The Lady and the Earl Read Online Free Page B

turned a healthy color as she smiled shyly in return.
    Damnation!  She really was tempting to pursue as well.  H e couldn’t have both Allana and Carmon, could he?   He shook his head.
    As he turned to seek out Allana, he was aware of the crowd of girls that encircled Carmon .  Perfect.   If he danced with her a few more times, she would be the most sought after girl instead of Allana.  Then he could have Allana all to himself. 
    He searched the area for Allana and found her being led back out onto the dance floor by yet another young fool.  Lucas thought about finding himself a partner as well, but decided to wait this one out.  Then perhaps he could catch her before another suitor snatched her back out to dance.  As he waited and watched, his eyes unwillingly sought out Carmon this time, finding her still surrounded by other ladies.  She truly was a beautiful creature, so innocent looking .  M aybe if he played his cards right, he could have both ladies.  No, if he wanted Allana, he could n o t play his usual games, especially if they involved her best friend. 
    The song ended, but before Lucas could reach Allana, once again she was led back to the dance floor.  This routine continued for the next few dances.  Would she ever receive a break?  Every song she had a young man escorting her back out onto the floor, and more than once he saw that Edmund character guiding her across the room.  Lucas’s patience was growing thin as he waited for a break, not receiving one.  He began dancing himself after waiting out a few , picking new partners while waiting for his chance to catch Allana.  He even danced with Carmon twice more.  But he was growing frustrated with each passing moment.  He wanted Allana.  He wanted to corner her and guide her away from this crowd of people so he could spend time alone with her, but it seemed his chance would never come. 
    Finally, the orchestra stopped for a short break.  Now maybe he could find her .  He spotted her across the room, but before he had a chance to reach her, Edmund Russell was by her side , guiding her out of the ballroom.  Irritation surged through Lucas as he ground his teeth in frustration.  He was losing the battle tonight.  He hated losing.  A light blue gown caught his attention from a few feet away.  Perhaps tonight he would have to settle for second best.
    “Carmon, wou ld you care to walk with me?” h e asked the unsuspecting young woman .
    “Yes, of course,” she said with an eager smile. 
    He guided her out of the large room and outside into the cool, night air.
     

Chapter 3
     
    Edmund Russell frowned.  He was so torn.  Tonight was the night he would ask Allana to marry him.  It was only proper considering how long he had been courting her.  If he hadn’t intended to do so, he should not have courted her.   He ’d been telling himself this time and time again.  He’d always known this would be the outcome.  Carmon did not want him.   She had made that obvious, hadn’t she? 
    A fter asking Allana for the first dance, Edmund had retired to the shadows simply to watch the two women.  He told himself it was to protect his future bride.  She was a highly sought after woman.  He needed to be aware of his competition.  But his eyes u nwillingly focused on Carmon Davenhue .  He watched her from th ose shadows , hidden from her view , or so he thought until her own eyes fell upon him.   He did not care that she caught him staring .  Perhaps she would tell Allana, and Allana would refuse his offer of marriage. 
    He waited for Carmon to turn from him as she always did .  Time seemed to stand still.  She did not turn.   He was close enough he could see the sharp inhalation of breath she took when she spied him watching her.  And then she smiled the most breath taking, tender smile he’d ever seen . 
    Oh, how he wanted to court her !  If only she hadn’t shunned him .  A sudden thought occurred to him.  What if he