The Lady and the Earl Read Online Free

all , dancing once in a while with the young men who were barely old enough to even be in attendance .
    Her eyes circled the room out of habit in search of Edmond.  Her heart scolded her for the act.  Would she not stop torturing it by keeping hope?  He would marry Allana, and that was that.  Yet she could not stop .  She continued her search.
    When she finally spied him, she discovered he was watching her .  She inhaled sharply, h er eyes widened, and her cheeks flared hot.  She wanted to look away.  No!  Not this time!  She forced herself to look at him and smile. His eyebrows rose in surprise, but he composed himself quickly.  He bowed his head slightly without taking his eyes from her .  N odding , he g ave her a gentle smile.
    Carmon knew she was breathing rapidly.  She could n’ t look away.  What was she to do next?  
    “I believe I shan’t have a moment to rest tonight ,” Allana said with enthusiasm .
    Carmon jumped and pulled her attention to Allana.  They were alone once again. 
    *            *          *
    Allana stared at Carmon.  The girl was completely red and obviously startled.  “Carmon, what is it?” 
    Carmon shook herself.  “Nothing.   It was nothing.  What were you saying?”
    Allana laughed.  “I was simply saying — ”
    “Excuse me, ladies, but I could n’ t help noticing two stunning beauties, such as the two of you , from across the room,” a smooth, sultry voice began from behind Allana. 
    Allana recognized that voice.  Could it really be?  She spun around in astonishment to find Lucas Hoffman smiling his beautiful, charming smile back at her, and finally, Declan Cunningham slipped from her thoughts.
    “Lucas?” s he asked in surprise, interrupting whatever it was he was saying.  She threw her arms around him instinctively , even though i t surely wasn’t proper for her to do so , then pulled back to look at him .  “Lucas Hoffman!  What on earth are you doing here?”    
    Lucas’s smile slipped as he stared at her , a slight bit of panic replacing it.  
    Allana giggled.  He did not recognize her!   “Lucas, it’ s me, Allana.”
    H is eyes widened.  “Allana?” h e practically croaked.  His mouth dropped open in sh ock.  “I cannot believe… I did n’ t even recognize you,” he admitted. 
    “What?  Did you think I would stay a child forever?” s he asked teasingly, flashing him a playful smile.
    His eyebrows rose, and he eyed her in a manner that actually made her blush.   “Well, no.  It’ s simply been a very long time . ”
    She batted her eyes unintentionally, her stomach fluttering.   “Yes, it has been a long time.” 
    They stood looking at each other .  Allana’s heart pounded rapidly .  This was by far the most fantastic reaction she’d had toward a man since she stumbled upon Lord Cunningham those four years ago !   A little jab in the back brought her from her elation.    
    “Ouch,” Allana said, glaring at Carmon who in turn blushed crimson.  “Oh, Carmon.   I a m sorry.  Where are my manners?  Lucas, this is my very good friend , Carmon Davenhue .  Car mon, this is Lucas Hoffman.  He i s an old friend of the family .” 
    Lucas bowed politely to Carmon , receiving a cur tsy and a shy smile in return.  “It’ s a pleasure,” Lucas said.
    The orchestra began to play, and before Allana could say anything further to Lucas, Edmund was there.
    “Miss Allana, I believe I have this dance reserved,” he said, eyeing Lucas with a frown .  
    “Edmund, o f course,” Allana replied pleasantly.   Inside she was devastated.  Lucas was here, and she was stuck dancing with everyone except him.  If only she’d known.  She would have saved all of her dances for him, or at least as many as were acceptable.
    Edmund was offering her his arm , but he was staring from Lucas to Carmon in alarm .  If she hadn’t been so caught up in her own self-pity over the situation, Allana may