The Lady and the Earl Read Online Free Page A

have noticed Edmund’s reluctance to leave Carmon in Lucas’s company.  Yet, she did not and forced herself to take his arm.  She had to take it.  There was nothing else she could do.  She sighed inwardly.  Wait, there was one thing she could do.  She turned to Lucas.  
    “It was good to see you again, Lucas.”  And with those words s he gave him her most elegant smile before allowing Edmund to lead her to the dance floor. 
    *            *          *
    Lucas watched Allana go in silence.  He was shocked!  That woman was little Lana?  She was absolutely beautiful , and that smile!  It was stirring the most inappropriate desires within .  How wrong he’d been in his assumption that Allana would be homely and uncouth.   She was the most stunning, delectable creature he had ever laid eyes on.  His mind wandered deviously as he watched her.  Stop, she’s Connor’s little sister.  She ’ s Allana, he scolded himself.  But he could n’ t help it .  The more he examined her, the less he cared who she was .  He had to have her.  She would make the most glorious trophy yet.   
    A small sigh followed by, “She i s beautiful , isn’t she,” pulled Lucas’s attention away from Allana.  He glanced curiously at the young lady next to him.      
    Carmon was a petite, young thing with a tiny waist that was accented by the soft curves of her body.  She had a delicate , heart - shaped face with rosy, red lips and big blue eyes that looked almost sad.  Lucas could not bear seeing such a beautiful woman looking so helpless and lonely.  Allana must steal all the young men, leaving this lovely one to fend for herself . 
    “ Yes, she is.  But so are you, my L ady.  I was actually hoping you would grace me with a dance,” he said, giving Carmon his best smile .  The least he could do was give her some confidence.  Dancing with him would make every girl jealous as well as draw the attention of the other young men.  Then maybe she would be seen for the stunning creature she was instead of being hidden behind Allana .
    “Me?” Carmon choked in surprise. 
    Lucas smiled and nodded. 
    “I…I would love to dance with you,” Carmon stuttered, blushing afterward. 
    Lucas offered her his arm .  She took it tentatively and let him guide her to the dance floor. 
    As they danced , his eyes sought the dark purple gown Allana was wearing.  It was still hard to believe she was the same girl who had followed Connor and him around all those years ago.  Their eyes met for a brief moment where he received a soft smile from her as though thanking him for dancing with Carmon.  Even the simplest of smile s caught him off guard.  It was just plain alluring !   Yes, she was definitely the one he would win.  It would have to be different though.  He could not simply woo her to his bed in one night.  He would have to court her.  And perhaps once he bedded her, he really would marry her.  The thought, for once, did n’t cause panic within .  Yes, marriage to Allana was…acceptable.  He smiled and turned his attention back to his dance partner.
    Carmon simply flowed with him.  He barely had to guide.  She was like a part of him in this dance, moving with him with such grace and elegance. He twirled her and received a beaming smile in return, a smile that forced his own smile.  The woman was quite dazzling.  If not for Allana, he might have chosen Carmon for his prey instead.  After all, shy women were usually quite challenging and rewarding, and from the looks of this sweet young thing, she would be both.
    When the dance was over, Lucas led Carmon back to the side of the room.  “Thank you, Carmon.  Perhaps later, if you have an other open slot, you might grace me with another?” 
    “That would be lovely,” she replied breathlessly. 
    He smiled at her reaction before sweeping her hand into his and kissing it gently.   “Until later, then,” he said .  Her cheeks