“Well, I don’t know about you, but I believe I need a swim. Care to join me?” he suddenly asked.
Allana’s eyes widened in shock. “I don’t think that would be very appropriate, do you?”
“Probably not, but who’s to know?” He gave her a wink and climbed off his steed.
“My Lord.” He opened his mouth as if to correct her. “I mean, Declan. I really don’t think this is a good idea.” Not a good idea? This was ideal, wasn’t it? After all, she could exploit the situation and use her feminine wiles to win his affections. And it might also lead to that desired kiss. She was certain it wouldn’t be a failed attempt this time. But then again, that’s what made it so dangerous. Lucas would take advantage. She was certain if Declan tried to take advantage, she wouldn’t care one wit. She would let him do as he—Shame on you, Allana! she scolded herself before she could finish the thought.
As if reading her mind he said, “Allana, I will stay perfectly modest, as shall you. And I will be a complete gentleman. It will be an entirely innocent activity.”
Innocent activity? Perhaps she would join him then.
“Well?” he asked. He sat on the ground and tugged off his boots and stockings.
She watched him, quite tempted by his invitation. Should she join him? No, it would be scandalous to join him!
“No?” he shrugged his shoulders. “If you’re certain, then I shall have to swim alone.” He un-tucked his shirt and laughed heartily when she gasped from the action. “Don’t worry. I’ll leave it on.” And with those words, he dove into the inlet, emerging only to exclaim with shock, “Oh, that is cold!”
Allana dismounted Lancelot and released him to graze while she sat on the grass and watched Declan swim. She was actually quite disappointed he hadn’t taken off his shirt. She was certain he would be an exquisite sight without it. As it was, though, he was still enticing to watch as he maneuvered his masculine body through the water. She let her mind wander. She wondered what it would be like to be wrapped up next to him. She grew warm as she thought of his gentle touch on her skin. She was going to be his wife, and that scared her to death. Would she be ready for him on her wedding night? Would he wait if she wasn’t? A horrible thought entered her mind. What if he was like Lucas, harboring a mistress while he waited for Allana to be ready—or worse, what if he had a mistress and ignored Allana altogether? Would she have to fight for him? What if he didn’t choose her? She would simply have to lay with him their first night and prove she was the best choice. She flushed crimson from the thought. Why was she even thinking such things? Declan was not like—
“What are you thinking about?” Declan asked. He was standing above her dripping wet, wringing some of the water from his shirt.
Allana jumped at his voice. Where had he come from? “Nothing!” she practically yelped.
He raised an eyebrow at her curiously.
“It’s getting late. We should probably get back.” Without waiting for an answer, she rose quickly and left to go retrieve Lancelot.
* * *
Declan watched her go with a smile. He was certain she’d been blushing when he interrupted her thoughts. What had she been thinking to cause such an interesting reaction? He could only imagine. He sighed. Thus far, there hadn’t been a dull moment in her presence.
The ride back to Tananguard started in silence. Declan considered striking up conversation, but decided he simply wanted to watch Allana instead. Her mind seemed to be elsewhere, making her oblivious to his watchful eyes. He wasn’t one to lust after a woman, but he couldn’t help admiring this one. She was a breath of fresh air compared to the noble women he usually associated with. She didn’t flaunt her beauty, or even seem to care about it. It was just a part of her. She was who she was, and he liked that very much.
“Declan?”
Her voice surprised him. “Yes?”
“May I ask you a question?”
“Of course,” he replied. “Anything.”
She laughed. “You may regret saying that when you hear the question.”
He looked at her curiously. What could she possibly ask that would cause him to regret his response?
“I apologize if my question is too personal, or too bold for that matter. I mean no offense by it, but I feel I have a right to know the answer under the circumstances.” She shifted nervously abroad Lancelot.
Declan’s mind raced. Was she about to ask him about his late wife? He hoped not. That was a topic he’d rather not talk about.
She shook her head, uncertainty lining her features. “Perhaps it’s better left alone,” she said.
Damn it! She’d sparked his curiosity. “No, please, ask your question,” Declan said, nodding encouragingly. Even if the question was regarding his late wife, now he wanted to hear it.
“Very well.” She took a deep breath. “Do you…,” she bit her lip nervously. “That is…oh, I can’t.”
“Allana, please. You have nothing to fear from me. I will not judge you for your question or lie to you,” he added for good measure. He was extremely curious now.
She looked at him with uncertainty.
“Please, ask,” he prodded.
“Very well,” she paused and took another deep breath. “Do you have a mistress?” she asked in a rush.
Relief flooded through him, and he laughed out loud. Did he have a mistress? Where had that come from? It was a shocking question, blunt and open. This woman was full of surprises. Never a dull moment with her! he thought. Tears welled in his eyes as he laughed harder.
Allana blushed furiously. “I shouldn’t have asked. I’m sorry. I….” She shook her head in frustration, and her eyes darted around as though looking for an escape.
He tried to calm down and tell her all was well. “Allana,” he said through his laughter. “I—”
“Please,” she begged as she tugged Lancelot to the side, edging the horse away from him, “forget I asked.”
“But I wish to—”
Allana spurred Lancelot to a gallop that quickly picked up speed. In a matter of seconds, she had the horse to a dead sprint, racing away from Declan.
He watched her go with his mouth still open, trying to finish his sentence. His smile fell from his face as bewilderment filled him. He cursed within then shouted after her, “Allana, wait!” He spurred Colonel and began the chase.
Her skill abroad her horse was magnificent. No wonder she feared Connor learning she’d been thrown. It would have injured her pride. A person who could ride like that was no amateur. She maneuvered unconsciously through the trees, moving fluidly with Lancelot, never hesitating even over the fallen trees in her path. It was quite dangerous, yet she handled it with ease and confidence, as did Lancelot.
Declan followed suit, guiding Colonel through the same dangers Allana faced. If it wasn’t for the frustration he felt, he would find this chase highly enjoyable. Instead he was forced to wonder why she’d run. He hadn’t meant to insult her by laughing. He simply hadn’t been expecting such a daring question. No other lady would have had the audacity to ask such a question. He laughed again. Allana was nothing like the women he knew.
* * *
Allana burned inside from humiliation. What had possessed her to actually ask Declan if he had a mistress? Curiosity? Fear? Fear should have prevented her from asking, but Lucas’s words had been haunting her.
She should have gone about finding the answer in a different way. Surely Connor would have had better luck in finding an answer for her. Perhaps he already knew the answer. Why had she been so tactless and asked the brainless question in the first place? Because she had a right to know! Didn’t she? She would never be able to look Declan in the eyes again, and she would have to. She groaned in misery. She was a fool—too free with her tongue and not thinking before speaking.
Tananguard Manor was in sight. Allana urged a panting Lancelot faster, slowing only when she was within yards of the stables. In a smooth motion, she reined him in, slid gracefully off his ba
ck, and handed his reins to a stunned Freddy.
“Miss Allana, did he hurt you?” Fredric asked in alarm.
“No, Freddy. I simply do not know when to guard my tongue. I will speak to you later,” she called over her shoulder. She could hear Declan’s horse following close behind, so she darted toward the house as fast as she could. She absolutely refused to run even though her body very much wanted to. She would keep that much dignity.
Allana glanced over her shoulder and saw Declan jump from Colonel’s back before the horse fully stopped.
“Allana, wait,” he called after her.
She continued her determined path to the house. She even skipped forward a bit to hasten her pace.
He jogged toward her, catching her quickly. “Please stop,” he said as he reached for her hand, grabbed it and pulled her to a halt.
She whirled around to face him, pulling her hand from his almost violently. “I have a right to know!” she exclaimed. “If I am to be your wife, I have a right to ask such questions. Don’t I?” she finished almost desperately. Her frame trembled as she stared at him. Then her eyes dropped, and her head bowed in defeat.
His eyes widened, bewildered by her actions. He grasped her shoulders gently. She jumped at his touch, but did not back away. He placed a hand softly under her chin and tilted her head up. Their eyes met.
“Allana,” he said seriously. A light danced in his eyes, though, as if he found the situation humorous. “You have every right to ask me such a question. And my answer is no. I do not have a mistress.”
She let out a deep breath, and the tension left her shoulders as she nodded in reply.
He studied her a moment. “Why would you ask me such a thing? Did you truly think I did?”
She met his gaze evenly. “I did not, but it has been implied by others. And…and I know there are men who have mistresses.” She blushed furiously after saying this, and her confident gaze darted away.
“Ah, I see. Well, rest assured, I am not one of those men.” He squeezed her shoulders.
“Thank you,” she said quietly, “for answering honestly and not being angry with me. You probably regret agreeing to this marriage, asking you such things, and then running the way I did.” She shook her head, disbelieving her actions.
He laughed. “No, I’m actually more intrigued now. Your question surprised me. I have never known a lady as bold. I should not have laughed, though, but I was expecting a more difficult question and was relieved with the one you asked.”
Her eyes flashed up to his. “You were relieved by it? What did you expect then?”
“I…,” Declan cleared his throat and laughed slightly. “Now it grows awkward,” he stated. He looked abashed, unsure how to answer her. He turned from her, running a hand through his hair.
Allana giggled. “Now it grows awkward? For me, it was awkward quite a while ago.”
He turned toward her, a half smile on his face. “True enough. Very well. I thought you were going to ask about my late wife.”
Allana tilted her head to the side. “Your late wife? I considered it, but I did not want to pry.”
“So instead you ask if I have a mistress.” He laughed.
She blushed. “Yes, I did, but only because I believed I should know of such things. After all, you said yourself we have only six weeks before our union is official. Such a thing as a mistress could affect my decision on the matter. Your wife, on the other hand, is personal. I didn’t want to cause you pain. Her memory and her death could be difficult for you.”
“Could be, but they are not,” he stated truthfully.
“Oh,” Allana said, unsure how she should react to his response. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I mentioned her, so I shall tell you about her.” Declan grabbed Allana’s hand and wrapped it around his arm. “Walk with me.”
She obeyed and followed next to him as he talked.
“Rebecca and I met when we were quite young,” he began. “I believe she was even younger than you are now. She was not my father’s first choice for me, but—circumstances as they were—he allowed the marriage.”
“Circumstances as they were? What do you mean?” Allana asked.
“Well,” he laughed uncomfortably. “We met at a ball, and we were very passionately involved afterward. Marriage was the honorable thing to do.”
“Oh…I see,” Allana said, embarrassed she didn’t realize his implication in the first place. Had it been his choice to marry Rebecca, or were they discovered and forced to marry? Was it possible Declan really was no different than Lucas? Perhaps he was lying about the mistress? Did he fraternize with women so? Casually, she continued. “So the marriage was your decision—your idea—or were you…?” she trailed off, unable to finish the question.
“Are you asking if I was forced to marry her?” he asked.
“I…I suppose so.”
“I was not. I chose it. I decided it was the right thing to do. Not her father, nor mine. And, even though we were miserable together, I would make the same decision. I do not take such things lightly,” he said defensively.
“Declan, I meant no offense. I have simply endured some things that have caused me to be…mistrustful. Perhaps I should explain myself. If you knew certain things, you might understand my questions. Are you familiar with Lord Hoffman?” Allana asked painfully.
“Lucas? Yes, I am,” Declan said numbly. His face turned hard, startling Allana.
Apprehensively, she continued. “He was a recent suitor of mine. I…,” she trailed off not wanting to continue.
* * *
Declan jerked to a stop, forcing Allana to as well. “Lucas courted you,” he stated darkly. He closed his eyes briefly, taking deep breaths. So she had been one of Lucas’s…. No, he would give her the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps Connor had saved her in time, or maybe not. Pieces to a puzzle fell into place, painting Declan a clearer picture of this arranged marriage and of Allana. Lucas was the key, and so was he. Declan turned Allana toward him and held her there with his intense eyes. “Allana?”
“Yes?” she said tentatively.
“What was the extent of your relationship with Lucas?”
“What do you mean? He courted me. We spent time together. I suspected he would ask for my hand, but he never did. What more do you wish to know?”
Declan pressed his lips together tightly. “Were you intimate?” he asked bluntly.
“Intimate? You mean—No! Of course not. Why would you…? I cannot…No!” Allana finished in disgust.
“I apologize, Allana. I did not wish to question your maidenhood, but I do know Lucas. And I know he does not take no lightly.” Declan eyed her doubtfully. “You truly did not succumb to his—”
“No!” Allana growled. Her eyes stormed wildly.
Declan let out a sigh of relief, his body visibly relaxing. “You are a rare woman,” he said quietly.
“Apparently, I was the only one with any sense,” she retorted.
He laughed. “Perhaps. May I ask what happened?”
“I was inclined to end his courtship when I happened upon him engaged in indecent behavior with another woman,” Allana stated.
“I am sorry. That must have been painful for you.” Declan reached out and touched her cheek. He knew it had been painful. It had been for him when he’d stumbled upon the same scene with Rebecca. They had been married less than a week when it happened. He found her in another man’s arms and never shared her bed again.
“It was for the best. Connor warned me, but I did not believe until I witnessed it myself,” she said truthfully.
“He’s why you asked if I had a mistress, isn’t he?”
“I…yes. However, now I see how foolish that was. You are an honorable man, Declan. And I apologize,” Allana said very seriously.
Declan smiled in pleasure. “Thank you.” He brought her hand to his lips, pressing it there gently.
Allana smiled shyly, and Declan sighed. She was very tempting. The urge to
kiss her was ever present, but he forced it aside. “We have had many,” he paused, thinking, “unique discussions today. Shall we walk further and think of more pleasant things to talk about?”
“That would be nice,” Allana replied.
He offered his arm, and she took it, allowing him to guide her through Tananguard grounds.
Chapter 17
Declan ground his teeth impatiently as he waited for Allana. Connor sat next to him, chatting casually while Declan half listened. It was the end of the week, and he’d come each morning to ride with Allana. This morning he was an hour late due to his secretary insisting upon readying wedding plans before Declan left for London in two days.
The man could not wait until tomorrow or this afternoon, oh no. It had to be this morning right after breakfast, Declan thought irritably. Tomorrow was the wedding of Carmon Davenhue to Edmund Russell and the only day this week Declan wasn’t scheduled to ride with Allana. Tomorrow would have been ideal to sit for two hours and listen to his secretary brew about how he had such little time to arrange a nice wedding. But because the man chose today, Declan had arrived late this morning, and Allana had left for her ride without him. I doubt there’s any chance catching up with her since she takes a different route every day.
“Maybe that is the reason they called this meeting,” Connor was saying. “What do you think?”
“I’m sorry, what?” Declan asked in reply. He hadn’t heard anything Connor had said.
“Do you think there could be an uprising?” Connor elaborated, waiting for an intelligent reply.
“An uprising?” Declan asked, confused by the conversation. I suppose I should have been paying more attention, he thought to himself.
Connor laughed. “Yes, an uprising, and that’s why Parliament has called this meeting in London? Where have you been, man?”
“My apologies, Connor. I’m a little distracted. Too much to think about these days,” Declan answered.
“Too much to think about, or too much of someone to think about?” Connor jested. “You have been spending quite a lot of time with her this past week.”
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