I Shall Love the Earl Read online

  As he rose from the tub, he dripped water on the floor. Walking to the bed with the towel wrapped around his waist he saw that Agnes had whipped him up a batch of the soothing medication for his hands. While it smelled atrocious, it did the trick. The few servants under his employ knew of his fighting to hold the household together, and kept the truth from his mother. He rubbed the ointment on his knuckles and sighed with relief as the sting disappeared from the comforting gel. Once he felt relief, he dressed and sat in the chair near the fireplace. It was an old chair which looked worse for wear, but it was his favorite. Sometimes when he sat in it, he could focus on his dilemmas and come to a conclusion on how to solve them.

  Only this time there were no solutions. Rory’s life was spinning out of control and he had no handle on how to stop it. Before now, he was a sensible fellow who approached life with clear thoughts and lived on the straight and narrow. Granted, when he was younger, he had his fair scrapes of trouble. But ever since Lord Hartridge took him under his wing, Rory became determined to make something of his life. To provide for his family in a way his father never did. To do that, he became respectable, knowledgeable, courteous, and everything a lady would admire. But once Dallis entered his life, one look at her and all rational thoughts flew out the door. Rory fell off the path and headed down dead ends which never led them to her. Always further away. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes, trying to figure a way to see Dallis without her grandmother knowing.

  When Rory opened his eyes, it was to discover his sister had snuck into his room and sat cross-legged on his bed. Another lady he seemed to fail. He slid his hands to his sides, hiding the bruising. Kathleen eyed him with a quizzical look.

  “It was very rude of you not to join us for tea. Mama is most disappointed with you.”

  “Not tonight, sister.”

  “It is either me, or Mama herself wants to talk to you.”

  Rory released a breath. “Spill it, squirt. I have business I need to attend to.”

  “You missed Dallis.”

  Rory sat forward. “When?”

  “She came to visit during afternoon tea. I think she hoped to see you. Anyway she left—and looked to be near tears too.”

  Rory stood, running his hands through his hair, pacing back and forth across his bedroom. She came here for him. Damn. If only he had walked into the parlor and he would have seen her for himself. He had to find a way past her protective grandmother. Perhaps he should take a page out of Wildeburg’s book? If he snuck into her room tonight, he could explain his absence. Then maybe steal a kiss or two. First, he had to get rid of Kathleen.

  “Mama also wanted me tell you that if you do not make a stand for Dallis, she will persuade Lord Holdenburg to ask for Dallis's hand in marriage. She thinks they make a sweet couple. If you want my opinion ...”

  “I do not.”

  “Well ...”

  “Good night, Kathleen.”

  Rory managed to extract his sister off his bed and guide her toward the door. Kathleen kept rattling on about Lord Holdenburg and Dallis, not making much sense to him. His thoughts were focused on his plans to see Dallis. Would she have on the same white nightgown that displayed her curves? Would her hair lay unbound, flowing around her shoulders? Could he tempt her into a few kisses? Rory hoped that all the answers to his questions would be yes.

  “Rory!”

  “What?”

  Kathleen stopped in her tracks, making him stop too. If he continued, he would only be dragging her to the door. Rory didn’t want to hurt her, he only wanted her gone. Kathleen's fingers tried to peel his hand away from her arm. He grimaced in pain when her nails scraped against an open sore.

  “Who did you fight? And why?”

  “It is none of your business.”

  “It is, if this is the result.”

  “Kathleen ...”

  “Tell me or I will tell Mama.”

  “I needed to let off a bit of steam.”

  “Did you win?”

  Rory laughed, “Yes.”

  “How much did you win?”

  “It was only for sport.”

  “Rory, I am well aware of how you earn money to support our family. I have for quite some time. Papa left us broke, didn’t he?”

  “Kathleen, this is my burden to carry.”

  “When will you realize it is also mine?”

  “Never. It is my duty to protect and provide for you. You are meant to enjoy the life you were born into. I only wish I could provide better for you.”

  In that moment Kathleen finally understood the sacrifices Rory suffered for her. And the only way to repay his generosity would be to find a way to bring coin into their home. Kathleen either would need to wed, or do what her father did best. And that was cards. Her father taught her how to play with the best of them. Kathleen knew every trick in the book and then a few that she learned herself. If Rory could fight to bring in extra money, then she must find some card games to play. Kathleen heard of a place near Vauxhall Gardens where the ladies wore masks to hide their identities. It was an exclusive club only for the well-privileged with deep pockets. She only needed to secure an invitation. After that, she would win the huge pots at the tables.

  She stood on her tiptoes and brushed a kiss across his cheek. “You are the best brother any girl could ever hope for. Now, for me to be the best sister, I will take my leave so that you can go to Dallis. Do not keep her waiting any longer.”

  Once Kathleen left, he ran to his study. Rory needed to send a payment to the grocer before his mother found out about their past due bill. He wrote a note and stuck some cash into an envelope to leave with Agnes. On his way out of the room he spotted a wrapped linen parcel on the edge of his desk. A strong scent of strawberries wafted in the air as he pulled the cloth apart. There resting inside was a piece of cake with strawberry glaze. A smile spread across his face, realizing the gift was from Dallis. She knew about his visit. She must have come today in hopes to repair her grandmother’s tongue. He took a bite out of the cake and moaned in pleasure. The strawberries tasted divine. Just like her. Rory continued to eat the cake as he left. He was on his way to her, now that he knew it wasn’t too late.

  He should wait until tomorrow to see Dallis, and do it properly. However, not one minute of their relationship was proper thus far, so why start now?

  Chapter Sixteen

  Dallis rested on the window seat with the pane cracked open. A cool breeze wafted in turning the room chilly. The cold went unnoticed as she stared into the dark night. Stars lit the sky, reminding Dallis of childhood stories of how the stars guided the warrior’s home after their long battles. Dallis made a wish on the first star she saw. The act was foolish, but all the same she tried. Somewhere in the universe something hopefully would make her dreams come true. She traced a pattern on the window, picturing her wish. She imagined Rory's passion-filled eyes as he enticed her into his arms. Lost in her fantasy, Dallis wasn’t aware the window had opened wider and he hung onto her windowsill.

  Dallis gasped, “Rory?” She wondered if she only imagined him.

  “Dallis.”

  “Are you real?”

  “As real as you wish me to be.”

  Dallis reached out to touch him. Her palm curved around his cheek feeling his warmth. He was real—and he hung from her window. How? She reached to pull him in and he lost his grasp, hanging on with one hand. The muscles in his arm bulged through his shirt as he gripped the sill. She cried his name in fear.

  “Shh, love. Before you awaken your grandmother. I want to live.”

  “But you are about to fall.”

  “Stand back, honey,” he ordered, swinging his body. He pushed the window open further and tumbled inside. He made enough of a racket to wake the dead. Lucky for him, her grandmother was a sound sleeper. Dallis prayed that none of the servants saw Rory either. Or else her reputation would definitely be ruined and she would be sent home to wed a groom hand-picked by her father.

 
; “You know, love, you are a sight for sore eyes. You are wearing exactly what I hoped you would be.”

  “Do not call me your love, Rory Beckwith.”

  “Ahh, but you are.”

  “Are you drunk again?”

  “Come here.” He laid on his back, smiling at her, and crooked his finger.

  She shook her head and backed away.

  “You need to leave right this instant.”

  “After I get a kiss.”

  “No! Now.”

  Rory hooked his finger on the hem of her nightgown and tugged. Dallis lost her balance and fell right where he wanted her to—in his arms.

  “Mmm, now this is better.”

  “You, Rory Beckwith, are a scoundrel of the highest order.”

  “I only want one kiss, Dallis.”

  “Then after you get your kiss, you will want more. All the while, my reputation will be torn to tatters and where will you be? But absent as always.”

  The tone of Dallis’s voice saddened as she reprimanded him. He hurt her deeply by staying away. Rory never meant her any harm. At first he thought she deserved better than him, after that it was one crisis after another which prevented him from courting her. Rory came tonight to declare his intentions and perhaps steal only a kiss or two. Maybe three, because she felt so delightful in his arms. All right, four, then he would leave.

  However, after the fourth kiss, he didn’t stop. He lost count how many times he sampled her delicious lips. The kisses turned to soft caresses as he slid her nightgown up. Her body was softer than any silk. The aroma of strawberries inflamed his senses. He wanted more from Dallis. Rory wanted to strip her bare and lay with her as he kissed her everywhere. Long slow kisses that lasted a lifetime.

  Dallis swore she wouldn’t let him anywhere near her again. But when she fell into his arms, it was as if she fell into home. His embrace gave her a sense of security. His kisses made her crave him. They set her on fire with a need for Rory to show her what happens when passion ignites. The cool breeze caressed her legs as he tugged the nightgown around her hips. Rory’s fingers stroked across her buttocks, pulling Dallis into his hardness, and she released a moan.

  He pulled her core into him and rotated his hips. His cock was hard and aching to be inside her. Rory wanted to slide into her warmth and lose himself forever. When she moved her hips along with his, he almost spent himself. His Dallis was a fast learner. He couldn’t wait to teach her how wonderful they could be together. He rolled her over so that Dallis lay underneath him. Rory saw the desire shining from her eyes and knew Dallis wanted him too. When he slid his hand between her thighs she opened for him. Rory’s hand moved higher and his fingers sunk into her wetness, and her eyes darkened into a deep forest of green. As he slid inside her core, she closed her eyes and moaned with pleasure. This time he'd promised only one kiss, but his need to savor Dallis replaced all common sense.

  Rory kissed a trail along her legs until he reached her wetness. He spread her thighs apart, dipping his head in for a nibble. Ahh, the temptation of strawberries whetted his appetite, his tongue sliding slowly across her wetness. Dallis moaned his name as he went in for another taste. Rory could no more stop at one kiss than he could stop breathing. His tongue stroked in and out of her wetness as his thumb flicked across her clit. He wanted Dallis to come undone under his mouth. He slid his tongue out and flicked it back and forth across her hard clit, coaxing her to lose control. Dallis’s body tensed underneath him.

  Rory’s mouth did the most delicious acts. She never wanted him to stop and held back her screams as he pleasured her with his mouth. Her hips pressed against his mouth as he continued to drive her over the edge. Dallis held on, wanting Rory to ease her ache. And when he started to use his mouth and fingers on her wetness, she lost control. Dallis’s body flew over the edge, his kisses dominating her senses.

  Rory caught Dallis as he brought her to her fullest pleasure. Dallis's body went soft in his arms. Her hair tumbled around them, the red strands dark alongside the white of his shirt. When she lifted her eyes to him, her real beauty blew him away.

  “You are so beautiful, Dallis.”

  She blushed, shaking her head in denial. Dallis knew she held no true beauty, not the kind that made men fall at her feet. But she felt special from Rory’s attentions—from his looks, to this touch, to the kisses he bestowed upon her body. How could she not feel beautiful when he worshipped her? She only hoped this latest episode wouldn’t result like the other ones. Dallis couldn’t take any more heartache.

  “Do not hurt me anymore, Roderick Beckwith. I could not stand it, if you do.”

  “Ah, love. Please allow me to explain.”

  “No, I will not listen to your excuses. I only want you present. If you cannot be, then I will return to Scotland.”

  “No!” His voice rose as he rolled her over again. “You are not leaving me.”

  “Then give me a reason to stay.”

  “Don’t cry, Dallis. I am a fool.”

  Tears streamed down Dallis’s cheeks as he wiped his fingers across them. He leaned over and gently pressed a kiss on her lips.

  “I love you, Dallis MacPherson.”

  “How? You do not even know my character.”

  “I know all that I need to, and I will learn the rest after we wed.”

  “Wed? You cannot even court me properly,” Dallis scoffed.

  “You want to be courted? I will show you courting, my lady.” He pulled Dallis up, sliding her nightgown back into place.

  Rory stepped away from Dallis, causing a void. The loss would only be for a short time. He would give her a courtship to make her swoon.

  “Well, consider this to be the first round of courting, my dear.”

  “This is not appropriate courting, Lord Beckwith. This is your final chance to ruin me.”

  “Ahh, Dallis that is not fair.”

  “Humph. Good night, Lord Beckwith. I do not want to set eyes upon you unless it is proper.”

  “How am I supposed to court you, when your grandmother has forbidden me to cross her doorstep?”

  “You appear to be a clever fellow. I am sure you will think of something. Now leave.” Dallis pointed to the window.

  “Ah, lass, you drive a hard bargain, but one I am game for.” He gave her a quick peck before he escaped out the window.

  Dallis smiled, watching him disappear into the darkness. She'd only pretended to be disappointed with him, because she enjoyed it when he teased her. Her excitement grew, anticipating what he had planned for tomorrow. How would Rory convince Nanna to let him court her? Rory didn’t know that Dallis had warned Nanna off interfering.

  Perhaps, Dallis should have Nanna make Rory fight to enter.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Dallis waited in the parlor as Shaw escorted some of their last guests to the door. Teatime was over and as usual Rory didn’t show. She rested in her chair, attempting to keep a serene smile in place as Nanna’s oldest friend, Lady Farnsworth, still remained. Dallis's temper brimmed near the surface. The next time she came upon Lord Roderick Beckwith he would realize the full extent how finished she was with him. She'd decided this morning not to involve Nanna in her playful ploy. For which she was glad. If Nanna thought Rory would arrive, and he didn’t, she would either confront Lady Beckwith on the scandalous behavior of her son or force Dallis’s return to Scotland. When Dallis threatened Nanna the day before, she'd walked a thin line. If Nanna proved herself correct, there would be no recourse for Dallis.

  She heard Shaw returning, and he was not alone. Dallis heard multiple footsteps nearing the parlor. She turned her head to the door and the new guests arriving surprised her. Not only did Rory come, but he brought his mother and sister with him. When their eyes met, he leaned against the doorjamb and raised his eyebrows in confidence. He'd outwitted her grandmother, it seemed, using his family as a decoy. Rory was a devious one, and she would need to keep on her toes. Dallis sent him a nod for a job well done. However, Rory
wasn’t finished with his point, strolling to her grandmother’s side and presenting her with a jar of strawberries to prove it. Her nanna shot him a shrewd look, and then one over to Dallis. Dallis shrugged her innocence.

  Kathleen sat near Dallis and his mother joined Lady Ratcliff and Lady Farnsworth on the sofa. Rory had seen the astonishment on Dallis’s face when they entered. His girl held no faith in his making an appearance. He'd deliberately waited until near the end of afternoon tea before making their arrival. Rory didn’t want to share Dallis with any other suitors or busy-bodies of the ton. He'd made a grand gesture when he handed her grandmother the strawberries. It was also a warning to her nanna that he meant to court Dallis and wouldn’t let anybody stand in his way. Her grandmother looked him over and, for only him to see, gave a nod of approval.

  Rory then stood by the fireplace and watched Dallis and Kathleen chat animatedly. Soon they were in a fit of giggles, his sister explaining about an incident at a musical she'd attended this week. Then his mother called Kathleen over to the sofa to show off her new dress. He regretted his tone with her the previous evening and took Kathleen shopping this morning. Rory had a few extra coins left over from the fight and wanted to buy Kathleen a new dress rather than having her wear last year’s rags.

  Which left him alone with Dallis for a moment.

  He slid into the chair Kathleen had occupied. Crossing one leg over the other, with a lazy expression he regarded Dallis. Rory watched the blush grace her cheeks with his intense regard. Pure loveliness. He could gaze upon her all day long. Soon he would be able to. The profits from Sheffield’s investment should flow through any day now.

  “You look lovely today, Lady Dallis.”