I Shall Love the Earl Read online

  Chapter Four

  Rory stormed into his club, searching for the reprobate who dared to kiss his sister and Lady Dallis. He found the earl bragging to his cronies of his exploits, and about the previous evening at a brothel attended by most the ton. Rory stopped and slugged him across the face. Lord Phipps slid to the floor in a heap, blood streaming from his nose. The red flow drenched his starched white shirt. The earl’s friends scattered away from Rory’s temper. He stooped and pulled the earl to his face with his cravat.

  “If you ever so much as attempt to kiss my sister or Lady Dallis again, you will end up with more than a broken nose. Do I make myself clear?”

  The earl nodded eagerly, his eyes wide agreeing to Rory’s demands.

  The whispered words of Rory's association with Lady Dallis would soon spread, the book filling with wagers about their relationship. Rory didn’t care, he'd had his revenge and his temper started to cool.

  As he rose and turned to leave, he encountered the smirks of the Duke of Sheffield and Lord Wildeburg, the husbands of Sidney and Sophia. They lifted their glasses as he passed and said, “Welcome to the club.”

  He stopped. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

  “Oh, he has it bad,” Wildeburg quipped.

  “Worse than us, I declare.” Sheffield agreed.

  “Sod off, both of you.”

  “Allow us to buy you a drink, my friend. Won’t you please join us in Sheffield’s private room? You look like you could do with a couple.”

  Wildeburg urged him down the hallway into a private dining area. Leather bound chairs clustered around the fire and a bottle of scotch rested on the table. As he sat glaring at the men, Wilde poured him a drink and clinked his glass with his. Rory downed the whiskey in one swallow, causing the men to laugh more. Once Wilde topped his glass again, Rory relaxed in the chair. Punching Phipps and the alcohol relaxed his temperament.

  “I always heard your fists were a force to be reckoned with,” Wilde said.

  “They are all I have at the moment.”

  “Perhaps we can be of assistance? Wilde has joined me in a business venture. Would you be interested?”

  “Sorry, I have no coins for any investment.”

  “I can front you and take your deposit off the profits.”

  “Sheffield, I do not need your pity.”

  “I do not consider it to be a pity, Beckwith. I value your opinion. It is a tricky market I am unfamiliar with, but I feel there could be a huge profit in the venture. I respect your opinion from the discussions we share at Lord Hartridge’s home and would like for you to be a partner.”

  “What is the venture?” Rory’s curiosity was drawn.

  “A shipment of silk, ivory, and wool.”

  Rory whistled his approval. He'd listened to discussions on importing these commodities. If he could invest, the profits would sustain his family for years to come. It would turn the state of their finances out of the red. Then his family would never have to worry about where their next coin came from. He decided to put aside his pride for his family’s sake.

  “Count me in. Only on agreement that interest is calculated on the return.”

  “Agreed.” Sheffield nodded.

  “Now, on to the real source of your temper. Lady Dallis MacPherson.”

  Rory remained quiet.

  Both men laughed again and Wilde said, “Yes, Sheffield, he is doomed.”

  “You should be so lucky to have Lady Dallis’s interest.” Sheffield told him.

  “You passed her over easy enough,” said Rory

  “Because Sophia held my heart. Anyway, she was not interested. Her heart lay with another.”

  “How would you know?”

  “She told me on the day we took a walk. The same day my wife laid her head on your shoulder.”

  Rory cringed, remembering that day. It was the morning after he pummeled Sheffield in a fit of jealously and rage. Still, now he knew—Dallis loved another, and he didn’t stand a chance.

  “Then my pursuit of her would be hopeless.”

  “I always heard you hit your opponents in the head. However it would appear you must have been hit in the head too many times yourself.”

  “Beckwith, she is in love with you,” Wilde helped him with the confusion, playing the peacemaker.

  Rory sat in confusion. Dallis loved him? Was it possible? He thought she might have held an attraction toward him, but never imagined it could be love. Did this change everything?

  “Sorry, Sheffield,” Rory muttered.

  “I deserved it. For every reason you landed your fists on my face, it was justified.”

  “What is your plan?” asked Wilde.

  “I have none. During their visit this afternoon for tea, my mother brought up an introduction between Lord Holdenburg and Lady Dallis. Lady Ratcliff agreed that it would be an excellent match.”

  Both men looked grim. Every lady who encountered Holdenburg’s charms was drawn under his spell never to return. Rory’s sister was the only lady immune to the scoundrel’s charm. Holdenburg was a close friend of their family. When they'd attended school at Eton, Rory ran with him and got into more trouble than their mothers desired. His family also held ties to Ireland. After Wildeburg married Sidney Hartridge, Holdenburg moved into the slot as the most sought-after scoundrel in the ton. His stories were legendary in their own right. That was the main source of Rory's anger. He knew that as soon as the introductions were made between Dallis and Holdenburg, Rory would pale in her eyes. She would no longer be interested in the possible danger of Rory Beckwith, instead she would be tempted by the smooth charm of Lord Devon Holdenburg.

  Rory acknowledged their expressions. “My sentiments exactly.”

  “Perhaps Sidney can assist?” Wilde suggested.

  “With one of her love experiments?” Rory scoffed.

  “Yes, except for now she is referring to them as love matches. After Sheffield and Sophia got married, Sidney now calls herself a matchmaker.”

  “She was not involved in our relationship,” Sheffield stated.

  “Wasn’t she, my friend? Who do you think assisted Belle? Also, the masquerade dinner was her idea.”

  “So, I have her to blame for almost losing Phee.”

  Rory watched as they argued about Sheffield’s bizarre courtship to Sophia. It caused the biggest scandal the ton had ever seen. Any other couple would have been ostracized to the country. However, the sweet nature of Sophia and the devotion displayed by Sheffield endeared them to the ton. The sweetest soul to mankind brought a scoundrel to heel. How his friend softened such a hardened bastard remained a mystery. Even his own relationship with Sheffield had changed. At one time the duke thought himself so far above Rory and barely tolerated him, and now Sheffield considered him an equal. All due to Sophia. Rory sometimes still wanted to beat to a pulp both of the men who sat before him, because of their actions toward the two women who were like sisters to him. One of the gentleman he did. Still, they were not lightened in his eyes. They would have to continue to treat the women with love for him to soften. Until then he would respect his friends’ decisions and be willing to change his mind in the time to come.

  Rory rose. “Give your ladies my love and please do not interfere. For now, it would be in Lady Dallis’s best interest to become acquainted with Lord Holdenburg.”

  “Yes ... well, you see, you have already interfered in your relationship with Lady Dallis. By now bets are being made in that regard, probably at this moment,” Sheffield said.

  “How so?”

  “Your punch to Lord Phipps?” Wilde reminded him.

  Damn. Rory wanted to punch himself for such an idiot move. Now his mistake would tie his name to Dallis for this season and all to come, especially if nobody offered for her hand. When Rory had mentioned Dallis's name with the punch, he'd declared his intention toward the lady. If he would have only said his sister’s name, they would understand he defended Kathleen’s honor. He slouched back in t
he chair, drinking the whiskey that Sheffield refilled for him.

  He continued to sit and drink all afternoon with Sheffield and Wildeburg as they offered advice on his newfound dilemma. The other gentlemen didn’t drink. To their dismay he finished the bottle, and with a wave he dismissed their offer to help him home.

  Before he went anywhere though, he needed to offer his apologies to the lady he offended. Once he sobered, he would realize he only made matters worse.

  Chapter Five

  Dallis heard the pounding on the door and realized that for some reason Shaw wasn’t going to answer the caller. Even though it was highly improper, Dallis opened the door herself. She stood in surprise at who stood on her doorstep. Lord Roderick Beckwith swayed back and forth, trying to fight for his balance. His eyes glazed over as his lips pulled into a lopsided smile.

  “Yous is sooooo betiful.”

  He was drunk. The ever-proper, keeping his temper in a tight control, protective Rory Beckwith, was blazing drunk. He reached out to wrap his finger around a stray curl.

  “Soooo soft. Knew wods be.”

  Rory’s touch stilled Dallis from helping him stand. The gentle caress caught her unaware. His thumb brushed across the loose strand. Rory continued to sway and soon lost his balance. He fell into the doorjamb, where he decided to lean. When Dallis didn’t respond to Rory, he took his touch one step further and brushed his thumb across her lips. The jolt propelled Dallis closer to him, her mouth opening at his touch.

  “Soft engf to kiss.”

  Dallis didn’t know how to react. Rory was finally near and touching her. Her body took over, responding to his need. Her tongue slowly slid out to lick his thumb. At her reaction, he groaned and pulled her into his arms.

  “See, I tolds you I’s dangerous.”

  Rory’s lips devoured hers passionately, exploding her senses. His mouth pulling kiss after kiss from her soul, while his hands dived into her hair causing her hair pins to scatter across the foyer. As he sensed her desire, the kiss turned more urgent. Everything she ever read about was coming true at this moment. Still, Dallis held back from responding due to her naivety. Until he groaned and tightened his embrace, giving her the encouragement to return his kiss and match him stroke for stroke.

  “We thought this might be your next destination. C’mon mate, before the neighbors catch sight of your stupidity. I told you, Sheffield, that he would go to her.”

  Sheffield and Wildeburg pulled Rory away from Dallis. Her face flamed with embarrassment to be caught so intimately in Rory’s embrace. Dallis held her cheeks as Wildeburg led him away.

  “Sorrysss Dallis,” Rory called out.

  “For the kiss?” she whispered.

  Sheffield answered for him. “No, my dear, for another matter. I am working to quell that problem. But you should be aware that he defended your honor at the club today with Lord Phipps.”

  “Defended, how?”

  “By a bloody punch to the nose.”

  “Oh. More to add to my embarrassment.”

  “I am afraid so. Do you remember our conversation in the park?”

  “Yes.”

  “If it is any comfort, you are not the only one suffering from love.”

  “Then why does he ignore me?”

  “Pride, my dear Dallis. A man’s greatest downfall in life.”

  “Pshh.”

  “My sentiments exactly.”

  “Thank you, Sheffield.”

  “Anything for a friend. Will we see you at the Sambourne Ball?”

  “Yes, I am very excited. Lady Beckwith offered to introduce me to Lord Holdenburg.”

  “So I have heard. Another reason for our acquaintance’s inebriation.”

  Dallis smiled. Rory’s display of drunken affection proved he was jealous. Was he jealous enough to stop the courtship her grandmother proposed? If not, his actions this afternoon secured that he must court her or ruin her reputation. They could have explained away the punch, but the kiss held the most damage. Dallis knew her grandmother’s neighbors watched them. There wasn’t an activity in the neighborhood they didn’t observe.

  “Give Sophia my love.”

  “Will do. Please save me a dance this evening. We might as well make the bloke so bloody jealous that he will become a pup at your feet, begging for a treat.”

  Dallis closed the door as Sheffield entered his carriage. She leaned against the paneling, her smile growing wider, realizing she had Rory right where she wanted him. Her smile turned to astonishment as she remembered the taste of him on her lips. She pressed her fingers to her mouth. Would he recall their kiss after his drunkenness wore off? If not, she would be sure to refresh his memory.

  RORY ROLLED OVER ON the bed, moaning his discomfort. With his eyes still closed he waved at the annoying disturbance. His forehead felt like tiny hammers were attacking his skull. Rory became wide awake when a hand swatted him upside the head.

  “Ouch.”

  “Wake up, Rory Beckwith.”

  Rory wondered why the hell Sidney was in his private bedchamber. If Wildeburg realized where she stood, he would be a goner. He didn’t want to fight her husband. Especially now with this hangover he suffered from.

  “Leave, Sidney,” he muttered.

  “Leave? This is my home, Rory, and you are the one who needs to leave.”

  “What?” he asked, opening his eyes. He lay on a bed covered in luxury. The hangings on the wall were velvet, and the drapes were made from the finest Japanese silk money could buy. The furnishings were of quality craftsmanship. Not the beaten chest that rested in his bedroom. He moaned, holding his head, the memories of the afternoon spilling forth.

  “Are you remembering your foolishness?”

  “How bad was it?”

  “Real bad.”

  “I'm a fool?”

  “Yes, you made a fool of yourself, but in the most endearing way.”

  “How so?”

  “Well, from what Wilde described and Sheffield confirmed, you kissed Lady Dallis in broad daylight on her front stoop.”

  He didn’t need Sidney to remind him of that. The memories had flashed to the front of his mind as soon as he awoke. Probably because he dreamed of her. How Dallis’s gentle lips, unsure of how to kiss, pressed to his as he'd coaxed her to follow his lead. Even as drunk as Rory had been, he would never forget their kiss. Not only the kiss, but the sensation of her body crushed to him. Dallis was soft and curvaceous in all the right places. He wondered what hidden delights were under her dress.

  “Damn.”

  “Watch your language in my home.”

  “Sorry, Sid. I tried to stay away.”

  When Rory rose to the edge of the bed, Sidney sat next to him.

  “Why are you staying away from her? Sophia told me about your feelings for Lady Dallis.”

  “Sid, you know how broke I am. I cannot afford a bride for at least a few more years. It would not be fair to ask her to wait, or to wed her and subject Dallis to the poverty Mama and Kathleen have endured since father died.”

  “I understand where you think it might matter. However, when you are lucky enough to have found a woman to love you through the good times and bad, you cannot let her escape from your grasp.”

  “Easy for you to say.”

  “Rory, Dallis cares for you.”

  “How? We have barely spoken.”

  “The same way you care for her. You two share an attraction where no words are needed.”

  “It doesn’t matter. Mama is introducing her to Lord Holdenburg this evening.”

  Sid whistled. “Then you don’t stand a chance anymore. He is more dangerous than my Wilde.”

  Rory nodded.

  “Well then, we shall do an experiment to see if Lady Dallis is—”

  “No! No research, no experiments, and neither Dallis nor myself will be one of your test subjects. Nothing. Lady Dallis will not be a pawn in your science.”

  “Humph.”

  “Sidney, I am serious.”


  Sidney rose and walked to the door. Rory had offended her by not taking up the offer to help bring him happiness. She thought, Why, just look at how I helped Sophia and Sheffield find love. Sidney knew in her heart she could make Rory and Dallis just as happy.

  Well, Rory doesn't have to know about my involvement. Lady Dallis had called on her today asking for advice. Also, Rory’s mama wanted her aid in bringing these two young loves together.

  “Very well, Rory. Your mother has sent over a change of clothes for this evening’s ball with a message to attend so that you can escort them home. I sent a reply informing her of your business meeting with Wilde and Sheffield. She understood completely. Sheffield and Sophia have agreed to escort your mother and Kathleen to the ball.”

  “Thank you, Sid. Sorry,” he mumbled. Rory was ashamed for speaking to her so harshly when Sidney had covered his misdeed and offered her help.

  “We are leaving in half an hour.” Sidney said, closing the door.

  Rory sighed and dropped his head into his hands. He’d blown it on so many levels today with all the women in his life. The only one he managed not to offend was his friend, Sophia. The evening was still young though. Rory was sure he would manage it before the night was through. Rory needed to sober up quick before he stepped foot at the Sambourne Ball. By now talk would have spread about his antics this afternoon. The fight was bad enough. The kiss confirmed he must now court Lady Dallis. Or else the only callers she would entertain were gentlemen who would have devious intentions. Not that his actions toward the lady were any more innocent. He knew the plan for this evening was for his mother to introduce Dallis to Lord Holdenburg. Perhaps, if Rory talked Holdenburg into pressing his courtship with Lady Dallis, then Rory could bow out gracefully. Then the ton would realize he'd stepped down in order for Lady Dallis to find happiness with Lord Holdenburg.

  As Rory dressed, his thoughts strayed to Dallis. She'd stood with a bewildered look on her face as he pulled her into an embrace, her eyes wide as his mouth invaded hers. Her gentle exploration as his mouth demanded more. Could Rory step back while another man made Dallis his? Could he keep a tight rein on his jealously? Did he even want to try? If this business deal with Sheffield succeeded, then he could offer Dallis the moon and all the stars in the galaxy.