The Lady and the Earl

by Clark, Diedre

  “Thank you,” Tananguard answered.

  Why would Burning direct that comment to Marcus? The thought slipped through Declan’s mind without merit. All he could focus on was Allana. She hadn’t seen him yet, which meant he could observe her without notice. The two ladies were immersed in conversation, holding each other’s undivided attention. The Davenhue girl—Declan was certain her name was Carmon—said something that made Allana smile in delight. She was so lovely it hurt. Declan cursed Connor for already claiming her.

  “Good morning to you, my dears,” Lord Burning said.

  “Good morning, Lord Burning. I trust you are well?” Allana asked. Miss Davenhue simply nodded to Lord Burning.

  “I am, thank you,” Burning replied.

  “I’m pleased to hear so.”

  Declan smiled. She was charming as well as spirited and stubborn.

  “Lana, you finally decided to join us this morning,” Connor said with a wink.

  “Yes, were you waiting long?” she asked innocently.

  “No. I don’t even think you are the last one here. I simply thought you would be right behind me. I even had Lancelot prepared for you. It seems you weren’t as ready as you’d appeared when I left the house. The extra time was well spent. You look lovely this morning.”

  “Flatterer.” Allana shook her head, flashing Connor a pleasant smile. “You simply say such things because you have to.”

  “No, I must agree. You look quite stunning,” Declan affirmed without thought. He should have kept his mouth shut. Why hadn’t he kept his mouth shut?

  Allana glanced around to find him, uncertain where the comment had come from. When her eyes fell upon him, she graced him with the loveliest smile yet. It wasn’t like the one she’d given Connor. It was shy and inviting. Declan groaned within. Why?

  “Thank you,” she replied, blushing slightly.

  “It’s only the truth.” There was other conversation going on around them, but for the moment it seemed only he and Allana existed. This was not going as planned. Declan had been preparing for this encounter all week, telling himself he would be indifferent. He couldn’t change her fate, and he would not try to. But seeing her again and having her smile at him that way was causing many doubts within. He wanted her. He wanted to feel her lips on his again but under more familiar circumstances. But it was not possible, and it would not happen.

  “Cunningham,” Lord Tananguard said, interrupting Declan’s thoughts. “I never got a chance to thank you for rescuing my daughter.”

  “Daughter?” Declan asked. Tananguard had a daughter?

  “Yes, Allana told us of how chivalrous you were when Cherry stranded her last week,” Tananguard replied.

  “She’s your daughter?” Declan choked in surprise this time. He looked at her, and suddenly his eyes were opened. Connor had not been a concerned beau but a concerned brother. So much made sense by this news. The odd ruffling of her hair, the insistent examination of her wrist without her permission, and the way she reacted to him. Allana hadn’t wanted her over-protective brother learning of her fall, not her intended.

  Lord Tananguard nodded in pride. “Yes, my own flesh and blood. Hard to believe isn’t it?”

  “And hard to believe she is still unattached,” Connor said under his breath.

  “It is indeed,” Declan answered Lord Tananguard. Of course, his answer applied to Connor’s quiet comment as well, a comment Declan was certain was said for his ears alone. Allana was free to pursue if he desired it. Wasn’t that what he wanted? Uncertainty clouded his thoughts. It was one thing to want her when he knew he could not have her. It was another to want her and know he could possibly win her, and that terrified him. What would come if he tried to pursue this woman? Was she truly as honest in her character as she seemed?

  Tananguard smiled. “But again, thank you for getting her to us safely.”

  “Of course. It was my pleasure,” Declan answered.

  Tananguard nodded then turned his attention to the entire group. “Who else are we waiting for? Is Lord Stephens here yet? Ah, there you are, John. Well then, are the dogs ready?”

  “Yes, they are, my Lord” Dalon McGlen, the Tananguard’s gamekeeper, replied. The man had the dogs in hand, ready to move on his Lord’s command.

  “What are we waiting for? Lead on, Dalon,” Lord Tananguard commanded.

  The old gamekeeper led the men with the leashed hounds toward the woods. Most of the men rode together in a large pack, leaving the ladies to bring up the rear. Declan glanced back to see Edmund fall behind to accompany his soon-to-be bride and Allana. The three of them laughed at something Edmund said. Declan watched. Then he cursed beneath his breath and turned his horse around to join them.

  * * *

  Allana smiled at her friends. This was the way it should be, Edmund and Carmon together at last. They were to be wed soon, and Carmon had never looked happier. The three of them had certainly fooled the district. No one was the wiser as to how long Edmund and Carmon had truly been courting, and thus, their short courtship and engagement was acceptable. Everyone thought the rumors Allana had started the night of the Christmas party were true. They thought Edmund had indeed been courting shy Carmon the entire time, not Allana. Allana was simply so bold in her relationship with the two, it had been assumed she was the one he was courting instead. Allana had smeared her own name slightly with the rumor, but both Carmon’s and Edmund’s happiness needed it.

  “It’s just two weeks until the wedding, is it not?” Allana asked.

  Carmon beamed. “Actually less. It’s in ten days. You should know that.”

  “Yes, I should. The time seems to be moving so quickly. That is all,” Allana said.

  “I would say it’s moving too slowly,” Edmund said with a laugh. Allana and Carmon laughed with him.

  The three chatted casually, but before long, Allana found herself falling behind to ride alone. Her heart hurt being so close to real love, and her friends radiated that love painfully.

  “Miss Allana,” a deep voice said.

  She glanced up and found Lord Cunningham watching her. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. Her mind searched for something to say. “Shouldn’t you be up with the other hunters? You will fall behind when they release the hounds if you’re back here.”

  He smiled. “It is possible, but I needed to know how you were faring. How is your wrist?”

  “It’s healing wonderfully. Thank you,” she answered.

  “I’m pleased to hear it. I feel I should have come by to check on you.”

  “You had other duties to attend. You said so yourself,” she reminded him.

  “Ah, yes. I still should have come, though, and I apologize I did not.”

  “Thank you. Your concern is—”

  The dogs started barking and howling furiously, cutting her short.

  “Cunningham! They’re releasing the hounds. If you linger, you will miss the action,” Edmund called from over his shoulder.

  Allana glanced up just in time to see Edmund lean in toward Carmon and brush her lips with his before urging his horse toward the other hunters. Allana blushed furiously, embarrassed to have witnessed such a private moment. Cunningham had seen the kiss as well, but seemed unconcerned with it. He looked at Allana briefly.

  “Allana, I—”

  “Cunningham, are you coming?” someone else called from up ahead.

  He sighed and shook his head. “I will return,” he said as his horse danced excitedly to the side. He nodded to her before spurring his horse to a run.

  I will return? Allana asked herself. What did it mean? Would he make a special effort to come visit with her? She’d simply assumed she would be observing him from a distance and nothing more. Did he truly wish to speak further with her? Allana’s heart beat furiously and butterflies danced in her stomach. Gather your senses, Allana. It could mean anything.

  Declan wasn’t the only one to spur his horse to a run. All the men had spurred their horses
as well, each one trying to get the first kill of the day. Declan caught up to the others easily though.

  Allana and Carmon, as well as the other women who had come, followed close behind, watching the excitement from a short distance. Adrenalin was in the blood, sparking that competitive edge within each man. They raced ahead, driven by the need to get the first shot off. Some, like her father, showed their enthusiasm on their faces while others, like Declan, looked calm and composed. Allana knew Connor was measuring up the competition, trying to find each man’s weakness. It was what he always did, usually enabling him to get the first kill. But it was Declan who brought down the first fox today, outmaneuvering the other hunters.

  A break was called for afterward. Most wanted to get a good look at Declan’s kill, which meant long discussions and comparisons of kills and scenarios from previous hunts. Thus, like many of the others in attendance, Allana and Carmon had dismounted, using the time to stretch their legs and rest for the moment.

  Allana studied Declan curiously. He laughed and smiled with the other lords as they congratulated him on his skill. He was confident, but not cocky or conceited, and he was genuine. It baffled her. Lucas was confident, cocky, and conceited. He would have laughed if he’d seen her thrown into a pit of mud. Lord Cunningham had been nothing but a concerned gentleman toward her. He—Oh no! He was looking right at her. He’d just caught her staring! She blushed and quickly looked away.

  Carmon giggled next to her. “Allana, I believe you have been keeping secrets from me.”

  Allana’s eyes widened in alarm. “Secrets? Why Carmon, what are you talking about.”

  “The Earl?” Carmon asked.

  Allana shrugged her shoulders in innocence.

  “Very well, then. How is this? It seems someone has caught the eye of the Earl,” Carmon teased. There was an excited light in her eyes.

  “No. I told you last night how he helped me last week,” Allana argued. “He’s simply concerned for my welfare.”

  “Yet I’ve seen him several times watching you, and you have not taken your eyes off of him since the hunt began. It is very curious, Allana. You’ve ignored the pursuits of several suitors over the year. Is he the reason why?” Carmon asked with a smile.

  Allana knew her cheeks were red, giving her following answer no legitimacy. “No, of course not. I only met him last week.”

  Carmon giggled. “And to think I thought it was Lucas. But it is Lord Cunningham, isn’t it? How long?”

  “How long? How long what?” Allana asked.

  “How long have you been besotted with him?” Carmon asked curiously.

  “Carmon please. I—”

  “Are you enjoying yourselves, ladies?” Cunningham’s voice suddenly asked.

  Allana jumped at the sound, whirling around to face him. “Lord Cunningham!” she blurted. He was not mounted, but his horse was behind him. He must have ridden over and dismounted before engaging the two women. Had he heard any of their conversation? She prayed he hadn’t. She would be horribly embarrassed if he learned of her obsession with him. “Yes, we are having a marvelous time, thank you. You are quite the horseman and marksman.”

  Declan smiled at her, shaking his head. “I believe I told you last week I prefer to be called Declan. It is just the three of us. I am certain no offense will occur if you use my first name in front of Miss Davenhue.”

  Allana felt her cheeks burn red. They did that frequently around this man. “Yes, you did. One of these times I will remember.”

  He smiled at her and turned his attention to Carmon. “Miss Davenhue, might I have a word alone with Allana?”

  Carmon shot Allana a knowing look. “Yes, of course.” She grinned excitedly before slipping away to find Edmund.

  Allana would have rolled her eyes at her friend if Lord Cunningham was not watching her. Her stomach knotted nervously. What did he wish of her? Could she speak to him without making a fool of herself?

  “Allana, I must confess,” he began. He gave her a half smile. “I did not know who you were when we met last week. I did not realize you were Marcus’s daughter. I didn’t even know he had a daughter until this day.”

  “Oh?” she asked. He didn’t even know of her, not even from hearsay? It almost hurt, yet hadn’t she wanted that? Hadn’t she made it so?

  “Yes, and I thought when you mentioned Connor last week that he was your beau, possibly your intended,” he confessed.

  Allana’s eyes widened in surprise. “My intended?”

  “It was the only conclusion I could draw. But now that I know otherwise, I was wondering if I might see you again after today.”

  “Me? After…truly?” she asked in bewilderment.

  His eyebrows furrowed. “You seem surprised. Why is that?”

  Allana could feel her cheeks burning yet again. “Well, I….” How could she answer this without telling him she never thought he would want her? Perhaps she should just tell him the truth of the matter. She bit her lip. “I suppose you will find out sooner or later. I have a reputation that is not becoming of a lady.” She paused, trying to give him a moment to comment on what she’d said and to observe any odd reaction he might have to this news as well. He simply waited for more, yet that was all she could think of to say.

  “A reputation? What sort of reputation?” he finally asked.

  She shifted uncomfortably. “That I’m too spirited…bold…and even unladylike. So you see, I assumed a nobleman with your title would not wish to associate with a woman who had such a…a background.” She glanced away in embarrassment, unable to look at him any longer. Why did she have to be so honest?

  He chuckled. “I already knew you were spirited, Allana. But bold and unladylike? Surely not.”

  She nodded in shame. “Yes.”

  “How does a lady of your standing gain such a reputation?” he asked curiously.

  “You honestly have never heard of Lord Tananguard’s wayward daughter?” she asked.

  His eyebrows rose. “Wayward? No. As I said before, I never knew he had a daughter until today,” he answered.

  “Of course, you did say that. Well, now you know, and now you know why I was so surprised when you asked to see me again. I will not be offended if you choose to take those words back now.” She was giving him the opportunity to change his mind. She’d told him of her reputation. She was not the typical lady no matter how hard she tried. She would always be the independent woman she was.

  “Take it back?” he asked in surprise. “No. It will take more to discourage me than hearsay.”

  “Oh.” She was baffled. He was still interested, or maybe he was simply curious now.

  “Tell me why you called yourself the wayward daughter. You don’t seem wayward,” he said in puzzlement.

  “I,” she cleared her throat uncomfortably. He wasn’t still interested. He was just curious. “Perhaps you should ask my father, or I’m certain Connor would be quite happy to inform you.”

  “Allana,” he said patiently. “Why force me to go to your father when you can tell me yourself?” he asked. “Surely you would rather defend your honor than send me elsewhere to hear further rumor.”

  “It would not be rumor coming from them,” she argued.

  “But I would rather hear it from your lips. Please.”

  “I…,” she paused. He seemed sincere. Perhaps she should just tell him. If she did, she could judge for herself his reaction to her past. Even with this thought, she still hesitated.

  Allana glanced around, looking for an escape. Dalon was being instructed to order the dogs forward again. This was very good timing. “It seems the others are moving again.”

  “It seems they are.”

  “We should join them,” Allana added.

  “We should,” Declan said, but he did not move.

  “They will leave us behind, you know. My father waits for no one once the hunt begins,” she said.

  “I know, but I think I would rather find out your secret.” He waited, studyi
ng her.

  Allana stared back in surprise. He would rather find out about her ridiculous past than hunt? Unheard of. “Why is this so important to you?”

  He looked at her very seriously. “It bothers me that your name has been slandered, and I wish to know why.”

  She sighed. “The why is because of the way I grew up, and it was my own doing.”

  “That tells me nothing,” he said in exasperation. “Did you injure some lady who felt it necessary your foul deed be publicized and scrutinized?”

  “No.”

  “Then what is it?”

  “I broke Edmund’s nose when I was fourteen,” she blurted.

  His jaw dropped. “You? How?”

  “I punched him for teasing Carmon.”

  He laughed. “That’s ironic. But truly? You did this?”

  She nodded. “I never wore dresses. I wore trousers instead. I climbed trees, fished, and I trained my own horse. I was never afraid to defend myself physically or with colorful words. I was raised by men, and so I acted like a boy until I was nearly fifteen.” There. Now there was no pretense between them. If he still wished to see her again, there would be no surprises for him.

  “And many called you wayward because of this,” he concluded. “And you believe this information would stop me from wishing to know you better.”

  She nodded. “Surely you have a reputation to think on. You are, after all, an earl.”

  He laughed. “An earl who is quite informal and untraditional.”

  Lancelot prodded her shoulder, distracting her for a moment. “Go graze,” she told her horse, shoving his nose away with affection.

  Declan eyed her curiously. “Your horse?” he asked, motioning toward Lancelot.

  “Yes, he is.”

  “You trained him?”

  Allana nodded.

  “Impressive.” He stared at her for a moment, eyes furrowing. A small smile crept upon his face. “You did say trousers, correct?”

  She blushed. “Yes. Quite unladylike.”

  “You dressed this way until you were fifteen?”

  “Fourteen going on fifteen,” she corrected.

  He nodded, studying her again, that smile still evident. He glanced at her horse. Allana felt her heart stop. That was one secret she wanted to keep. Surely he wouldn’t—