I Shall Love the Earl

by Laura A. Barnes

  “Rory, you must understand your actions, while they always have been gentlemanly, have turned into a scandalous rake. Dallis deserves better. All of us have your best interest at heart and we speak as your friends concerned for your reputation. Your behavior is not only causing you harm, think of your mother and sister.”

  Rory sighed and he finally admitted, “I am well aware of my actions and the consequences from them. However, poverty and not being able to provide for Dallis are what have kept me from courting her.” He finally admitted.

  “Which after today’s deal will no longer be your excuse.”

  “That, and earlier today I had to watch Lord Holdenburg charm Lady Dallis. I wanted to punch the arrogant bastard.”

  The men laughed, having experienced the same feeling toward Rory.

  “I could host another dinner party,” Sidney suggested.

  “NO!” Everybody shouted this at once, then laughed.

  The last dinner party Sidney hosted, scandalous innuendoes were loudly spoken. There were tears, heartache, pleading, shocked guests, and new gossip for the ton. No, the last thing Rory needed was for Sidney to intervene on his part with another party.

  He said, “While I appreciate your wonderful advice, I think I shall court Dallis in my own way.”

  “Good luck,” the men muttered, while the women pouted on the sofa, because all their ideas for bringing Rory and Dallis together would not be allowed to hatch.

  Talking to his friends about his problem eased Rory's doubts. However, he decided he would pursue Dallis on his own terms.

  They needed their own love story.

  Chapter Ten

  When Rory returned home, he discovered Kathleen with her head pressed against the closed door to the parlor. He heard his mother talking softly with a man. Who was his mother visiting with? Did the debt collectors come calling when he was away? He needed to persuade his sister to stop her snooping so that he could take care of business. Rory knew that one day his mother would find out the complete mess his father left them in. He'd only hoped that it would have been later. Not now, while he tried to win Dallis’s heart.

  “I wonder what punishment Mother will bestow on you for your eavesdropping?”

  “Shh,” Kathleen whispered.

  “I, myself, think that she should withhold Agnes’s blueberry scones from you for a week.”

  Rory thought withholding Kathleen’s favorite treat would entice her away. It was horrible enough that Mama would discover her husband’s secrets. It was another thing for Kathleen to realize the depth of their father’s depravity. Kathleen hero-worshipped their father, and Rory didn’t want that memory to change.

  “Rory, hush. I cannot hear what is being said with your annoying interference.” She tried to wave him away.

  “Kathleen, move away from the door this instance,” Rory growled.

  The only way for him to distract her attention was to display his displeasure. Rory would endure her anger in return for Kathleen not overhearing what was being discussed behind those closed doors. He grabbed her arm and started pulling her toward the staircase. Kathleen swatted at his hands and tried to wrench herself loose. When she dug in her heels and refused to move, Rory had no other choice. He lifted her up, threw her over his shoulder and started climbing the stairs. She thundered her fists on his back, calling him all sorts of names.

  “I only wanted to listen to what that scoundrel wished to discuss with Mother. He strolled in all pompous and Mother gushed all over him like she always does. But I know the scoundrel has ulterior motives.”

  Rory stopped mid-step. Who did Kathleen refer to? His mother wouldn’t gush over a shopkeeper. Whoever their mother entertained, it was somebody they were familiar with and set his sister on edge. Still, he needed to remove Kathleen so he could discover who the caller was for himself. However, before he could dispose of his sister, the parlor door opened. This was how their mother and guest found them. With Rory holding Kathleen upside-down, standing on the steps. His mother's astonished expression and the smirk of his former friend furthered Rory’s frustration.

  “Roderick Beckwith, put your sister down this instant!”

  He narrowed his eyes at Holdenburg, lowering Kathleen to her feet. That only brought Holdenburg more pleasure. Rory saw his mother was deeply embarrassed at her children’s hi-jinks. They had behaved as if they were young children instead of adults. Rory cringed at her disappointment. But the elegant lady only turned toward Lord Holdenburg and laughed.

  “Children will be children, my lord. I am sorry for their behavior. If you would like to rescind your gracious offer, I would not lay fault.”

  “Their antics bring me delight, Lady Beckwith. I would still be honored if your family would be my guests at the theater tomorrow evening.”

  Kathleen gasped. Lord Holdenburg had invited them to watch a play. She loved the theater. When her eyes encountered his, Holdenburg tilted his head in the arrogant way she detested. What game did he play now? She wondered at why he would invite their family when Rory had not a thing to do with him since their father died.

  “I promise they will be on their best behavior tomorrow evening. Thank you again for your generosity,” Lady Beckwith replied.

  “Excellent. I shall send word to Lady Ratcliff and Lady Dallis of your acceptance. Until tomorrow. Good day, my lady.” Holdenburg kissed her mother’s hand. “Beckwith.” He nodded to Rory. “Lady Kathleen.” He bowed before her with another smirk.

  Kathleen humphed at his display and brushed her hair out of her eyes as she turned and climbed the staircase with as much dignity that she could muster. Considering that she only wore one slipper—the other had fallen off when her brother carried her like a sack of coal.

  Holdenburg's invitation made perfect sense now. He wanted to taunt Rory with Dallis’s affections. Kathleen would do everything in her power to keep them separated. But was she keeping Dallis and Holdenburg from each other for Rory’s sake, or for her own?

  RORY WATCHED KATHLEEN continue up the stairs. He closed his eyes at his foolishness. In the effort to protect her from learning the truth of their father’s scandal, he'd embarrassed Kathleen in front of Holdenburg—of all people. He was aware of the crush Kathleen held for his old friend when she was younger, although she'd since outgrown the infatuation. Now Rory had humiliated her. He hoped Holdenburg wouldn’t speak of this incident. Rory needed to find a way to gain Kathleen's forgiveness.

  His mother’s stare burned a hole in the back of his head. Rory sighed, turning toward her. He opened his mouth to speak only for her to hold her hand up.

  She said, “I do not understand what has gotten into you lately. I am not even going to inquire why you had your sister tossed upside-down. However, I insist that you come to terms on whatever troubles you. As for tomorrow evening, you will accompany us and behave as the gentleman I have raised you to be.” With that said she brushed past him on the stairs, making her way toward Kathleen’s room.

  Rory leaned on the railing as the weight of his mother’s disappointment settled in his gut. Like the quick-tempered fool he was, he'd acted first before he understood the situation. He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. But he wasn’t only angry with himself. Holdenburg was the main cause. Holdenburg’s invitation to join his party at the theater was to flaunt his courtship with Dallis. It wasn’t only a message to Rory, but to the ton that he was an upstanding gentleman and not the scoundrel they painted him out to be. Rory knew better. He knew Holdenburg was a devious, conniving devil.

  Rory started down the stairs and ran out of the house. Before Holdenburg could stake his claim on Dallis, Rory would warn him away.

  He didn’t have far to go. Holdenburg stood waiting outside of his carriage and talking with his driver. He pulled his watch out and noted the time.

  “I expected you to storm out sooner,” Holdenburg quipped.

  “Whatever game you are playing, cease now.”

  “I play no game, friend.”<
br />
  “We are no longer friends. You lost that right with the hand you played.”

  “One day you will understand why I played that hand.”

  “I highly doubt it. Leave her alone.”

  “Which her are we referring to?”

  “Dallis,” Rory growled.

  “Oh, the lovely Lady MacPherson. Now, why would I leave her alone? Have you spoken for her?”

  Rory didn’t answer. He couldn’t, and Holdenburg knew it.

  “Right, then. Until tomorrow evening, Beckwith.”

  Holdenburg climbed into his carriage. Rory clenched his fists as his competition drove away. While he wanted nothing more than to punch the conceit off Holdenburg’s face, he wished to avoid his mother’s wrath over his temper.

  Chapter Eleven

  Kathleen waited in the foyer for her mother to join them. She kept her contempt toward Lord Holdenburg silent, pretending pleasure at his invitation to the theater. The only reason she joined the party was because of her love for the theater. She enjoyed the actors as they delved into their characters and brought the stories to life. Kathleen loved to escape into the drama as if she was part of the performance. The play was a comedy that she had never seen before and held rave reviews.

  Throughout his friendship with Rory, Lord Holdenburg always ignored Kathleen as if she were a pest. She'd resented him whenever he took Rory away on adventures and left her behind. As she grew older, Kathleen watched him charm every woman of the ton, either into his bed or have them cater to his every whim. Even her own mother thought him a dear and always spoiled him as a son when he visited.

  Even now, he infuriated Kathleen with his casual indifference. Holdenburg paid no compliment to her dress, and he held no pleasure in her company to this evening’s festivities. She at least thought he would admire the new ribbon she wove through her hair.

  Rory had left it on her pillow that afternoon. It was his way of apologizing for his boorish behavior yesterday. She still didn’t understand why he tried to remove her from outside the parlor door. All she tried to do was find out what Holdenburg and her mother discussed. When he had arrived, Holdenburg asked to speak to her mother alone. Her mother sent Kathleen off to help Agnes with dinner. Instead, Kathleen stood outside the door to listen for any clue to why he called. Because of Rory’s outlandish behavior, she never found out why. Kathleen never stayed mad at her brother for any length of time. So she accepted his apology and wore the new ribbon.

  However, Holdenburg stared at her in an ungentlemanly fashion as they waited. He leaned against the wall with his feet crossed in a casual manner, patiently waiting for her mother.

  Lord Holdenburg was dressed to perfection. From his top hat to the tails of his evening jacket. Not one bit of lint or wrinkle graced his clothing. No man should appear so sinfully delicious. From his dark, black hair, to his sensuous eyes, to the fine fit of his clothes, he was the perfect specimen. Even the devil-may-care attitude he flung around enticed men and women to his persona. But not her. She recognized the devil himself disguised in his form. She wanted to strike out against his smugness.

  “Mama is only using you to make Rory jealous of your attention to Lady Dallis.”

  Lord Holdenburg pushed himself off the wall and strolled toward Kathleen. His steps were lazy and slow as they took him to stand before her. He stroked his finger along her cheek and leaned over to whisper in her ear.

  “I am well aware of your mother’s plans, for they fit in perfectly with mine.”

  His soft words and touch sparked a reaction Kathleen never felt before. In her confusion, Kathleen reached a hand to her cheek and gazed into his eyes. His expression changed swiftly before Kathleen understood his intent. Now only amusement lit his blue eyes as he greeted her mother. Her confusing thoughts regarding Lord Holdenburg kept Kathleen from joining the conversation as they rode toward Lady Ratcliff’s home where they gathered Lady Dallis and her grandmother. Rory would meet them at the theater.

  Kathleen's eyes kept straying toward Holdenburg throughout their ride. Once, while she conversed with Dallis, he directed a look in her direction that led Kathleen's thoughts in a direction unknown. When she glanced back at him, it was to find his attention fixed on Dallis. Kathleen was mistaken, Holdenburg only had eyes for Dallis.

  Dallis was saying, “My Lord, it appears your wish for a harem has come true.”

  “You are mistaken, Lady Dallis, I said most men would wish for this, not I.”

  “Wish for a what?” Kathleen inquired.

  “Lord Beckwith will join our party at the theater.” Holdenburg interrupted before Dallis answered Kathleen.

  Dallis met his gaze and realized that Holdenburg didn’t want Kathleen to have knowledge of their previous conversation. She sent him a swift nod of understanding. To change the subject and draw Kathleen’s attention away, Dallis discussed the play they were about to attend.

  RORY IMPATIENTLY WAITED for them to arrive. The box was luxurious with every chair draped in comfortable cushions. Holdenburg even had his own servant waiting to serve champagne. He even supplied each woman with a new fan to cool themselves in the overcrowded theater. Every comfort to make the evening enjoyable were within their grasp. This display would threaten most men, but Rory knew it only to be in Holdenburg’s nature. His old friend was a charming soul who liked to please. Rory couldn’t feel threatened by him even if he tried.

  When the box became invaded by Holdenburg’s party, Rory rose to his feet and guided his mother to her seat as the earl helped Lady Ratcliff to hers. Once the gentlemen settled the two older ladies, Rory was turning to assist Dallis when an elbow nudged his side. With a glare, Rory elbowed back and reached Dallis first, guiding her to a seat toward the back of the balcony hidden in the shadows. Rory sat next to her, sending Holdenburg a victorious look. Holdenburg returned it with a glare and then offered to escort Kathleen to her seat. Kathleen sent Rory her own scowl of displeasure before she settled at the front of the balcony.

  The theater was a treat Rory had been unable to gift Kathleen with since their father passed away. Rory always enjoyed Kathleen's pleasure as she became engrossed in the performances. Holdenburg was gracious to provide them with this gift. Rory chuckled as Holdenburg took the only remaining seat in the box, next to his sister, and watched as Holdenburg attempted to talk to his sister only for Kathleen to rebuke him. Seeing Holdenburg rebuffed by his sister might be more entertaining than the play itself. Before Rory took pleasure from that, he should probably see what he accomplished for himself with Dallis.

  “You are exquisite this evening, Lady Dallis.”

  And she was with her hair in a riot of curls and a dress of soft blue encased around her generous curves. Dallis's creamy skin glowed under the candlelight. Rory wished he could reach out to trace his fingers across the soft surface.

  “You’re very gracious, Lord Beckwith.”

  “I only speak the truth from my eyes as I gaze upon your beauty.”

  Dallis blushed at his compliment. She saw how he fought with Lord Holdenburg to escort her to their seats. He'd settled them in the darkest corner. Was this another attempt to seduce her and not respond? It would only cause the scandal surrounding her name to grow. She hoped not. Dallis wished his attempt to visit her yesterday meant that Rory would court her properly. She was beginning to doubt everybody’s opinions on his regard.

  The theater became engulfed in darkness. The stage lit up with the characters coming to life. The scenes in the backdrop, drawing the eye to the fine detail, enhanced the performance. Dallis attempted to watch the play, but the couple in front drew her attention. The play plainly captivated Kathleen, her lips moved along with the characters as if she was the actress herself. However, that wasn’t what drew her eye, but Lord Holdenburg. He regarded Rory’s sister with devotion. Did he care for Kathleen? And they weren’t the only distraction. With Rory sitting so close, Dallis found it difficult to concentrate on the witty banter on the stage. Rory’s eyes were fo
cused on her.

  Rory tried to hold back, but he needed to touch her. Dallis's hands rested in her lap, holding onto the fan. He put his hand on hers, causing Dallis to drop the fan on the floor. It went unnoticed. Rory peeled the gloves from both his hands and Dallis's, and intertwined their fingers. When she raised her eyes to his, he smiled and turned his attention to the stage.

  Dallis relaxed when Rory simply held her hand as they enjoyed the performance. His smile softened her guard as she took comfort from his touch. Rory’s hand was rough from hard callouses against the softness of her own. Before she was aware of her intent, she explored the differences. Her fingers trailed across the scrapes in his knuckles, and Dallis wondered why his hands were beaten. When she touched an open sore, his grip tightened. Dallis stroked the area gently and he relaxed.

  Rory stilled at her touch. He only meant to hold her hand in an act of his true intentions. But with the gentle exploration of her touch his thoughts took a turn toward pleasure. How would she respond if he acted out his true desires? Would she sigh in pleasure? He took notice of how far they were hidden in the darkness. They were safe from any prying eyes. He stroked his thumb across her wrist where the beat of her pulse quickened. With his other hand he traced the length of her neck, low across her chest. Rory heard Dallis's sharp intake of breath, but she didn’t halt his actions. If anything he sensed a need for more. He lowered his head to follow the path of his fingers with his tongue. His lips started right below her ear, kissing softly before his tongue slid down. She tasted like strawberries. Her sigh echoed in his ears as he licked across the neckline of her dress.

  Dallis's body was melting into her seat as Rory attacked her senses with his sensuous mouth. His highly scandalous behavior would be the final straw to her ruination if they were caught. When his hands brushed across her breasts and his thumb teased her nipples, Dallis was past the point of caring anymore. Rory could ruin her twenty times over as long as did not cease his touch. When her sigh turned into a moan that others could hear, he captured her mouth in a mind-numbing kiss. His lips drawing out each of her desires into a kiss filled with passion. Rory’s hand slid inside to caresses her breasts, and Dallis’s moans turned to groans that made his kiss even more powerful. With each stroke of his tongue he demanded more passion. Dallis’s fingers slid into his hair, arching her body closer to him.