The Lady and the Earl

by Clark, Diedre

  A cold chill ran goose bumps over his body. Anger spilled through his veins as his mind registered what he’d seen. He grabbed her left hand tightly and examined her wrist, confirming his belief there were indeed bruises forming there. His heart raced as his mind pictured his sister lying broken on her bedroom floor.

  “It was Lucas, wasn’t it?” he whispered. She didn’t answer. He hadn’t even considered Lucas as Allana’s attacker, but now….

  Connor grabbed Allana’s shoulders, shaking her slightly, causing her to moan in return. “He was the one who hurt you, wasn’t he?” She refused to look at him. “Answer me, Allana!” he practically shouted.

  “Yes,” she whimpered.

  Connor stood angrily and slammed his fist into a wall. The rumors in London finally made sense. No wonder Lucas had dared spread such things about her. He knew she wouldn’t dare refute them. “You should have told me. Why didn’t you just tell me?” Connor asked. He looked at her in silence before turning away. “I trusted him. He was my friend.” He let out a roar filled with rage. Then, in a moment’s decision, he headed for the door with determination.

  “Where are you going?” Allana asked frantically, reaching out to him from the floor.

  “I’m going after him,” Connor said.

  “No!” Allana cried. “If he doesn’t get off the property, someone is lying in wait for Fredric. He saw Lucas with Lancelot that night, Connor. The boy knows. Lucas said he knew too much and left someone to hurt him or worse. Please don’t, Connor,” she sobbed.

  Connor stopped where he stood, breathing heavily as he tried to control his anger. “What?” he asked quietly.

  “He will kill him. Please, I’m begging you,” Allana pleaded.

  “Someone had better start explaining what is going on here,” Declan demanded, but there was concern in his voice and a look of horror on his face.

  Connor looked at Allana, shaking his head in disbelief. “He doesn’t know, does he?” She lowered her gaze to the floor, answering his question.

  “Know what?” Declan asked.

  “Allana, why didn’t you tell him?” Connor asked with exasperation.

  “I have tried several times. I cannot…it’s so difficult to speak of,” she replied, wiping at more tears.

  “Please, I need an explanation. I need to know what you’re speaking of,” Declan pleaded in frustration. The man was pale. Connor could tell he was piecing together what little he’d heard.

  “Well, you know you have to tell him now,” Connor stated, walking over to Allana. He extended his hand to her to help her to her feet.

  She seemed so feeble, but she accepted his hand, pleading with him, “Oh Connor, I don’t know if I can.”

  “Allana, either you’re going to tell him, or I will. He has a right to know,” Connor told her.

  “Why?” she asked angrily. “It happened to me, so why do I have to tell anyone and relive the retched experience? I cannot do it. It…it’s too humiliating,” she finished quietly.

  “Allana, you shouldn’t feel that way. You did what you could to stop him. What happened was not your fault.”

  She laughed bitterly. “Either way, Connor, I cannot tell him or anyone for that matter.”

  “Do you know what is being said in London? Do you know what rumors that bastard is spreading about you? It makes me sick just to think about it, especially now!” Connor cried.

  Allana looked sadly at Connor then at Declan. “I…,” she swallowed hard, her breathing quickening. Then she shook her head. “If he doesn’t realize by now he’s the one I love, then why does it matter?”

  “It matters, Allana,” Connor said with conviction. She simply stared at him. “I’m telling him whether you want me to or not,” he finished.

  “Very well,” she said sounding defeated. “But I will not stay here and listen.” Fresh tears appeared in her eyes before she rushed out of the room.

  “What is going on? What really happened?” Declan asked desperately.

  Connor looked at him apologetically. “I am sorry, Declan. There’s much that needs explaining, and I’m afraid you aren’t going to like any of it. I could use a drink first, if you don’t mind…something strong. And I suggest you pour yourself one also.”

  * * *

  Declan did as Connor suggested, retrieving two glasses along with a bottle of Scotch. His heart was racing, and his stomach was sick. He’d heard enough to know Allana was not injured in a horse accident.

  He handed Connor a glass and the Scotch. “Now start talking.”

  He listened as Connor explained what really happened to Allana the night of the accident, growing sicker with each passing word.

  “I found her unconscious on the floor. She was bruised and broken, and he did it to her. Not some ridiculous fall. You wouldn’t have known the difference, though. That’s how terrible it was.” Connor let out another yell. “It makes me so angry. He could have killed her Declan. Another kick to the ribs or a blow to the head, and she could be dead! I want him dead!”

  Declan was just as furious at the horrific things his innocent Allana had suffered. His face contorted with anger and grief like Connor’s. He felt like a fool for allowing himself to believe the rumors about her. Why didn’t she just tell him? He could have helped her, and it would have saved them both so much.

  “I have to go to her,” Declan said. “I’ve been such a fool. I was actually starting to believe those rumors, and then finding that lout here with her, I just knew they were true.”

  “It’s not your fault. I would have told you the truth in the beginning if she would have let me,” Connor said sadly. “I should have just told you anyway, but I promised.”

  “Well, I’m glad you told me now. I do wish it had been sooner, though.” Declan sighed deeply. “I have to go find her, Connor. You’re welcome to stay if you’d like, but you will be on your own.”

  “I think I will…for a while anyway,” Connor replied.

  “Thank you,” Declan said, shaking Connor’s hand, “for telling me.” He turned to leave. “Connor?”

  “Yes?”

  “Don’t do anything foolish. Let’s plan this out first. Find out what resources he has. I don’t want to chase him blindly.” Declan looked at Connor for a reply. “Please, Connor.”

  Connor hesitated before replying. “Very well, but I want his hide, Declan. He cannot get away with this. I won’t let him.”

  “I know, Connor. I feel the same way, but we have to tread carefully,” Declan told him.

  Connor nodded in agreement.

  “Good, now I must go find your sister. Make yourself at home.”

  Connor nodded again, taking a long drink of Scotch. Declan watched him for a moment, seeing torment and rage on his face. He shook his head. There was nothing more he could do for this man. He had to find Allana.

  Declan checked the bedchambers first with no luck. She wasn’t in the house. He checked the stables and found Lancelot missing. He knew where to find her now. He had Colonel saddled quickly and was gone in a matter of minutes. Unfortunately, it took much longer than he would have liked to actually get to that secluded grove of trees and to her spot. When he finally did get there, he found her sitting along the cliff ledge hugging her knees to her chest. Fresh tears came to her eyes when she saw him, causing his heart to lurch in compassion for her. He strode toward her purposefully and pulled her into his arms. She clung to him and cried silently. They held each other for a long time before either of them spoke.

  “Why didn’t you tell me?” Declan asked her.

  “I have tried…so many times I have tried.” She shook her head. “It has always been too painful,” she said quietly.

  He cradled her gently. “I understand, my love.”

  Her tears returned, so he simply held her. When she stopped this time, he asked another question. “Why didn’t you tell Connor it was Lucas?”

  “Lucas threatened me. He said he could kill those I loved. I dared not speak out.”<
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  “We could have protected you, protected your family,” Declan said with conviction.

  “Could you have? He already hurt Lancelot and Freddy. He has no heart. I couldn’t take the chance he might hurt others,” she said, looking at him with fervor.

  “We could have had him arrested,” Declan said defensively.

  “For how long?” she asked. “He’s a lord, and his aunt is quite powerful. It would have been difficult keeping him imprisoned.”

  “I’m the Earl of Westbrook, Allana. My influence here is what matters,” he said, trying to convince her everything would have been all right. Deep down he knew she was right, though. Declan did not think an assault on a woman, even a woman of noble blood who was the Earl of Westbrook’s betrothed, would have landed Lucas in prison. It would have been Lucas’s word against Allana’s, and Declan knew Lucas would be free in a matter of days, possibly even hours. Lady Burgundy would make it so.

  Allana shook her head, looking away. Where was her fire? Had that man burned it out of her completely?

  “You could have warned us in the house earlier then,” Declan continued.

  “I wanted to, but like I told Connor, Lucas said there was someone waiting for him, and if he didn’t show up, the man was going to hurt or possibly even kill Freddy. I couldn’t take that chance,” she said in frustration. Her tears threatened to come again.

  Declan pulled her close, pleased to feel her struggle against him for a moment before giving in. He could feel her trembling. He was making things worse by hounding her with all of these questions.

  “I’m sorry, Allana,” he said, kissing her soft hair. “I’m not helping the matter. Forgive me.”

  He held her in silence for a while, letting her relax in his arms before asking his next question. “Was it true what you said earlier?”

  “Was what true?” she asked, looking up at him.

  “That you love me?” he asked, smiling softly.

  She blushed slightly, looking down. “Yes,” she whispered.

  “What was that?” he teased. “I didn’t quite hear you.” He was trying to get her to smile. He hated seeing her so sad, and he knew he was partly to blame for it.

  She tried to shove him away, but he grabbed her hands and kissed her bruised wrists.

  A tear slipped down her cheek as she looked at him seriously. “I love you, Declan Cunningham. I’ve loved you my whole life.”

  His heart leapt and ached at the same time. It leapt at hearing her say those words to him and ached for the pain she’d suffered because of Lucas and because of himself. He leaned down and kissed her lips softly. “I know,” he whispered to her before kissing her once more.

  She met his kiss with hunger and need, sparking a flame inside him only she could put out. They loved each other with a passion and fierceness that was greater than any he’d felt thus far. It was more beautiful and satisfying than their first time. He had never known such a blissful moment as he had with her on that cliff. He held her afterward in silence, enjoying the comfort of her body next to his.

  After being away for several hours, he helped her dress before pulling her up beside him on Colonel. He wasn’t even going to bother putting her on Lancelot. Instead, he tied the other horse’s reins to his saddle to make sure the animal followed, then headed home with his fragile beauty curled up in front of him.

  * * *

  Allana had felt hollow after her encounter with Lucas. He’d killed her spirit, and she was certain he had ruined Declan’s faith in her. She left the house to be alone, hoping Declan would follow, but uncertain he would. Humiliation flowed through her body when he finally came to her. But he did not condemn her when he came or shower her with sympathy. Instead, he showed her love, relieving her pain and anguish with his words and passion. She couldn’t imagine her life without him. With him she felt safe. She relaxed her exhausted body against his, feeling the motion of the horse beneath her slowly rock her to sleep.

  * * *

  Declan carried Allana to his room. She’d slept the entire ride home and was still asleep. He carefully undressed her to her shift and laid her down before stripping out of his own clothes and joining her in the bed. It was still rather early, but he wondered if he would be able to sleep even if it wasn’t. He tossed and turned for an hour before finally giving up and heading downstairs to see if Connor was still around. The man was unconscious in the same place Declan had left him earlier with two empty bottles next to him.

  At least he’s still here, Declan thought. He’d been afraid Connor would go after Lucas even after he had promised he wouldn’t. Luckily, Connor had drunk himself into oblivion before he could do anything foolish.

  Declan tossed a blanket over Allana’s brother and headed for his office. He needed a drink to help him relax. His mind was working nonstop to bring revenge upon Lucas. He couldn’t stop thinking about ways to torture the man and avenge his beloved Allana.

  Upon entering his office, he pulled out a bottle of whiskey and took a swig. It burned going down, but after a few drinks he started feeling better. Now maybe he could relax enough to fall asleep. He put the bottle back and headed upstairs to Allana, but when he returned to his chambers, Allana was not there.

  She must have woken and come looking for me, he thought as he turned to go look for her. He wandered the house, aimlessly searching for her. Surely they hadn’t passed each other by. He checked her room one more time before heading back to his own, not finding her in either. Maybe she went to the kitchen for something to eat. He was actually quite hungry himself. After all, they had missed dinner.

  He didn’t find Allana in the kitchen, but what he did find was very disturbing. A figure huddled in a corner of the kitchen shaking. It was dark, and Declan would have walked right by her if it wasn’t for the sharp breaths she was taking.

  “Who’s there?” Declan asked the dark figure. There was a whimper in return, causing him to go to her. “Maggie?” he asked, crouching down to get a better look. She had been hired while he was in London, but he was fairly certain that was her name. “What are you doing in here? Are you all right?” he continued.

  She kept her head down and started babbling, “I’m sorry, my Lord. I didn’t mean to. I didn’t know,” she sobbed and repeated herself. “I didn’t know.”

  Declan was thoroughly confused by her blubbering. “Slow down Maggie, and look at me. What are you—,” he broke off as he lifted her face to get her to look at him. “What happened to your face?” he asked as a sinking feeling entered his stomach. She had a black eye and a bloody nose.

  “He took her,” she sobbed. “He took her, and it’s entirely my fault.” She beat her hands against the wall. “She was so nice to me, but he said he loved me. I didn’t know he was going to do it. I tried to stop him, but he….” Again she broke down crying.

  Declan’s heart was racing. Could it be true? Could she have snuck Lucas inside and given him access to Allana? Declan forced himself to calm down. “Maggie, you have to tell me everything that happened.” He put his hands on her shoulders to face her to him then shook her gently. “Please, Maggie. I need you to calm down and talk to me. What happened?”

  It took her a few more minutes to calm enough to talk. “Lucas came to me shortly after you forced him to leave. He told me he was done with Lady Allana. He told me he loved me and wanted to be with me, so I snuck him into my quarters to wait for me while I finished working. He was going to take me back with him. When I returned to my quarters, he was gone. I assumed he’d gotten tired of waiting, so I packed a bag and came here to grab a bite to eat before leaving to follow him. But he hadn’t left. I simply wasn’t the one he wanted.” She let out a small sob before continuing. “He happened upon me here carrying her. We argued over her. Then he told me I had just been his pawn. He used me!” she said on the brink of hysteria. “He used me to spread those rumors, and then to inform him when you would be gone this morning. Then I foolishly hid him in my room this afternoon. It was the perfe
ct place for him to hide and wait for an opportunity to get her.

  “I hit him in the head with a pot when he told me he no longer needed me. He dropped her and did this to me.” Maggie pointed angrily at her bloody nose. “She hardly moved. I think he did something to her so she wouldn’t wake up. I’m so sorry, Lord Cunningham. He made me believe…and now I’m….” She gripped her stomach and began crying again.

  A moment later, she dove for the trash bucket and heaved the contents of her stomach into it, and Declan knew. She was pregnant with Lucas’s child. Lucas had used this innocent girl in his schemes and left her with child. Declan’s blood burned with anger. Lucas would pay, Declan would make certain of that, but first he needed to get Maggie some help. Then he would wake Connor, so they could plan a way to rescue Allana. He just prayed she would be safe until then.

  Chapter 31

  Declan led Maggie to the sitting room, finding Arden along the way. “Arden, I’m glad you’re still awake. Could you please fetch a pitcher of water and a rag and meet us in the sitting room? I have need of your services there.”

  “Yes, my Lord,” Arden replied, obeying Declan at once.

  Connor was still unconscious on the sofa when Declan and Maggie arrived in the sitting room.

  “Is he unwell?” Maggie asked.

  “No, just a little drunk I’m afraid,” Declan answered. He walked over to Connor and attempted to wake him.

  “Connor,” he said loudly. He repeated it several times, even shaking Connor roughly to get him to wakeup. He finally yelled the name in the man’s ear. Connor mumbled something inaudible then pulled the blanket over his head and rolled over.

  Arden had entered the room with the water and rag in the meantime. He was helping Maggie clean the blood from her face.

  “Hurry with the water, Arden. I’m going to need it.”

  “Yes, Sir,” Arden replied, soaking the rag one last time and handing the pitcher of water to his Lord. “Here, Sir. I have all I need.”