I Shall Love the Earl

by Laura A. Barnes

  It wasn’t only at the park. Over the next several weeks Lord Beckwith was in attendance at every gathering she attended. Not once did he attempt to speak with her. He only watched with his intense stare. Rory’s eyes told Dallis how he felt. On each day, a variety of gentlemen packed her grandmother’s parlor attempting to court her. She only paid them enough attention to not offend them and pacify her nanna. The feelings Lord Beckwith enticed in her soul kept Dallis from allowing any of the courtships to go any further. Rory’s glances entranced her and spoke volumes. Dallis only needed some sign besides his gazes to send all the gentlemen away. But when he never called or asked for her hand in a dance, her hopes were diminishing away. With constant pressure from her grandparents to find a groom for the season, she would soon have to give up her fascination with the earl. If Rory didn’t make a gesture soon, then Dallis would be left with no choice but to make her own attempt. If he didn’t respond, then and only then, would she store her memories away and settle on another.

  RORY COULDN’T TAKE his eyes off her. Dallis was an exquisite beauty who captured his heart and wouldn’t relinquish. Still, he held back. His willpower weakened with each vision of her beauty. Tonight, his feet took him closer, to hear the sweet melody of her voice. Dallis’s glorious hair swept atop her head in a bundle of curls. There were the usual strands loose and teasing her neck. He wanted to kiss those strands and listen to her sighs. Her Scottish brogue soothed Rory's soul. His friends kept urging him toward her and he kept resisting.

  Before he was aware where his feet led him, he stood behind her. All he had to do was to reach out to brush his fingers across the length of her exposed neck. To whisper in her ear his wish to kiss Dallis's delectable lips. To wrap his arms around her middle and bring her flush against him. The scent of fresh strawberries wafted from her hair and drew Rory even closer. Dallis must have guessed his thoughts when she glanced over her shoulder and encountered his gaze. Her eyes were green with flecks of gold waiting for him. There was nothing to say or do, because Rory swore that she deserved better. Dallis opened her mouth to respond to Rory’s presence, but her next dance partner interrupted before she could speak. Dallis turned her head, flashing the fool a smile, and allowed him to lead the way across the ballroom floor.

  Once more, another chap claimed and whisked Dallis away from him. It didn’t matter anyway, because Rory had stood there like a fool not speaking. They had spoken before, and Rory had even sat next to her at Sidney’s masquerade dinner. But it wasn’t enough, he craved more. Rory wanted to know everything about Dallis, her thoughts, her dreams, her likes and dislikes. He desired to tempt her with a passion only meant for them. Rory needed to kiss Dallis’s lips and show her the love he wanted to give her.

  Frustrated with seeing another gentleman lead her around the dance floor, he turned and stalked toward the terrace. Once outside, he let the cool breeze calm his soul. He leaned against the balustrade and spotted Dallis through the windows as her dance partner spun her around in circles. He only caught glimpses here and there, but it was enough. When the music ended, her partner escorted Dallis back to her grandmother and out of sight. Rory strode deeper into the shadows and rested amongst the columns. He was waiting for the damn ball to end so he could accompany his mother and sister home. He wouldn’t end their enjoyment because of his own poor mood. They had little else in their life for happiness. Soon, he wouldn't know if he would be able to afford them this luxury. While he was still able to, he would put his feelings aside for them.

  Dallis never lost sight of Rory as she danced. When he'd stood behind her, Dallis's heart fluttered rapidly. Dallis was positive he would seek her hand for a dance. As with every other ball, she kept a spot empty for him to sign. The need in his eyes drew her to him—a need that matched her own. Dallis knew he wouldn’t speak, so she'd meant to put him on the spot and force him to ask her, only her next partner interrupted before she had a chance.

  Well, not now, Lord Beckwith.

  She saw him escape to the balcony alone. She pleaded an excuse to her grandmother about visiting the ladies’ room. Instead her steps led her to the terrace and, reaching the doors, Dallis searched only to find the balcony empty. Walking farther into the darkness, she saw him standing beside a column. His stare drilling into her the closer Dallis drifted toward him. It spoke to stay away—which only drew her nearer. She didn’t heed the warning.

  She stopped a few inches from his brooding frame. “Are you following me, Lord Beckwith?”

  “It would appear you are pursuing me, Lady Dallis. You are the one who followed me onto a darkened balcony. Are you looking for danger, or hoping it will find you?”

  “Are you dangerous?”

  “I could be.”

  “I do not believe you are. Now, back to my original question, my lord. Are you following me?”

  “What makes you believe I am following you?”

  “You appear at every invitation I accept, and every walk in the park. Wherever I am, you are near, staring at me with those intense eyes.”

  “You think I have intense eyes?”

  “Yes, they are also dark, brooding, and hold an edge of danger.”

  “Mm, now you imagine I appear to hold a dangerous edge to myself.”

  “No, I suggested your stare did, not you.”

  “Oh, what a shame. I had hoped for dark and dangerous.”

  Dallis laughed. “You are trying to distract me from my original question.”

  Her laughter charmed his frustration. “Now I am a distraction. A fair one, I hope?”

  “Are you going to answer me, Lord Beckwith?”

  Rory pushed away from the column, coming to within a breath away from Dallis. Her sweetness engulfed him at their closeness. Only a small space of air separated his lips from hers. He shouldn’t, but he did. He closed the gap and pressed his mouth to hers, catching her gasp. So sweet. Rory took another kiss, coaxing her lips to open. He kept his hands behind his back, afraid of his strong desire to hold her. He only wanted enough kisses to suppress his need for more. Just one taste would pacify him, something to hold onto in his memories. His tongue pressed until she opened for him. Rory invaded her mouth, taking no mercy, desire controlling his actions. He devoured Dallis, catching her moans as she responded with innocent strokes of her tongue.

  Rory realized he must end this madness before he ruined her.

  With his body protesting its disappointment, Rory stepped away. He would regret his next words, but they needed to be spoken. They didn't represent the man he was, but would give Dallis enough of a scare to stay away.

  “Next time you follow me into the dark, my dear, you will find the danger you think I am not capable of. Go back to the simple gentlemen who court you, before you realize how dangerous I can be.”

  With that, he walked away and went to find a drink. The shock in her lovely eyes ate away at his gut. It was for the best. Rory didn’t need her flirtation and come-kiss-me eyes. They were a temptation he must resist.

  Dallis stood in the same spot for endless minutes. Between the shock of his kiss and the words he spoke, she didn’t know what hurt more. That the kiss was nothing more than for his own pleasure, or the threat warning her away. Then she changed her mind, because Rory’s kiss wasn’t the action of a man using a woman. It was the kiss of a man who desired her and wanted more. To most ladies his words would have been a warning to stay away. To Dallis they only encouraged a desire to discover just how dangerous he could be.

  Dallis walked into the ballroom a changed woman. She was no longer the debutante who waited for the gentleman she desired to court her. Now she was a woman who would chase the gentleman she desired. Lord Roderick Beckwith failed to notice that she was the dangerous one and would invade his life to show him. The smile on her face was one full of determination. Her eyes searched for him and found Rory at the bar in the corner, drinking one shot after another. Yes, she affected him. He would no longer be able to hide from her.

  Now we
shall see who follows whom, Lord Beckwith.

  Chapter Three

  The tables had been reversed. Everywhere Rory went Lady Dallis was there. His rides in the park, his visits to Lord Hartridge, every ball he escorted his mother and sister to, she was present. She even took it upon herself to befriend his sister. Of course, his friends Sidney and Sophia also aided Dallis to instigate herself into his life. And he thought they were his friends. Just because they were both happily married, they took it upon themselves to play matchmaker with him. Sidney was aware of his financial situation and urged him that love was stronger than money. In time he would repair his finances and all would be well. Rory wished that he had the same optimism, but the sense of despair kept him awake at night. Well, not the only thing. Sweet dreams of Dallis might play a part in his sleepless nights.

  Those night made his days longer. Rory would wake grumpy and get more ill-tempered throughout the day. It was on one of those days that he encountered Lady Dallis and her grandmother. They were guests of his mother, having tea in the parlor. There she sat demurely on their meager furnishings, as comfortable as if she sat upon a throne. The upholstery had faded fast on the rag-tag chair and the legs were unbalanced. How she managed not to topple over amazed him. The shame of his family’s standing soured his mood, watching the lady he wished for a bride sip her tea. She laughed with his sister on the antics of an earl they'd both danced with the evening before. The buffoon stepped on both of their toes and proceeded to try kissing them. The story angered him on two levels. One, as a brother who wanted to defend his sister’s honor. Second, on the level of a besotted suitor jealous of another man attempting to stake a claim on Dallis.

  “Don’t you agree, Rory?” his sister asked.

  “Agree on what?” he barked.

  His mother immediately said, “Roderick Allan Beckwith, do not speak to your sister in those tones in the company of our guests.”

  “How I can, when none are present?” His sarcasm dripped amongst the ladies.

  “Rory,” his mother warned.

  His quick temper hovered on the edge of exploding from the actions of Lord Phipps; who he would take care of later today when he visited his club. Also, it was frustrating having Dallis within arm’s length and he couldn't act upon his desires. What made it worse was the smile on her face, full of mirth at his predicament. He realized Dallis knew what she did, and it was all done on purpose. Then there was his sister smirking as his mother reprimanded Rory in front of their guests as if he were a small toddler. It didn’t set well with his ego.

  “I am sorry, pet. What do you wish for my agreement on?” he gritted between his teeth with kindness.

  His sister laughed. “Do you not agree that Lord Holdenburg would be perfect for Lady Dallis?”

  It took everything in his willpower to agree. “Yes. A perfect gentleman. Lord Holdenburg should be honored for a chance at winning your hand.”

  And it was true, the earl acted the perfect gentleman with every lady of the ton. However, Rory knew the true character of Holdenburg. He was once a trusted friend, but now a sworn enemy. The man was nothing but a drunk and a gambler. Not to mention a scoundrel from whom he protected his sister. But to the ton’s eye he was one of the popular set. Jealously gripped his gut once again. Lord Holdenburg stood a chance with Dallis that Rory never could. Even though the earl gambled heavily, he always came out the winner. While Rory’s predicament could only be described as impoverished. Holdenburg was wealthy beyond any member of the ton. Lady Dallis could do no worse.

  Dallis smiled serenely at his lie. “Why, such a lovely compliment, my lord.”

  “I speak only the truth, my lady.”

  Their eyes spoke volumes to each other. Each one sending a silent message. Her eyes telling him, bull. His saying, over my dead body. Dallis laughed and his shoulders relaxed at the mirth shining from her eyes. Rory should have known the very devil played against him.

  “Excellent, I shall make introductions at this evening’s ball,” his mother replied.

  Now his own mother worked against him. When the rest of the ladies discussed what Dallis should wear on her introduction to Lord Holdenburg, his frustration reached a new high. Soon the talk turned to hairstyle, jewelry, and the likes and dislikes of the gentleman. Dallis’s excitement about this evening's festivities had him gripping the arms of the chair and shooting daggers toward the women. When his eyes encountered Dallis’s grandmother, Lady Ratcliff, he was taken back. The lady’s smile was devious and cunning. She arched her eyebrow, baiting him to interfere. He had been under the belief that the old lady thought him a fortune hunter. Was he mistaken? He gave her a small shake of his head, and she mouthed one word to him, shocking him in his seat.

  Coward.

  Coward? He wasn’t a coward, was he? Rory glared back, but too late. Lady Ratcliff jumped into the conversation, urging Dallis to make a possible suit with Lord Holdenburg. Rory rose and left the room, not offering his excuses or thanking his mother’s guests for their company. He could listen to no more or be under the mocking stare taunting him to prove her wrong. Lady Ratcliff wasn’t mistaken, and that only made him more furious. He was a coward who wouldn’t express his feelings to the beauty who claimed his heart. Not only was Rory a coward, but a weak one at that.

  Out of the corner of her eye Dallis saw Rory leave. The other ladies hadn’t noticed his departure. He was the other half of her soul, and she knew when he was no longer near. He left in anger. Dallis never meant to make him mad, only a bit jealous. Jealous enough to act. Instead, he let his frustration fuel his actions. The decision to leave. It didn’t matter, she had a few more ploys to draw his attention. Rory would be in attendance tonight, because he always escorted his mother and Kathleen to every event.

  Dallis would also seek the advice of her new friends, Lady Sidney and Lady Sophia. Her grandmother had forbidden accepting their offers of friendship. However, they were a connection to Rory that Dallis didn’t want to relinquish. So with the help of her maid, she sent them missives and met with them without her grandmother’s knowledge. She hated betraying her nanna, but knew deep in her heart she would understand. Nanna always loved a good romance with a happy ending. Sidney and Sophia were Rory's devoted friends, and they offered their support on winning Rory’s love. When she arrived home, Dallis would send them her requests.

  Then watch out, Lord Beckwith. Tonight you will dance with me whether you want to or not. Dallis returned her attention to the women discussing her clothing. She caught the eye of Rory’s mother, who surprised her with a wink. Lady Beckwith continued on conversing with her grandmother as if the moment never happened. If Dallis wasn’t mistaken, his mother granted her approval on pursuing her son.

  After Dallis and Lady Ratcliff departed, Kathleen regarded her mother with a suspicious look. Her mother cleared the mess from tea and set the plates on the tray, aiding their ailing servant, Agnes. Their family was near the edge of destitute. The only servants they could afford was an aging butler, a cook, and one lady’s maid who also did a bit of light housekeeping. Her mother and herself pitched in when necessary.

  Rory worked hard to fill their coffers. Her father had been a gambler, betting on fights, horse races, card games; one after another, draining their savings. Mama didn’t know the very fights her father bet on, her brother now fought in. Rory held a reputation with his fists that nobody could match, and his mind was just as swift. But as a research assistant for Lord Hartridge, it didn’t pay well. It was not in favor of the ton’s standards to gain employment, so everything Rory did to earn money for their welfare was done secretly. In the ton’s eye, he helped Lord Hartridge as a hobby. In regard to his fighting, the contests were only witnessed by the degenerates of the ton too lost in their cups to care who fought. Many nights he returned home with his fists bloody and bruised. Never a mark to his face or body to indicate his activities. His hands were covered in gloves as fashion expected, so nobody saw the wounds. If Mama was aware, she turned a b
lind eye. Kathleen ached that her brother hurt himself to provide for them.

  The rarity of her brother never went unnoticed as she met the gentlemen in society. No man could compare to Rory. She understood it would help their family tremendously if she were to find a husband to help support them. But she only wanted to marry for love, and not to a man like her father. So far, she had yet to encounter a gentleman to meet her standards.

  “You are aware, Mama, Rory is madly in love with Lady Dallis?”

  “Yes, Kathleen, I am well aware.”

  “Then why are your introducing her to Lord Holdenburg this evening?”

  “To give your brother a kick in the rear to move forward.”

  “Mother, your language.”

  “Pshh,”

  “He left instead of paying Dallis a bit of attention.”

  “Yes. However, throughout the entire tea, he never took his eyes off her. And he departed in a fit of jealously.”

  “Is it wise to bait his temper?”

  Her mother smiled a secret smile. “If he is anything like your father, then it was just the right bait to entice him after her.”

  “What do you mean, Mama?”

  “Trust me, my dear, after tonight your brother shall pursue Lady Dallis in a most scandalous nature.”

  “You are devious, Mother.”

  “Thank you, my dear. You remember that, for when your brother is married off, you are next.”

  Those were her mother’s parting words as she lifted the tea tray and walked to the kitchen. Kathleen heard her talking to Agnes as they prepared dinner. Her mother would have to be more devious to see her settled. Because there wasn’t a gentleman who drew Kathleen's attention enough for her to even think about getting married.