The Lady and the Earl

by Clark, Diedre

  Connor lost his smile altogether on those words, sobering Declan’s spirit.

  How? Declan wondered. How can I make someone happy who does not want to even be with me? Then an answer came to him. I have to let her go to the one she loves.

  Declan firmly believed the rumors he’d heard in London, especially when he heard the same rumors being spread among his own servants. He had heard the whisperings almost the moment he walked in the door. It was the same story. Allana was being forced to marry. She loved Lucas, they had tried to elope, and she’d been injured in the process. How could the same rumors which had been spreading in London already be spreading here among the servants if they were not true? Allana loved Lucas, and the only way to make her happy was to give her up.

  Very well, Declan thought, I will make her happy. I will push her away and make her not regret when she leaves me for Hoffman.

  * * *

  Connor wasn’t sure what passed through Declan’s mind when he requested Allana’s happiness, but he didn’t like the resolve he saw on Declan’s face when he replied, “I will.”

  Connor sighed. Well, he couldn’t solve everyone’s problems. They would have to solve this one on their own. He gave Allana one last hug.

  “I will give you your privacy for now. I think my presence is required in London. But do not fret. I will be back to check on the two of you soon enough,” Connor said pleasantly as he donned his cloak and hat. “Good night then.”

  “Good night, Connor. Travel safely,” Declan replied.

  * * *

  Allana watched sadly as her brother walked away. He was only going away for a short while, but she knew it was only a matter of time before he would leave her for good.

  “Well,” Declan said. “If you will follow me, I will show you to your chambers.”

  She nodded nervously as she obeyed.

  It was an enormous manor. The main entrance was at the north of the house, and the two large doors opened up into the main hall. The hall’s ceiling rose up to the height of the house, and in the center of the hall was a massive staircase that rose majestically to the second floor. Allana had not been upstairs yet. She had only been in the main hall, the dining room, and the ballroom. Now Declan led her up the giant staircase to the second floor. At the top of the staircase was a large balcony overlooking the main hall. Two hallways sat at opposite ends of the balcony, and at the far rear, across from the stairs, was a small sitting area. It was positioned near a large window at the back of the house, allowing a person to sit and enjoy a view of the grounds from the second floor.

  Declan pointed down the hallway to the right of the staircase. “My chambers are in that direction.” He turned left and headed in the opposite direction, not elaborating where exactly his chambers were, and then said, “Yours are this way.”

  The hallway was long and wide. There were portraits and other paintings along one side of the hallway, and large spacious windows along the other side. The path to her room seemed like a labyrinth. They took several different hallways, turning corner after corner, bypassing several doorways to rooms until finally they stopped in front of a set of large double doors. Declan pushed them open and held the doors for Allana to enter.

  The room was vast. To her left was a sitting area next to a fireplace. Along the adjacent wall were glass double doors that exited to a terrace similar to the one she had in her old room at Tananguard Manor. Her bed stood opposite the main doors. It had a lovely royal-red canopy and matching bed linen. There was also a vanity area and a large closet opposite the terrace. The room engulfed her old room.

  “These are your chambers. You will find a new wardrobe has been supplied in the closet. A wedding gift from Lilly, I believe. Your old clothes are in there as well. If you need anything, pull this rope and a bell will ring in the servants’ quarters. I am certain you will be pleased by their abilities,” Declan said sounding very business-like.

  “Yes, I’m sure I will,” Allana replied politely.

  They stared at one another for a moment.

  “I will see you in the morning, my Lady. My home is now yours, so feel free to go where you wish.”

  “Good night, my Lord,” Allana replied. She stood there as he closed the doors behind him. Part of her wanted to call him back and make him stay with her. She longed for his caress, but knew it was beyond her reach. Her heart ached. She’d broken his trust, and thus, lost his love.

  Tears slipped down her cheeks. Had she lost him forever? No, she would make him hers again. Her sadness changed to determination.

  Chapter 25

  Allana rose early. She’d had a rough night’s sleep, tossing and turning. She dreamt of that dreadful night Lucas attacked her, but in her dream, Declan was there. Lucas beat her and called her terrible names while Declan simply watched. His cold eyes stared at her, void of emotion as she screamed from the pain Lucas inflicted. She pleaded for Declan to help, but instead, he simply walked away, shaking his head in disgust. She woke sobbing, hot tears running down her face mixed with a cold sweat. Oh, she was so tired of crying! She felt like it was all she’d done for the past two months. Ever since Lucas…no, she refused to think about him or that horrid night. Today was the beginning of a new life, a life with Declan.

  She pulled the rope to the servants’ quarters and washed up as she waited for a young maid named Selene to come assist her with her gown. Allana had chosen a red, silk dress for the day, which Selene fumbled to help her with. The girl was apparently unused to assisting with such things, but with time Allana knew she would do just fine.

  Once dressed, Allana had the girl assist her with her hair too. It took several tries, but between the two of them, they finally arranged it the way Allana wanted.

  When she was properly dressed and ready for the morning, she studied her reflection in the mirror. She wanted to look her best, for today she would begin her quest to make Declan fall in love with her. She smiled at her reflection, feeling pleased with the outcome. The dress was low cut, revealing the curves to her endowed bosom and showing off her long, slender neck. It was one of the new ones Lilly had apparently given her. Her hair was partially pulled up with auburn locks still pouring down her back. She looked splendid, she decided as she left her chambers feeling confident in herself. Today would be a good day.

  It took several missed turns, but Allana eventually found her way to the staircase that led her down to the main hall. She sighed in relief. She knew where she needed to go from here. She descended the stairs and passed two maids as she did so. They curtsied politely to her, but once Allana was out of hearing, they began whispering animatedly. Allana’s confidence slipped. Were they talking of her? That thought made her smile disappear. She forced herself to push it aside and focused on her mission. She could not let those maids shake her confidence if she was to win Declan back.

  She made her way to the dining room and found Declan sitting at the end of the dining table immersed in a newspaper, drinking a cup of tea.

  “Good morning, my Lord,” Allana said as pleasantly as possible even though her nerves were on edge. Confidence, Allana, she told herself. Confidence.

  * * *

  Declan glanced up briefly when he heard Allana’s voice. His eyes immediately sought her again when his mind registered how beautiful she looked. The rose-colored dress was magnificent. It revealed all he wanted it to when he’d commissioned it and the rest of her dresses. Her new wardrobe had not truly been Lilly’s gift but his own to Allana. He had arranged it with his secretary just before his trip to London. The dresses were the most recent style, but more importantly, they were low and revealing. He would unwillingly admit he had ulterior motives behind that, motives he would be unable to act upon. And now he regretted purchasing those dresses altogether. Seeing Allana in the red one took his breath away. He stared at her, letting his eyes wander over her delicate figure, and felt a certain yearning begging him to pull her to him. This was not going to work. He could not be around her and not want her
. He must turn his feelings to ice.

  He refused to say anything as he forced his eyes back to his paper. He was simply going to ignore her and not look at her again. He could not look at her again. She was too lovely and desirable.

  “May I join you?” she asked lightly.

  Do not acknowledge her. Do not say anything! “Er…” he cleared his throat. “If you wish.” No, you fool! What are you doing, man? Declan scolded himself. He couldn’t do it. He just wanted to be around her for a little while. A small amount of time with her wouldn’t hurt, would it?

  She smiled delightedly and sat in the chair adjacent to him. He continued to read, ignoring her presence as a maid brought her some breakfast.

  “Oh, this looks lovely. I’m famished,” she said to no one in particular.

  The maid proceeded to pour Allana a cup of tea.

  “Thank you,” Allana said.

  The maid curtsied to her before leaving the two in silence.

  Allana took a few small bites of fruit. “You have a lovely home, my Lord,” she said as if trying to break the silence.

  Declan ignored her, letting the silence spread.

  “Perhaps, if you are not too busy, you might give me a tour later?” she asked quite sweetly.

  Declan looked at her skeptically from the corner of his eye. What was she doing? Had he been wrong about her? Did she really want to make this work? He would not allow his hopes to rise. “Arden,” he called out. His butler entered the room. “Lady Cunningham would like a tour of the estates. Please accommodate her.”

  “Yes, my Lord,” the older man replied.

  “Oh, no. I just thought…maybe some other time,” she replied, cheeks flushing red.

  “I have no intention of trying to find the time to give you a tour, so unless you wish to wander aimlessly…,” Declan trailed off, hoping she would take the hint.

  She opened her mouth to say something then shut it again, a hurt look plainly visible upon her face. “Very well.”

  “I will wait in the hallway for you, my Lady, but do not rush yourself with your breakfast. I am in no hurry,” Arden said, smiling kindly to her.

  * * *

  Allana finished her breakfast with Declan in silence. He stayed with her the entire time, and she noticed he hadn’t turned the page to his newspaper since she’d arrived. Surely it did not take half an hour to read one page. Was he still sitting here so he could be in her company?

  “Would you like to go for a ride with me later?” she asked, praying he would say yes.

  He did not answer right away. Allana was certain he was pondering the idea. And then he answered.

  “No, I do not.” It was so blunt and cold. Was there no hope for her?

  Allana blushed uncomfortably. “Oh…. I just thought that perhaps…,” she trailed off, trying not to sound too hurt by his curtness. “What about my escort?” she tried. He had told her he would be her riding escort. Of course, that was before the attack and Allana’s unintentional withdrawal from him.

  “Haven’t you made it clear you do not need one?” he asked irritably.

  “Well, yes, but I…you…,” she sighed as he glared darkly at her. “I guess I will see you for dinner then. I usually take my lunch in my room,” she explained.

  He waved his hand in her direction as though dismissing her before diving back into his paper.

  She sat in silence before finally rising to leave. “Good day, my Lord.”

  After her tour with Arden, Allana returned to her room feeling very depressed and rejected. This was going to take a lot of work. She changed into a dark purple riding dress and headed to the stables.

  Every day for the next two weeks Allana and Declan followed the same routine. Allana would come down to breakfast looking her best to find Declan reading a paper and sipping tea or wine. She would proceed to eat breakfast and talk to him as much as possible. Then she would ask him to ride with her, which he always declined. He refused to say any more to her than necessary and was usually rude when he did say something. He avoided her as much as possible, even skipping dinner most evenings. He was making things very difficult, and she was losing confidence in herself and in her mission to win his heart.

  One day in particular, Declan seemed to be in a fouler mood than usual and refused to speak to her even when she asked him yes or no questions. He simply glared darkly at her anytime she spoke, his gaze lingering on her breasts before diving back to the ledger he was reading. It was terribly uncomfortable for Allana, but she was determined not to let him get the better of her. She would not let him push her away!

  When she finished her breakfast, she asked him to ride with her like she always did, hoping for once he would say yes.

  Declan smiled slightly, shaking his head in irritation. “No,” he stated bluntly, letting his gaze find her breasts once more before diving back to his book.

  “Perhaps another day,” she said, doing her best to hide the pain and disappointment he caused. His lingering gaze was confusing. It was very uncharacteristic of him, and she didn’t know what to think of it. At first it was flattering, but as the morning continued, it made her feel rather uncomfortable.

  “Humph,” came his reply.

  Allana cleared her throat as the silence, which was so familiar to her, returned. “Well, thank you for letting me join you,” she said, but she did not move from her chair.

  * * *

  Declan eyed Allana from the corner of his eye. She was driving him mad. Each day she asked him to go for a ride with her, and each day he refused. He wanted to accept her offer very badly. Today seemed worse, though. She was wearing a blue dress similar to the one she’d worn when he had kissed her in the rose garden. He ordered it for that reason in particular. But now it brought back memories of that day and caused his pain to return. He needed to feel her soft skin again and her sweet lips upon his, but no. He had to push her away or else he would soon succumb to his desires.

  Instinctively, he acted.

  Allana’s forearms were resting on the table in front of her, one on top of the other. Declan reached out and placed his hand upon them, and looked directly into her eyes. Her eyes lit up when he touched her, causing him to hesitate. It was confusing, but he forced himself to focus on his purpose.

  “No,” he said smugly. He lowered his gaze to her lovely breasts and leered while gently brushing the tip of her left one with his index finger. He returned eye contact to see a look of shock spread across her face and continued, “Thank you for gracing me with your,” he looked down at her breasts once more, “presence.”

  She looked horrified at what was happening, so Declan continued. “Perhaps you should come by my office later, and we will put those to some use.”

  Her face went scarlet with humiliation. She stood abruptly, practically upturning her chair, and rushed out of the room.

  Declan watched her go with satisfaction that quickly turned to disgust. He should not have done that, but it was necessary. She would stop trying if he kept treating her poorly. His heart dropped when he thought of her avoiding him and eventually leaving him. He picked up his book to study the sums one last time, but threw it across the room instead, scattering loose pages everywhere. He felt very frustrated and confused. He was beginning to realize just how much he needed Allana.

  * * *

  In retaliation to Declan’s treatment of her, Allana began spending more and more time away at her swimming hole. She needed time to think and cry from her depressing life. Declan was pushing her away. What more could she do? She wanted to avoid him after his crude actions—they had been quite humiliating—but she knew if she did, she could never win his heart. Crude or not, she loved him.

  Thus, instead of avoiding Declan, she sought him out. She continued to have breakfast with him and continued to ask him to ride with her each day. She became more determined than ever to make him fall in love with her. If he did not come to dinner, she would seek him out and have her dinner brought to him. And as time passed, he
even seemed to warm slightly, but just slightly. He still hardly spoke to her, and he refused to touch her again.

  * * *

  Declan was confused by her persistence. She should be avoiding him by now. Instead, she seemed to be everywhere he was, making him want her more than anything. His heart ached. Everything in him wanted to give in to his desires to woo her and hope there was a chance for him. But then she would leave for her rides and be gone for hours at a time without anyone knowing where she went.

  Where did she go all afternoon? He wondered. Then he would burn with jealously and rage because he knew she was with Lucas Hoffman. The pain of it was unbearable. Declan was falling deeper in love with her, and he couldn’t seem to stop it from happening.

  Four weeks passed since their wedding, and once again Declan was in a foul mood when Allana came down for breakfast. She looked beautiful, but she always looked beautiful. She smiled at him warmly and asked her usual questions of: How are you this morning? Did you sleep well? and so on, and so forth. Declan’s jealousy was at its peak. She’d been gone for nearly eight hours yesterday, and rumor said she was with Hoffman the entire time.

  He watched her eat her food in silence, growing more and more livid by each bite. Finally, he could not take it any longer. “Where were you yesterday?” he asked coldly.

  She stared at him uncertainly. “Why?”

  “You were gone for nearly eight hours, and I know you were not at your father’s because I went looking for you there. I demand to know where you were,” he answered heatedly, looking at her crossly.

  “You went looking for me?” she said in surprise. “Why? I’ve given you every opportunity to join me, but you’ve refused. Why do you suddenly care where I go now?”

  “Are you really so naïve that you do not realize what your actions accuse you of? Do you really think everyone is blind to what you’re doing?” He laughed cruelly, the obvious suddenly occurring to him. “That is why you spend so much time with me, isn’t it? You believe if you seem to be trying to make our marriage work, I will not see the truth.”