied.
“That is quite a distance to walk from here. Do you not agree?”
“It isn’t that far,” Allana argued.
He raised his eyebrows at her. “Not far?”
“Well, it’s a good distance, but I am capable.”
“Yes, you’ve said that once already today. Then your horse ran away.” She glared at him, but he ignored it. “Right, I can tell you don’t want me around at the moment. You are surely embarrassed from this incident, but a gentleman does not leave a lady stranded. Permit me to give you a ride. In fact, I insist upon it.” He turned toward his steed and whistled. The grand, black horse came without hesitation.
“But I…er…do not even know you. How do I know I can trust you?” Th
e words slipped from her mouth before she could stop them. She was trying to stall, to find a way out of this situation without having to ride with him.
“Ah, I see.” He smiled, and his gorgeous eyes danced in delight. He winked at her almost deviously, causing her heart to skip a beat.
He was too handsome for his own good! Perhaps she should be looking for a way to turn this into a beneficial encounter. It could be pleasant riding with him. Then again, she was covered in mud, and how could that be beneficial or pleasant?
“Fortunately for you, I am not a criminal or any type of highway man. I am Declan Cunningham. I’m the Earl of this land you find yourself on.” He bowed politely to her.
“An earl?” she asked in bewilderment. “I had no idea,” she lied. “Please forgive me, my Lord.” She curtsied to him. “I shan’t bother you further. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a long walk ahead of me.”
“Stubborn girl. I am giving you a ride,” he stated forcefully.
“But I’m covered in mud!” she exclaimed. Please, just go, she thought desperately. If he gave her a ride home, she would be forced to talk to him. She didn’t think she could muster anything to say just then. All she could think about was this horribly humiliating mud covering her body and that horrendous kick she gave him four years ago. If she spent too much time with him, would he connect her to that kick?
He laughed. “I do not care. Now come here, and allow me to help you mount,” he demanded.
She sighed in defeat before going to him.
“That’s better,” he said.
Allana stared up at the saddle, cradling her wrist. Could she use it? Did she have a choice? She reached up and clasped the saddle with both hands. That didn’t feel too bad. Lord Cunningham lifted her up, forcing her to put pressure on the injured wrist. It held for a brief moment before she felt something pop. Terrible pain shot up her arm from her wrist. Allana exhaled a sharp moan and collapsed down to her elbow.
“What happened?” he asked, pulling her down to look at her.
She held her wrist close to her body, breathing raggedly. Sharp, jagged pain pulsed through it. By using it, she had injured it worse.
He shook his head. “You are injured.”
“It’s nothing,” Allana said through gritted teeth. It actually hurt quite badly, so badly tears were beginning to form. This was terrible!
“Nothing? If it’s nothing, you will permit me to look at it,” he demanded.
She swallowed back the lump in her throat. “I…,” she began, but could not finish. Her wrist throbbed in pain, and the tears were trying to force their way out.
“My Lady,” he began.
“Allana,” she said quietly. The tears began to fall. She swallowed again, trying to gain some control of herself. “My name is Allana…and I knew who you were. I was…trying to stall.” She began to really cry. “It hurts badly.” Well, pain and tears were one way to get past her pride.
He looked at her in alarm. “You should have told me. I would have hoisted you abroad Colonel. You shouldn’t have used it.”
“I,” she hiccupped, “didn’t think it was this bad.” Normally, she wouldn’t cry over pain such as this, but it had been a trying week and an unusual day. “I’m sorry.” She was sobbing now. She was going to hate herself later for it.
“Shhhh. All will be well.” He looked as if he would pull her in and comfort her in a warm embrace. Instead, he cupped her face gently between his hands. “I will get you to Tananguard. And we will see to your comfort.” He smiled warmly.
Allana nodded. “Thank you,” she hiccupped.
“You are welcome.” His thumb brushed aside a tear, and then the strangest thing happened. The Earl of Westbrook dipped down and brushed her lips lightly with his. Instantly, she stopped crying. He pulled back quite suddenly. He looked as shocked as Allana felt.
“Forgive me!” he said in alarm. “I don’t know what overcame me to do such a thing!”
He seemed quite upset by the kiss as if he wished he could reclaim it somehow. Allana couldn’t blame him. She must look dastardly, and she had behaved quite wretchedly with all of her crying. She needed to relieve him of his worry.
“The tears have stopped. Surely that was your purpose.” And perhaps it had been, but she would relish that kiss. It may be the only one she would ever receive from this man.
His eyes widened in surprise at her comment. “No, you cannot let it go so easily. It was far too forward and uncalled for. Please, my Lady. I beg of you, forgive me,” he pleaded.
Allana inhaled. He was too handsome. “Of course you are forgiven. Truly, it was nothing.” To brush aside such a cherished thing was painful. She gave him a half-hearted smile and received a smile in return that melted her heart.
“You are too kind. Thank you, Allana.”
“You’re welcome,” she managed to say. He’d said her name! And the sound of it on his lips was just as she dreamed it would be—glorious!
“Will you allow me to examine your wrist?” he asked.
Allana didn’t resist. She held out her now swollen wrist to Lord Cunningham. She did her best not to flinch in pain every time he moved it, but when he flexed it slowly and gently, she could not help herself. She made some odd noise of pain she tried to conceal but failed.
He looked at her in sympathy. “I’m sorry. I don’t believe it is broken, but it is severely injured. We need to get you to Tananguard to rest it.”
Allana nodded.
“May I have your permission to place my hands about your waist that I might hoist you abroad Colonel?” he asked.
“Yes.”
He nodded and placed his hands on her waist. “If you need to brace yourself as I lift you, only do so with your right hand. You may place it on my shoulder now if you wish.”
Could she deny herself the pleasure of doing as he said? Of course not. She placed her right hand atop his shoulder, relishing the feel of its strength as she braced herself. He lifted her with ease. She didn’t even have to jump to assist him. She almost didn’t need to brace herself with how easily he lifted her.
Lord Cunningham stared up at her for a moment. She was sitting side-saddle and could not bring herself to look away. He seemed as if he were contemplating something, and the moment spread into what seemed like an eternity.
“My Lord, is there something the matter?” she asked.
“You have very lovely eyes.”
Allana was certain her jaw dropped. Was she in so much pain she was imagining things? Had he truly just complimented her eyes? This was almost as shocking as the kiss. All she could do was gape at him.
He smiled up at her. “I see I’ve embarrassed you. Has no one ever told you such?”
“No, never,” she admitted. Of all of her features she thought her eyes were her best, yet no one aside from Lilly had ever told her so. “Thank you.”
“You are welcome.” He climbed up behind her before adding, “And it’s Declan.”
“Hmm?” she asked.
“My name. It’s Declan, not my Lord. I was never one for formalities,” he replied.
She nodded in understanding. Declan, she thought and smiled. And he was not one for formalities? Interesting. Perhaps she was not as far from his association as she had always imagined.
The beginning of the ride was quite uncomfortable. The saddle was not meant for two, and Allana was side-saddle, taking up far more space than she would have otherwise. She tried to scoot as high up on the saddle as she could without straddling the saddle horn, but doing so put her at an angle. She kept sliding back down or leaning so far backward she was leaning into Declan. He even tried his best to sit behind the saddle, but that was unsuccessful as well. Finally, he simply pulled himself into the saddle and slid her right up next to him so she was practically on his lap!
“It is the most convenient and comfortable way,” Declan explained. “You may relax against me. Contrary to earlier behavior, I will be a complete gentleman.”
Allan
a laughed and found him laughing with her. She wished more than anything for this to be more than what it was. She wished he was hers and that she could ride like this with him whenever she liked. She wished he would take her in his arms and kiss her again. And then she would remember the events of the day. She was covered in dried mud. She’d made a fool of herself around him. It would never be as she wished. Thus, she did as he said and relaxed into him, enjoying the moment while she could.
“How is your wrist?” he asked casually.
“It hurts more than I care to admit,” Allana replied.
“It is unfortunate I have nothing to make a sling for it,” he said.
“There were things in Cherry’s saddlebag, but she is probably home by now.” Allana sighed in defeat at the thought. “They’re probably out looking for me as we speak. I do not relish the idea of facing Connor after this.” She thought she felt Lord Cunningham stiffen behind her.
“Why is that?” he asked.
“I was careless. You witnessed the rest,” Allana said with a shrug.
“Yes I did. Were I him, I would insist on accompanying you from this day forward.”
Allana groaned. “He most likely will. I can feel my freedom slipping away as we speak.”
Declan actually laughed. “He gives you far too much if he allows you to ride alone as it is.”
“Oh?”
“Had I not been about, you could be stranded right now. Not only that, but you were very lucky you were not injured more than your wrist. What would have happened if you were? What would have happened if I was not the one to find you? There are dangerous people about these days,” he said.
“Now you’re beginning to sound just like him. I’ve heard these arguments many times,” Allana laughed.
“And yet you resist? Why? Surely it would be more pleasant riding with Connor than without,” Declan inquired.
“It is pleasant riding with him, but he’s a very busy person these days. He isn’t always able to go. Besides, a lady needs time to herself once in a while. Riding gives me that,” Allana explained.
“I see. So I’ve interrupted your privacy.”
The Lady and the Earl Page 10