The Lady and the Earl

by Clark, Diedre

  “Perhaps, perhaps not. But I wonder. What did you believe?”

  “That you knew all of what we have just discussed and were simply marrying the her for her dowry,” he confessed. “Land, money…what more could a man want when he has women at his disposal?” the man shrugged.

  “I sound like a bastard,” Declan said with a frown.

  Thomson chuckled. “You sound like you know what you want. You suffered far worse speculation because of Lady Rebecca. At least with Lady Allana, you know what you’re getting, and you receive a worthwhile dowry.”

  Declan shook his head and said nothing. These rumors were very disturbing, but what disturbed him most was not knowing if they were true. They made sense. Allana was not a fool. She wouldn’t ride out into the middle of the night without purpose, and she wouldn’t risk Lancelot’s life carelessly. She had to have been under distress, and she had to have been somewhere unfamiliar. The accident wouldn’t have occurred otherwise. Declan was certain of that.

  “What actions will you take now?” Thomson asked.

  “None. I will go on as before. I will marry her because breaking off the engagement would only prove the truth of these speculations, and I believe them to be false,” Declan answered. He prayed they were false. His heart told him they were, but his mind said otherwise.

  “Of course, what better way to douse a rumor,” Thomson agreed.

  “Yes. Well, Thomson, I really do need to be going,” Declan said.

  “Then I bid you farewell. Enjoy the rest of your stay in London, Cunningham.”

  The rest of Declan’s stay in London was racked with torment and further rumors about him, Allana, and Lucas Hoffman. More and more people seemed to be looking at him and analyzing his motives. It bothered Declan to no end. Not necessarily the fact he was the brunt of conversation, but more importantly, Allana was. He hoped the best of her. A woman did not kiss a man the way she had him and not mean it. And the way she looked at him. She saw him and nobody else. He was almost certain she loved him. Why would she run to be with Lucas? Could the man have taken her maidenhood? Could she be carrying his child? Is that why the Tananguards had arranged this wedding so quickly, to hide what had truly happened? Or perhaps Allana truly was that good at disguising and portraying her feelings. Perhaps she really was in love with Lucas, but she was being forced to marry Declan because her family disapproved of Lucas. No, Declan had to have faith in Allana. She’d given him no reason to distrust her.

  He needed to stop listening to the rumors. They were poisoning his mind against the one woman he actually cared for.

  When his business in London was finally concluded and he was preparing to leave, he received a strange invitation to tea with the Duchess, Lady Catherine Burgundy.

  “Her Ladyship will see you now, my Lord,” a scrawny, pale servant girl said, motioning for Declan to follow. He followed the girl through the large, spacious home to a dining area where Lady Burgundy sat at the end of a large, rectangular table, waiting patiently.

  “Ah, Lord Cunningham. It is a pleasure to have you in my home,” she said politely. She motioned him to a seat close to her.

  “Thank you for inviting me,” he replied, bowing to her graciously before sitting. “Is there no one else joining us?”

  “No, it will be just the two of us,” she answered pleasantly.

  Declan did not like this. He’d assumed he was coming to a small social gathering, not a private one. Private ones were never good. Most private gatherings he unwittingly accepted in the past had been married women who desired his company. However, this was Lady Burgundy, which meant there was another purpose to her invitation. Still, nothing good could come of it.

  They proceeded to chat about simple, trivial things. He inquired after her health and her family, while she in turn did the same. The entire time they talked he wondered why she’d invited him here. He’d met her a few times at other social events. He knew she was the one who had introduced Lilly to Marcus, but what did she want with him now? She was an older lady, who was well respected among the nobles. Her husband had been a prosperous Duke, who died several years ago, leaving Lady Burgundy alone with nothing to do but gossip about whomever she pleased.

  “Now that the pleasantries are over, I am sure you are wondering why I have invited you to my home today,” she said, seemingly reading his thoughts.

  He nodded, waiting for her to continue.

  “I know of your betrothal to Lady Allana Tananguard, and I wish to ask you to reconsider.”

  Declan looked at her in surprise. This he hadn’t expected. “Pardon?” he asked not certain he had heard her right.

  “Lord Hoffman is my nephew and like a son to me, and I have recently discovered he has spoken for her hand. Surely there are plenty of well-bred young women who would suit you much better than Allana Tananguard.” She said it as though she were talking about a piece of property. “I know her father endowed her with a hefty amount of land and finances, but if you would reconsider, I would be happy to compensate you for your loss. Then you would not have to burden yourself with a new wife, and my nephew will wed her instead. It is the logical and gentlemanly thing to do.”

  Logical? Had this woman lost her mind? Declan was beginning to fume. He breathed deeply, trying to calm his anger before speaking. “My Lady, I do not know who you’ve been speaking to, but I can assure you, there is more to this engagement than land and money.”

  “Oh dear, you have invested feelings in her,” she said sadly.

  Invested feelings in her? As if he’d had a choice. “More importantly, she has invested feelings in me,” Declan said.

  “Impossible. I was led to believe she was in love with my nephew. He spoke as if she was,” the Duchess argued.

  “Lord Hoffman may have said as much, but her heart does not belong to him.”

  “I believe you are mistaken, Cunningham. She loves him, and he loves her. But even if this is not true, surely you have heard of her scandalous behavior with him. When I learned of it myself, I had him ushered to me immediately and demanded he wed the girl. That is when I discovered your engagement to her. You must relinquish your attachment to her, and allow my nephew to wed her properly,” Lady Burgundy demanded. “It would be a dishonor to you if you wed her under such circumstances.”

  “I do not believe this rumor, my Lady,” Declan said simply. “It is hearsay.”

  “No, Lucas confirmed it,” she argued.

  Declan was beginning to disliked this conversation very much. “How long has Lucas been in London?”

  “What does that have to do with your engagement to Lady Tananguard?”

  “Very much. I believe he started these rumors. Why would a man who claims to love such a magnificent woman, disrespect her in such a way as to take her virtue and tell about it? Why would he slander her name thusly? I do not believe her the type to allow it. Hence, I will still marry her.” Allana had told him she hadn’t bedded Lucas. He was certain she was not lying.

  “But her feelings are for—”

  “Her feelings are for me. They died for him the day she found him with another woman,” Declan said matter-of-fact.

  “How dare you slander his name with such lies,” Lady Burgundy said heatedly.

  “I assure you, my Lady, they are very true.” Declan began to rise from his chair. This discussion was over.

  “Where do you think you are going? I am not finished. Will you or will you not withdraw your request for Allana’s hand in marriage?” she demanded.

  Was the woman daft? “I thought I made it clear already. I have every intention of marrying Lady Allana Tananguard, especially now. So if you will excuse me, I am leaving London today. I have a wedding to prepare for, and I do not have the time or the desire to speak to you further. Good day, Madam,” Declan finished coldly. He bowed crisply and left her in stunned silence. He was furious. He was tired of hearing he was a cold-hearted man who only wanted Allana for her dowry. He was tired of hearing she was being forced in
to this marriage, and she was in love with Lucas Hoffman. Finally, he was tired of doubting her feelings and intentions.

  Surely these were just rumors. Lucas had started them. He was a man who hated losing, and he hated losing to Declan most of all. Years ago Lucas had claimed Declan had taken Connor from him. The man was intensely competitive, and he did not take rejection well. Somehow Lucas had heard of Allana’s accident and had twisted the truth in his favor. Surely that’s what was happening now. Lucas was interfering, causing Declan doubts. Allana cared for him just as he did her, didn’t she? Or would she run away from him once she felt she could? She would have to wait until after they were wed since Connor and her father were probably keeping a close eye on her now. No, she wouldn’t run. She had strong feelings for him. The day in the rose garden proved she did…or had she just been that manipulative?

  Declan let out a deep, drawn-out sigh. His thoughts were getting him nowhere. They were going in circles. He wanted to believe in Allana, but then he remembered how his first wife had been. She’d been manipulative and disloyal. Why was he so certain Allana was not? Women were good at showing a man what he wanted to see and hiding what she didn’t want him to see. Declan knew this. But Allana was different. She was honest, straightforward…pure in her actions. Wasn’t she?

  Declan wanted to hit something in frustration. He would be glad once he was rid of these rumors and back in his own home in Westbrook. If the journey went smoothly, he could be looking into Allana’s eyes in two days time. Then he would know for certain if the rumors were true. Her eyes could not lie to him. He nodded to himself as he climbed into the carriage that would take him home.

  Chapter 23

  The weeks without Declan went by slowly for Allana. She was bed ridden for the first week, and the second week she left her bed only with another’s assistance. In the weeks following, she healed enough and gained enough strength to spend most of her time with Lancelot, talking to him and soothing him. The poor animal had lost his confidence in humans. He was jittery and skittish, allowing only Allana and Fredric near him.

  Allana worked with Fredric frequently. Aside from her father and Connor, she avoided men. They made her nervous, even Fredric’s grandfather Dalon. Why should she fear any except Lucas? She should not, yet she did. But Fredric was different. He was just a boy. He was her friend. He could not hurt her, and he would not.

  At first Fredric was distant. Allana caught him eyeing her in reserve, which saddened her. He was a good friend to her, and she knew he harbored feelings for her. Had Lucas taken that friendship along with everything else?

  “Freddy, what is bothering you?” she finally asked him one day.

  He shook his head and moved to muck out the stall next to Lancelot’s.

  Allana followed him.

  “Please Freddy. You haven’t looked at me the same since…since it happened. Why? Do you truly see me differently now?” she asked quietly.

  He still would not look at her. He was shaking, though. “I…I know,” he finally said.

  Allana froze. “What do you mean?”

  “I know who it was. I know what happened,” he said in a whisper. He looked at her, and she saw hate in those deep brown eyes.

  Allana swallowed a lump in her throat. “You know?”

  “I do, and I did nothing. I didn’t know he would come for you,” he said as tears leaked out of his eyes. “I’m so sorry, my Lady. I failed you.”

  Her breath caught in her throat. The hate was not for her. “What happened, Freddy?” she asked.

  “I came to visit Lancelot. He is my favorite. He was already here. I tried to stop him, but failed. He bruised me up pretty good, but nowhere anyone could see. Just my ribs and back. I told my grandfather Lancelot kicked me when I went near him. Lucas…he threatened me. Told me not to say anything. All I could do was stare at him. I couldn’t do anything. He laughed at me and left. I thought he’d left for good. I didn’t know. I swear I didn’t know he was coming for you,” the boy finished. Allana could tell he was fighting back emotions. He didn’t want to appear weak in front of her.

  “Oh Freddy, I’m so sorry.” She walked to him and wrapped him up in her arms. “It was not your fault. You didn’t know. How could you know?” She could feel him shaking beneath her embrace. She shed her own tears with him. The torment this boy must have been putting himself through was wrong. He shouldn’t blame himself for something he couldn’t have predicted, nobody could have predicted.

  “I am sorry. I couldn’t protect Lancelot. I couldn’t protect you,” he cried.

  “No, Freddy. Do not be sorry. You stood up to him. You fought him, and for that, I am grateful,” Allana said in earnest.

  “But—” he tried to argue, but she stopped him.

  “No. You listen to me.” She pulled away from him and forced him to look at her. “You are not to blame. Do you understand me? You are an honorable, strong young man. But Lucas is much larger than either of us. We fought, and that is what matters.” Those words hit her like a hammer. She’d fought, but what good had it done? It had saved her virtue; that is what it had done. Of course, had Connor not arrived when he had, her virtue would be gone as well.

  Fredric stared at her and nodded. “Should I have told someone, my Lady?” he asked quietly.

  Her eyes widened. “No. I still fear his threats.”

  Fredric’s eyes turned angry. “I hate him for what he has done to you. You should not fear any man. You should tell Master Connor…no, Lord Cunningham. He would dispatch Lucas easily, and you could be free of him. If only I were older, I would do it for you!”

  Allana smiled. “Yes, I believe you would. But I cannot tell anyone. I dare not,” she said sadly.

  “Then I shall keep your secret, my Lady.”

  “Our secret, Freddy. It is now our secret.”

  The weeks that followed were much better for Allana. She had an understanding soul who knew her secret. It was healing to be able to confide in someone even if that someone was a boy of twelve. The two of them worked with Lancelot together, and eventually Allana was able to mount her proud horse without fear he would throw her. Unfortunately, it would be another week or two before her ribs would be well enough for her to ride her magnificent horse.

  She thought of Declan often when she wasn’t caring for Lancelot or reading the endearing letter he left for her over and over, looking forward to the day she would see him again. She was gaining confidence slowly. She didn’t mind Dalon’s presence any longer. But she hadn’t been exposed to many other men since her incident, and she was afraid of how she might act toward Declan when she saw him again. Would she be skittish and jittery as Lancelot had been toward everyone except her and Fredric? Surely not. She loved Declan with all of her heart. It was ridiculous to even think of being afraid of him because he would never hurt her. Thus, she pushed her fears aside and waited patiently for the day he would return to her.

  Declan was gone four weeks before returning. Allana was in the library trying to read a book when he finally arrived.

  Lilly sat next to her reading her own book while Allana tried to concentrate on the one in front of her. She didn’t feel like reading. She was too restless to read, but Lilly had insisted and had shushed Allana several times already for striking up conversation instead.

  So Allana stared at her book blankly and thought of Declan. One week and she would be his. Her ribs should be healed enough by then for her to have a normal wedding night, shouldn’t they? She would hate to have to wait any longer to be his in all ways. Allana blushed at the thought, glancing toward Lilly to make certain she hadn’t noticed her sudden change in color. Surely, it was inappropriate to think such things.

  Voices from the main hall caught her attention.

  “Did you hear that?” Allana asked Lilly. Had she even heard it? She strained her ears to listen.

  Lilly sighed irritably. “Will I ever be able to read without interruptions?”

  “Shhh. I’m trying to listen,”
Allana said, ignoring Lilly’s remark. Was that Declan’s voice she heard?

  Lilly lifted an eyebrow. “And what, may I ask, are you listening for?”

  “I think I heard…yes, I did!” Allana said excitedly.

  “Heard what?” Lilly asked in bewilderment.

  “I heard Declan’s voice. He’s here. Lilly, he’s finally here!” Allana jumped to her feet and rushed out of the room. She wanted to run, but her ribs were still too sore for such an act. She would have to walk instead. But she made it a very quick walk, speeding to the entrance hall as quickly as possible. She stopped short when spotting him. Her heart skipped a beat and butterflies filled her stomach. She’d almost forgotten how handsome he was. When he looked at her, she grew warm all over, and she knew, healed or not, she would be his on her wedding night.

  * * *

  Declan did not see her enter the room, but somehow he knew Allana was there. He turned in her direction and smiled slightly at her. The look in her eyes was just as he had remembered, yet distrust clouded his mind.

  “Excuse me, Connor. Marcus. There is someone I must say hello to,” Declan said motioning toward Allana. She was absolutely breathtaking. He watched for a moment as she came toward him before he in turn walked toward her. His mind was whirling. How should he approach her? He wanted to pull her to him, and kiss her thoroughly. He could not, of course, not in front of Marcus and Connor. But even if they weren’t there, could Declan do as he wished? He’d been poisoned while in London, and that poison ran deep. For the first time since rescuing Allana from the lake of mud, he doubted himself and her.

  He reached her in three long strides, bowed politely to her and received a curtsy in return. “Allana,” he said, looking into her lovely green eyes that sparkled warmly.

  “Declan,” came her reply. She smiled affectionately at him, heating his being.

  “How have you been?” he asked. Desperately his eyes searched hers looking for a sign it truly was love radiating from her. He hated not knowing. Why had he let himself grow so attached so quickly?